Diving in Egypt solo

Marsa Alam is a wonderful destination for Diving in Egypt as a solo traveller; most of the dives on offer are shore based, often as part of a house reef within your accommodation. Each hotel refers to the dives sites with different names so its best to stick to the first name you hear for the reef you’re diving in.

Diving in Egypt has been popular over the last twenty years however it is only very recently whereby Marsa alam has became a prime diving destination. Although the wealth of the underwater marine life has been a constant source of underwater scenery it has only recently began to benefit from its natural beauty. Located on the west coast of the Red Sea, the small fishing village has managed to keep its quaint surroundings whilst also benefiting from the wealth that diving tourism can bring. Diving in Egypt is second to non, compared with the barrier reef on the amount of underwater activity and marine life visiting the area your Diving in Egypt will be perhaps the best you will ever witness. The majority of diving visitors go back time and time again to attempt a new dive site or revisit popular sites such as Elphinestone reef, the Thislegorm and Samadai (dolphin reef).

Diving in Egypt is an absolute pleasure, the average temperatures during the winter months (October to March) range from 18 to 35 degrees Celsius and during the summer months (April to September) from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the Red Sea at Marsa Alam during the year ranges from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius.

As a solo traveller Marsa Alam is perfect for those looking for a relaxed authentic experience of Diving in Egypt, the people are friendly and not pushy when it comes to selling extra activities. The benefit of travelling solo in Marsa Alam allows you to concentrate on the diving at hand whilst relaxing in the evening with other divers whom you have met during the day or just enjoying your own company. Whichever you choose, you will always have the option to take part or to stay on the sidelines and make the most of your holiday. Diving in Egypt is really the most astounding journey you will make within 5 hours of the UK.

The top dive site in Marsa Alam, and perhaps throughout the Diving in Egypt is Elphinestone Reef. About 30km north of Marsa Alam, 12km offshore this reef comes up from a depth of 130m. One of the better spots for pelagic fishes when Diving in Egypt. The north has different beautiful plateaus at 2Om 35m and 40m. At the edge of the plateau if you look down in the deep blue it's possible to see hammerhead sharks so watch your depth!! After the plateaus, drift on the east side of the reef and don't forget to look in the blue and up. An encounter with big pelagic including oceanic white tip shark (carcharhinus longimanus) is possible, please bare in mind this dive is for experienced divers only.

Daedalus Island is a small island with a light house about 55 sea miles offshore. Because of the long distance from the shore this dive site is mainly dived from liveaboard boats. The north and west part are best. Encounters with big pelagic and hammerhead sharks are on the menu. This is done as a drift dive and therefore it is important to follow your fellow divers and to use the surface marker buoy, this is a relatively common experience whilst Diving in Egypt, as a result ensure you are aware of the currents.

Diving in Egypt offers exceptionally clear water, a wealth of marine life and a wonderfully quaint destination to visit for authentic Egypt, an experience whether your travelling solo or within a group – a must for all divers.

To find out more about travelling solo whilst Diving in Egypt, Lanzarote or South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (30/08/08)

That’s all for now on Diving in Egypt