The majority of diving holidays booked through travel agents are for Sharm El Sheikh andHurghada, but other resorts are gaining in popularity and ideal for clients with specific requirements. Sam Lewis asks operators their opinions on five, including some little known locations.
Destination:
Sharm El Sheikh
Key attractions:
Reef, coral and wrecks such as The Thistlegorm – which went down in World War II – are within easy reach of this large, well equipped resort, which is one of the most accessible from the UK.
Getting there:
A 5hr flight to Sharm El Sheikh plus a 10min transfer to resort.
Sample packages:
Regal, Goldenjoy, Hayes and Jarvis and Kuoni Sport Abroad, among others. Around £399 for one week with most dive operators.
Operator view:
“There’s some good quality accommodation and diving. Possibly the best diving is from liveaboards but it is a very versatile destination for beginners through to advanced. Access from the UK is great. Entertainment is centred around the hotels.”
Lea McArthur, specialist marketing manager, Harlequin
Target market:
Good for all levels of divers, particularly beginners. Suits couples, singles and families.
Additional information:
Bustling, purpose-built resort catering for wide range of tourists. There are a lot of hotels with good facilities and nightlife. Desert excursions attract those looking for history and culture.
Destination:
Hurghada
Key attractions:
Diving and windsurfing, close to historic sights in Luxor such as the Valley of the Kings and the Nile. Diving highlights include a wide range of coral, wrecks and off-shore islands easily reached by boat. Sharks, dolphins and turtles are common.
Getting there:
Around 5hrs to Hurghada plus 20min transfer to resort.
Sample packages:
Regal, Goldenjoy, Hayes and Jarvis and Kuoni Sport Abroad. Regal’s prices start from £369 per person for seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hurghada Hilton, with Gatwick flights. Diving costs extra.
Operator view:
“The resort is spread out along the coast with large hotels such as the Inter-Continental further out of town. Ideal for those wanting to mix time on the beach with some diving. Those looking for nightlife could stay closer to town in lower-standard accommodation.”
Daniel Le Merle, co-ordinator, Kuoni Sport Abroad
Target market:
First-time divers, experienced windsurfers and for those wanting a bit of history.
Additional information:
Hurghada was once a sleepy fishing port, now it’s packed with international hotels and diving centres. The busy town centre offers a more authentic Arab flavour with souks and cafes.
Destination:
El Gouna
Key attractions:
El Gouna is a new resort and constantly expanding, so most hotels are of good standard and dive sites have not yet been spoilt. The resort has been carved out of the coastline incorporating many lagoons and waterways.
Getting there:
A 1hr transfer by road from Hurghada.
Sample packages:
Goldenjoy and Regal. From £399 for one week including accommodation, flights and dive package.
Operator view:
“It has some great dive sites which are not dived out, a wreck graveyard as well as The Thistlegorm wreck not too far away. It has excellent infrastructure with modern hotels such as the Sheraton, Movenpick and Miramar, with lots of lakes, lagoons and ponds. We carry about 30-40 divers a week.”
Marco Castellana, assistant manager sports, Goldenjoy
Target market:
Suits divers of all ability and age.
Additional information:
Although quieter and less developed than other resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh, there are several nightclubs for those who like to party and a superb golf course for those who want a varied holiday.
Destination:
Safaga/El Quesir
Key attractions:
Quiet and tranquil, these two less developed neighbouring resorts offer sandy beaches for those looking to relax. Diving highlights include amazing coral, walls, drop-offs and opportunities to drift-dive. Common sightings of turtles, shark, dolphins and eels.
Getting there:
A 5hr flight to Hurghada, followed by a 1hr transfer south by road.
Sample packages:
Hayes and Jarvis, Goldenjoy and Regal, among others. Hayes and Jarvis features the resort from £398 per person including flights, B&B accommodation and transfers. A six-dive package costs £83.
Operator view:
“It has some wonderful shore diving for those that don’t like using boats, with a big jetty running across the beach. As a quiet resort, it is particularly good for the older generation and families and has some great excursions into the desert.”
Robert Sandy, product manager, diving, Hayes and Jarvis
Target market:
Families, first-time divers and those who prefer to dive from the beach rather than a boat.
Additional information:
Also ideal for keen windsurfers due to the consistently strong wind. Day trips include cruises, jeep and camel safaris to Bedouin camps and excursions to nearby Luxor.
Destination:
Dahab
Situated in south Sinai, the region offers visitors a chance to see some dramatic desert scenery. It offers a variety of dive sites, the best known are Bells, The Blue Hole and The Canyon. Divers can also explore some well preserved reefs, walls and coral gardens.
Getting there:
A 5hr flight to Sharm El Sheikh with transfer by road taking about 1hr 30mins.
Sample packages:
Regal and Goldenjoy. Regal offers seven nights B&B staying at the Nesima Hotel from £359, including flights to Sharm El Sheikh and transfers to Dahab. Diving prices from £115 for five days’ diving.
Operator view:
“If you are into people watching then Dahab is for you. It retains an ethnic feel, mainly due to a large Bedouin population. The drive through the desert gives you the opportunity to see a small part of the dramatic Sinai landscape. There isn’t very much nightlife but this is a great place to relax and destress.”
Maggie Telford, managing director, Regal
Target market:
Appeals to those travellers of all ages.
Additional information:
Day trips include jeep safaris and camel treks into the desert.