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.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt - the name most often used to refer to the area of Egypt at the Southern tip of the Sinai, ranging from Ras Mohammed in the West, to Shark Bay in the east.
The area is further divided into the main hotel areas of Na'ama Bay (a long sandy bay boasting a beautiful paved, palm fringed boulevard), Sharm El Maya (the bay area near the old town of Sharm El Sheikh) and Ras Um Sid (centrally situated about 5 minutes drive from Sharm).
There is a massive amount of accommodation available in Sharm and the choice can be quite daunting. Broadly there are two main areas to choose from; either in Na'ama Bay where are all the nightlife, restaurants and main promenades or you can stay in one of the 4/5 star hotel dotted along the coast line between 10 and 20 minutes' drive from the centre. Having worked in the area for a long time and with first hand knowledge of most of the hotels Planet have put together a recommended list to make the decision a little easier.
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! 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.
The diving in Sharm caters for both complete beginners and the more advanced. There is a good range of dive sites including the incredible Ras Mohammed Marine Park, the steep walls and fast currents around the Straits of Tiran and day trips to the SS Thistlegorm WWII wreck.
Despite the very large numbers of divers that holiday here it is of constant amazement to us that the dive sites remain in such good order and still quite breathtaking.
There is a good selection of other activities out of the water to include day trips to Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery, the Coloured Canyon, the Blue Hole in Dahab. We can also arrange for 1 or 2 day trips to Cairo to visit the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum.
In the last year especially the nightlife in Sharm has really taken off, they even have a massive Pasha night Club. There is a huge choice of restaurants, and a handfull of good bars and about four night clubs. Although it is not 'Benidorm' things can get quite lively here if you wish.
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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