Flights to Red Sea

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Dogbowl

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I'm thinking of doing an LOB on the Red Sea. From my research, most LOBs seem to leave from Marsa Alam/Port Ghalib (as opposed to Hurghada), at least the ones I've looked at, and in particular, the Aggressor boats that I'm interested in. I live in Toronto.

I've done some preliminary research on flights and have found it difficult to get a flight into Marsa Alam that made any sense. I first tried Toronto-Cairo-Marsa Alam on Egyptair. This option has me getting into Marsa Alam several days before the Saturday arrival, and then I don't get to leave Marsa Alam until several days after the departing Saturday. I really wanted this trip to be as efficient as possible, in and out so to speak, so as to waste as little days as possible. This is due to limited vacation days available and other responsibilities at home. I know many people opt to stay in Egypt for at least a few extra days to take in the sites and stuff but that won't work for us right now.

So, I tried Toronto-Cairo-Hurghada on Egyptair. This option does get me into Hurghada on Friday for the 3 hour car ride from Hurghada to Port Ghalib. I stay overnight in Port Ghalib and board the boat the next day, which I think is ideal. At the end of the trip, flight departure is one day after the Saturday debarkation, which is acceptable.

So my question for those that have done this trip before from Toronto or another North American city, is the Hurghada option my best option? Are there other options I've not thought of? Thank you.
 
I'm thinking of doing an LOB on the Red Sea. From my research, most LOBs seem to leave from Marsa Alam/Port Ghalib (as opposed to Hurghada), at least the ones I've looked at, and in particular, the Aggressor boats that I'm interested in. I live in Toronto.

I've done some preliminary research on flights and have found it difficult to get a flight into Marsa Alam that made any sense. I first tried Toronto-Cairo-Marsa Alam on Egyptair. This option has me getting into Marsa Alam several days before the Saturday arrival, and then I don't get to leave Marsa Alam until several days after the departing Saturday. I really wanted this trip to be as efficient as possible, in and out so to speak, so as to waste as little days as possible. This is due to limited vacation days available and other responsibilities at home. I know many people opt to stay in Egypt for at least a few extra days to take in the sites and stuff but that won't work for us right now.

So, I tried Toronto-Cairo-Hurghada on Egyptair. This option does get me into Hurghada on Friday for the 3 hour car ride from Hurghada to Port Ghalib. I stay overnight in Port Ghalib and board the boat the next day, which I think is ideal. At the end of the trip, flight departure is one day after the Saturday debarkation, which is acceptable.

So my question for those that have done this trip before from Toronto or another North American city, is the Hurghada option my best option? Are there other options I've not thought of? Thank you.
Fly into Hurghada. Your LOB will arrange a transfer to Marsa Alam, about a 3 hour drive. There are direct flights to Marsa Alam from several European cities, but those are a little riskier, anyway: if a flight is cancelled there is generally not another one for a couple of days and you've missed your LOB sailing.
 
Lisa at Aggressor KNOWS HER STUFF – call her. You won’t be able to beat her pricing or schedule!

Book the Red Sea Aggressor I - Brothers Itenerary - Amazing diving and crew. Can't stress that enough!

Lisa will schedule a private car between Hurghada and PG, and it is very comfortable - transfers were flawless and safe

I would NOT stay at Siva Port Ghalib – AI food was gross - inedible!

I might even say if I did it again I would consider staying in Hurghada Marriot BEFORE and after the LOB trip.

And being in Toronto, she may put you on Turkish air to Istanbul, then Hurghada.

Note: I was there June 2008

 
We did a LOB out of Hurghada. I live in the states. We routed though LHR, laid over 14 hours in a hotel, then Egypt air to Cairo and hurghada. Not efficient.

If I were to look at this again, i found a route thru Turkey that was a bit better. Though this was out of Houston using a partner of United (so also a likely partner of air Canada) I would look hard at blue o2 liveaboard. We did best of the best route in late may because we wanted to see sharks. It did not disappoint but luck is always involved. I would look hard at LOB out of hurghada.
 
If you can get on Turkish airline to IST in Biz or First, you’re in for a wonderful treat:wink:
 
Try edelweiss air through Zurich. There is a direct flight that worked for me connecting to Aggressor. I was out of Vancouver but Toronto should be similar.
 
Try edelweiss air through Zurich. There is a direct flight that worked for me connecting to Aggressor. I was out of Vancouver but Toronto should be similar.
When I lived in Switzerland, I took the Edelweiss flight from Zurich to Hurghada. Lisa got me a car to Port Ghalib. I arrived early and dived a day with Emperor Divers out of the Marina Lodge Hotel. Lisa also arranged the Marina Lodge Hotel. This was a great trip.
Red Sea Aggressor April-May 2016
Emperor Divers and Marina Lodge Hotel April 2016
 
Lisa at Aggressor KNOWS HER STUFF – call her. You won’t be able to beat her pricing or schedule!

Book the Red Sea Aggressor I - Brothers Itenerary - Amazing diving and crew. Can't stress that enough!

Lisa will schedule a private car between Hurghada and PG, and it is very comfortable - transfers were flawless and safe

I would NOT stay at Siva Port Ghalib – AI food was gross - inedible!

I might even say if I did it again I would consider staying in Hurghada Marriot BEFORE and after the LOB trip.

And being in Toronto, she may put you on Turkish air to Istanbul, then Hurghada.

Note: I was there June 2008

Did they not brief you guys about finning away from the longimanus? That guy in the split fins is doing pretty much everything they told us not to do.
 
Lots and of great suggestions! Thanks folks! I will look into the different options.
 
I live in Toronto. Dove Red Sea in nov. going back in feb. the nov trip I went via London for a few days. Don’t do that...!feb trip I am going straight to Cairo and then on to hurghadha. I was on the my blue out of hurghadha. It was a very very nice boat. Millionaire yacht type of deal.german/Egyptian . but has a couple of minor gripes ( camera table small, food too European etc) I also do 2/3 aggressors a year. I would go on my blue again. The best/surprising bit was the 4 days I stayed at the breakers Soma bay before the trip. Best house reef I have ever seen, loved it and 8/10 cheap boat dives to tobia arbaa etc.. I loved it. 50 euro a night including breakfast and dinner. Going back in February and my brothers are coming and bringing their kids to learn to dive on the house reef. PM me with any questions.

Had a car service pick me up from the airport and 45 mins to breakers, then came back to take me to the boat 4 days later. Another 45 mins. Perfect. Stayed a night after the live aboard in a huge weird Egyptian hotel catering to Russians.. but that’s another story..
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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