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Learning to Dive |
Hurghada
General Information
Hurghada started life as
a fishing village and is now one of Egypt’s premiere resorts. The downtown
area of Dahar gives you a chance to experience true Egyptian ambience
where the souks, or markets, display leather, gold, silver, carpets,
spices and trinkets of every shape and size. Be prepared to barter!
From Hurghada, you can mix your diving with a visit to Luxor, which
arguably has the greatest concentration of antiquities in the world; the
Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens and the temples of Luxor
and Karnak.
Then there’s the chance for the ubiquitous camel ride or jeep safaris into
the desert where you can take a traditional meal with the Bedouin.
The hotel area is away from the downtown area but many shops and
restaurants are within walking distance or you can take the short trip in
a taxi.
For non-divers there are water sports or the chance to go snorkelling on
the same Emperor dive boat as your group or partner.
Hotel
Hurghada's top resort
hotel, the Hilton is a popular choice with its relaxed, cosmopolitan
atmosphere. The hotel has a beautiful private beach, 2 swimming pools and
stunning gardens, as well as sports facilities, restaurants, bars, shops
and entertainment. Emperor Divers is located at the hotel, very
convenient!
Diving
Shab El Erg
The most northerly site for day boats out of Hurghada. A huge horseshoe
shaped reef there are many dive sites on all sides. The north point is
home to Mantas in season. The lagoon is dotted with ergs and is renowned
for sightings of the resident dolphin community, divers have spent up to
30 minutes with dolphin pod here.
Gota Shab El Erg
nearby is a little known site but well worth a visit. The whole area
teems with life, unicorns, scorpion fish, groupers, morays, emperor angel
fish, blue spotted rays and underneath the table corals look out for white
tips resting in the sand. In the sandy channel between the main reef and
the gota you will find cone shells, and flatfish.
Shab Abu Nugar
This “T” shaped reef has a shallow plateau to the west with numerous small
ergs and two small sub reefs Gota Abu Nigar and Shab Iris. Some parts of
this reef system are positively dull while others are stunning. If you can
dive the stem of the “T” on the north side you will find three small ergs
and the diving there is almost virginal. You will find broom tail wrasse
here as well as parrot fish and unicorn fish.
Umm Gammar (27°21.155’N, 33°54.550’E)
This offshore Island is surrounded by good diving on all sides. The south
end has a shallow plateau where the moorings are located this location is
the most used. For first timers at Umm Gamar the dive will take place
from the plateau, moving eastwards to the drop off then north along the
wall. After a short swim against the current you reach three pinnacles
close together, chimneys reach through the pinnacles toward the surface.
After exploring this area you take advantage of the light current to drift
back to the corner of the plateau where three small ergs are found,
covered in glass fish. Finish the dive on the plateau exploring the
numerous coral heads and reef fish. The plateau is home to Napoleons,
Emperor Angels and free swimming Morays. The east and west side have
awesome drift dives and the northern tip or “halg” has a magnificent coral
garden but is only accessible in very good weather. Big groupers and lots
of sweepers live in the multiple caves found along the eastern and western
walls and drop offs of this tiny island’s fringing reef.
Shaab Ruhr Umm Gamar (27°11.550’N, 33°54.550’E)
Literally the reef of Umm Gamar, this reef lies 1km south of Umm Gamar and
is the tip of an undersea mountain. The reef wall drops to around 15m on
the west side, and is peppered with many caves and overhangs, home for
sweepers and glass fish, here the sandy plateau slopes away gently to 30m
with the drop off beyond. On the east side the slope is much steeper and
drops quickly to the depths, the diving here is superb and can be most
often done as a drift. This whole area offers superb wall diving with
possibilities of encountering grey reef sharks and good-sized groupers as
well as morays, big tuna, and blue spotted rays. On the south east slope
lies the wreck of an Egyptian patrol boat which is well worth a visit.
Careless Reef (27°18.700’N, 33°56.200’E)
An offshore reef Carless has two large ergs rising from a shallow plateau
surrounded by sheer walls rising from the deep. The area is unprotected
and the reef can only be reached in good weather. The current at the
surface is usually from the north but below it can be from any direction.
To the north the drop off is a forest of coral to the south the plateau
slope gently away with small pinnacles of coral. The whole area swarms
with fish of all types there are numerous giant morays encountered here,
as well as the white tip reef sharks and schooling reef fish as well as
huge groupers and the occasional hammerhead in the early morning.
Torfa Fanus (East)
This narrow reef creates a huge calm lagoon, a great place to stop for
lunch and catch the sun before the second dive of the day. The lagoon
itself and the enclosing reef wall is relatively uninteresting and
naturally lifeless but on the seaward side the area bursts with all manner
of sea creatures. Swim through the gap between the first erg and the reef
wall and head across the coral garden to the second erg, home to hordes of
glass fish and the very occasional frog fish. Continue with the reef wall
on your left to see the gorgonians on the corner of the reef where it
turns west, if you have enough air continue along the north face where the
corals are pristine, if not return with the reef on your right and explore
the first erg before returning to the boat. Dolphins are often encountered
anywhere around this reef so keep an eye out.
Fanus West
The other end (west) of the Fanus reef has two main ergs and several
smaller pinnacles off its west end. You can follow the reef wall round and
explore the reef face and coral gardens which is full of marauding jacks
or if you feel energetic you can swim the 50m to the furthest erg which is
well worth a visit, explore the remaining erg and pinnacles on the way
back. Again watch out for dolphins at anytime during the dive as they are
frequent visitors.
Wreck of the El Minya (Harbour Wreck)
An Egyptian minesweeper sunk by Israeli fighters, while lying at anchor,
in 1969, the wreck lies in 30m on a rock sea bed. The current here can be
strong from the north and the visibility poor. There is a large debris
field which contains a lot of ‘LIVE” munitions, worth a look but
carefully. The wreck is only 70m long so there is plenty of time to
explore everything including the blast hole on the starboard side, which
can be penetrated. Penetration is not recommended elsewhere on this wreck.
There is not much in the way of coral growth on the wreck but it does have
its resident fish life, the blast hole gives shelter to shoals of
glassfish and a lone anemone and resident clownfish are also in this area.
Above the wreck are shoals of jacks and small barracuda.
Umm Dom (Stoney Beach)
Here the steep cliff of the north east side of Giftun Kebira island
plunges into the depths and continues into the abyss, the reef wall drops
to about 12m and then there is a steep, tumbling slope to the top of the
drop off at about 27m. Most of the life here is above 15m as the lower
slope and top the drop off are sometimes swept by strong currents coming
through the straits, stunting the growth of the coral and giving a lunar
appearance. Half way down the slope you will find a lettuce leaf coral, in
the blue you will find fusiliers, and triggers, maybe sharks and turtles.
At the top of the slope you will find morays, scorpion fish, barracuda and
clouds of antheas. Whale sharks have been spotted at this site on
occasions.
Shab Sabrina
The reef here pokes out from the east side of Giftun Kebira island and has
a coral garden extending 300-400m north of it. This best way to dive this
site is on the drift dropping 300m out and using the gently current to
make your way back to the boat mooring. The area is known for its
beautiful coral landscape rather than its fish life.
Small Giftun (27°11.030’N, 33°58.530’E)
Several good dives are found on the reefs around this island, the most
famous the drift dive on the giant fan coral forest at the eastern
fringing reefs wall. Napoleon fish.
Abu Ramada
Island (27°09.784’N, 33°59.046’E)
Really two small islands surrounded by a single reef. Good drift dive
along the steep eastern wall, with big fan corals, overhangs and swim
throughs. Big groupers.
Gota Abu Ramada (27°08.340’N, 33°57.196’E)
Literally “piece of Abu Ramada”, A 1km long mid-sea reef sitting on a
shallow plateau about 12-15m deep great diving is found on the east, west
and north side with abundant hard and soft coral and schools of
butterflies, banners and snappers here found swimming around the mountains
of coral gardens. Just off the west end are three large ergs which are
well worth a visit.
El Aruk
A cluster of a dozen or so ergs laying in 10m – 15m of water, sometimes
swept by a strong current, It is easy to get lost here so count the ergs
and take your compass along. The whole are is home to sweetlips under the
ledges, blue spotted sting rays in the sandy patches and glassfish and
basslets swarm on the erg wall. One erg of note is El Aruk Macroom (the
split erg) which has a grotto through it filled with glassfish and
attendant re mouth grouper and numerous lion fish.
Ras Disha
The fringing reef, which surrounds this cape, offers a good shallow dive
on the hard coral garden found north of the lighthouse with schooling
barracuda, napoleon fish and groupers. Garden eels.
Abu Hashish
A shallow erg field lays on the south side of the island where lots of
blue spotted stingrays, puffer fishes and morays are found swimming
through a pinnacle landscape. A dramatic drift dive can be made along the
eastern wall with the chance of big fish out in the blue.
Dahab
General
Information
The sleepy town of Dahab, which means gold in Arabic, sits
at the foot of the rose-hued Sinai Mountains about 100km north of Sharm El
Sheikh. Once a simple Bedouin encampment it now boasts modern facilities
and some new hotels but still retains its ethnic charm. Dahab sits on the
Gulf of Aqaba and some of the deepest waters in the Red Sea are in the
area, dropping in places to over 1800mts. Here, there is the rare
opportunity to sight big pelagics and reef life just a few metres beyond
the fringing reef.
Dahab has a moderate climate all year round, making it the perfect summer
and winter diving location. Its fresh breezes make it a cool paradise,
even during the hottest summer months. Temperatures range between 16-28°C
in winter and 28-38°C during the summer. The water temperature ranges from
28°C in summer to 21°C in winter, creating a tropical environment for the
myriad of corals and marine life. Which is probably why the Red Sea is one
of the best dive destinations in the world.
Dahab's surrounding landscape is breathtaking, with the rugged mountain
skyline and palm tree beaches. There are various places of interest around
the local area that can be visited by camel or jeep. Dahab still holds an
atmosphere and character that is unique with beachfront coffee houses and
bazaars, radiant colours and ethnic aromas.
Diving
The Blue Hole and the Canyon
In summer the Emperor Divers Team offers an overnight camel safari to
these famous dive sites. With a minibus from Nuweiba we are heading south
towards Dahab through the 800 meters high mountains of South Sinai. After
diving the Canyon and the Blue Hole we go by camel to the Abu Galum
National Park, for a night dive. The overnight stay will be in a very
basic Bedouin Camp without water and electricity.
After breakfast we are heading north with the jeep to Ras Mamlach for
another two dives. 5 excellent dives in just 2 days!!! From the busy
beaches of Dahab to the loneliness of the desert of the South Sinai - an
unforgettable experience. Minimum - 6 Divers
The Blue Hole/The Bells
300 metres north of the Blue Hole we find the entrance to the Bells; a big
"pool" is formed in the reef plate. As we drop through this pool, we
emerge on the reef wall at about 5 metres. The groove disappears to
re-emerge deeper at 30 metres. The open water here is some of the
clearest, deepest blue you have ever seen. The Wall is also magnificent,
it is vertical and in parts overhanging with a rich growth of black corals
and sea fans. By getting shallower towards the end we will enter the Blue
Hole at around 7 metres and finish off our dive inside the Blue Hole.
The Canyon
Ancient volcanic activity created this huge fissure now overgrown with
hard and soft corals, which form many tunnels and grottos. The exit from
the lagoon is at about 4 metres. We put the left shoulder to the reef and
head down to about 15 metres. We skirt along the reef for about 5 minutes
until we swim right into the canyon. It is nice to exit the canyon through
the "fishbowl" at about 12 metres. Taking time to lie back and watch the
glassfish.
The Eel Garden
Named after the vast colony of these small creatures that inhabit the
area, swaying in the gentle current they stretch for food particles
passing by. The reef are is frequented by barracuda, turtles and eagle
rays. The whole area is great for photographers.
The Islands
Drift through the many coral heads and ergs, glide over the coral garden
littered with table corals, observe the multitude of shimmering reef fish
as they dart amongst the corals of this wonderful site.
El Gouna
General Information
The city is the natural result of the creative
diversity of a local community of entrepreneurs, artists, and
environmentalists who made of El Gouna their home. Offering wonderful
accommodation, from intimate guest houses to deluxe five-star hotels, you
are sure to feel at home. Modern arabesque architecture and unique
interior design transport you to another time and space. Meanwhile, the
various activities and entertainment options, world-class cuisines and
exciting nightlife, make El Gouna the Red Sea's premier leisure
destination.
Whether you decide to stay in the Downtown or the Marina areas, you will
easily access the numerous amenities El Gouna has to offer; great
shopping, health treatments, an unbelievable selection of restaurants,
clubs, pubs, fabulous sailboats, immaculate beaches and uninhabited
islands.
El Gouna is a complete holiday destination offering all the services
required for a hassle-free vacation. A state-of-the-art hospital provides
comprehensive care including the most advanced Hyperbaric Chamber for
diving emergencies. Our private airport for charter planes and the
Hurghada International airport, just 20 km away, provide easy access from
Cairo and abroad. Full service banks, travel agencies, car and
recreational vehicle rental, boat charter, taxi and shuttle buses are all
waiting to serve you.
Diving
El Gouna is famous for its
quiet dive sites and easy access to some of the most famous reefs in the
Red Sea. There are not many dive operations in El Gouna so you can be
confident that there will not be many dive boats on each site. El Gouna is
the perfect site to see Seahorses, Dolphins and some of the best wrecks in
the Red Sea.
Gozo
General Information
Gozo is a small island part of the Maltese archipelago
situated in the center of the Mediterranean, just 60 miles south of
Sicily. Its 5000 years of history and the pristine clear blue waters that
wash its ancient shores, allure divers from all over the world who remain
enchanted and often come again.
The Blue Hole, Azure window, Inland sea, Cathedral cave and
Reqqa reef are some of the brilliant and unforgettable dives that one can
do on this tiny Mediterranean island where often it seems that time stands
still. Gozo has something for everyone. Idyllic scenery, imposing
cliffs, open markets and fine restaurants, historical places and buzzing
night clubs and above all, the friendly locals. Your diving holiday in
Gozo is a guarantee of fun and relaxation!
Hotel
We are lucky enough to have friends who rent us a town
house in Gozo. It is very comfortable, has its own pool, and is central in
Gozo. Perfect.
Diving
Quite sensational diving. Gozo is all about topography.
Caves, caverns, wonderful rock formations. Gozo is not without its aquatic
life either. It is not uncommon to see large schools of Tuna, octopus
amongst the rocks and seahorses.
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