The resort of Eilat, in Israel, remains a firm favourite with beginners learning to scuba dive.
Longwood Holidays dive specialist Daniel Lion said the operator booked 2,000 dive packages to the resort last year, of which half were for beginners. “It is undoubtedly the best place on the Red Sea to learn, as the diving is shore-based, rather than from a boat.
“Also, beginners don’t want to spend all their time diving. They like to break up their day with other activities – and Eilat has a lot to offer,” he added.
Longwood brochures a five-day Professional Association of Diving Instructors course for beginners for £169 in its Eilat programme, as well as a range of packages for qualified divers.
Eilat also offers a range of options for the more experienced diver. A two-day diving safari package costs £105 with one night camping in the desert and two dives a day. Also on offer is a Secret World of Kewet Salem dive boat excursion, where clients get to explore sites such as Fjord and Ras Hamira in Egyptian waters.
Dives costs from £65 for one day. Equipment is included in the price.
TABLE: Eilat: top choice for diving