diving
& snorkeling
By
Sand or By Sea: Sinai Safaris Take
It All In
We want to make
the experience of diving one that
is enjoyed by everybody, every family
member to the fullest.
At Penguin Tours
we have Expert Divers Staff and want
to share our love of the sport with
as wide an audience as possible.
::RED
SEA DIVING::
Whichever
destination you choose, your
Red Sea holiday can be a great
combination of superb diving,
beach relaxation and cultural
discovery. With over seven centuries
of history, there is so much
more to do in Egypt than just
dive!
The
Red Sea is an ideal base from
which to explore the wonders
of the Pyramids, take a day
trip to Cairo, go star gazing
with the Bedouins or visit spectacular
Luxor on the banks of the Nile.
When you take a holiday in the
Red Sea, you are surrounded
by some of the most stunning
scenery in the world. Here the
richness of the seas is complemented
by the starkness and beauty
of the desert.
Whether
you choose to spend most of
your holiday under or on top
of the water, you’ll not
be disappointed.
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Egypt Average Air
& Sea Temperatures
The
best diving sites are just outside of town. The most famous - and
dangerous - is the Blue Hole, a 220-foot-deep pool in the reef,
only a few feet from shore. This dive claims the lives of a number
of divers every year due to nitrogen narcosis or improper use of
equipment. Dive cautiously and you might be counted among the thousands
that do not experience problems. The Canyon is a popular dive, although
challenging for the inexperienced diver. From shore, you must snorkel
along the reef before diving past a wall of coral to the edge of
The Canyon, and into a cavern under the sea bed. This cavern, formed
by volcanic activity millions of years ago, is home to hard and
soft corals. |
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The dive site named the Huts (also known
as Abu Talha) displays huge corals in
the shallows, with abundant marine life
and unusual formations. This dive is
appropriate for all levels and is regularly
combined with a drift dive to Abu Helal,
2.5 miles north of Dahab.
Ras Nasrany has two sites worth noting: the Light and the Point,
where there are 130-foot drop-offs and multitudes of reef and pelagic
fish. Close to Ras Nasrany is Gordon Reef, a popular dive site with
experienced divers. Here you will find sharks and open-water fish
and a wreck on the reef. The nearby Thomas and Woodhouse reefs also
provide opportunities for excellent diving, but the strong currents
are best maneuvered by advanced divers only. Shark's Bay is a good
shore entry dive for beginners, but with plenty of options for advanced
divers too. Shark's Bay displays a sloping reef and deep canyon
offshore and is famous for manta rays. The Tower is south of Na'ama
Bay. |
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The wall drops 196 feet into the depths
just off shore and is frequented by
sea horses and ghost-pipe fish. Its
intense colors result in first-rate
photography. Ras Um Sid is a prime diving
site that ventures to a deep, sloping
wall, easily accessible near the lighthouse.
The beautiful coral garden consists
of colorful fan coral and a great variety
of fish. Because the small beach is
divided between hotels, non-guest divers
must use the path to the left of the
lighthouse to access Ras Um Sid.
Ras Mohammed is said to be, without
a doubt, one of the best diving destinations
in the world. There are 20 dive sites
within the park, but you must organize
dives here through the dive clubs
in order to aid in protecting the
park's ecosystem. The Thistlegorm
dive displays the British war ship
that sank with a full consignment
of war supplies after being bombed
in WWII. It lies to the northwest
of Ras Mohammed, at a depth of 56
to 115 feet. It is best to plan an
overnight trip for this dive (better
bring the Dramamine), as the commute
from Sharm el-Sheikh by boat is 3.5
hours one way. Check diving conditions
beforehand because it is often too
rough to dive here. Sha'ab Abu Nuhas
is a group of submerged islands at
the southern entrance to the Straits
of Gubal that have a habit of snagging
ships including the Carnatic, Giannus
D and the Chrisoula K. It is a common
site among divers. The three wrecks
are a 45-minute boat ride from the
point of Ras Mohammed, but can also
be visited from Hurghada, about two
hours away.
Hurghada Dive Sights
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Hurghada - El Gouna
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)
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The reefs here have taken a beating from the unfettered
tourist development of recent years. Conservation efforts are finally
in place but the damage appears to have already been done, and veteran
divers continue to look for more remote locations. Still some of the best
sites around include Fanadir, a popular reef close to Hurghada. Coral
gardens lead above a ledge that drops of into the depths. The spot is
teeming with many different species of fish, such as stonefish and scorpionfish,
and is also visited by dolphins. Umm Qama is a long, thin reef about 1.5
hours north of Hurghada, with a vertical wall plunging down on the east
side. Three coral towers just off the wall are clothed in beautiful purple
soft coral and surrounded by glassfish. Careless is a mid-sea reef 3 miles
north of the Giftun Islands, but is often off-limits because of strong,
unpredictable currents. Careless is famous for its plateau leading to
a spectacular drop-off. Be careful or you might find yourself lost amidst
a forest of coral and swarms of fish, including a group of moray eels.
Gamul Sughayar is only 15 minutes from Safaga and the second in a chain
of reefs stretching north from Safaga Island. This site is diveable in
any weather and famous for a hollow pillar of coral with gorgonian inside.
located 250
km south of Hurghada, and is fast becoming a catchword, and justly
so, within the international diving community. Well-established
dive resorts, camps and diving centres in Marsa Alam, are scattered
to the north and to the south of this fascinating virgin village.
Some of Marsa Alam’s hot diving spots include, Elphinstone
Reef, Deadalus Island, Samadai (Dolphin Reef) and Sha’ab Marsa
Alam. Non divers can enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing or exploring
the deserted beaches and sand dunes. For the ultimate adventure,
safari into the surrounding mountainous desert to explore an oasis
is definitely a worthwhile experience. Now with our direct flight
to the new airport this unspoiled area is now easily accessible.
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Marsa Alam
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) |
The deep South of Egypt ... not Sudan yet but very close!
Spectacular dives from shore but if you've got the time (and can find
an empty boat) a liveaboard towards St. John will provide you with a long
lasting experience. Great all year around, just try to avoid August as
the heat is a bit too much.
What can you expect on the dives? Beautifull unspoiled
corals and all sort of fish; reef sharks and dolphins are seen often to
which you would add both pelagic species and lots of turtles. If you go
on a liveaboard there are plenty of occasions to spot nudibrancs and if
lucky Manta Rays.
This part of the
coast remains remote, with much of
the diving done via liveaboard trips.
Elphinstone is a long, fingerlike
reef some 12 miles north of Marsa
Aam. Its steep reef walls are covered
with soft corals, and the strong currents
and plentiful fish life make it an
ideal hang-out for sharks. Seven species
of shark inhabit these waters. An
interesting side tidbit of information
about Elphinstone: legend has it that
a large arch in the reef, between
165 to 230 feet down, contains a sarcophagus
of an unknown pharaoh. Adding to the
mystery, divers have reported seeing
a coral-encrusted rectangular shape
at about 197 feet. Shaab Sharm (Gota
Sharm) is a large, offshore reef just
south of Shaab Samadai. Its steep
walls host rich corals and the fish
life is excellent, with hammerheads,
barracuda, grouper, snapper, and yellowmouth
moray eels. Be advised, however, that
currents are strong at this dive location.
Shaab Marsa Alam is a large reef adjacent
to Marsa Alam, and boasts rich coral
gardens, with schools of snapper,
jacks, goat fish and banners.
Adventurous divers
look to the Red Sea's most coveted
diving destinations, four islands
that make up the Southern Islands.
Access to the four islands is strictly
regulated and divers must have completed
at least 50 dives to even be considered
for permits. Permission must be given
for each trip and a ranger will most
likely accompany the boat to ensure
that the rules are being enforced
and to monitor the site. Big Brother
has a small lighthouse and two wrecks
lying on its walls. Currents are strong
here, but if you are willing to brave
it the soft corals are amazing, and
the marine life is rich. Little Brother
is a smaller island with a long reef
protruding from its northern end.
Sharks cruise here in the strong current.
Elsewhere there are huge fan corals,
caves and overhangs. Head to the waters
in the southeast to view pelagic fish,
including thresher sharks, silver
tips, hammerheads, and grey reef sharks.
Zabargad Island is a large mountain
emerging from the sea. It is surrounded
by a lagoon, which is circled by a
reef. Dive here and you won't be disappointed
in its coral and marine life. Rocky
Island is a small, stony protrusion
just south of Zabargad. Steep walls,
reef and pelagic fish, and soft corals
highlight the diving experience. Beware
of strong currents.
This method of accessing
the dive sights permits divers to
reach more remote locations in smaller
groups. It provides the diver with
accommodation and the opportunity
for unlimited dives a day with limited
travel. Most liveaboard agents extend
all year over the northern waters
from Sharm el-Sheih and Hurghada to
Ras Mohammed, the Gulf of Suez, the
Tiran Straits and Port Sudan. In summer
they chart south from Marsa Alam to
the more isolated reefs and islands.
Summer is the best time to dive in
the south because the winds and currents
are not as strong and the water temperature
reaches about 86° F. Boats from
Hurghada tend to head north to Abu
Nawas and Thistegorm, east to Ras
Mohammed, or south to Safaga.
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Camel
Dive Safaris allow us to dive
the more remote sites along
the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba,
discovering pristine and untouched
dive sites not accessible by
other means of transport. Equipment
and tanks are loaded onto camels
and we take our seats for the
voyage along the stunning coastline,
desert and fossilised mountains
for the dive experience of a
lifetime.
The
slow, meandering pace of the
camels provides you with the
chance to really absorb the
natural beauty of this land,
and is the perfect build up
to the awesome diving ahead..
Waken with the sun to step out
into the calm, tranquil blue
water for that special early
morning plunge |
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What
is nessesary for you to bring?
· Personal
clothing & toiletries.
· Small medic
first aid box & prescription medicines.
· Diving equipment.
· Logbook,
certification card, travel insurance
details. Diving insurance can be purchased
locally - cost 6 Euros and voucher.
· Holiday
details from your travel agency.
· Money to
pay for extras. We accept Euros, US
dollars, Egyptian pound, Sterling
pound, Swiss francs, VISA, MasterCard
and travellers cheques in Euros, US
dollars and Sterling.
Nice
to bring, but not necessary:
· CDs, videos,
DVDs, books
· Laptop,mobilephone,CDplayer.(Plugs
in Egypt have two pins.)
· Video and
photo camera.
· GPS tracker
and binoculars.
We will try to meet
any dietary requirements.
· Beer and
wine onboard.
· Variety
of soft drinks onboard.
· No shoes
needed!
Dive
packages
Dive packages are
for qualified divers only. Please
ensure that you take your logbook
and dive card with you. If you have
not dived within the last six months,
a ‘check dive’ may be
required by the dive centre and can
be paid for locally. If you have not
dived for more than 12 months then
a scuba review may be required.
Dive
packages include: transfers
between your hotel and the dive boat,
two dives per day with 2 x 12ltr tanks,
air, weights and weight belt.
Dive
packages do not include: full
equipment hire (wetsuit, BCD, octopus,
regulator, fins, snorkel, etc –
these can be hired at the dive centre
for approx. 25 EUR per day) or lunch
on-board the boats (approximately
6 EUR).
All
dives are guided by a qualified Divemaster
or instructor
DAY
BOAT DIVING
Description |
Price |
| Day Boat Diving - 1 dive |
32 EUR |
| Day Boat Diving - 2 dive
3rd Dive
* Minimum 6 divers / subject
to time |
48 EUR |
Night Dive - excluding dinner
& torch rental
*1 dive / Minimum 6 divers |
32 EUR |
1 Day Thistlegorm wreck trip
(2 dives) - only advanced divers
* 2 dives on the wreck / weather
dependant / minimum 8 divers |
90 EUR |
1 Day Dunraven wreck trip (2
dives)
*1 dive on wreck & 1 dive
Ras Mohamed / minimum 8 divers
|
70 EUR |
Early Bird trip (2 dives)
* Straits of Tiran or Ras Mohamed
Park / minimum 8 divers
|
60 EUR |
3 Days Package (6 dives)
*2 dives per day / Guaranteed
1 day Tiran or Ras Mohamed |
115 EUR |
5 Days Package (10 dives)
* 2 dives per day / Guaranteed
1 day Tiran and Ras Mohamed
|
190 EUR |
Above
Prices only valid for divers
with valid Certification card!
Includes:
Weights, belt, tank and guide
for dives as mentioned. Complimentary
transfer hotel to dive center
and back.
Excludes:
All other equipment rented,
Ras Mohamed Park fees of 3 EUR
per person entrance (paid per
visit) Lunch and softdrinks
on board the boat of 5 EUR per
person per day (optional). Supplements
to more expensive dive trips
and chamber fee of 1 EUR per
diver per day (Not insurance)
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SHORE DIVING TRIPS
Description |
Price |
1 shore dive
*Minumum 2 divers |
30 EUR |
2 shore dives
*Minumum 2 divers |
45 EUR |
Night Dive - Sharksbay
* 1 dive / Minimum 2 divers /
excluding torch rental |
30 EUR |
1 Day Dahab trip (2 dives)
* Includes transfer to/from Dahab
/ minimum 6 divers |
70 EUR |
1 Day Nabq Park (2 dives) -
Incl. park entrances fees
*Includes transfer to/from Nabq
/ minimum 6 divers |
70 EUR |
Includes: Weights, belt,
tank and guide for dives as
mentioned. Complimentary transfer
hotel to dive center & dive
site/s and back. Any entrance
fees.
Excludes:
All other equipment rented,
Lunch and softdrinks. Supplements
to more expensive dive trips
and chamber fee of US $ 1 per
diver per day (Not insurance)
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BOAT / SHORE SUPPLEMENTS
*Only if dives are done as part of
package dives
Description |
Price |
| Check Dive supplement - check
dive is done as part of booked
dives - not an additional dive |
10 EUR |
1 Day Thistlegorm supplement
(2 dives) - only advanced divers
* 2 dives on the wreck / weather
dependant / minimum 8 divers
|
50 EUR |
1 Day Dunraven supplement (2
dives)
* 1 dive on wreck & 1 dive
Ras Mohamed / minimum 8 divers |
22 EUR |
Early Bird trip supplement (2
dives)
* Straits of Tiran or Ras Mohamed
Park / minimum 8 divers |
22 EUR |
1 Day Dahab trip supplement
(2 dives)
* Includes transfer to/from Dahab
/ minimum 6 divers |
30 EUR |
1 Day Nabq Park supplement (2
dives) - Incl. park entrances
fees
* Includes transfer to/from Nabq
/ minimum 6 divers
* Dives to be done from boat or
shore |
30 EUR |
Includes:
Weights, belt, tank and guide
for dives as mentioned. Complimentary
transfer hotel to dive center
and back.
Excludes:
All other equipment rented,
Ras Mohamed Park fees of $ 5
per person entrance (paid per
visit) Lunch and softdrinks
on board the boat of EGP 40
per person per day (optional).
Supplements to more expensive
dive trips and chamber fee of
US $ 1 per diver per day (Not
insurance)
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REFRESHER SERVICES
Description |
Price |
Check Dive - Ideal if you haven't
dived for 6 months+
* 1 shore dive incl. equipment
rental if required |
30 EUR |
Private guide supplement per
2 dives - Boat or Shore
|
30 EUR |
Scuba Review (1 day) - Ideal
if you haven't dived for 1 year+
|
70 EUR |
Incl.
equipment rental / 1 lecture
/ 1 pool session / 1 shore dive
Above Prices only valid for
divers with valid Certification
card!
Includes:
Weights, belt, tank and guide
for dives as mentioned. Complimentary
transfer hotel to dive center
and back.
Excludes:
All other equipment rented,
Ras Mohamed Park fees of $ 5
per person entrance (paid per
visit) Lunch and softdrinks
on board the boat of EGP 40
per person per day (optional).
Supplements to more expensive
dive trips and chamber fee of
US $ 1 per diver per day (Not
insurance) |
LIVEABOARD SAFARIS
Description |
Price |
| 3 Day / 3 Night - Thistlegorm
wreck & Ras Mohamed |
N/A |
| 7 Day / 7 Night - Northern Red
Sea experience |
N/A |
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Includes: 4 dives pr
day with tanks, weights, belt
and guide, cabin sharing, full
board (all meals, snacks, tea,
coffee, mineral water &
softdrinks). Transfer from hotel
to boat and back.
Excludes:
4 EUR Ras Mohamed Park
fees per person (paid once),
additional equipment rented,
nitrox if required, tips to
crew and guide (optional) and
alcoholic beverages and chamber
fee of 1 EUR per diver per day
(Not insurance).
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SNORKELING TRIPS
Description |
Price |
1 Day Snorkeling trip - Tiran
|
25 EUR |
1 Day Snorkeling trip - Ras
Mohamed Park
* Including park entrance fee |
30 EUR |
Children 5 - 12 years - Half price
Included Lunch and softdrinks
on boat, guide, snorkeling equipment
rental and complimentary transfer
hotel to dive center and back.
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INTRO DIVES
Description |
Price |
1 Intro dive - Shore
* Minimum 3 persons |
38 EUR |
1 Intro dive - Boat
|
45 EUR |
Supplement for 2nd Intro dive
* No persons allowed under 12
years!
|
45 EUR |
Bubblemaker - In confined water
only
* Children 8 to 12 years onlys!
|
38 EUR |
Included:
1 dive with all equipment rental
as needed & instructor fees.
Complimentary transfer from
hotel to dive center return.
Excluded:
Ras Mohamed Park fees of 4 EUR
per person entrance (paid per
visit) Lunch and softdrinks
on board the boat of 5 EUR per
person per day (optional).
|
Equipment |
Price |
| Mask & Snorkel |
2.5 EUR |
Fins (all sizes - closed heel)
|
2.5 EUR |
Regulator set (with octo, depth
& pressure gauge)
|
7 EUR |
Bcd (from extra small to extra
large)
|
8 EUR |
Wetsuit - full
|
7 EUR |
Wetsuit
- shorty
|
5 EUR |
For sale - Re-useable Underwater
Camera
(incl. film & batteries) depth
rated to 28 meters
* Excluding film development
|
18 EUR |
1 Day Rental - Digital
Underwater camera - Olympus 6MP
(Included - all photo's taken
to be burned on a cd)
|
30 EUR |
Torch (with new batteries included)
6 EUR |
|
Full Equipment rental
* Must rent 3 days or more
/ Excluding torch & camera |
18 EUR |
15 liter tank (with diving service)
(Price per tank)
|
4 EUR |
Nitrox Tank - 32% or 36% (with
diving service)
* Must have valid Nitrox qualifications |
6 EUR |
Octo / Console for regulator
only
|
4 EUR |
(
Valid until END OF APRIL 2006 )
::
7 Nights in a double room with breakfast
(330 EUR )
with 5 Days Diving Package (10 Dives)
Included:
5 Days / 10 dives with tanks, weights,
belt & guide / Minimum 1 day to
Ras Mohamed & 1 day to Straits
of Tiran / 7 nights sharing in a double
room bed & breakfast (4* hotel)
/ Return airport transfer & transfers
between hotel / dive center.
Excluded:
Additional equipment rental and supplements
more expensive dive trips. Ras Mohamed
Park fees (4 EUR) & lunch on the
boat and daily Chamber fees.
:: 14 Nights in a double room
with breakfast (620 EUR)
with a 10 Days Diving Package (20 Dives)
Included: 10 Days / 20 dives with tanks,
weights, belt & guide / Minimum 3 days to Ras Mohamed & 2 days
to Straits of Tiran / 14 nights sharing in a double room bed & breakfast
(4* hotel) / Return airport transfer & transfers between hotel / dive
center.
Excluded: Additional equipment rental and
supplements more expensive dive trips. Ras Mohamed Park fees & lunch
on the boat and daily Chamber fee.
Open Water Course Package
:: 7 Nights in a double room breakfast (360
EUR )
including a full PADI Open Water Course.
Included: Open Water Diver course (4 Days)
with use of manuals, lectures, pool sessions, 4 qualifying dives, instructor
fees & equipment rental / 7 nights sharing in a double room bed &
breakfast (4* hotel) / Return airport transfer & transfers between
hotel / dive center.
Excluded: PADI certification fees of 30 EUR
per person / additional dives after the course, lunch on the boat and
daily Chamber fee.
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