ehicks:
I have been to Sharm a couple of times but am planning to go back to the Red Sea to do a liveaboard. Can anyone recommend where to go that is reasonably priced - luxury type boats are not what I'm looking for but just loads of good diving with my brother. Maybe Hurghada might be better? The last time I went to Sharm, it was becoming a bit too touristy for me. Any suggestions welcome. Thanks.
As aways it depends what kind of diving you want. I like warm water, great vis, beautiful coral walls, big fish and air conditioning in my cabin. I like a knowledgable guide, good food and a safe boat. I like nitrox on board, space to read my book and a crew to take my fins off.
Personally therefore, I think the southern Itineraries out of Marsa Galib take some beating.
Not sure of your nationality but obviously the mix of people on the boat is important. If you are a Brit then you may not want a boat full of Germans and if you are German you may not appreciate the Italian way of diving.
Boats catering for primarily British divers are best with either Tony Backhurst or Regal. If you go with Tony backhurst
www.scuba.co.uk then I would avoid the boats in the Sea Serpent range as I have had poor guiding experiece on the last on (Grand Sea Serpent) although the boat itself was superb. The Tornado fleet - Hurricane, Cyclone etc are reputed to be better guided and the boats are great.
As far as itineraries are concerned the The Brothers, Deadalus, Elphinstone and the deep south around St Johns can be superb. The Brothers in particular is a special site and can be dived for the best part of a week on it's own. One itinerary called Simply the Best does all three of the first ones above.
Prices for a week including flights all food and 3 /4 dives a day range from around £850 -£1150 depending on itinerary and time of year. Right now they are at the lower end.
All in all, if I had to choose I would go on Hurricane doing Simply the Best. A good second would be one of the new Emperor boats (Infinity, Elite etc) with Regal on a similar route.
Marsa Ghalib now has direct flights and the boats are moored ten minutes from the small but impressive airport.
Hope that helps. PM me if you want to know more.
Cheers