Due to the nature of the diving, you will need a Dive computer and delayed SMB with reel, as well as your usual personal dive equipment.

Water temperatures at this time of year average 22oC, therefore good 5mm wetsuits should be sufficient exposure protection. Hoods and rash vests may be beneficial for some sites. Drysuits are not unheard of at this time of year either. Local rules dictate you are not permitted to wear gloves, unless there are medical grounds.

Exploration of wrecks and nooks & crannies, as well as night dives, will be on offer. To participate on these dives, you will need a good torch.

All required equipment can be rented from NHDC for the week. Some back-up items may be available on board by prior arrangement, therefore it is advisable to take what you’ll need!

Cylinders (12 litre) and weights will be available for the week. Prices include air fills. Larger cylinders (15 litre) and NITROX is available for those qualified to use it, both at an additional cost. Please notify us at the time of booking of your upgrade requests.

Return flights from Manchester are in the package price. You will fly out to Hurghada, Egypt before transferring to the marina and boarding Blue Adventurer.

A typical itinerary would look like…

Day 1 – Start the week with a check dive before heading north for an afternoon and night dive.

Days 2-5 – Spend four days cruising the northern Red Sea. Normally you will have the opportunity to make three-day dives and a night dive each day. The exact itinerary and order of dive sites will vary depending on the conditions, but you can expect to visit plenty of wrecks including SS. Thistlegorm. There is also some fantastic reef diving including the Ras Mohamed marine park, Sha’ab El Erg (famous for dolphin encounters) and the island of Gubal.

Day 6 – Enjoy two relaxed morning dives close to Hurghada allowing you to cruise into harbour in the early afternoon. Take advantage of an evening onshore to purchase souvenirs and enjoy Egypt’s famous hospitality before your journey home the next day.

The package price includes:

• Return flights from Manchester to Hurghada
• Up to 4 dives per day, with use of cylinders, weights and air fills. A total of 21 dives will be available (weather permitting)
• Transfers to / from Hurghada airport
• Accommodation in twin berth, en-suite, air-conditioned cabins. Please note, single supplements are not available. If you are a solo traveller, we will help find a suitable cabin share and buddy for you.
• All meals on board; please note, meals on your final, shore-based day are not included
• Local taxes / marine park fees
• Provision of a Trip Leader by New Horizons Dive Centre

Reefs 

The reefs of the Red Sea are simply stunning. Among the various sites you’ll explore, you’ll spend time at the world-renowned dive site, Ras Mohamed Marine Park, situated at the tip of the Sinai.

One of the highlights will be exploration of two small ergs known as Shark and Yolanda reefs. These are joined by a vertical wall dropping into the abyss. At Shark Reef the current allows you to drift along the wall, rich with colourful corals. Moving towards Yolanda Reef you reach a plateau scattered with small ergs and coral outcrops. Continuing around the reef you will come upon the scattered remains of the wreck ‘Yolanda’ complete with its cargo of toilets and baths. The whole of this area is big fish territory so keep an eye on the blue!

Wrecks 

World famous sites guaranteed! The reefs are home to numerous vessels including Giannis D, SS Carnatic, SS Thistelgorm, Dunraven and Yolanda. These vessels vary in history, size and depth but are guaranteed to delight. These are a must visit spot for anyone with an interest in being under water. For the wreck enthusiast, entry into the vessels provides an awe-inspiring dive while the marine life that exists on them makes these a draw for everyone else.

Highlights

The Red Sea! Massive shoals of fish, octopus, lion fish, clown fish, turtles, wrays, dolphins, sharks, wrecks …

Experience

Most sites are within PADI Open Water Diver depth limits, making this an ideal destination for any certification level. However, some sites require a little more experience, therefore PADI Advanced Open Water Diver rating is recommended.

Due to the depths of some of the best bits, use of Enriched Air NITROX is also recommended so you can stay a while longer!; this speciality can be completed prior to departure.

Further Education

Courses, such as the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, Boat Diver, Night Diver, Wreck Diver or Deep Diver Specialties can be at least started, if not completed, while on board at a discounted price, so get in touch to arrange your course and trip schedule.

Let us know you want to join us! Simply send us a Trip Booking Form and completed Medical Statement.

Your place will be confirmed on receipt of the booking form, medical statement, deposit and arrangement fee. Please get in touch to ensure sufficient availability before booking your flights.

Get in touch for our bank account details or to make payment over the phone.

NHDC Arrangement Fee: £80 per person (£40 Dive Society members); to be paid at the time of booking.

Deposit: Price is dependent on duration prior to departure.

Balance Payment: Balance payments will be required 12 weeks prior to departure. Payment plans can be arranged; please get in touch to discuss options for setting up a payment plan.