The Egyptian Red Sea cannot be beaten for value for money - within a five hour flight you have access to some of the best diving in the world with a selection of excellent hotels and liveaboards.
We specialise in Egypt, not just in the dive resorts but we also have extensive knowledge of the interior of the country. Many of us have lived and worked in the area for many years so please do call for some first hand advice and recommendations.
3 hours by road south of Hurghada (direct flights to Marsa Alam airport during the summer months) this is one of Egypt's most exciting destinations and the best land based diving in the Red Sea! This whole coast line is one huge fringing reef of exceptional quality with new dive sites being discovered all the time.
Dive sites such as Elphinstone (famous for its hammerheads!) and Dolphin Reef, previously only accessible to southern Red Sea liveaboards, can now be dived by day boats from Marsa Alam. This resort is a must!
There have been quite a few new properties opened up along this stretch of the Egyptian Red Sea coastline in recent years spurred on by the opening of an international airport and harbour. Despite this we feel there is really only one hotel to stay in here and that is the superb Kahramana Blondie Beach Resort.
During the winter months of November to March the Red Sea coastal resorts of Egypt offer a very comfortable 22 - 28 c, perfect for a bit of winter sun. As you head into the summer months the temperature rises steeply peaking to around 40c in August (especially in the south)! However, the high temperatures are made more comfortable with very low humidity and a constant seas breeze.
During the winter months we would recommend between 7 and 5 mm wetsuit but then only a 3mm shortie for the mid summer months. Please note that on some of the deeper dive sites you can encounter colder under currents.
Egypt can be visited year around with equally good diving.
There are three bases from which to dive: the hotel by truck of straight off the beach front; Marsa Shagra at a reef clad bay next door to the hotel (boat diving to Elphinstone and Dolphin House from here) and most recently, Wadi Lahami (an hour's drive south) where you can dive Fury Shoals at St Johns reef - this is the best !!
The diving here is most suited to the slightly more experienced divers as you will need at least 50 logged dives to get out to the best dive site at the off shore reef of Elphinstone and Dolphin House. However there are still plenty of excellent spots for snorkeller and beginner divers along the miles of fringing reef that dominate this coast line.
Although there are some excursions possible form here, Marsa Alam is best suited to those just looking to relax and take in some of the best diving available in the Egyptian Red Sea.
There is no nightlife to speak of, except for the bars and restaurant within the hotel, which are excellent.
UK / EU passport holders should have a full 10 year passport valid until at least 6 months after date of return. Other passport holders please check with Egyptian Embassy (020 7235 9777).
You will require a full Egypt visa for entry into Egypt. The easiest way to get it is on arrival where it will cost £12 or $17. It can also be obtained in advance from the Egyptian Embassy at a cost of £15 - £20.
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK, although Hep A and Typhoid are recommended. Please check with your GP or local travel health clinic for the latest advice.
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