Information . . .We offer you more choices, more flexibility and more variety of activities to choose from. We expanded our services in the Red Sea - we now offer daily diving and snorkeling in two of the best destinations in the Red Sea - Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. For your convenience and security, we also offer you payment choices - we accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards.
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Liveaboard Diving Frequently Asked Questions?This page provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about Red Sea liveaboard diving. We hope you find it useful.
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I'm not a certified diver; can I learn to dive on a liveaboard?Yes, but only on our northern route liveaboard safaris and with advanced reservations so our instructor can prepare to make your course during the liveaboard safari. Back to TopDo you offer Nitrox diving on liveaboards?Nitrox is available on most of our liveaboards. If you're interested in Nitrox diving please contact us for additional details. Back to TopCan my non-diving travel companion join me on a liveaboard?Yes, it is possible for non-divers to go on liveaboards however, keep in mind that liveaboard safaris are designed for divers and activities for non-divers is limited. Some dives sites (mainly in the north) have coral reefs that are near the surface and offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Contrast to the northern dive sites, the dive sites in the south Red Sea are primarily in open seas and subject to strong currents and other possible hazards. We strongly advise divers who want to bring non-diving companions with them consider only northern route liveaboard safaris since the opportunity for a non-diver to swim or snorkel on a southern route liveaboard will be limited. Back to TopWhat kind of liveaboard is best for me?This would depend on several factors such as your level of scuba training and experience, and what type of diving interest you. If you want to join a Red Sea liveaboard safari the most important considerations should be your training and experience for obvious safety reasons.
Some, but not all of the dive sites in the north Red Sea are suitable for novice divers. There are a few large islands and coral reefs near the surface which offers more protection from winds and strong currents. Whereas in the south Red Sea most dive sites are situated in the open sea and more distance between each site. Divers are exposed to much more challenging conditions such as strong winds and currents. If you've never been on a liveaboard and not sure you meet the minimum qualifications you can contact us for advice. Back to TopHow can I prepare for my liveaboard before I arrive?To help you prepare for your liveaboard before you arrive we'll provide you with additional documents that include guidelines, helpful tips and suggestions as well as liveaboard safari safety guidelines. These documents explain in detail about what to expect during your liveaboard safari, what to bring, boat briefings and safety guidelines you're expected to follow. If you have additional questions or concerns not covered in these documents we're available to assist you.
Should I bring my own linen and towels?All your linen is provided for you onboard so it's not necessary for you to bring your own. We do suggest you bring your own personal towel for showers and a beach towel for after dives.
Do you offer liveaboards that are less than a week long?Yes, we do offer shorter trips; 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 day mini-liveaboards. These shorter liveaboards are usually on smaller boats and the routes are typically northern including the Hurghada region and south down to Safaga. Back to TopWhat is included and not included in the price of a liveaboard?Following is included in our liveaboard safaris:
Following isn't included in our liveaboard safaris:
What type of meals are typically prepared?Typically chefs prepare 3 full course meals daily which consists of a meat, chicken or fish, salads, hot vegetables and pastas, rice or potatoes. Fresh fruit and snacks including sweets are offered in the afternoons. Breakfast includes cereals, cheeses, marmalades, breads, fruit drinks and yogurt.
Surprisingly the chefs onboard are able to prepare very tasty meals, in sufficient quantities in a variety of cuisines; meals onboard generally receive excellent compliments from divers!
I have special meal requirements, can you accommodate me?Absolutely, we're happy to accommodate special meal requirements upon request such as vegetarian, low salt or non-dairy meals. Please tell us at least one week in advance before the liveaboard starts about your special meal requirements so our chef has time to buy any special food and create a special meal plan to meet your needs. Back to TopHow many dives can I make each day on a liveaboard?Diving is unlimited on our liveaboards however, the actual number of dives feasible in a given day depends on the distance between dive sites, weather conditions and other factors. Normally divers are able to make 3 to 4 dives each day when all conditions are ideal.
Is diving better in the north or south Red Sea?This depends on what type of diving you like. If a poll of opinions was gathered from divers who have dived in the north and south Red Sea the majority would probably say diving in the south Red Sea is better.
Do you visit different dive sites each day?Back to TopWhat is the water temperature in the Red Sea?During winter months (December - March) water temperatures average 18 - 22 degrees Celsius, whereas in the summer months temperatures average 24 - 30 degrees Celsius. To see our chart for yearly average air and water temperatures click here.
Are there strong currents in the Red Sea?Yes, in some places and sometimes there are strong currents however, these places are rare and often predictable. In some places such as the Thistlegorm wreck, you count on currents be present but depending on the time of day you dive this area will depend on the current strength, any where from mild up to moderately strong. Our dive guides are very experience and will escort you on dives with currents.
What type of clothing should I bring?We recommend you bring along a few T-shirts, shorts, long-sleeve cotton shirts, long cotton pants (similar to jogging sports wear) and a light cotton jacket for the evenings. It isn't permitted to wear shoes inside the common areas (salon and cabins). Back to TopWhat type of wetsuit should I use?We strongly suggest you wear a 3mm - 5mm suit during the warmer months (May through October) and 7mm - dry suit during the cooler months (November through April). Two piece suits (farmer john style) are most suitable. Back to TopHow much money and what currency should I bring? You won't need a lot of money on the boat during your liveaboard safari; only for buying alcoholic drinks or tips for your dive guide and boat crew. Any currency is accepted but US dollars, Euros or Egyptian pounds are most widely used. Back to TopWhere do your liveaboards start and end?Northern liveaboard safaris start and end from Hurghada. Southern liveaboard safaris start and end from either from Marsa Ghalib or Marsa Alam (3-hour journey south of Hurghada). For international flights the best airport to use is Hurghada international airport. Back to TopWhen is the best time to go on a Red Sea liveaboard?The high season periods for Red Sea liveaboards are April - May and September - October. During these months Red Sea liveaboard safaris are more expensive, boats have more divers onboard, and of course dive sites can be over crowded. Although the summer months are much warmer, June - August, this is low season and the diving is excellent. November is also a good time for diving in the Red Sea; less divers and the weather is usually still quite comfortable. December is a bit cooler but still tolerable with the proper wetsuit protection. January through March is normally quite a bit cooler but the biggest concern during these months is the strong winds. Back to Top
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