Egypt Diving Safari – The Sinai Classic, June ’24

 

• Arrive Sharm-El-Sheikh and transfer to the New Marina Harbour (El Wataneya).
• Embarking starts at 18h00pm.
• Welcome on board, cabin arrangement and boat briefing.
• Dinner

 

• The boat will sail to nearby Temple or Ras Katy for a check-out dive.
• The week long safari will cover the area from the Strait of Tiran, Ras Mohamed National Park and the Gulf of Suez which is usually visited first.

  The National Park begins at the small bay of Marsa Ghazlani followed by the larger and deeper bay of Marsa Bareika. Continuing along the coast to Ras Za’atar, Jackfish Alley, Eel Garden and Shark Observatory, to the southern end of the peninsula with Anemone City, Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef and ending at the Quay. Because of the geographic position this is a privileged area distinguished by strong massive currents which transport large quantities of plankton and other food giving rise to an extraordinary growth of stony and soft corals, attracting large schools of both reef and pelagic marine fauna, over a thousand species in all. Schools of barracuda, jackfish, tuna and many kinds of shark swim in these deep blue waters, especially in summer from June to August, sometimes through to early September. The safari will also take you to famous sites like the wrecks of Dunraven and Thistlegorm, Shag Rock and the wreck of Kingston.  Sail to Shaab Ali where pods of dolphins are common and explore several spots at Sha’ab Mahmouds reef system such as the Small Passage. Other famous reefs in the Strait of Tiran include Jackson, Thomas, Woodhouse and Gordon Reef, probably the most interesting and richest in marine life. You can choose from several dive sites with superb wall and drift diving. In the afternoon of the 7th day the boat will return to the Sharm area.

• Day 7 - the last night will be spent at or close to port on board the liveaboard.
• Depending on the itinerary and / or administrative conditions, on week-long safaris the last night might be arranged in hotel. This is usually communicated in advance.
• Day 8 - depending on your check out and flight time return to New Marina (El Wataneya) port and disembark (12h00 latest).
• Transfer to airport or hotel.

• You need to be at least an Open Water certified diver and have 15 logged dives.
• Advanced Open Water level is needed for wreck penetration dives and some of the more demanding sites visited on this safari, mandatory for Thistlegorm are at least 20 logged dives.
• You must have dived in the last year and recorded this in your log book to join this safari, if needed a Scuba Review is available onboard.
• Open Water Divers are able to join night dives if they have previous night dives logged.
• This trip is suitable for snorkelers to join and snorkel at allowed sites.
• Liveaboard itineraries are subject to various unpredictable changes including weather conditions.
• All dives and especially some wreck dives are subject to divers experience and weather permitting.
• Live aboard itineraries depend on the Egyptian Government, Coast Guard and/or Marine Police approval.
• Every effort is made but we cannot guarantee diving at specific sites. The final decision lies with the captain and guide.  Safety always comes first!

 

• Return airport transfers
• Shared transfers to / from liveaboard at embarkation / disembarkation times.
• Accommodation in shared twin berth, double bed cabin or Master Suite, as per request.
• Full board: 3 meals, starting with dinner on arrival day, ending with brunch on last day.
• Snacks in-between meals and after dives
• Water, Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks throughout the day
• 3 - 4 dives per day including night dives with a total of 20 dives
• Dive Guide
• 12 litre aluminium scuba cylinder (DIN / INT), weight belts & weights.
• Nitrox 32 % is free for certified divers (boat specific)
• Please note: Although The Local fees and Gratuities below are included in the total trip price, it must be paid in cash on-board the Snefro. It can therefore be deducted from the total price.
• Mandatory Local Fees for National Park, Environmental & Departure Fees: 90 EUR per person per trip *) All fees according to local rules and regulations, changes are possible on short or even without prior notice.

• Return flights to Sharm el Sheikh - currently priced at approximately R13 000 per person - remains subject to change at all times.
• Equipment Rental.
• 15 litre scuba cylinder, twin sets & manifolds.
• Local Alcoholic Beverages, Espresso (if available).
• Medical, travel and other insurances.
• All travel related requirements including passports, visas and other requirements are solely the responsibility of the individual traveller.
• Your liveaboard is leaving the Aqaba Coast and the area of Sharm El Sheikh. A full Egyptian Visa (cost 25 $ - 01/2022) is mandatory to join this itinerary.
• Guests are fully responsible for all travel requirements, including checking with an Egyptian Embassy that, for the passport they hold, a visa can be issued on arrival in Egypt. Please see the new e visa service: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Home
• All costs of a personal nature.
• Recommended gratitude (compulsory) for the crew and guides per guest: 60 EUR on week long safari.