Which destination in Egypt

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koenie79

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Location
Nethetlands
# of dives
200 - 499
As a diving team, we want to plan a
trip to Egypt. Only, the destination is still a bit of a search.
Can anyone give me advice on the best option? Marsa Alam, Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh
 
@JustSurfaceInterval is the expert :)

I'd say Marsa Shagra or one of their other villages, Marsa Nakari and Wadi Lahami:



 
I did the northern “Wrecks and Reefs” (Thistlegorm, Giannis D, Sharks and Yolanda) week long itinerary out of Hurghada this past June. The locals are friendly, and have some beautiful resorts (I stayed at the Marriott) for before and after your liveaboard. And the airport is big enough to be served by multiple airlines.
My trip was with Emperor Divers and they did an excellent job. Food was excellent, boat was well kept, and the guides were wonderful.
Hope that helps.
 
Not been to Hurguda but I’ve heard that the local diving isn’t that great. It’s apparently a better bet as a launching point for liveaboard trips.

I have been to Sharm 4 times. The diving is varied and superb, with coral gardens in really excellent condition. Elite diving is an extremely well run organisation who can cater for parties of all sizes. Talk to them.

Dahab is much more limited than Sharm but probably worth a visit for a day or two. Easily done from Sharm. You don’t need a visa if you’re just going to Sharm and Dahab for up to 15 days. But you will need one if you want to dive the Thistlegorm.
 
Dahab is largely shore diving, that may or many not appeal. I thought the diving there was OK. Hurghada as has been said is the place to get on a liveaboard. Diving is better around Sharm El-Sheikh, but my pick would be a liveaboard or the southern desert "villages".

Egypt is a strange destination. Tourist infrastructure has grown up around the diving centres and has become a sort of cut price tourist Disneyland, or at least what the Egyptians think tourists want as an Egyptian Disneyland. I don't think you can get a real sense of Egyptian culture by visiting these places, so in my opinion, you're not missing out by going on a liveaboard or visiting the desert villages.
 
to the OP: I would be a little wary of the southern part, as it has heaviliy suffered from global warming. Fortunately the temperatures have now dropped significant, so there is a chance that the reefs will recover.
The area from Hurghada down to El Quesier has some nice dive sites that can be reached on day trips.
 

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