Question First trip to Red Sea for a experienced diver

[DiveLikeAMuppet]

Don’t skip the slightly deeper wrecks like Rosalie Moller - it’s a brilliant dive.

 

[passeparici]

I would also avoid that area because of the close proximity to the ukraine. That should not be of a concern in the south.

You are kidding no ??
Ok I saw your answer. Still, no problem with the Israel conflict in the Egypt Red Sea, even in the north

 

[passeparici]

To answer the OP question : I think a LOB is much better. You can dive many different sites, if you were to do that from land you would have to change your hotel all the time. The north and the south have both their advantages. Depending on the time you have, there are LOB doing the north the first week and the south the second week. I did that this summer with Dunes and it was very nice. The only disadvantage to a LOB is that if you love a site you have to follow the LOB and leave the site... On my LOB they were guides but you did not have to follow them or you could stay quite far just to have a global direction (although my buddy and I followed in the Thistlegorm as it is more complicated to know where you are if you don't know the wreck). September is a very nice month, the water is still warm (on the boat it is ok even in August)

 

[Sure Squintsalot]

Do not go south towards marsa alam. All corals destroyed. Coral graveyards.

Without photos, I call bullsh!t.

Shaab Claudio is well south of Marsa Alam and as YOU and anyone else can see, this particular reef is hardly a coral graveyard, despite some bleaching:

 

[Scubagermany]

I went to Marsa Alam in April and I did not see any significant bleaching in any dive sites.

 

[Nabin]

I went to BDE and Fury Shoals in mid-September and sadly the comments about the bleaching are true. I have attached some photos, but didn't take any of the worst reefs as it was very sad to see.

The bleaching is partly seasonal - last year was bad (and you can see the permanent damage on the reefs), but this year from August onwards was even worse with temps hitting 32C+ in the south. Sea temps are still over 30C even in late September.

In Fury Shoals, my personal observation was that about 85% of coral was bleached, with the remaining 15% showing signs of stress. About 30% looked like it had algae growing over or was already dead. Marsa Alam, Brothers and Daedalus not quite as bad but still severe. Elphinstone coral looked stressed in the shallows but good at depth. Hurghada reefs were in good health (and apparently healthy around Sharm El-Sheikh too).

I really do hope they recover in the winter and temps do not get as hot next summer. They are still lovely places to dive with all the marine life.

 

[ConeyIslander]

Heading to do my first Red Sea LOB in April. Will be diving from the Aggressor II doing the Northern route. I just purchased a Bare 5mm Velocity for the trip. Is that enough thermal protection for April? Or should I consider a hooded vest underneath? I was looking at perhaps the Sharks Skin they have a few cool items and claim to be neutrally buoyant.
Years ago when I first began diving I dove the waters by NY and NJ wearing a farmer John complete with hood and gloves but gave up cold water years ago. While I am aware that cold tolerance is an individual thing I was wondering what some of those with Red Sea experience thought would be appropriate thermal protection for a LOB in April.
Additionally I would welcome any feed back on Shark Skin gear
Thank You

 

[Jai Bar]

Heading to do my first Red Sea LOB in April. Will be diving from the Aggressor II doing the Northern route. I just purchased a Bare 5mm Velocity for the trip. Is that enough thermal protection for April? Or should I consider a hooded vest underneath? I was looking at perhaps the Sharks Skin they have a few cool items and claim to be neutrally buoyant.
Years ago when I first began diving I dove the waters by NY and NJ wearing a farmer John complete with hood and gloves but gave up cold water years ago. While I am aware that cold tolerance is an individual thing I was wondering what some of those with Red Sea experience thought would be appropriate thermal protection for a LOB in April.
Additionally I would welcome any feed back on Shark Skin gear
Thank You

You can expect water temperature more or less 23-24 degrees (it can vary in different years, though). Can get windy too.

For many divers a 5mm is sufficient but bear in mind you will be doing multiple dives every day, so having an additional hooded vest is not a bad idea. From all the gear you'd be toting around the globe, the vest is among the least heavy items, and it can help reducing stress on the ears when doing lots of dives. You can use it as additional padding around the regulator (if you are bringing one).

 

[Sunn]

You can expect water temperature more or less 23-24 degrees (it can vary in different years, though). Can get windy too.

For many divers a 5mm is sufficient but bear in mind you will be doing multiple dives every day, so having an additional hooded vest is not a bad idea. From all the gear you'd be toting around the globe, the vest is among the least heavy items, and it can help reducing stress on the ears when doing lots of dives. You can use it as additional padding around the regulator (if you are bringing one).

+ 1

 

[BoltSnap]

Or should I consider a hooded vest underneath?

I use the Bare 5mm hood and a "unhooded" 3/2mm vest. I don't like hooded vests, I like to use a separate hood. At any rate, a vest is a very good idea to have around especially for multi-day/multi-dives per day trip.

Note: I got the Hollis 3/4mm semi-dry and use a 2mm vest with it. I liked it better than just the 5mm Bare.