sveston:tried that but they are always fully booked... even though my trip is 2 months from now...
By the way, what's with local sites as compared to other sites and what is considered local sites? They always say first day dives will be in local sites... does it mean sheltered sites? sites for checkout dives?
Local dive sites are classed as those that can be reached within about 30mins from the jetty. One of the resons for using local sites on the first day is that it takes a while to sort out all the paperwork & kit hire in the morning & you therefore don't end up leaving until late - remember to take some water to the dive centre with you. They're fairly easy dives without currents so that you can get you buoyancy check done & the guides can suss out what you're like as a diver. Obviously if the president is in residence then you'll be unable to dive some of the local sites & it's off to Ras Mohammed for you.
Let me know if you want anymore info - I have a book with maps of all the regularly used sites in.