Dahab or Sharm?

[kiwilassee]

I've booked flights to Cairo for a week at the end of March. I intend to go to either Sharm or Dahab to complete my Open Water PADI.

Any recommendations for which is best? And any comments on dive companies/schools and/or accommodation in either Sharm or Dahab?

I've heard Sharm's like a European resort whereas Dahab's more relaxed and is smaller with less tourists? Would you agree.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Pennie
pennie_ball@hotmail.com

 

[Jai Bar]

Although Dahab is not the most quiet place, it is more tranquil than Sharm and to some extent- cheaper (Both are more expensive compared to inland Egypt).
In order to complete your OW courese- it doesn't matter which you choose- you won't really enjoy too much the diving since course dives tend to be rather short, restricted to a wasted area and you pay attention to the instructor (trying to learn??).

IMHO it is better for you to complete your OW course at home, and go to Dahab/Sharm/RedSea as a certified diver- you'll enjoy more!

 

[mania]

Well,
Here you have a lot about Sharm
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=42358
and about Dahab:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=44502

I vote for Sharm which is much more a resort than Dahab. Dives are really great there. Dahab is more of a village, with dives mostly from the shore and smaller numbers of the divesites. But some of them are absolutly goergous. What I always do is stay in Sharm and go for one day to Dahab (it's only 90 km from Sharm).
Mania

 

[stefo2]

mania, I always do it the other way round - I stay in Dahab and go to Sharm for a day or two for some dives
Both places are touristy, but Sharm is more big resorts, whereas Dahab has mainly budget to mid-range hotels and caters more to individual travellers. It's a matter of taste, and maybe money, as Dahab is a LOT cheaper than Sharm, especially regarding accomodation.
I disagree with #1 one that the training dives have to be restricted to "wasted areas" - the house reefs of some of the dive shops in Dahab are actually pretty nice (e.g. lighthouse reef), and I'd much rather do my first couple of open water dives dives there than in a murky lake at home.
In Dahab I have always dived with Fantasea Divers, which are excellent, but there are plenty of good shops. Accomodation at the "camps" and small hotels starts at about US$ 1.5 (!) for a basic hut, with a decent single room with private bathroom costing no more than US$ 5-8.

 

[DivemasterUK]

Pennie
It doesn't matter where, that I'm sure. The cost is irrelevant, as you would be hard pressed to spend £20 a day on food & drink in Egypt (in moderation of course!) On our western salaries, we shouldn't be worried about an extra 30p for a beer! The diving you'll be doing will not be 'challanging' as you are only on your open water course, but it will be fun. Just go, you'll love it! I went to Sharm 5 weeks ago, and I'm off there again this sunday. Sharm or Dahab, you'll love it.

Regards
Jon

Safe diving.