Beginner in the deep south

[fairgrace]

Hi there. My husband and I are planning to go to the deep south of the Red Sea to learn to dive.

Please could you give me any tips regarding best locations? I've heard Bernice is really good but is rather further away from our closest airport (arriving from Qatar is already quite an ordeal!). Is it worth the extra effort to get ther, or would Marsa Alam or Hamata be equally rewarding options?

Ideally, I'd prefer shore diving, but boat diving is good too.

Thanks a lot in advance

Lucia