cheap as chips

[Lims]

Hello divers,

I am looking to go away for a budget holiday to somewhere in egypt (or anywhere hot and cheap actually) maybe sharm, not sure. I would have no preference except im going with my non-diving girlfriend and her friend, so it needs to be fun for non divers. Also money is a real issue so needs to be cheap as possible.

what do u think?

also,, I want to know of the best free dive schools in eygpt...

thanks,,

 

[Louie]

Hi,

I always think a bit of compromising and destination planning is needed when you have both a diver and a non-diver travelling together.

I've made a few trips to the Red Sea while I was living in the UK so I know that there are bargains and selections.

Some things that come to mind:

• The time of year would have a bearing on prices so look at options available.
  
• There are many dive packages out of the UK to the Red Sea destinations so compare. I've always booked an all-inclusive.
  
  
• Ask if there are last minute deals or knock-down cancellations if you want to go soon.

I don't know if you and your g/f like lively and loud or quiet and chilled. Personally, Sharm is not what I consider a nice place to stay (bit tacky, no nice beaches). But there are nice dives out of Sharm like Ras Mohamed.

Alternatively, there is Dahab. It's a 60-90 minute drive from Sharm and a completely different world - chilled, quieter. Most of the dives are shore dives and the Blue Hole is a highlight. If you're not diving, you can enjoy the sights or enjoy activities such as camel trecks and going to Mount Sinai.

Hurghada will put you in reach of some spectacular dive sights but I don't know what sorts of limitations you have with just the day trips. Also, I don't know what you would do in Hurghada if you weren't diving. Further south, it will probably get more expensive and the options for non-divers become smaller.

Some UK-based companies: Tony Backhurst Scuba Travel - Worldwide Diving Holidays
Regal Diving holidays and learn to dive with Regaldive, Red Sea diving holidays, Worldwide diving holidays, Liveaboard diving holidays, Underwater Photography, Wreck diving, Shark diving, PADI training
Explorers Explorers | Diving Holiday Specialists

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about free diving but I know many hang out in Dahab.

Good luck

 

[Marja]

We are going to Dahab-Egypt from 14-21 november, great diving. Including flight (from Holland) for € 859. Hotel with Swimmingpool & breakfast, 5 days diving; 2 dives a day, and for €80 extra 10 (night)dives on the housereef. Also enough fun for non-divers! You're very welcome to join us!

 

[James Bond boat entry]

I second Dahab, it can be very affordable & fun.

If you fly into Sharm, make sure to arrange transportation beforehand with your hotel. The Cab drivers at the airport are pirates and will try to take you for an expensive ride; expect to pay a maximum of 15 pounds for a private car.

There is a bus service, if that works for you schedule wise give that a go, however, you need to take a cab from the airport to the bus station.

I stayed at the New Sphinx hotel and Hotel Alf Leila, nice places to stay.

 

[MartinNorway78]

Dahab is cheaper than Sharm and offer good diving and nice atmosphere. Good choice.

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

Hello divers,

I am looking to go away for a budget holiday to somewhere in egypt (or anywhere hot and cheap actually) maybe sharm, not sure. I would have no preference except im going with my non-diving girlfriend and her friend, so it needs to be fun for non divers. Also money is a real issue so needs to be cheap as possible.

what do u think?

also,, I want to know of the best free dive schools in eygpt...

thanks,,

Try Dahab for budget accommodation but for diving, don't use the cheapest service.

Also Dahab is known for free diving.

 

[Louie]

Well, the votes look overwhelmingly in favour of Dahab. Sounds like a good choice. If you like doing something different from the usual beach and bar holidays, it'll be ideal.

Saw this article in Divernet (UK publication) on Dahab. It's interesting.
Some kind of wonderful - Divernet