We will be diving the Deep South itinerary for 20+ dives including Fury Shoals and St Johns with options to include the famous Elphinstone reef on our return to Port Ghalib. We will be largely reef and wall diving with some options for the caverns/swimthrough’s around St Johns the Red Sea is well known for its warm clear waters and thriving corals and fish – November is often the best time for large pelagic life such as dolphins and sharks too.
The operator suggests this is a relaxed itinerary suitable to all diver levels although you are advised to have experience and be comfortable with drift diving. Given this as a club it has been decided all members should be sports diver qualified with depth progression and experience of sea diving by the time we travel. Anybody not currently at this level is welcome [and hugely encouraged] to sign up giving them and the instructor team clear targets to work towards between now and November 2023.
For those not familiar with liveaboard diving…we will have a large boat complete with sun deck, bar, dining area, bedrooms [all ensuite] and a small crew to help with all diving activities. We will set sail on day 1 and only get off the boat to go diving for 6 days, sometimes as many as 4 dives a day if wanted! It is, for me, the best way to go diving with access to remote sites you couldn’t manage if returning to a land based hotel each night. The crew always manage great food [and plenty of it] as well as snacks between dives. Non diving partners are welcome, however as they are taking a spot on the boat the price is the same even if not diving.
£1,130 – per person This includes – all diving [with guides if wanted], 12l cylinder + weights, full board, soft drinks, wine with dinner, wifi [can be patchy], nitrox and airport transfers. [you can pay extra for 15l and rental equipment]
Not included – international flights [circa £400 per person], personal insurance and Egypt tourist tax [£35 per person]
Deposit of £230 is required to secure a place. The remaining £900 will be required 6 months before the trip. We will aim to book flights in November this year [flights are only available 12 months prior to travel] at this point we can pay for flights in full and add to booking to give ATOL protection.
The club wants to encourage all members to get involved in this first trip abroad for a number of years. However, as this is expedition diving Kev and I have agreed all members should be sports divers with sea experience prior to departure. If you are not at this standard yet please do not be put off as it is completely achievable in the timeframe even if you are still a trainee. Equally you may need to commit to the training requirements and other club trips to gain the necessary sea experience so consider this prior to committing. Ray or I are happy to talk with individuals regarding training if you wish.
