Got an update dated 01.01.2020 from
James & Mac in their blog - only in German.
Translation (powered by deepl.com):
Increase in fees: Provisional regulation [as a result of] of our strike action on the new fees in the newly created national park
In the dispute about the new fees for diving in the national park (i.e. at all dive sites off Hurghada) a compromise has been found. Not an optimal one, as we think, but our action has had an effect. In a country like Egypt this is amazing. The first intended fees of 10 to 60,- $ per day and ship, plus an additional 5,- $ per guest were reduced or suspended for the time of 6 months. What comes next has to be seen, because still a lot is unclear and also not thought out reasonably.
The new regulation is: Dive boats up to 25 meters, are exempt from the fees. The divers pay $2.50 per day.
A Bahlul, 27,40 meters, pays 20,- $ per day for the boat (plus the fees for the guests of 2,50 $ per diver). A mini-safari, 2 days, pays $40 for the ship, plus $5 for a diver. With 10 divers, that makes 90,- $. If the dive sites Panorama Reef and Abu Kafan are approached, XXL day trip or mini-safari, there is no fees, because these reefs are not in the national park. Whether this remains so, remains to be seen.
Since these costs cannot be compensated by the base, but we do not want to increase the diving prices, the permit fee increases to 7,- €.
We hope for your understanding for these measures in the current situation and will inform you as soon as there are any changes or innovations.
Translated with
www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
