Where to dive, having a short stopover

[Squirrel Girl]

I tried searching a bit in this subforum. But it's a little too much info to sort through. A couple years ago, on my way to India, I spent one day in Dubai.

I got to wondering, if I were to travel through the region again, I think I'd try to schedule time for a short dive detour to the Red Sea. I probably wouldn't have room to bring gear along, so I'd have to rent. If I could, I'd bring my camera.

I'm a cave diver, and that's what I'd love to do. But I don't that's much of an option, and besides, doing that on borrowed gear isn't high on my list. But other than that, I think I'd mostly be interested in diving pretty reefs. Don't need to go deep and I'm not a wreck diver. Pretty invertebrates and fish would be nice.

Aqaba might be closer and there's that whole revolution thing happening in Egypt (though by the time I might actually go through, who knows what the politics might be). But are there as pretty of reefs in Aqaba? I'd also like to go to Petra if I could.

I have no interest in fancy hotels or resorts. I get sea sick, so short (or better yet, no) boat rides are a plus.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Searcaigh]

Hi SG, Aqaba has shore dives so that might work for you, plus you can have a day in Petra and don't miss Wadi Rum either.

Aqaba is only 3 hrs by road from Amman, but it also has its own airport. The diving there is certainly better than anything Dubai or UAE has to offer.

 

[Crowley]

Do not be worried about the Egyptian Revolution - it's all over bar the shouting - and life is returning to a relative state of normality.

I'd love to see you here in Sharm where we have the prettiest of reefs, but it's mostly by boat, and it's very touristy. For slightly less pretty (but still lovely) reefs, the option of some tech diving, a chilled out laid back area and lots of shore diving, I'd recommend Dahab. It's a 1hr 30 min ride from Sharm (which has an airport), is very safe, and you can organise trips to Petra from there.

Hope that helps,

C.

 

[Squirrel Girl]

Thanks you guys. Yeah, I'd heard that the Gulf doesn't have all that great of diving. But the Red See is famous for great diving, so I figured if I get a chance, that's how I'd arrange it. Who knows if I can craft a visit over there, but there's a chance of a trip before too long. I want to be on the ready to jump on it, if I get the chance!

And I can rent full equipment? Suit + all other gear?

Yeah, I'm not too worked up over the revolution. I hear your part of the country is OK. But it's still a consideration. Good thing I didn't get that job I applied for in Tripoli a few months ago, though!

 

[Searcaigh]

Most dive operators in Aqaba rent full gear, I would still bring my own mask though.

 

[nikos81]

Thanks you guys. Yeah, I'd heard that the Gulf doesn't have all that great of diving. But the Red See is famous for great diving, so I figured if I get a chance, that's how I'd arrange it. Who knows if I can craft a visit over there, but there's a chance of a trip before too long. I want to be on the ready to jump on it, if I get the chance!

And I can rent full equipment? Suit + all other gear?

Yeah, I'm not too worked up over the revolution. I hear your part of the country is OK. But it's still a consideration. Good thing I didn't get that job I applied for in Tripoli a few months ago, though!

It's been only a month since my visit to Sharm el Sheikh, and from what I've seen about diving there, I am looking forward to going again. You will love diving in Red Sea, and as far as I know, all the scuba centers have their own equipment in good condition and you can rent everything. Once you go there, you'll see what I mean. If you like shore diving more, I will also recommend Dahab. All dives are shore ones,(at least that's what I've heard,since I didn't visit Dahab,due to the riots break out). About safety, I have personal experience and I can say that you have to fear nothing.

Cheers

 

[Squirrel Girl]

Great.

Yeah, maybe I can find room for a mask. I have a wide face and it's sometimes hard to find one that fits.