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 21oC, 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 gloved, 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 Fin.

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 and Tiran marine parks, 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 traveler, 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 

Jackson Reef is the most northerly reef and on its northern edge lays the wreck of a freighter serving as a stark warning to ships in the narrow straights. Dives are usually conducted from the moorings on the south side which is sheltered from the main swell and currents. Moving northwards, you will come across a forest of spectacular gorgonian fan coral at between 15 to 30 metres as well as many different kinds of reef fish. This site can also be done as a drift dive heading from the mooring towards the East with the reef on the left where it is mostly wall diving with excellent corals.

Gordon Reef is the most southerly reef of the four and has a different topography from the others offering both a shallow plateau area and drop offs. There is a huge variety of reef fish and the chance to see sleeping whitetip reef sharks on sand patches. At 4 to 5 metres there is an eel garden area along with coral encrusted drums. The top of the reef, with its lighthouse, is also home to the wreck Louilla which sits almost parallel to the wreck on Jackson Reef.

Ras Mohamed – Shark & Yolanda Reefs
This is a world-renowned dive site, situated at the tip of the Sinai. Two small ergs 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! These reefs are now home to numerous vessels including Giannis D, SS Carnatic, SS Thistelgorm, Dunraven and Jolanda. 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 aw-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; this specialty 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 and arrangement fee.

Get in touch for BlueOTwo contact details to make payment over the phone. Direct contact between you will ensure ATOL agreements exist with you.

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

Deposit: No longer an available option.

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.