January in Marsa Alam, recommended dive shops

[AnaCat]

Hello, can I get your help for my next trip?

I plan to go to Marsa Alam for 1 week in January.
I have AOW and Nitrox, but only 60 dives, mostly in Sharm and Hurghada, or other aquarium-like locations (Andaman, Maldives etc) - I’m in it for the marine life and beautiful corals after al…

I have just bought my new diving equipment (just wetsuit, BCD, fins and boots) and I can’t wait to test it.
After acquiring the plane+accommodation (best Black Friday!) I am trying to find a less pricey dive shop.
I made some enquieries and after adding all additional costs and fees I end up with a budget around 550 Euros for 12 dives, factoring in the boat for Elphinstone and Dolphinhouse (well, if the weather allows) and bus to Abu Dabab.

I will be staying in Coraya Bay, 10 min out north from Port Ghalib.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!
Ana

 

[Christian]

Great that you found low priced flights and accomodation. Do NOT go with the cheapest DC. Go with a reputable one. Lowest prices means corners are cut somewhere, usually less experienced staff and less maintnance etc. You do NOT want to go to Elphinstone with a zodiac driver who don’t know the place inside and out, who know the currents and can adapt to change.

 

[scubajasonr]

If you are staying in Coraya Bay I would suggest Coraya Divers, who have their shop in the bay. I have dived with them a few times before and they are a professional well run outfit. They are a big setup, so even if things are a bit quiet in January they will still have daily trips going. Previously I have booked and paid for a dive package before travelling, and this has worked out a bit cheaper than paying for dives when there - you still have to pay extra for speed boat, day boat and bus trips, plus the normal coast guard fees.

 

[diverLux]

I have been using Seaworld-diving several times while staying in Coraya Bay, it's a small outfit located next door (north) at the Three Corners Sea Beach hotel, walk 500 m, of course they would come and pick you up.