Snorkelling situation in Sharm

[Hillmorton Scubie]

On a 2 week trip to Sharm, we normally dive 7 out of the 14 days. The other days are usually dedicated to Snorkelling, Sun and Sakkara.
We are trying to decide if we want to return to Sharm, with a major factor being the abilty to go snorkelling without restrictions on our diving day off's.
On our last trip to Sharm in December it was a pain in the %$£* and ruined the trip to some extent. We particularly like snorkelling around the El Fanar lighthouse area which obviously does not comply with the 2 metre depth rule.
Could you confirm the current snorkelling situation. I realise that the restrictions are still in place but are they now being ignored so that we can again, float around at our own leisure.

Thank you for your assistance.

 

[Crowley]

I missed this post somewhere, sorry...

It's difficult to confirm the restrictions and how they apply to the various hotels - technically they remain in place, however I have seen plenty of snorkelers in the water in locations that don't meet the official requirements - and El Fanar / Ras Umm el Sid is one such place. I can't honestly give you a hotel recommendation because I don't know exactly which hotels are allowing what.

Mostly, however, they seem to have been forgotten. Perhaps other holidaymakers can provide the insight I don't have (not being a holidaymaker) or maybe drop some of the hotels an e-mail and see if they can enlighten you further.

Cheers

C.

 

[Hillmorton Scubie]

Crowley - Thanks for your thoughts. I find diving for 14 days consecutively, to be too tiring, hence the reason why it is important to be able to snorkel at a chosen destination.
P.S. Is it true - People in Egypt don't watch THE FLINTSTONES, whereas people in Abu Dhabi do.

 

[emperor.sharm]

Hello

One of the best options for snorkeling in Sharm is by boat, all equipment, lunch, transfers and fish ID slates are included. There is even the opportunity to 'Try Diving' on board. All snorkeling is conducted under the supervision of CDWS registered guides. Check out the website Oceans Red Sea - Fantastic Swimming and Snorkelling Trips in the Red Sea or email reservations@oceansredsea.com for more info. It provides the perfect break from diving, the trip offers a very relaxed yet safe environment and makes a great family day out.

 

[Hillmorton Scubie]

How Much ??? - £35 per person to go on a snorkel boat. People should know, that amount is around twice the local "going rate" in Sharm. It's even more than I pay for 2 tank dayboat diving there.
I never dive with Emperor either - due to their over inflated prices (last time I looked they were still charging for Nitrox when most other operators provide it at no extra cost)

 

[emperor.sharm]

Thanks for the feedback. We certainly understand our day trips may not be what you are looking for but our aim in posting was to show that there was an alternative. We accept we are not the cheapest in Sharm but then nor are we the most expensive. Our trips aim to introduce people to the Red Sea in a safe environment where no damage is caused to the reef. We work closely with main stream UK tour operators who insist we are properly insured (many aren’t) and that we provide canned drinks rather than water in cups from a large dispenser. We don’t charge extra for equipment, which when added to other trips actually makes them more than ours.

We have fully trained diving instructors on board to teach people how to snorkel properly. We have not cut corners to reduce the price as we feel it important to provide a good experience and the feedback we get is that people are happy to pay a little more to ensure their day is well spent. As a diver I am sure you know that some of the snorkelling boats in the area get bad press due to the lack of control of snorkellers on the reef. We have tried to address that issue and at the same time provide a fun day trip aimed at families and many non-diving partners join the trips.

Thanks for the feedback about the NITROX. We will look into this and see if we can amend what we do in this area.

 

[Crowley]

Do we get the hot chicks included for the 35 squids as well!?

Given that I work for a competing dive centre here in Sharm I will try to be as balanced as possible - Hillmorton Scubie is right - you can get more for less at other places but it depends what you want. If you are a person who enjoys regular snorkeling and doesn't mind getting up at 7.30am to spend a whole day on a boat and follow the divers around - without a guide - then for sure you can get this for less money than advertised. That's kinda how it works at my place and most of our snorkelers are non-diving partners or friends of people diving with us.

But - if snorkeling for a tourist is just something to be done - like ticking a box the same way as "went to Egypt, rode a camel" - then actually what is being offered is not such a bad deal (I hope my boss isn't reading this!) A large proportion these tourists won't know how to use a mask, snorkel and fins, won't be able to swim, and have probably paddled in the sea once or twice as a kid, but aren't going to become habitual water-babies.

There is a program for training the snorkeling guides here and yes, occasionally, you'll be getting experienced instructors doing the job for you - especially with business so low in Sharm this year.

As for the nitrox - meh - it's a snorkeling thread but it's pumped en masse here. Not every centre has direct access to this facility, and so a charge for nitrox might be required; but if it is, it shouldn't be excessive.

Cheers

C.

 

[gehadoski]

Hi Hillmorton Scubie

You can check Hilton Sharks Bay, I was there in the Easter snorkeling there was for free, but you must snorkel around the house reef. I snorkeled there, it wasn't bad at all. You just pay 400 L.E as insurance and when you return back the equipment, you get back all your money.

They have only a specified area infront of their house reef that is around 3-5 meters, but it relatively nice. Better than other house reefs in other hotels.You can check with Hilton Sharks Bay, or Sinai Dive Club.

I hope this piece of information will help