Diving in Alexandria - Want a Review?

[paschen]

Photos up.
Unfortunately I couldn't dive the fleet... or over at El Alamain. I just didn't have time. I loved Mersa Matrouh though and would certianly holiday there again - dunno if they have diving though.

 

[DomaNitrogen]

paschen,

Ya i had the crapy experience my self but i refused to dive the second dive, cause it was so unsafe.
Did u dive with alex dive club (5 star *****) in Matrouh also ?? Or did u use another provider

 

[paschen]

I didn't dive in Mersa. I hung out, ate icecream, walked along the corniche, learnt how to make those sticky pastry treats and talked a lot with the locals.
Damn I loved Mersa.

 

[DomaNitrogen]

Yea Agrea,

The water is green crystall, And you should be able to dive subs and wrecks but no good dive shop

 

[UKUnderWater]

I dove there with Regal some years ago with an outfit called Alexandra Dive run by Ashraf Sabri. The whole experience was a nightmare and I do not recommend it to any diver.

 

[nafrevs]

I completely agree with UKUnderWater, I also had a dreadful experience with this guy called Ashraf Sabry, a loser who doesn't respect the Sea, his employees and no respect at all for the tourists. I beg you can't find more unprofessional guy worldwide, a loser, listed by the Minsitry of Tourism as a blacklisted dive center because of it's unsecured practices and equipment. This kind of center like this one in Alexandria ruins the diving industry as people can be shocked by all the staff behaviour, who can even propose you archeaological pieces on behalf of the boss. I'll never recommend to deal with this center, never ever.

 

[pixiefish]

Is this still the only dive centre in Alex?

I'm planning a trip to Egypt for several weeks in Oct, I'll be taking my gear to dive (probably in Dahab), and travelling to other places too. Like others the idea of this diving in Alexandria is so appealing, but I've read nothing but horrendous reviews but all several years old. I did read a rumour of a second dive shop but nothing concrete.

 

[DomaNitrogen]

I know there is another dive center but i never tried them but i guess its better to try them then Ashraf.

I don't have the contacts but they are related to that resort
Adham Compound Hotel and Resort

Cheers hope that helps

 

[Crowley]

Thanks for the review paschen - next time don't ask, just write!

Sadly this type of dive operation still exists throughout Egypt, even in more heavily regulated areas such as Sharm. There are several operations that I will go out of my way to avoid when I see their boats at the same reef. I have delayed dives, shortened surface intervals and even moved to a different location when I see them! Fortunately they are rare, but unlike Alex, there are a lot more dive centres here.

I would actually like to dive the temple and an Egyptian guy I dived with last year has extended an open invitation to visit, but I'd be interested to check out this shop just for the hell of it!

Just for information - dive flags are not required in Egyptian waters, so if other people wonder why they aren't there - well, that's why. On the other hand, if one was to dive in shallow water where other boats are passing, then for sure a float or buoy should be deployed.

Cheers

C.