extra scuba days before/after liveaboard trip

[slh02]

Hello all,
We are planning a live aboard trip this summer for the Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone itinerary. We might have a few days before or after the trip. I've already been to other areas of Egypt, so was wondering if we should stay in the Red Sea and do a few more dives from land. If so, what areas would you recommend? If we do the Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone route, would dives in the Northern Red Sea be significantly different? Would the jumping off point for these northern sites be Hurghada? Also, what would be the best dive site to try to see dugongs? Would we see these on the liveaboard, or should we try to dive other sites before/after the boat.

 

[ontdiver]

If you have not already done the major tourist sites, I would strongly recommend that you build these into your trip. IMHO, they are far more memorable than any dive trip.

 

[slh02]

If you have not already done the major tourist sites, I would strongly recommend that you build these into your trip. IMHO, they are far more memorable than any dive trip.

Thanks. I have done all of the other major tourists sites. That's why I was considering spending a few extra days diving.

 

[Sunn]

It depends from where does your boat leaves (or where does the trip end)

there are some nice spots you could dive from Safaga, other nice spots from Hurghada or El Gouna, other nice spots from Marsa Alam, etc...

Dugongs ? the population in Egypt is probably less than 10 nowadays, in the sourroundings of Wadi Gimal - Marsa Shagra ... not easy to see them.

 

[Tippytoes12]

For BDE you will be leaving from and returning to Hurgada and or Port Ghalib.Emperor Duvers are a great company, they have dive shops in Marsa Alam and Hurgada. Soma Bay or Savage are also very good apparently. If you have longer you could go to Sharm for the very famous wrecks. There is now, according to Skyscanner a direct flight from Sharm to Hurgada once a week. The diving around Sharm is great, but BDE is the very very best of all.

 

[Fuzzmex]

Abu Dabab is the place to see Dugongs.
I was lucky enough to encounter one (2007); when grazing they're very easy to approach.
Not sure what their current population status is and what the chances are of seeing one.

 

[scubadada]

Hello all,
We are planning a live aboard trip this summer for the Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone itinerary. We might have a few days before or after the trip. I've already been to other areas of Egypt, so was wondering if we should stay in the Red Sea and do a few more dives from land. If so, what areas would you recommend? If we do the Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone route, would dives in the Northern Red Sea be significantly different? Would the jumping off point for these northern sites be Hurghada? Also, what would be the best dive site to try to see dugongs? Would we see these on the liveaboard, or should we try to dive other sites before/after the boat.

I did three dives out of Port Ghalib with Emperor Divers. Good dives before 2 weeks of liveaboard on the Red Sea. We tried very hard to find Dugongs on one of the liveaboard dives and came up dry.
Trip Report - Red Sea Aggressor April-May 2016
Trip Report - Emperor Divers and Marina Lodge Hotel April 2016

 

[Mod63]

I would recommend to stay away from Marina Lodge, as it has become worse and worse over the years

 

[scubadada]

I would recommend to stay away from Marina Lodge, as it has become worse and worse over the years

My comments regarding the Marina Lodge are 5 years old. I have not been back since. I see that Aggressor Travel no longer lists the Marina Lodge.

 

[Mod63]

My comments regarding the Marina Lodge are 5 years old. I have not been back since. I see that Aggressor Travel no longer lists the Marina Lodge.

I guess I know why .
I did like Three Corners Fayrouz just a little to the south; Extra Divers where very nice; if the trip starts out of Hurghada, Makadi Bay is a nice place to look at.