Red Sea Overview

Season

The diving in the Red Sea is year round with visibility averaging 30m.

Time

Egypt is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Visas

Entry visas are required. These can be obtained in advance at the Egyptian Consulate in your country for approximately $20. They can also be obtained on arrival for a cost of approximately $15, GBP and Euros also accepted, but Egyptian currency not accepted for visa purchase.

For non-Europeans we recommend purchasing the visa in your own country in advance.

The cost of visa often changes so please check prior to departure.

Currency

The local currency is the Egyptian pound or LE. Money can be changed on arrival in the airport but you will find foreign currency and travellers cheques are widely accepted, both on and off the boat. There are also many ATM machines in Hurghada and Sharm El Seikh accepting major credit and bank cards.

Electricity

The electrical current in Egypt and on our Red Sea liveaboards is 220volts and the plug sockets are the round 2 pin variety used in Central Europe. You should bring your own travel adapters if you have rechargeable lamps or other electrical equipment.

Useful Information

Divers must ensure that they leave a minimum of 24 hours between their last dive and their flight departure (or going to altitude).

When diving in Sharm El Sheikh or taking part in a Sinai Safari, for guests wishing to (and assuming dive level/experience allows) dive Ras Mohamed or the wrecks of Thistlegorm & Dunraven, the full Egyptian visa (not the Sinai Only visa) will be required which can be purchased on arrival at the airport.

What to bring

  • Certification card
  • Dive Voucher
  • Logbook (showing proof of 1 logged dive within the last 6 months if not taking part in a Scuba Review or similar warm-up dive)
  • Passport
  • Medical form
  • Travel Insurance details
  • Dive Insurance details (can be purchased locally)
  • Dive Equipment (unless renting)
  • Swimsuit, Towel & Suntan Lotion
  • Personal Clothing & Toiletries
  • Small Medical first aid box & prescription medicines
  • Money to pay for extras

Optional

  • CDs, Videos, DVDs, Books
  • Laptop, Mobile Phone, CD Player
  • Video & Photo Camera
  • GPS Tracker & Binoculars

Red Sea Climate

The Red Sea offers world class diving all year round; but the weather and water temperature do vary considerably.Climate

If you are planning to make a lot of dives in a week is important that you bring an appropriate suit - particularly in the winter.

Our tip: If you are unsure about which suit to bring, go with the thicker option!