Diving in Sharm El Sheikh; Red Sea diving in Sharm el Sheikh with Longwood Holidays

020 8418 2570		Red Sea Diving Sharm el Sheikh

	Sharm el Sheikh is one of the most popular and best known dive destinations in the world, and offers a variety of diving options that makes it ideal for both beginners and qualified divers. There's also plenty to do out of the water in Sharm el Sheikh; from dining and partying in bustling Naama Bay to exploring the desert on a camel or enjoying a pampering experience at one of the many hotel spas. More information on Sharm el Sheikh >> Excursions & activities from Sharm el Sheikh >>	Essential diving info Diving highlights Marine life Apres dive Activities for non-divers Map of dive sites Red Sea Diving College Red Sea Diving College Prices Red Sea Waterworld Red Sea Waterworld Prices Special offers Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh Red Sea Diving home
Essential Diving Info Location: On the Southern-most tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Transfer time: Approximately 30mins from Sharm airport Dive centres: Red Sea Diving College / Red Sea Waterworld (for guests staying at the Hyatt Regency / Ritz Carlton only) Medical: Nearest recompression chamber / medical facilities 4 miles from Red Sea Diving College

Summary: Diving in Sharm el Sheikh The majority of the diving from Sharm El Sheikh is by day boat, leaving from the jetty in Naama Bay and visiting the diverse dive sites of the Northern Red Sea. Shore diving and snorkelling are also available at various hotels that have a house reef (see individual hotel pages for details). Dive sites are spread from the Straits of Tiran in the north to Ras Mohammed in the south. The Thistlegorm wreck located at Shaab Ali is also accessible from Sharm el Sheikh. The day boats offer you a high degree of comfort, with saloon, sundeck, bathroom facilities and a kitchen. Conditions range from slight reef slopes with little or no currents, found at local sites between Ras Nasrani and Ras Katy, to the vertical walls and current swept reefs of the Straits of Tiran and Ras Mohammed.

Diving Highlights The Straits of Tiran Found in the middle of the Gulf of Aqaba, the Straits of Tiran are approximately one and a half hours by boat from Naama Bay, and are one of the best loved diving sites in Sharm el Sheikh for qualified divers. Four coral reefs lined up in a row are visible on the surface; these are named after British cartographers (Gordon, Woodhouse, Thomas & Jackson), and are world famous for their extraordinary diversity of corals. Sightings of sharks, turtles and other big fish are possible. Currents around these reefs and stepp drop offs require good diving skills. Ras Mohamed National Park Located at the Southern tip fo the Sinai Peninsula, the Ras Mohamed National Park area is home to many varied dive sites, the most spectacular of which are the Shark and Yolanda Reefs. Over a thousand species of fish and over a hundred different hard and soft corals have been recorded in the Ras Mohamed area due to underwater currents providing a feast of nutrients. Napolean wrasse, moray eels and turtles are permanent inhabitants. The Wreck of the S/S Thistlegorm The S/S Thistlegorm was a 126m long and 17.5m, wide merchant vessel commandeered by the navy during World War II. In the early hours of 6 October 1941, she was hit by two German bombers, and sank shortly after. Rediscovered in the early 90s, sitting upright at 30m, she has become of the best wrecks for diving in the Red Sea. Her holds are open and easily accessed, showing the full range of cargo which includes ammunition, trucks, motorbikes, armoured vehicles, plane wings and engines, trains and tenders, Wellington boots and waders. The wreck is exposed to the tidal currents and prevailing winds, which can make this dive inaccessible at times. These conditions and the depth of the dive means that this is only open to experienced divers.

Technical Diving Highlights Thomas Canyon It's almost as though Thomas Canyon was made for tec diving - the canyon opens at 35m; at 60 metres the Trimix Divers pass under a huge boulder, and this then brings you through a short tunnel and out onto a ledge at 72m. The ledge then drops vertically to the floor of the canyon at 90m. Unknown wreck behind Jackson reef The mystery wreck is lying upright in 75m of water. Her masts extend up to 45 metres and she is about 90m in length. White Knights The canyon at White Knights is a brilliant 50 metre dive.

Marine Life From tiny basslets and glassfish to 6 foot napoleon wrasse and manta rays plus hawksbill turtles, octopus, cuttlefish and squid as well as many species of sharks including whale sharks, hammerheads and reef sharks. The annual plankton bloom has also been known to attract whale sharks to the area (some have been spotted in Sharm el Sheikh this year already!).

Apres Dive The bustling Naama Bay area offers a cosmopolitan selection of restaurants, relaxed pavement cafés and lively bars and clubs. Alternatively head out into the desert on a camel for a Bedouin dinner. Many of the hotels also provide a range of dining and leisure options, including massage, spas, pools, tennis and mini-golf (check individual hotel pages for details). Excursions, activities & tours from Sharm el Sheikh >>

Activities for non-divers Diving not your thing, than there is plenty of things to occupy your leisurely time. Take a trip back in time at St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai, explore the the Coloured canyon, and visit what has been proclaimed the 'eighth wonder of the world' Petra, as well as the magical pyramids of Luxor and Cairo. Excursions, activities & tours from Sharm el Sheikh >>

Current offers with Red Sea Diving College Free 32% Nitrox for all Nitrox qualified divers booking a daily boat diving package. Usually €8 per tank Valid for diving packages commenced by 31 Oct 2008. Free upgrade on PADI Open Water Course to National Geographic Diver if desired - Usually £90 (National Geographic Course materials must be paid for locally at a cost of €30) Valid for diving packages commenced by 31 Oct 2008

Current Offers with Red Sea Waterworld (for guests staying at the Hyatt Regency only) Free 32% Nitrox for all Nitrox qualified divers booking a daily diving package. Usually €8 per tank Valid for diving packages commenced by 31 Oct 2008. More diving offers >> Offers can be booked online, or call us on 020 8418 2570. Dive package offer prices are only valid when booked before travel, and in conjunction with a Longwood Holidays package holiday. Offers valid for new bookings only.


Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh Click on each hotel for hotel information. To check the latest prices, visit our price checker page. 5+ Four Seasons 5+ Hyatt Regency 5+ Ritz Carlton 5 Hilton Sharm Dreams 5* Hilton Waterfalls 5* Renaissance 5* Marriott Beach 5* Baron 5* Baron Palms 5* Sheraton 5* Radisson SAS 5* Savoy 5* Movenpick Golf & Resort 5* Movenpick Resort & Casino 5* Garden Reef 5* Sofitel 5* Sonesta Beach 5* Naama Bay Hotel 4* Hilton Sharks Bay 4* Sierra 4* Sonesta Club 4* Iberotel Club Fanara 4* Golden Resort 4* Novotel Coralia 4* Hilton Fayrouz 3* Falcon Hotels 3* Fantazia

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