Diving the Sinai - Sharm el Sheikh - Part I
Posted By Stephan Whelan on 26 April 2006
The boats
Day boat diving is one of the pleasures of Sharm. Rather than getting kitted up and fighting your way through hordes of tourists on the beach, or trying to fight off sea-sickness on the liveaboard – day boat diving offers the best of both worlds – and Camel have some of the best boats around. Our boat was very well equipped with plenty of space for all our kit as well as plenty of space for the non-divers in the group to lounge around in the sun whilst their loved ones are off under the waves. A low entry platform and stairs that allow for you to clamber aboard with your fins still on make getting in and out of the water a joy.
The thing that impressed me the most though was the kitchen on-board. My memories of previous boats were of a kitchen that was probably best not seen. However this boat has a stainless steel kitchen that you could see your reflection in. Food was prepared quickly and was extremely tasty – even on days when some of the guests were looking decidedly green (not everyone grows sea legs, even on calm days!).
The dive guides were all very professional, giving excellent dive briefings before each dive, keep an eye on the group underwater and are always ready to help. Some do have to put up with a lot though, Pete Spiller our dive guide, did have to put up with Mark and myself for a nearly a whole week but never grumbled once!
Finally the ubiquitous “video guy” was on board, ready to film and sell the experience and memories of being underwater. It’s all very high-tech now with footage downloaded and put to music within minutes of coming top-side.
Finally
Overall the diving in Sharm is one not to be missed. For divers all over Europe it is very easy to get to and prices are extremely competitive.
Tune in next week for Part II – where we take a look at some of the top-side attractions in Sharm el Sheikh
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