Egypt in January for first timers - which area?

[Christian]

Super, thanks very much! And I expect they use one of the larger RIBs, right? Not the pick-you-up kind of tender that typically works off a liveaboard?

It’s big, rigid ribs. Not zodiacs. Not sure about ladders, don’t think they have, but otoh I haven’t used one on a rib, ever. It’s easy enough to kick yourself up and ”fold” over the side.

 

[Lorenzoid]

It’s big, rigid ribs. Not zodiacs.

If I'm not mistaken, Zodiac is the brand name of a manufacturer of rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB or RIB), and there are other manufacturers that use their own brand names. Anyway, looking at Zodiac's product line, they seem to have everything from small dinghies (tenders) to large center console boats.

 

[Christian]

If I'm not mistaken, Zodiac is the brand name of a manufacturer of rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB or RIB), and there are other manufacturers that use their own brand names. Anyway, looking at Zodiac's product line, they seem to have everything from small dinghies (tenders) to large center console boats.

That might be the case. I’m not in the ”inflatable boat brand”-loop, so thanks for pointing that out. Anyways … it is the bigger, rigid, twin engined, center console ”off shore” type. Not the smaller dingy-type (Dingy is not a brand, right?)

 

[dflaher]

Last week at Elphinstone, all RIB’s were twin engine. 10 years ago the people of RSDS Marsa Shagra told me that for the trip to Elphinstone, RIB’s must be twin engine by law

For the trips to Elphinstone from Marsa Shagra, are the dives 2-tank dives with a surface interval at the reef? Or do you come back to the camp for the surface interval and go back out? Since the trip is only 20 minutes I'm thinking the latter but just wanted to verify.

 

[S****N]

For the trips to Elphinstone from Marsa Shagra, are the dives 2-tank dives with a surface interval at the reef? Or do you come back to the camp for the surface interval and go back out? Since the trip is only 20 minutes I'm thinking the latter but just wanted to verify.

Surface interval at the reef.

 

[Christian]

For the trips to Elphinstone from Marsa Shagra, are the dives 2-tank dives with a surface interval at the reef? Or do you come back to the camp for the surface interval and go back out? Since the trip is only 20 minutes I'm thinking the latter but just wanted to verify.

It’s one dive and back to camp (when you dive with RSDS).

 

[Queen_of_the_Nile]

Hi all, I am sure iterations of this questions have been asked thousands of times, but wanted to get some updated opinions. My girlfriend and I are planning on a ~16 day Egypt trip in January, with stops in Alexandia, Cairo/Giza, and Aswan/Luxor for antiquity stops, but also at least 5-6 days of diving on the Red Sea (land-based, not liveaboard). I am a Rescue Diver, she is OW but wants to earn her AOW while on vacation. While she works on AOW, I will be most interested in diving with others and working on photography. We both don't care about wrecks, really are most interested in reef life and topography. We are budget conscious, not really interested in casinos, luxury spas, etc., and would prefer something more laid back (but still safe). Desert excursions for a surface day/a handful of bar and restaurant options would be good.

We were initially looking at some place like Dahab for the easy shore diving, but realized we could save on internal flights if we link up the Aswan/Luxor part of our trip with Marsa Alam or Hurghada. This is our first time to the Red Sea, any recommendations for the four big areas (Sharm, Dahab, Marsa, Hurghada) based on our interests?

I think you will enjoy Dahab. you can make some day trips to St. Catherines and hike Mount Sinai, Abu Gulam and Nuiweba. You might enjoy a couple of beach bars Coral Coast, Furry Cup and Blue Beach. Advanced Open Water is in Sharm I believe.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I think you will enjoy Dahab. you can make some day trips to St. Catherines and hike Mount Sinai, Abu Gulam and Nuiweba. You might enjoy a couple of beach bars Coral Coast, Furry Cup and Blue Beach. Advanced Open Water is in Sharm I believe.

Okay, okay, I didn't mean to denigrate Dahab ... much. I recall taking just such a side trip, to Mt. Sinai (or whatever the locals call it), and it was wonderful. I even arranged an overnight guided trek in the mountains. The Sinai is pretty cool.