Active Diving

Dahab Diving

2008-09-08T12:52:00.004+01:00

Dahab is located 100km south of Sharm el Sheikh, revered as one of the best diving destinations in the Red Sea for both novice and experienced in diving. Dahab diving synonymous with shore diving, offers good value for money and a relaxed pace to enhance the overall diving experience seamlessly. Dahab diving often referred to as the Goa of the Red sea, breads on Dahab's hippie-like image, yet it is as good if not better than what people claim. Those travelling to Dahab are primarily looking to sample Dahab diving, some of the best in the Red Sea.

Dahab diving offers some of the most varied marine life in the world. The sites combine coral garden, arches, canyons and caves, with a huge diversity of reef fish and invertebrates, as well as turtles, rays, moray eels, octopus, and larger fish including Napoleon fish, Barracuda, small sharks and dolphins. 20% of the fauna, and 50% of the Butterfly fish, are found only when Dahab diving, they are unique to that part of the world.

For travelling and Dahab diving which is an experience in its self the total relaxation which the area exudes is immense, settling in is easy and almost a natural result of being in the areas boundaries, so magical is the relaxed way of life. The soundtrack of the waves hitting the shore sound more like the pulse of this wonderfully quiet area.

When in Dahab diving the lagoon is integral, and also a great place for children to swim. The lagoon is formed by a long tongue of beach. On the outside, the ocean begins, allowing good swimming for adults. Still, the lagoon is little visited, a reflection of Dahab being well-equipped with beaches.

The Blue Hole, a few km north of Dahab, is probably Egypt's most infamous diving spot. The hole is a shaft that starts just a metre below the surface of the sea. The dark hole in the centre goes 80 metres straight down, and the main trip for experienced divers is to dive down to a depth of 60 metres, then pass through a tunnel to the outer edge of the reef before returning to the surface. When Dahab diving The Blue Hole is not only for divers, it is chillingly fascinating for snorkelers too. The corals are colourful, fish abundant, and you can tickle your nerves by swimming along the edge of this hole which has no visible bottom.

To find out more about Dahab diving visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (06/09/08)

That’s all for now on Dahab diving

family diving holidays

2008-09-08T12:52:00.003+01:00

Around a hundred miles from the coast of Africa, Lanzarote is one of the most popular islands for European holidaymakers, not just for the traditional summer weeks but for winter too, as the weather for the island - often in the 70's even in December and January - make it the ideal destination for tourists from Northern Europe to head to especially for family diving holidays to escape the winter blues.

Lanzarote, at 37 miles long and 12 miles wide, has much to offer visitors of all ages, very popular for family diving holidays especially. Due to the location of the island and volcanic eruptions as recent as the 19th century, people often describe parts of the island as lunar. Some say it gives them the feeling of being in another world - ideal for some films and for NASA whom test some of their moon vehicles on the island. Hollywood and NASAs occasional presence on the island offer wonderful nuggets of knowledge to share with children whilst exploring both the island and the underwater world.

A good well publicised movie can really have an impact on the location's tourist industry - and the news that Penelope Cruz had arrived in Lanzarote to film for two weeks was greeted enthusiastically by the Lanzarote holiday industry, the island caters primarily to those on family diving holidays therefore the mixture of underwater and land based activities are endless to keep even the most active families busy.

Punta de Papagayo, a series of wild beaches of fine white sand produce a sensation of shimmering brightness that can be found in the extreme south of the island. At the edge of a volcanic ash covered landscape, the silence seizes this jagged and inhospitable coast. These beaches are considered the best in Lanzarote, families with small children find this an exciting way to teach their children about the planets and how each area of a planet can differ from others. Punta de Papagayo is ideal for family diving holidays as you can both snorkel and dive if your children aren’t old enough to fully complete their PADI open water course.
The wonderful climate throughout the year is conducive to a variety of sports activities, perfect to family diving holidays during the school holidays over Christmas, summer, Easter and October. Take your pick of golf, diving, horse riding, tennis and windsurfing.

And being able to relax on the beach and catch some rays over the Christmas and New Year festivities is enough in itself to tempt many to take a holiday in Lanzarote then.
But now a leading internet site has confirmed what many holidaymakers to Lanzarote already knew - that not only are the beaches great but one Lanzarote beach ranks among the best in the world.

Lanzarote is perfect for family diving holidays because it caters for everyone, those looking for a quiet holiday with diving and relaxing in the evening to those looking to get involved in the local culture whilst discovering completely new diving experiences. There are multiple travel agents able to offer you a range of family diving holidays, in my experience Active Diving offer one of the best packages, being able to offer a plethora of dive courses both BSAC and PADI.

To find out more about how family diving holidays in The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (05/09/08)

That’s all for now on family diving holidays

activediving in lanzarote

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The name Lanzarote is the direct translation into Spanish of Lancelot (Lancelloto).
At the time of Marcello's arrival a king, Zonzamas, ruled the Island. The name is still borne by the ruins of his palace which stood on a plateau near San Bartolome, considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Canary Islands. San Bartolome is located a short car journey from where activediving is located in Costa Teguise.

Folklore Music is the traditional music of the Canary Islands. The main musical instrument in Folklore music is the timple, a ukelele-style instrument possibly introduced into the islands by Berber slaves.

activediving in Lanzarote can offer some of the best diving in the Northern Hemisphere, with over 500 species of fish, many wrecks, underwater volcanic caves, good visibility (10 - 30 meters) and water temperatures ranging from 18 to 23 degrees, it is easy to see why. Many of the popular dive sites are easily accessible with both shore and boat diving possible. activediving can offer a range of dive sites and a wealth of local knowledge.

All of our diving spots are some of the most beautiful and thrilling around the island, as you get to relive the experience of Lanzarote´s natural disasters from the last volcano eruption that took place thousands of years ago, to ship wrecks as if they happened only yesterday. Each of the 25 dive sites which activediving use through the week will introduce you to new and exciting things, structures and forms of the lava which has run into the ocean creating, caves, grots, canyons and reefs which go far over 40 metres in depth. During your diving your likely to encounter black corals and endless amounts of Anemones in may different types of colours and forms.

The team in Lanzarote and activediving put a lot of interest in having only small groups of divers based on experience level and on the choice of each diver; you will always have a stress free experience as well as being and safe with activediving. Every diver will have an unforgettable view of the mysterious underwater world here on the island of Lanzarote with activediving.

The Fascinating Volcano-Reefs of Lanzarote are a natural miracle; activediving will show you their magic and more. Their Ecosystem shows an incredible amount of underwater life from Rays, Barracudas, Angel Sharks, Trumpet Fish, Bonitos and many more species of fish which you can see everyday! The water Temperatures are normally between 18 and 24ºc, as a result activediving offer diving all year round.

Our diving options cater for the novice to the experienced, activediving offer some of the best diver training facilities in Lanzarote at our modern diver-training centre, and some of the most spectacular dive locations in the canaries. This combined with our outstanding product quality, excellent safety standards, professional service and our all inclusive pricing policy prove there is truly is no better company with which to learn to dive or to advance your diving skills.

Highlights of Diving in Lanzarote include:
• Fish
Close encounters with grouper, barracuda, angelshark, and rays. It is also possible to see Hammerhead Sharks off the small island of Los Lobos (located between Lanzarote and neighbouring Fuerteventura).
• Caves
There are many underwater caves such as the 'Cathedral'.
• Wrecks
There are many old wrecks located around the coast of Lanzarote as well as a specially created Marine Park (created by sinking several boats) just off the coast at Puerto del Carmen.
• Reefs
The reefs around Lanzarote are teeming with marine life such as Octopus, Anemone, Cuttlefish and Sea Horses Red Coral.

To find out more about travelling activediving in Lanzarote, Sharm el Sheikh or South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (05/09/08)

That’s all for now on diving in Lanzarote with activediving

Active Diving – Travelling Solo in Sharm el Sheikh

2008-09-08T12:51:00.002+01:00

Regarded as the centre of Egypt, the outstanding diving destination of Sharm el sheikh on the Red sea offers spectacular underwater views and marine life. Sharm el Sheikh has fetched an unsurpassed reputation for diving across the because of its calm, emerald green waters and plethora of marine life in residence. Active Diving offer holidays across the red sea, Sharm el Sheikh offering something for everyone, especially solo travellers.
Whilst travelling through Egypt there are countless ways of meeting fellow travellers, Active Diving brings each of their divers together to ensure a community is created, including each diver whether beginner or experienced. Accommodation in Egypt is often the core area to meet other travellers, especially the popular mentioned in the guide books. Many of the independent travellers are in pairs or on their own and it's perfectly acceptable to join them without any ill feeling.
The red sea boasts some of the best diving in the world, Active Diving and their team can guide you through this vibrant and varied underwater life throughout. The first port of call for Sharm el Sheikh diving is Na'ama Beach, Shark's Bay, Sharm El- Moya, Ras um Sid, and the Terrazina Beach. The Tiran Island is an excellent scuba diving spot at Sharm el Sheikh. Don't be disappointed if you are not a professional diver, there are many tour operators in the UK whom can arrange courses for when you arrive (Active Diving: http://www.activediving.co.uk).

Exploring the spectacular reefs of Ras Nourani under the guidance of expert divers leaves an indelible impression on the minds of the visitors ensuring Sharm el Sheikh diving is a memorable experience for all. Sharm el Sheikh diving is unsurpassed in Egypt and renowned for diving across the globe. The red sea had been a source of wonder and mystery throughout the world for various reasons; however it is now a particularly interesting site because of the plethora of marine treasures hidden beneath its emerald waters. Active Diving are established in Sharm el Sheikh, with some of the most experienced divers in the area guiding and teaching, ensuring your experience will be second to non.
Sharm el Sheikh diving is most definitely in the land of dreams, filled with crystal clear water, splendid corals, awesome underwater vegetation and atypical Piscean species which will not only please your eyes but present you with an opportunity of witnessing some of the best surprises in the sea.
In the popular tourist areas cheap hotels are in abundance. There is a wide range of choice for people on all budgets. There are many dormitory style rooms for those are on the tightest of budgets, however for not much more it is perfectly achievable to get a single room. Active Diving can help you find the right accommodation for your needs and budget, allowing you to concentrate on the diving.
Because Egyptians don't drink much you'll find a majority of the hotels devoid of drunken revelry, but you will find a multitude of late night conversations about where to go and what to see under the water. Active Diving have many guides to the diving in Egypt on their website (http://www.activediving.co.uk/diving_destinations_sharm_el_sheikh.html).
Watch out for the tourist restaurants where although the food may look familiar it will be expensive to find out. A night trip up Mount Sinai-walking in the dark gives everybody a sense of camaraderie and can be done outside of precious diving hours, allowing you to get the most from your holiday in Sharm. Active Diving can recommend the best local restaurants to visit upon your arrival, showing you some local cuisine and culture rather than an interpretation of British cuisine.
To find out more about travelling solo with Active Diving in Sharm el Sheikh, Lanzarote or South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (29/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the travelling solo with Active Diving

national geographic diving courses

2008-09-08T12:51:00.001+01:00

PADI offer a specialist dive course for those divers whom wish to increase their buoyancy control and observation skills whilst being able to get closer to the marine life without causing any disruption.

By taking part in one of the national geographic diving courses you will learn begin a journey of underwater exploration more advanced than your previous qualifications, spotting new life and sights under the water in sites you may have dived multiple times. The core lesson from national geographic diving courses is to conserve the diving environment whilst exploring the underwater world through adventurous experiences that may involve increased danger or risk.

By demonstrating human stewardship and conservation whilst diving as a result of completing one of the national geographic diving courses you will be able to study the unknown whilst protecting the natural environment from loss or waste.

Loren Eisley in 1957 summed up the importance of the underwater world in one pristine sentence, “If there is magic on the planet it is contained in water”.

You will learn as part of the national geographic diving courses how to hover horizontally, with your feet slightly elevated and with your head slightly elevated. You will also demonstrate that you can complete the exploration project by gathering info and image and create a visual representation of the dive site detailing specific features.

Once you have completed these sections you will need to demonstrate that you can either navigate a square or rectangle patter using compass headings and natural references to return to the starting point or locate and identify a range of plants and marine life during your dive in either fresh or salt water.

The range of national geographic diving courses available worldwide are varied in the marine life you will encounter however the course completion will result in the same abilities, the means of being able to conserve and explore whilst altering the scene before you as little as possible. Leonardo Da Vinci coined the term well “Water is the driving force of all nature” and therefore for us to learn how to interact in that environment without altering the scene is somewhat of a gift that in my opinion all divers should adhere to.

Some of the most popular places to complete some of the national geographic diving courses is whilst discovering Palaus walls, Mexican cenotes, Sabas pinnacles, New Zealands archways,
Maldives Seamounts or in Bonne Terre Mine. Another popular destination to complete one of the national geographic diving courses is in The Red Sea amongst some of the richest marine life on the planet. Dahab and Sharm el Sheikh offer each of the courses

To find out more about how you can take part in national geographic diving courses visit http://www.activediving.co.uk/diving_padi_courses.html and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (06/09/08)

That’s all for now on national geographic diving courses

Scuba holidays in Marsa Alam

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Marsa Alam, situated in the south-east of Egypt is the perfect destination of where to spend your Scuba holidays. The dive sites are located close by for all levels of divers, from beginner’s right up to the deepest technical diver. The sites are uncrowded in comparison to other dive areas such the Great Barrier reef. Equally all of the sites offer great snorkelling possibilities too for those whom are too young to dive or would rather stay close to the surface. Perhaps one of the most magnetic possibilities for Scuba holidays Marsa Alam is the possibility of getting up close to one of the most magnificent creatures in the ocean, The Whale Shark.
Found commonly throughout April, May and June, whale sharks are gentle and often stay around divers for an extended period, showing more interest then fear by our presence.
The "Small Bay of the Market" (Marsa Shouni Soraya) has a distinctive shape offering a variety of dive sites ideal for new and experienced divers alike during their Scuba holidays. There is also a sheltered lagoon where baby eagle rays have been regularly spotted. The signature table corals harbour a massive array of life and its reefs are teeming with shrimps, scorpion fishes and barracuda. The bay has a resident hawksbill turtle and dolphins are regular visitors, Whale sharks are sometimes spotted just outside the bay also.

You can decide on a Scuba holidays in Marsa Alam throughout the year, however it is best during the summer months. Sometime around April to May the visibility is greatly reduced due to Plankton Bloom, but if you want to encounter whale sharks you must visit Marsa Alam by the beginning of summer and end of spring. Renowned for its diverse marine life and incredible coral reefs, Marsa Alam is a ruby by the Red Sea. I recently travelled to Marsa as one of Active Divings last minute Scuba holidays (087 123 11 122, http://.www.activediving.co.uk).
Throughout the year the average temperature remains in its thirties and forties. While the hottest month is August, the coolest month is January with the temperature dipping during the night. Generally windy, Marsa Alam witnesses a rough sea during November and the waves at times might be large. Featuring prominently in the tourist map of the world, Marsa Alam is fast becoming a hot spot for all tourists.
Diving is a very popular sport and everywhere in the world people especially all divers participate in the sport with much zest and vigor. Marsa Alam provides special diving facilities to all visitors, there are numerous diving spots here in Marsa Alam. The place is known to attract people from all over the world and people get thrilled to see the sea and thus cannot wait to explore the diving opportunities here. The Red Sea coast is a popular tourist destination here and provides excellent diving opportunities to all enthusiasts.
The clear blue waters of Red Sea, the coral reefs and the underwater wonders are all reasons why Scuba holidays are so popular to the destination. There are plenty of diving resorts, diving centres and camps that are all ready to help you out with your adventure! You can also opt for some certified courses on scuba diving in Marsa Alam predominantly offered by PADI.

You can go for scuba diving either from shore or you can also take the boats that take you on full day or half-day trips. There are plenty of excellent diving sites and some thrilling drop offs. Here are some popular diving sites in Marsa Alam for your Scuba holidays:
Marsa Mubarak
The largest and most versatile dive site accessible from Port Ghalib offers seven wildly different diving experiences offering the chance to see everything from puffer fishes to dugongs, giant green sea turtles to trunk fishes and everything in-between. Offering sea grass, pinnacles, coral gardens and reef walls this dive site offers a change of seeing just about all the flora and fauna the Red Sea has to offer.

Marsa Shouni Kebir
Offering some of the most picturesque dive sites in the southern Red Sea, the "Large Bay of the Market" is probably most famous for the massive variety of rays that call its sea grass plane home. Eagle, leopard, feather-tail, grey and thorny rays are all regularly spotted alongside a large school of golden trevallies and a menagerie of different snake eels. Turtles are abundant here and there is a great chance to meet "George", a giant green sea turtle who sleeps in the same spot most mornings on the South Reef.

Ras El Torfa (Abu Syel)
A protected area for mooring along the dynamic fringing reef offers three very different dives with incredible topography and stunning corals, the highlight being and enormous ball of rock and coral perched at the end of an enormous coral tongue. Its location encourages pelagic and schooling fishes in enormous schools and white tip reef sharks and even mantas have been spotted here.
Marsa Morena
The "Bay of the Moray Eel" offers several widely contrasting dives from caves to pinnacles. The unique angle of the bay encourages greater than normal water movement encouraging an abundance of life and regular eagle ray and barracuda sightings, whilst its shallow sandy plateau holds rarities like the stargazer and velvet fish as well as a wealth of soles, flounders and torpedo rays.

Abu Dabab Reefs
With a beautiful coral garden, dramatic cave system and a small wreck the Abu Dabab reef system truly has it all. Several large Napoleon wrasse patrol its reefs and some enormous moray eels guard its coral blocks. Its exposed northern reefs are abundant with fish attracting large pelagics including sharks.

Marsa Abu Dabab
A world famous selection of dive sites boasting an unbelievable number of giant turtles as well as the chance to spot Dugongs and Guitar sharks. A must for anyone visiting the southern Red Sea the bay has now closed to boats and access from the shore now offers a much more peaceful and relaxed diving experience.

Elphinstone
A large cigar-shaped offshore reef that offers wall diving that is both exhilarating and spectacular with regular sightings of large pelagics including oceanic whitetip sharks, tuna and barracuda as well as hammerheads, napoleons and turtles; all drawn to the reef by its strong currents and abundance of fish life.

Sha'ab Samadai
A short ride by bus and boat from Port Ghalib is Sha'ab Samadai, a horseshoe shaped reef known locally as Dolphin House. Offering truly spectacular diving including the awe inspiring cathedral swim-through and a remarkable collection of hard and soft coral, anemone cities and a resident napoleon wrasse this can be a highlight of your stay. The reef is also used regularly by a pod of spinner dolphins and there can be an opportunity to snorkel with them between dives.

Make the most out of your Scuba holidays in Marsa Alam and enrol yourself on a PADI Open Water course with Active Diving before you leave to make the most out of your Scuba holidays this summer (087 123 11 122, http://www.activediving.co.uk)

Author: Emma Parker (22/08/08)

That’s all for now on Scuba holidays

padi beginners course Sharm

2008-09-08T12:50:00.001+01:00

Sharm is considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, competing with the great barrier reef. The marine life on offer is endless and accessible across the coast however for many people the thought of scuba diving is enough to frighten them out of their wits, Clunky clobber, open water, sharks — scuba-diving ticks all of these boxes. However at the same time the draw of the ocean is difficult to ignore, the thought of swimming with dolphins and fish of every colour can draw anyone into a world of mystery and wonder.
Many people learn whilst on holiday in the Maldives or the Great Barrier Reef however with the increase in cheaper flights to Europe Sharm el Sheikh is increasingly replacing beach holidays for UK travellers to learn to dive. A television presenter for GMTV was one of these people, claiming to be hydro, claustro and sharkophobic she was happy to say “Thanks, but no thanks” when diving was offered to her however with some special persuasion whilst filming in Sharm two years ago she decided to give it a go.
Accosted by the hotel diving instructor she was shown “some the most extraordinary images” taken right in front of her hotel, “it was impossible not to be impressed. Seeing marine life in books and on television is fascinating. Seeing things that are swimming beneath the waves in front of your hotel beach somehow makes them more tangible”. She finally decided to enrol on a padi beginners course.
Before she could see these images in real life there were 3 obstacles she needed to overcome; the fear of open water; a mask and breathing through a tube, and of course, the sharks. The padi beginners course would help her achieve this whilst easing all beginners into the water at their own pace. She was adamant that however much logic told her that great whites do not live in the seas around Mauritius “what if one got blown off course from Cape Town?”. A Life coach, Pete Cohen helped the presenter get to the bottom of her phobias, he simply posed the question: “Were you born with a fear of large expanses of water, small spaces and big fish?” The answer, naturally enough, was no. “You learnt them,” he said. “Picked them up from society and now you simply play them out in your daily life, and scuba- diving brings all three crashing together. You can dive; you just have to unlearn your fears.”
In order to get out the fear of diving it’s most sensible to give snorkelling a go either as part of a padi beginners course or before you enrol, banishing all thoughts of sharks and any threatening ideology. It’s not nearly as scary as you might think, after this an attempt at breathing through full scuba apparatus in a pool would be recommended. There is a lot of gear that comes with scuba diving however learning as part of a padi beginners course you will learn in bite-size chunks in a safe environment.
You will discover that the tank really does supply air evenly just like breathing on land and that the mouthpiece is actually rather comfortable, equally you will learn what to do if your mask becomes dislodged and fills up with water. The instructor of the padi beginners course will always be around to give you guidance and explain how everything works.
Once you have got over those issues as part of your padi beginners course you will then be ready to attempt either an open water dive of a dive within a local lagoon for example if you have a house reef which is particularly common in Egypt. Once you reach the dive site if on boat its likely you will be required to roll back off the boat, this is nowhere near as scary as you might think, once splashing in the water the marine world will become available to you. The first underwater experience in open water is likely to be a memory you will never forget.
Once under the water with the rest of the members of your padi beginners course you will notice the lack of sharks and hungry beasts coming to get you, but you will notice the mesmerizing multi-coloured fish swimming happily past you as if you’re not even there looking more extraordinary than any of Versace’s wilder designs. It is impossible not to be bowled over by the 360degree beauty around you, the intricate coral, the soaring rock structures, the unbelievable eels being cleaned by little prawns, and simply the utter peace of being there, hearing your own rhythmic breathing. The constant concentration on breathing and visual stimulation creates an environment that’s difficult to compete with, highlighting why scuba is so often compared to yoga.
When it gets to the time to ascent, you won’t want to leave – the experience is the most relaxing thing you will ever do and your first thought will be “When can I do it again?”
Learning to dive in Sharm is perfect for those whom are nervous or keen to see all sorts of marine life from the initial submersion. To find out more about how you can take part in a padi beginners course across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (22/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the padi beginners course

Diving in Egypt solo

2008-09-08T12:49:00.000+01:00

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

scuba holiday - Durban

2008-09-08T12:48:00.007+01:00

Durban is a big subtropical city in the north-eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a major port since the 1850s and is home to the largest concentration of Indian-descended people in the country. Today the city is better known as a scuba holiday destination with authentic underwater scenes and a happening nightlife.
High up on the east coast, Durban is South Africa's sub-tropical beach getaway. The city centre overlooks a long, golden beach that is probably the single most culturally diverse spot in Africa. Here you will find frolicking families of every hue, busy executives out for a quick lunchtime jog, elegant sari-clad matrons strolling across sand, buff surfers running into the waves, and bead-bedecked sangomas collecting therapeutic sea water in bottles.

Durban is actually all about the beach and the ocean, perfect for a scuba holiday. It is home to South Africa's only surfing museum, and is one of the most surf-friendly cities in the world. Frustrated wage slaves can look out of their office windows onto awesome breaks - and then shed the tie and jacket or the high heels and paddle out straight after work. Durban is the closest seaport to Johannesburg and is also an integral part of the city. Durban Bay is one of the better natural harbours on the coastline offering some of the greatest underwater sights for a scuba holiday in South Africa.
Accommodation in Durban itself is conveniently concentrated along the beachfront or Golden Mile, close to the Durban central business district. Slick, high rise Durban hotels with sea views and swimming pools proliferate along this lively strip. Another area that’s close to the beachfront and CBD with more hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and affordable self-catering apartments and villas are the leafy suburbs of Berea and Morningside, well endowed with exceptional restaurants and shopping malls. It is highly advisable to book accommodation in advance during peak season (December and January) as a popular scuba holiday destination the accommodation near the dive centres is quickly booked up.
For a beginner’s scuba holiday Durban might not be the best destination, especially for a solo traveller, the annual Sardine migration is the pinnacle of diving in south Africa whereby divers follow the sardines on their journey along the coast whilst being poached by various underwater predators. Although snorkelers can take part in this experience to get the full benefit of the trip its worth becoming a competent scuba diver in advance. Solo travellers whom are already experienced divers however will lavish this experience under the water and the comraderie which comes hand in hand above the water.
Durban is in the middle of a vast sugar-growing area that was originally worked by indentured labourers from India, many of whom stayed, started businesses and built homes. Durban has the largest population of Indians outside of India. There is a vibrant Eastern feel to the city, a huge spice market, decorative mosques, fantastic temples and - best of all - great food. You'll find dozens of good curry restaurants and you just have to try a bunny chow while you're there. It's a half or quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with curry. Eaten with the hands in the street, it's an obligatory Durban experience.
There are lots to do in and around Durban City when your not under the water as part of your scuba holiday. Many people just park off on the beach, especially on the North Coast, or South Coast, both of which are within an hour's drive of the city, and there are loads of restaurants, some excellent theatre and music, and wild and funky nightlife.
Durban's cultural attractions are perhaps its most appealing diversions. There are Zulu cultural villages to visit, township tours and visits to mosques or the beautiful Temple of Understanding, which has an excellent, inexpensive vegetarian restaurant.
Another interesting spot to visit is Inanda, which was the birthplace of both the Shembe religion and Natal Native Congress, which later became the African National Congress. It was also where Mahatma Ghandi, who lived there at the same time these two other movements were starting, pioneered the concept of Satyagrah, or passive resistance. Truly, a little crucible of world history.
If i´m honest however the amount of time you will dedicate to above the water activities will be limited, you will be so absorbed by the quality of the diving that you will end up spending the majority of your scuba holiday on a boat or under the water.
To find out more about going on a scuba holiday to Durban, Lanzarote or South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (29/08/08)

That’s all for now on travelling to Durban for a scuba holiday

padi beginners Dahab

2008-09-08T12:48:00.003+01:00

Dahab is an up and coming destination for European Divers, offering a plethora of dive sites from wrecks to lava swim throughs. However for many people the thought of scuba diving is enough to frighten them out of their wits, Clunky clobber, open water, sharks — scuba-diving ticks all of these boxes. However at the same time the draw of the ocean is difficult to ignore, the thought of swimming with dolphins and fish of every colour can draw anyone into a world of mystery and wonder.
Many people learn whilst on holiday in the Maldives or the Great Barrier Reef however with the increase in cheaper flights to Europe Dahab is becoming a more common place for UK travellers to learn to dive. A television presenter for GMTV was one of these people, claiming to be hydro, claustro and sharkophobic she was happy to say “Thanks, but no thanks” when diving was offered to her however with some special persuasion whilst filming in The Red Sea two years ago she decided to give it a go.
Accosted by the hotel diving instructor she was shown “some the most extraordinary images” taken right in front of her hotel, “it was impossible not to be impressed. Seeing marine life in books and on television is fascinating. Seeing things that are swimming beneath the waves in front of your hotel beach somehow makes them more tangible”. She finally decided to enrol on a padi beginners course.
Before she could see these images in real life there were 3 obstacles she needed to overcome; the fear of open water; a mask and breathing through a tube, and of course, the sharks. The padi beginners course would help her achieve this whilst easing all beginners into the water at their own pace. She was adamant that however much logic told her that great whites do not live in the seas around Mauritius “what if one got blown off course from Cape Town?”. A Life coach, Pete Cohen helped the presenter get to the bottom of her phobias, he simply posed the question: “Were you born with a fear of large expanses of water, small spaces and big fish?” The answer, naturally enough, was no. “You learnt them,” he said. “Picked them up from society and now you simply play them out in your daily life, and scuba- diving brings all three crashing together. You can dive; you just have to unlearn your fears.”
In order to get out the fear of diving it’s most sensible to give snorkelling a go either as part of a padi beginners course or before you enrol, banishing all thoughts of sharks and any threatening ideology. It’s not nearly as scary as you might think, after this an attempt at breathing through full scuba apparatus in a pool would be recommended. There is a lot of gear that comes with scuba diving however learning as part of a padi beginners course you will learn in bite-size chunks in a safe environment.
You will discover that the tank really does supply air evenly just like breathing on land and that the mouthpiece is actually rather comfortable, equally you will learn what to do if your mask becomes dislodged and fills up with water. The instructor of the padi beginners course will always be around to give you guidance and explain how everything works.
Once you have got over those issues as part of your padi beginners course you will then be ready to attempt either an open water dive of a dive within a local lagoon for example if you have a house reef which is particularly common in Egypt. Once you reach the dive site if on boat its likely you will be required to roll back off the boat, this is nowhere near as scary as you might think, once splashing in the water the marine world will become available to you. The first underwater experience in open water is likely to be a memory you will never forget.
Once under the water with the rest of the members of your padi beginners course you will notice the lack of sharks and hungry beasts coming to get you, but you will notice the mesmerizing multi-coloured fish swimming happily past you as if you’re not even there looking more extraordinary than any of Versace’s wilder designs. It is impossible not to be bowled over by the 360degree beauty around you, the intricate coral, the soaring rock structures, the unbelievable eels being cleaned by little prawns, and simply the utter peace of being there, hearing your own rhythmic breathing. The constant concentration on breathing and visual stimulation creates an environment that’s difficult to compete with, highlighting why scuba is so often compared to yoga.
When it gets to the time to ascent, you won’t want to leave – the experience is the most relaxing thing you will ever do and your first thought will be “When can I do it again?”
Dahab is a magical destination with the wonder of the red sea on its door step, offering a more romantic version of Egypt than the likes of Sharm it is perfect for travellers looking to relax and step out of the modern world.
To find out more about how you can take part in a padi beginners course across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (22/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the padi beginners course

lanzarote diving

2008-09-08T12:48:00.001+01:00

Lanzarote, unbeknown to some is one of the best diving destinations in Europe, lanzarote diving can offer you a wealth of experiences irrelevant of your diving qualifications. Although closer in proximity to Africa than mainland Spain this Spanish island offers everything from wrecks to volcanic swimthroughs. No longer the lanzagrotty which it has often been referred to in the past this destination has become one of the most attractive amongst the canary islands, offering undisturbed volcanic landscapes speckled with white buildings and some of the most prolific diving experiences available within 5 hours of the UK.
Puerto del Carmen for lanzarote diving offers a plethora of experiences, many of the dive schools dive here frequently to seek out the somewhat mythical seahorses visible beneath the waters surface. Many of the divers visiting Lanzarote come out to complete their PADI Open Water course or their advanced course in anticipation for further dives in the UK or as a preliminary destination before larger destinations such as the Red Sea or the Great Barrier Reef.
The setting for lanzarote diving is pristine, year-round sunshine and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere, the island being predominantly populated by watersports lovers, everything from windsurfing to diving. The volcanic landscape, historically used by NASA to test their moon buggies brings the years first grape harvest in mid august, starting the rest of the European countries wine seasons.
Recently the island has been propelled into the spotlight as a result of Hollywood film sets utilizing the landscape to create stories of jail breaks as part of the story of Henri "Papillon" Charrière, who was condemned to life on Devil's Island, off French Guiana, for a crime he did not commit and staged countless failed escape attempts before finally making it to freedom. Similarly Penelope Cruz spent time here in June 2008 filming a film relating to the islands premier artists, César Manrique. Manrique being the reason the island has held its authenticity through the denial of high rise buildings and ensuring each building keeps to the white and green/blue colour scheme. The blue water and sky offer a clarity against the white buildings which is rarely achieved in holiday destinations, lanzarote diving allows you to see not only the bold colours above the water but those beneath also.
lanzarote diving in my opinion should be the premier reasoning for visiting the island, the plethora of marine life available is magical, the year-round climate ensures that the lanzarote diving is always pleasurable whether it’s a last minute booking in February or the summer holiday you’ve been dreaming of all year long.
To find out more about how you can take part in lanzarote diving or other destinations such as The Red Sea and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (23/08/08)
That’s all for now on lanzarote diving

Active Diving – Travelling Solo in Lanzarote

2008-09-08T12:47:00.003+01:00

Lanzarote, located off the west coast of Africa is one of the most popular islands for tourism in the Canaries, a popular destination for both on the water and under the water sports seekers. As a solo traveller you should hold no fear about exploring this wonderful island. Lanzarote is a warm destination in both temperature and atmosphere; the people are welcoming and proud of their volcanic island, with its biosphere status boosting its image further. The diving on the island is some of the best in Europe; Active Diving can offer insight into some of the islands history and underwater legend.
Lanzarote is the perfect destination for solo travellers, Active Diving ensure that there is a strong community vibe upon arrival right through to departure. We have the Active Centre located on Las Cucharas beach which acts as a meeting point for divers as well as a core place to share stories, drink a beer and watch the world go by after a hard day under the water.
As a solo traveller, Costa Teguise, where Active Diving is based, is the perfect area of Lanzarote to stay. Costa Teguise offers a lot less hustle and bustle compared to the main resort Puerto del Carmen, allowing you to get absorbed in the relatively small community and get to know the other divers.
The accommodation available across Costa Teguise when travelling with Active Diving is all of a similar standard; some apartments are located in central Costa whereas others are a 15 minute walk to the centre of the area. No matter where you stay however you’re no more than a 15 minute walk or €3 taxi ride from good restaurants and bars. High quality accommodation is available however most travellers looking to dive are uninterested in their accommodation as most of their time is spent at the dive school or under the water.
Extra activities on offer on top of diving include Windsurfing (The windsurfing world championships are held every year in Costa Teguise during July), Surfing, Mountain biking, Trekking and Kitesurfing. During your time in Lanzarote with Active Diving you will most likely meet other guests taking part in some of these activities and they will share their experiences from throughout their holiday. Lanzarote is a real adventure destination where you will meet like minded individuals looking for adventure whilst sampling new sports and experiences from learning to Scuba Dive to achieving their divemaster, the options are endless.
Its becoming increasingly popular for visitors to learn to speak Spanish whilst on the island, Active Diving offer a crash course in Spanish around your diving so that you can competently order food, give directions and start basic conversations in Spanish during your time on the island.
All in all Lanzarote is a perfectly safe and welcome place for solo travellers, offering a holiday destination for some of the best diving in Europe whilst discovering a new landscape and commonly making long term friends through the Active Diving community here on the island.
To find out more about travelling solo with Active Diving in Lanzarote, The Red Sea or South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (29/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the travelling solo with Active Diving

dive trips red sea

2008-09-08T12:47:00.001+01:00

If you get the chance to be involved in one of the many dive trips across the red sea you will witness some of the most colourful and exuberant experiences that you will ever encounter in your life. Whether diving or snorkelling any time spent in the water will be priceless, you owe it to yourself to discover the underwater world. The pristine shining waters provide ideal conditions for underwater visibility that buoy the red sea’s reputation for offering unforgettable experiences beneath the surface.

Snorkelling is easily accessible and popular amongst dive trips, for those who are nervous in the water or not quite ready to begin scuba diving its perfect, with some of the most diverse marine life in the world easily visible from the waters surface. Out of 1100 species of fish catalogued around the world around about 10% are located in the Red Sea alone, perfect for your first of many dive trips. This is a result of the fringing reefs which are extended along the coastline, ageing up to 7000 years old. These reefs provide shelter for the marine life and approximately 44 different species of shark. The marine life found across the red sea is exquisite and not remotely threatening if you have any concerns for potential dive trips, the creatures are often curious about your presence but offer no threat.

While you might not think of it right away, snorkelling is an ideal sport for children and you can introduce them to some of the most beautiful sites on the planet, commonly the first snorkelling or diving holiday becomes one of many dive trips yearly, it’s an addictive activity. As long as your child is comfortable in the water, you can get them some experience with the snorkel and away you go!

There are plenty of snorkelling services available, many offering shore snorkelling or dive trips from a boat, these allow you to snorkel whilst the divers go deeper under the water. Equally dive centres are present on every corner if you decide to go further than snorkelling however if you wish to book before you leave try Active Diving (087 123 11 122, http://www.activediving.co.uk), they can arrange snorkelling and diving taking care of all the small details before you begin travelling. If you don't have your own equipment, it can certainly be rented.

One of the best things about snorkelling in the Red Sea is the chance to see a living ecosystem in action, the destinations for dive trips across Egypt are endless, whatever your needs Egypt can fulfil it. Right in front of your eyes, you'll see schools of fish interact, identify solitary fish and watch them dart around each other in the coral reefs. Keep an eye out for the symbiotic relationship of the clown fish and the sea anemone. As the clown fish glide easily between the poisonous tentacles of the sea anemones, watch as the colourful stingers float in the water.
Snorkelling involves viewing the beautiful sea life involving the colourful fishes and water creatures and also the wild corals beneath the surface either from the shore or as part of one of the dive trips on offer. Come and be a part of this amazing activity in Marsa Alam, once you’ve tried snorkelling you eyes will be open to a whole new world.
To find out more about how you can take part in one of our dive trips across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (23/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the dive trips

padi beginners course Lanzarote

2008-09-08T12:46:00.004+01:00

Lanzarote is a key destination for European Divers, offering a plethora of dive sites from wrecks to lava swim throughs. However for many people the thought of scuba diving is enough to frighten them out of their wits, Clunky clobber, open water, sharks — scuba-diving ticks all of these boxes. However at the same time the draw of the ocean is difficult to ignore, the thought of swimming with dolphins and fish of every colour can draw anyone into a world of mystery and wonder. The padi beginners course
Many people learn whilst on holiday in the Maldives or the Great Barrier Reef however with the increase in cheaper flights to Europe Lanzarote is becoming a more common place for UK travellers to learn to dive. A television presenter for GMTV was one of these people, claiming to be hydro, claustro and sharkophobic she was happy to say “Thanks, but no thanks” when diving was offered to her however with some special persuasion whilst filming in Lanzarote two years ago she gave it a go.
Accosted by the hotel diving instructor she was shown “some the most extraordinary images” taken right in front of her hotel, “it was impossible not to be impressed. Seeing marine life in books and on television is fascinating. Seeing things that are swimming beneath the waves in front of your hotel beach somehow makes them more tangible”. She finally decided to enrol on a padi beginners course.
Before she could see these images in real life there were 3 obstacles she needed to overcome; the fear of open water; a mask and breathing through a tube, and of course, the sharks. The padi beginners course would help her achieve this whilst easing all beginners into the water at their own pace. She was adamant that however much logic told her that great whites do not live in the seas around Mauritius “what if one got blown off course from Cape Town?”. A Life coach, Pete Cohen helped the presenter get to the bottom of her phobias, he simply posed the question: “Were you born with a fear of large expanses of water, small spaces and big fish?” The answer, naturally enough, was no. “You learnt them,” he said. “Picked them up from society and now you simply play them out in your daily life, and scuba- diving brings all three crashing together. You can dive; you just have to unlearn your fears.”
In order to get out the fear of diving it’s most sensible to give snorkelling a go either as part of a padi beginners course or before you enrol, banishing all thoughts of sharks and any threatening ideology. It’s not nearly as scary as you might think, after this an attempt at breathing through full scuba apparatus in a pool would be recommended. There is a lot of gear that comes with scuba diving however learning as part of a padi beginners course you will learn in bite-size chunks in a safe environment.
You will discover that the tank really does supply air evenly just like breathing on land and that the mouthpiece is actually rather comfortable, equally you will learn what to do if your mask becomes dislodged and fills up with water. The instructor of the padi beginners course will always be around to give you guidance and explain how everything works.
Once you have got over those issues as part of your padi beginners course you will then be ready to attempt either an open water dive of a dive within a local lagoon for example if you have a house reef which is particularly common in Egypt. Once you reach the dive site if on boat its likely you will be required to roll back off the boat, this is nowhere near as scary as you might think, once splashing in the water the marine world will become available to you. The first underwater experience in open water is likely to be a memory you will never forget.
Once under the water with the rest of the members of your padi beginners course you will notice the lack of sharks and hungry beasts coming to get you, but you will notice the mesmerizing multi-coloured fish swimming happily past you as if you’re not even there looking more extraordinary than any of Versace’s wilder designs. It is impossible not to be bowled over by the 360degree beauty around you, the intricate coral, the soaring rock structures, the unbelievable eels being cleaned by little prawns, and simply the utter peace of being there, hearing your own rhythmic breathing. The constant concentration on breathing and visual stimulation creates an environment that’s difficult to compete with, highlighting why scuba is so often compared to yoga.
When it gets to the time to ascent, you won’t want to leave – the experience is the most relaxing thing you will ever do and your first thought will be “When can I do it again?”
2 years on the woman once petrified of the ocean and the things in it is a regular visitor to worldwide dive sites, spending Christmas and the summer somewhere different although because of the short flight time from the UK Lanzarote is the most frequented with uncrowded dive sites and a relaxed atmosphere.
To find out more about how you can take part in a padi beginners course across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (22/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the padi beginners course

diving in dahab solo

2008-09-08T12:46:00.003+01:00

When diving in dahab you really are spoilt for choice in relation to the sites on offer, whether travelling solo or within a group you can choose to take part in extra activities in the evening such as going for dinner with other divers or you can choose to relax with your own company. Either way you will never be without a choice, the price of the destination is on par with the rest of the Red sea however dahab offers a slightly different experience to that of Sharm el Sheikh and Marsa Alam, for example.

Dahab is a large contrast to Sharm el Sheikh for both when diving in dahab and when experiencing the area out of the water. Previously a Bedouin fishing village approximately 80km northeast of sharm it is now referred to as perhaps one of the Sinais most treasured diving destinations, when the area is held this high in regard across the Red Sea you know whoever you’re with in the area your going to be experiencing some of the best diving in the world.

As a result of the growth in adventure holidays, travelling scuba divers have helped enrich the area both financially and by diversifying the visitors occupying the area. When travelling to go diving in dahab the closest airport is Sharm el Sheikh.

Other sports to try whilst diving in dahab include windsurfing, reliable winds provide superb flat-water conditions inside Dahab's sand spit. There is also an area behind the spit known to windsurfers as 'Speedy' which has more flat water and strong uninterrupted winds, making it a perfect area for windsurfing at speed. A very small bay within 'Speedy', known as 'Baby Bay', is used for freestyle windsurfing (doing tricks). To the east, wavy conditions couple with strong winds to provide formidable conditions for keen windsurfers.

When you’re snorkelling or diving in dahab many of the reefs are immediately adjacent to the waterfront hotels, whilst the Blue Hole and Canyon are a short boat ride away. Whether you’re an experience diver or a novice, getting in the water from Dahab will be an experience you will never forget. Perfect conditions for both beginners and advanced divers the sites and things to see beneath the water are endless.

Most visitors to Dahab have been backpackers travelling independently and staying in hostels in the Masbet area. In recent years, development of hotels in the Medina area has facilitated the arrival of a wider range of tourists, many of whom visit for the diving in dahab.

Richard Green from the Sunday Times describes Dahab as having “a delightful ability to lure you into a terrifically enjoyable torpor”, diving in dahab is that primary lure followed by the genuine Bedouin culture and wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.

When your not diving in dahab there is some stunning scenery to be seen, such as the colour of the canyon, with dramatic rock formations and St Katherine’s monastery, a stunningly located site that has been attracting pilgrims since the 4th century, and the 7,500ft Mt Sinai.

When diving in dahab you will have no problems whatsoever meeting people, all the dives in Dahab are guided by a divemaster (government regulation) so if there is no suitable buddy for your diving you can buddy up with the divemaster. It’s a very easy place to meet people either whilst diving or exploring.

To find out more about travelling solo and diving in dahab, 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 how you the travelling solo and diving in dahab

dive schools abroad

2008-09-08T12:46:00.001+01:00

Have you thought about learning to scuba dive, but just were not sure? Now is your chance. There's no time like the present. There are dive schools abroad that can take you from a complete novice to a confident underwater diver in under a week. Who can become a diver? What does it take to get certified? Why learn to dive? Hopefully, we can answer some of these questions and gently persuade you to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

Scuba diving is a complex sport and cannot be fully understood in one lesson but through a school in the UK or one of the many dive schools abroad you can learn the basics and what is required to become a competent and safe underwater diver. Before taking your first scuba class, you should have a firm comprehension of the five Ws (who, what, where, when, and why) of scuba diving.

Who
Just about anyone can become a diver. Scuba diving is an equal opportunity sport open to men, women and children of any race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status. However, there are a few limitations on age and health for safety purposes. Anyone 15 years old or older can become an Open Water Diver. Children between the ages of 10 and 15 can receive a Junior Open Water Diver certification. Check with the dive schools abroad before you book to ensure they offer the course your looking for and can cater for your build or age.

What
What is Scuba Diving? Most people have seen James Bond or a documentary on television of divers scouring the ocean amongst a plethora of multi coloured fish and bright living coral, this isn’t just for the movies. The images created in these shots are quite real; in the UK the dive sites are less colourful than say in The Red Sea where the marine life is some of the most prolific in the world. It is becoming increasingly common for people to enrol with dive schools abroad whereby they can learn in pleasant water conditions often at a fraction of the cost of diving in the UK.

Where
Dive schools can be found everywhere from the Scottish coasts to some of the more well known destinations such as Egypt, dive schools abroad are generally found near the coastline of your chosen destination however there are some specific tour operators offering the opportunity to book your diving before you leave the UK. Active Diving (087 123 11 122, http://www.activediving.co.uk) can arrange accommodation, flights and your diving either courses or guided dives in exotic destinations such as Mozambique, The Red Sea and Lanzarote ensuring you will come into contact with some of the most spectacular marine sights in the world including the Thistlegorm, Manta Rays and Whale sharks as part of their guaranteed programmes.

When
Anytime of year, many destinations have particular times of year when their visibility is better however this is specific to each destination. The best thing is to do research online before you decide when to travel and which destination you’re going to visit, equally ask the specialists such as those from Active Diving who understand the real time conditions of each destination or with one of the dive schools abroad in the destination you’re considering.

Why
WHY NOT!?!? Diving is a sport that can absorb you; the insight into a completely new world is one of the most exiting experience you will ever encounter and sure to buoy your interest in diving for the rest of your life. Scuba divers do more than check out the fish. Depending on your interests, you can specialize in a skill for your own pleasure or make diving a career option. However recreational divers make up the most popular category and the underwater world becomes a fascination. Because of the amount of dive schools abroad this will ensure the underwater world is literally your oyster.

To find out more about dive schools abroad in The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Dean Thomas (25/08/08)

That’s all for now on dive schools abroad

Red Sea diving

2008-09-08T12:45:00.002+01:00

Red Sea diving was recently voted as one of the most desired places to get lost in the world by readers of the Dive magazine. Red Sea diving offers such a magnitude of marine life below the surface that this doesn’t shock me in the slightest. Out of the 1100 species of fish catalogued around the world around about 10% are located in the Red Sea alone!

Who can fault them since Red Sea diving has so much to offer below the surface! Its waters are warm whilst showcasing more marine life than Disney’s Finding Nemo! The water is crystal clear ensuring each of the tropical corals and ancient shipwrecks and ruins are accessible all year. The visibility is spectacular - up to eight feet in each direction - with every detail an unforgettable sight.

The wildlife circles as you travel by walls of coral that can go up to 300 feet deep or more, with fish-butterfly, cardenais-parrot fish amongst a backdrop similar to that of the end of the rainbow. Barracuda and small reef sharks and hammers also are seen frequently. It is not for nothing that Red Sea diving was Jacques Cousteau´s favourite destination!
The variety of marine life is incredible when sampling Red Sea diving, and each of the hundreds of dive sites offer a unique experience. It is not difficult to understand because many divers choose to fly to your favourite of the Red Sea Resort and board a boat for diving, to live the apex of the year. For the very best of Red Sea diving, Sharm el Sheikh is tipped as the world's best diving resort by many experts.

Comparison website Cheapflights.co.uk says that the Egyptian holiday hot spot is popular with divers for its "exquisite variety of coral" and the chance to see a wide range of other marine life. Other flight websites such as skyscanner.co.uk and travelsupermarket.co.uk can seek the cheapest flights from your local airport searching each of the airlines booking systems to achieve the lowest price possible. Activediving.co.uk can provide you with accommodation and diving, whilst they can also find the lowest price flights for the dates you require.

Cheapflights.co.uk are advocates of Red Sea diving however they are also aware of the other offerings across Egypt out of the water, ensuring that the destination has something to offer everyone "Sharm El Sheikh is famed not only for its white sandy beaches and rich nautical life, but also for its lively culture and bustling nightlife," says the comparison website. So whether as a traveller you’re looking for all day diving and quiet night or bustling local experience, Egypt can cater for all your needs.

Egypt is described by the Lonely Planet travel guide as a nation that has a "glorious" scope of attractions for holidaymakers to enjoy.

To find out more about how you can take part in Red Sea diving or dive sites across other destinations such as Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (25/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the Red Sea diving

diving sharm el sheikh

2008-09-08T12:45:00.001+01:00

For diving sharm el sheikh is the richest most effervescent destination in Africa, offering both luxuries of the modern world whilst seamlessly mixing with traditional Egyptian culture. Naturally when in the red sea diving is compulsory. For diving sharm el sheikh has always been known as one of the most coloured seas of the world. The geological movements of the past have created a unique condition that permitted marine life to grow in a fantastic variety of corals and reef fishes resulting in the widest possible range of colours.

The diving sharm el sheikh offers is spectacular offering everything from house reefs to the Thislegorm within a few hours by boat. The coral reefs and the tropical fish in and around diving sharm el sheikh are among the greatest you can see in the world, especially in Na'ama bay. Na'ama Bay boosts of great hotels, good restaurants and almost all activities imaginable. There are reefs off the beach at Na'ama, but the best places for going snorkelling are the Gardens (Near, Middle and Far) slightly east of Na'ama centre.

When diving sharm el sheikh the White Lagoon is a must, only accessible by boat from Sharm el Sheikh, and is one of the main attractions for everyone next to the Tiran Islands. They belong to an archipelago that has status as protected area, and may not be visited in the future. For divers, the choice goes much further. There are many shipwrecks out here, which means not only rich fish life but also underwater adventures. The Jackson Reef is another great attraction, with its 70 metre drop-off which must be visited when diving sharm el sheikh.
The Red Sea was formed about 25 million years ago when the African and Asian continental plates started to move apart. It continues to widen at a rate of about 1-2 cm per year. Containing more than 1,000 species of fish and has over 2,000 kilometres of fringing reef, making it one of the most bio-diverse seas in the world. Extreme heat in this region results in a very rapid rate of evaporation which results in a high concentration of salt. This makes the Red Sea among the saltiest bodies of water on Earth.

If your going to be diving sharm el sheikh then food is obviously going to be essential when your out of the water, Naama Bay has a plethora of restaurants which are priced at a fraction of the hotels, but are a better choice for dinner. The Marriott has a great outdoor pizza restaurant, Parmizzano's, which is good for lunch or dinner. For a late lunch and a good happy hour pad over to the Hilton, located five minutes walk from the Marriott.

At night after your days diving sharm el sheikh, downtown Naama Bay is a buzz of activity, with tourists crowding into row upon row of restaurants and bars. The Camel Bar is a favourite with the Brits, and its rooftop turns into a lively club at the weekend. The Alf Leila Wa Leila, located a few kilometres from Naama Bay, holds the best shows in Sharm, despite the fact that its prized performer is a male belly dancer named Tito. For late night partying, head to the Hard Rock Café but not too late unless you want to forfeit your day ahead diving sharm el sheikh.

For a town whose tourism market has barely reached adolescence, Sharm has a mature, western approach to tourism, which recognises that service sells. The quality of the service offered when diving sharm el sheikh is second to non, each experience is personal and genuine. Old Sharm is worth seeing once, but it is still in the early development stage, and the vendors are far more aggressive than in Naama Bay.

The best time to go try diving sharm el sheikh is in spring and autumn though it can get a little cool at night. During the summer months July and August it is very hot, but there is less wind than during the winter months. However, according to experiences, the view under water is best in summer and fall. There is almost always a light or even strong wind coming from North. Easyjet are currently offering some of the best flights for early 2009, London Gatwick to Sharm starting from 145GBP.

To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit Active Diving (http://www.activediving.co.uk/diving_destinations_sharm_el_sheikh.html) and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (14/08/08)

That’s all for now on diving sharm el sheikh

PADI advanced course

2008-09-08T12:44:00.000+01:00

Marsa Alam, situated on the south of Egypt’s east coast offering the perfect destination for divers to complete their PADI advanced course. The dive sites are located close by for all levels of divers, from beginner’s right up to the deepest technical diver. The sites are uncrowded in comparison to other dive areas such the Great Barrier reef. Equally all of the sites offer great snorkelling possibilities too for those whom are too young to dive or would rather stay close to the surface. Perhaps one of the most magnetic possibilities for scuba diving in Marsa Alam is the possibility of getting up close to one of the most magnificent creatures in the ocean, The Whale Shark.
Found regularly in the red sea and off the coast of South Africa those travelling to complete their PADI advanced course will be most likely to come into contact with one of these amazing creatures. The whale sharks are gentle and often stay around divers for an extended period, showing more interest then fear by our presence.
The "Small Bay of the Market" (Marsa Shouni Soraya) has a distinctive shape offering a variety of dive sites ideal for new and experienced divers alike. There is also a sheltered lagoon where baby eagle rays have been regularly spotted. The signature table corals harbour a massive array of life and its reefs are teeming with shrimps, scorpion fishes and barracuda. The bay has a resident hawksbill turtle and dolphins are regular visitors, Whale sharks are sometimes spotted just outside the bay also.
The PADI advanced course will teach you to navigate during the night and whilst deep diving, you will also have the opportunity to choose from a boat dive, drift dive, dry suit dive, multilevel dive, search and recover dive, underwater naturalist dive, underwater photography dive, wreck diving or an altitude dive as part of your elective training dives.
The PADI advanced course in Marsa Alam is an experience that every diver should go through, the conditions are perfect throughout the year. Sometime around April to May the visibility is greatly reduced due to Plankton Bloom, but if you want to encounter whale sharks you must visit Marsa Alam by the beginning of summer and end of spring. Renowned for its diverse marine life and incredible coral reefs, Marsa Alam is a ruby by the Red Sea. I recently travelled to Marsa as a last minute deal with http://.www.activediving.co.uk I was torn as to whether to visit Dahab or Marsa Alam, for my wanting to see Whale Sharks, Marsa was highly recommended and they didn’t disappoint.
One of the best dives I did in Marsa Alam just after I had completed my PADI advanced course was when four massive whale sharks chased a huge bait ball that stretched from 5 metres depth down to 22 metres. Young fish, when threatened, can sometimes be corralled by predators into a tight swirling ball that is forced to the surface in order to permit easy pickings - Large bait balls can turn the sea black. There are many who will swear that the 30th July 2008 saw the best days diving that they have ever experienced. Whale sharks can grow up to 12 metres in length, these were between 5 and 8 metres.
It is assumed that this years exceptionally prolific plankton bloom in the northern Red Sea has brought whale sharks to the area in much larger numbers than in living memory. On the same day whale sharks were also seen just off the beach in Taba - at the northern extremity of the Red Sea. There have also been many more sightings of plankton-eating manta rays than in previous years. These sightings have mainly been on the local sites rather than those further away in Tiran or Ras Mohammed.
Natalie from Red Sea Diving College said "it was an amazing underwater event, with tuna darting into the bait ball... the whale sharks were all around us and at one point I was in the vortex of the bait ball with millions of fish around me - it was as if the heavens had darkened."
Throughout the year the average temperature remains in its thirties and forties. While the hottest month is August, the coolest month is January with temperature dipping during the night. Generally windy, Marsa Alam witnesses a rough sea during November and the waves at times might be large. Featuring prominently in the tourist map of the world, Marsa Alam is fast becoming a hot spot for all tourists and divers alike looking to complete their PADI advanced course or begin diving altogether.
There are plenty of excellent diving sites and some thrilling drop offs once you have completed your PADI advanced course. Some of the most popular dive sites from Marsa Alam include:
- Samadai: This is a crescent shaped offshore reef that is also known as the Dolphin House because you can find plenty of dolphins in the sheltered waters of the lagoon. Seeing the feats of the spinner dolphins can be quite exciting!
- Abu Dabab: If Samadai is the place to see dolphins, then Abu Dabab is famous for the dugongs. It's really a pleasure to watch these dugongs playing around.
- Elphinstone Reef: This site may be a bit dangerous for the inexperienced swimmers. The currents are strong enough and for those who are seeking for some real adventure this would be the - red sea dream dive!
To find out more about completing your PADI advanced course in Dahab, Lanzarote or South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (06/09/08)

That’s all for now on completing your PADI advanced course

padi beginners Dahab

2008-08-31T18:49:00.004+01:00

Dahab is an up and coming destination for European Divers, offering a plethora of dive sites from wrecks to lava swim throughs. However for many people the thought of scuba diving is enough to frighten them out of their wits, Clunky clobber, open water, sharks — scuba-diving ticks all of these boxes. However at the same time the draw of the ocean is difficult to ignore, the thought of swimming with dolphins and fish of every colour can draw anyone into a world of mystery and wonder.

Many people learn whilst on holiday in the Maldives or the Great Barrier Reef however with the increase in cheaper flights to Europe Dahab is becoming a more common place for UK travellers to learn to dive. A television presenter for GMTV was one of these people, claiming to be hydro, claustro and sharkophobic she was happy to say “Thanks, but no thanks” when diving was offered to her however with some special persuasion whilst filming in The Red Sea two years ago she decided to give it a go.
Accosted by the hotel diving instructor she was shown “some the most extraordinary images” taken right in front of her hotel, “it was impossible not to be impressed. Seeing marine life in books and on television is fascinating. Seeing things that are swimming beneath the waves in front of your hotel beach somehow makes them more tangible”. She finally decided to enrol on a padi beginners course.
Before she could see these images in real life there were 3 obstacles she needed to overcome; the fear of open water; a mask and breathing through a tube, and of course, the sharks. The padi beginners course would help her achieve this whilst easing all beginners into the water at their own pace. She was adamant that however much logic told her that great whites do not live in the seas around Mauritius “what if one got blown off course from Cape Town?”. A Life coach, Pete Cohen helped the presenter get to the bottom of her phobias, he simply posed the question: “Were you born with a fear of large expanses of water, small spaces and big fish?” The answer, naturally enough, was no. “You learnt them,” he said. “Picked them up from society and now you simply play them out in your daily life, and scuba- diving brings all three crashing together. You can dive; you just have to unlearn your fears.”
In order to get out the fear of diving it’s most sensible to give snorkelling a go either as part of a padi beginners course or before you enrol, banishing all thoughts of sharks and any threatening ideology. It’s not nearly as scary as you might think, after this an attempt at breathing through full scuba apparatus in a pool would be recommended. There is a lot of gear that comes with scuba diving however learning as part of a padi beginners course you will learn in bite-size chunks in a safe environment.
You will discover that the tank really does supply air evenly just like breathing on land and that the mouthpiece is actually rather comfortable, equally you will learn what to do if your mask becomes dislodged and fills up with water. The instructor of the padi beginners course will always be around to give you guidance and explain how everything works.
Once you have got over those issues as part of your padi beginners course you will then be ready to attempt either an open water dive of a dive within a local lagoon for example if you have a house reef which is particularly common in Egypt. Once you reach the dive site if on boat its likely you will be required to roll back off the boat, this is nowhere near as scary as you might think, once splashing in the water the marine world will become available to you. The first underwater experience in open water is likely to be a memory you will never forget.
Once under the water with the rest of the members of your padi beginners course you will notice the lack of sharks and hungry beasts coming to get you, but you will notice the mesmerizing multi-coloured fish swimming happily past you as if you’re not even there looking more extraordinary than any of Versace’s wilder designs. It is impossible not to be bowled over by the 360degree beauty around you, the intricate coral, the soaring rock structures, the unbelievable eels being cleaned by little prawns, and simply the utter peace of being there, hearing your own rhythmic breathing. The constant concentration on breathing and visual stimulation creates an environment that’s difficult to compete with, highlighting why scuba is so often compared to yoga.
When it gets to the time to ascent, you won’t want to leave – the experience is the most relaxing thing you will ever do and your first thought will be “When can I do it again?”
Dahab is a magical destination with the wonder of the red sea on its door step, offering a more romantic version of Egypt than the likes of Sharm it is perfect for travellers looking to relax and step out of the modern world.
To find out more about how you can take part in a padi beginners course across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (22/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the padi beginners course

padi beginners course Lanzarote

2008-08-31T18:49:00.003+01:00

padi beginners course Sharm

2008-08-31T18:49:00.001+01:00

Sharm is considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, competing with the great barrier reef. The marine life on offer is endless and accessible across the coast however for many people the thought of scuba diving is enough to frighten them out of their wits, Clunky clobber, open water, sharks — scuba-diving ticks all of these boxes. However at the same time the draw of the ocean is difficult to ignore, the thought of swimming with dolphins and fish of every colour can draw anyone into a world of mystery and wonder. The padi beginners course
Many people learn whilst on holiday in the Maldives or the Great Barrier Reef however with the increase in cheaper flights to Europe Sharm el Sheikh is increasingly replacing beach holidays for UK travellers to learn to dive. A television presenter for GMTV was one of these people, claiming to be hydro, claustro and sharkophobic she was happy to say “Thanks, but no thanks” when diving was offered to her however with some special persuasion whilst filming in Sharm two years ago she decided to give it a go.
Accosted by the hotel diving instructor she was shown “some the most extraordinary images” taken right in front of her hotel, “it was impossible not to be impressed. Seeing marine life in books and on television is fascinating. Seeing things that are swimming beneath the waves in front of your hotel beach somehow makes them more tangible”. She finally decided to enrol on a padi beginners course.
Before she could see these images in real life there were 3 obstacles she needed to overcome; the fear of open water; a mask and breathing through a tube, and of course, the sharks. The padi beginners course would help her achieve this whilst easing all beginners into the water at their own pace. She was adamant that however much logic told her that great whites do not live in the seas around Mauritius “what if one got blown off course from Cape Town?”. A Life coach, Pete Cohen helped the presenter get to the bottom of her phobias, he simply posed the question: “Were you born with a fear of large expanses of water, small spaces and big fish?” The answer, naturally enough, was no. “You learnt them,” he said. “Picked them up from society and now you simply play them out in your daily life, and scuba- diving brings all three crashing together. You can dive; you just have to unlearn your fears.”
In order to get out the fear of diving it’s most sensible to give snorkelling a go either as part of a padi beginners course or before you enrol, banishing all thoughts of sharks and any threatening ideology. It’s not nearly as scary as you might think, after this an attempt at breathing through full scuba apparatus in a pool would be recommended. There is a lot of gear that comes with scuba diving however learning as part of a padi beginners course you will learn in bite-size chunks in a safe environment.
You will discover that the tank really does supply air evenly just like breathing on land and that the mouthpiece is actually rather comfortable, equally you will learn what to do if your mask becomes dislodged and fills up with water. The instructor of the padi beginners course will always be around to give you guidance and explain how everything works.
Once you have got over those issues as part of your padi beginners course you will then be ready to attempt either an open water dive of a dive within a local lagoon for example if you have a house reef which is particularly common in Egypt. Once you reach the dive site if on boat its likely you will be required to roll back off the boat, this is nowhere near as scary as you might think, once splashing in the water the marine world will become available to you. The first underwater experience in open water is likely to be a memory you will never forget.
Once under the water with the rest of the members of your padi beginners course you will notice the lack of sharks and hungry beasts coming to get you, but you will notice the mesmerizing multi-coloured fish swimming happily past you as if you’re not even there looking more extraordinary than any of Versace’s wilder designs. It is impossible not to be bowled over by the 360degree beauty around you, the intricate coral, the soaring rock structures, the unbelievable eels being cleaned by little prawns, and simply the utter peace of being there, hearing your own rhythmic breathing. The constant concentration on breathing and visual stimulation creates an environment that’s difficult to compete with, highlighting why scuba is so often compared to yoga.
When it gets to the time to ascent, you won’t want to leave – the experience is the most relaxing thing you will ever do and your first thought will be “When can I do it again?”
Learning to dive in Sharm is perfect for those whom are nervous or keen to see all sorts of marine life from the initial submersion. To find out more about how you can take part in a padi beginners course across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (22/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the padi beginners course

Scuba holidays in Marsa Alam

2008-08-31T18:48:00.006+01:00

diving in dahab solo

2008-08-31T18:48:00.005+01:00

Diving in Egypt solo

2008-08-31T18:48:00.003+01:00

scuba holiday - Durban

2008-08-31T18:48:00.001+01:00

dive schools abroad

2008-08-31T18:47:00.001+01:00

Red Sea diving

2008-08-31T18:46:00.004+01:00

lanzarote diving

2008-08-31T18:46:00.003+01:00

diving sharm el sheikh

2008-08-31T18:46:00.001+01:00

Active Diving – Travelling Solo in Sharm el Sheikh

2008-08-31T18:45:00.002+01:00

Regarded as the centre of Egypt, the outstanding diving destination of Sharm el sheikh on the Red sea offers spectacular underwater views and marine life. Sharm el Sheikh has fetched an unsurpassed reputation for diving across the because of its calm, emerald green waters and plethora of marine life in residence. Active Diving offer holidays across the red sea, Sharm el Sheikh offering something for everyone, especially solo travellers.
Whilst travelling through Egypt there are countless ways of meeting fellow travellers, Active Diving brings each of their divers together to ensure a community is created, including each diver whether beginner or experienced. Accommodation in Egypt is often the core area to meet other travellers, especially the popular mentioned in the guide books. Many of the independent travellers are in pairs or on their own and it's perfectly acceptable to join them without any ill feeling.
The red sea boasts some of the best diving in the world, Active Diving and their team can guide you through this vibrant and varied underwater life throughout. The first port of call for Sharm el Sheikh diving is Na'ama Beach, Shark's Bay, Sharm El- Moya, Ras um Sid, and the Terrazina Beach. The Tiran Island is an excellent scuba diving spot at Sharm el Sheikh. Don't be disappointed if you are not a professional diver, there are many tour operators in the UK whom can arrange courses for when you arrive (Active Diving: http://www.activediving.co.uk).

Exploring the spectacular reefs of Ras Nourani under the guidance of expert divers leaves an indelible impression on the minds of the visitors ensuring Sharm el Sheikh diving is a memorable experience for all. Sharm el Sheikh diving is unsurpassed in Egypt and renowned for diving across the globe. The red sea had been a source of wonder and mystery throughout the world for various reasons; however it is now a particularly interesting site because of the plethora of marine treasures hidden beneath its emerald waters. Active Diving are established in Sharm el Sheikh, with some of the most experienced divers in the area guiding and teaching, ensuring your experience will be second to non.
Sharm el Sheikh diving is most definitely in the land of dreams, filled with crystal clear water, splendid corals, awesome underwater vegetation and atypical Piscean species which will not only please your eyes but present you with an opportunity of witnessing some of the best surprises in the sea.
In the popular tourist areas cheap hotels are in abundance. There is a wide range of choice for people on all budgets. There are many dormitory style rooms for those are on the tightest of budgets, however for not much more it is perfectly achievable to get a single room. Active Diving can help you find the right accommodation for your needs and budget, allowing you to concentrate on the diving.
Because Egyptians don't drink much you'll find a majority of the hotels devoid of drunken revelry, but you will find a multitude of late night conversations about where to go and what to see under the water. Active Diving have many guides to the diving in Egypt on their website (http://www.activediving.co.uk/diving_destinations_sharm_el_sheikh.html).
Watch out for the tourist restaurants where although the food may look familiar it will be expensive to find out. A night trip up Mount Sinai-walking in the dark gives everybody a sense of camaraderie and can be done outside of precious diving hours, allowing you to get the most from your holiday in Sharm. Active Diving can recommend the best local restaurants to visit upon your arrival, showing you some local cuising and culture rather than an interpretation of British cuisine.
To find out more about travelling solo with Active Diving in Sharm el Sheikh, Lanzarote or South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (29/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you the travelling solo with Active Diving

Active Diving – Travelling Solo in Lanzarote

2008-08-31T18:45:00.001+01:00

dive trips red sea

2008-08-31T18:44:00.000+01:00

scuba diving course

2008-08-16T15:22:00.002+01:00

Escape to a different world. A scuba diving course takes you to a different world with new colours, shapes, textures and creatures. Take part in a scuba diving course and escape to a peaceful place to renew your energy and excite your senses.
Explore new places. Scuba diving frees you to explore the underwater world – from historic shipwrecks and virgin reefs to the mysteries of your local quarry. Book a scuba diving course and explore what you’ve been missing.
Experience a connection with nature; a feeling of freedom, and a transformation. Diving connects you with nature. It immerses you in new sensations and experiences. It transforms your perception of life forever. Learn to scuba dive and transform yourself
You've always wanted to take the scuba diving plunge, your friends are always talking about it and your best mate keeps raving about his amazing dive trip to The Red Seas. But, how do you start this adventure? Who's out there to baptise you into the sport? Active Diving offer a range of lessons to start your scuba diving course.
The skill of being able to dive, survive and actually enjoy the underwater experience can be a life-long learning curve, by taking part in a scuba diving course you will be able to learn the basics of the sport whilst in the safe hands of a qualified instructor. The beginning of the process is an incredibly rewarding experience from your first dive.
To allow you a taste of the sport, scuba diving agencies have designed the Try Dive, Resort Dive or Discover Scuba Dive. These courses are usually over one or two days and teach you a few diving skills needed to safely introduce you to the underwater world. During these early diving days you will be kept at a limited depth.
Your first venture below the surface as part of your scuba diving course is one you'll never forget. Your body submerges like a submarine on a mission; the water and air bubbles disorientate you as the light intensity decreases. All you hear is "breath, slow down, relax". You soon come to realise that these are not easy things to achieve. There is so much to look at! You will be amazed at how the buzz of spotting your first moray eel jutting its pointed snake-like head out of a rock crevice will remain a life time memory.
To enjoy your scuba diving course experiences and make sure you remain safe, it is strongly recommended you complete the scuba diving course with a certified diving school. These courses are designed to teach you to survive while breathing underwater, understand and know how to use your dive equipment and protect and respect the marine environment.
The general pecking order of dive training gets going with the 3-4 day Open-water course; Specialities, Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Assistant Instructor, Dive Instructor and Master Scuba Trainer courses follow this.
Dive training is organised by a number of international certification agencies, the most popular being PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club)and SSI (Scuba Schools International).
These dive courses not only provide you with the skills to survive underwater, but you are also awarded with a certification or C-Card. The C-card is important proof of your qualification and reputable diving centres will need to sight this before signing you up on their dive trips.
To find out more about how you can learn to scuba dive across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Dean Thomas (15/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you can learn to scuba dive

padi courses

2008-08-16T15:22:00.001+01:00

If you wish to learn to Scuba dive, a whole new world will open out and life will become doubly exciting! The most popular lessons that beginners take up are padi courses. The padi Open Water, which combines theory with practice, it takes 3-4 days and qualifies you to dive up to 18m.
Have you ever thought about learning to scuba dive, but just were not sure? Now is your chance. There's no time like the present by enrolling on one of the many padi courses you will be able to explore the underwater world like never before. Who can become a diver? What does it take to get certified? Why learn to dive? Hopefully, I can answer some of these questions and gently persuade you to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world's largest recreational diving membership organisation. Professional PADI Members teach the vast majority of the world's recreational divers, issuing over 900,000 certifications each year. padi courses make underwater exploration and adventure accessible to the public while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service. PADI serves more than 4300 dive centres and resorts in more than 175 countries and territories.
The PADI System of learn to scuba dive education is based on state of the art instructional system design theory, and progressive training that introduces skills, safety related information and local environmental knowledge to students in stages. padi courses are student-centred and provide for maximum practice and application. Students learn the basics through independent study and then are guided through additional development by their instructors. The goal is to get students in the water as soon as possible and provide them with the instruction necessary to gain confidence in their diving abilities.
The most popular of the plethora of padi courses available is the Open Water Diver Course. It is the first full certifying course in the PADI “learn to scuba dive” education system. During one of padi courses you will learn all the skills needed to dive confidently to a maximum depth of 18 metres, independently of a dive professional, padi courses are run by our highly qualified instructors and is divided into 3 areas:
• Academic Training (classroom and independent study)
• Confined Water Training (swimming pool sessions)
• Open Water Training (lake or coastal sessions)
The confined water training can be done in the UK or wherever your home town is situated, but how much more enjoyable to train in warm waters with the sun on your back and a holiday vibe! Also we find that to complete the padi courses in one hit is beneficial and easier on the memory!
Pre-requisites
No diving experience necessary
Minimum age: 15 (12 for Junior Divers)
Able to swim 200 meters non-stop any style
Able to tread water for 10 minutes
Price Includes
Academic Materials (Excluding Video/DVD)
All equipment hire
Air fills
PADI certification fee
There are many other scuba skills you can learn, such as underwater photography, deep diving, wreck diving, cave diving, ice diving, and spear fishing. Two thirds of the earth is underwater. It is an exciting world of marine life, caves, and shipwrecks just waiting for you to discover the beauty.
To find out more about padi courses across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Dean Thomas (16/08/08)

That’s all for now on scuba diving lessons padi courses

PADI Open Water Course

2008-08-16T15:21:00.000+01:00

If you've always wondered what lies beneath the surface, now's the time to find out. Start the journey of a lifetime with the PADI Open Water Diver course. It will change you forever. Becoming a diver is simple and fun, A qualified instructor can teach you to dive in as little as four days or over the period of a couple of weeks. It's totally up to you how fast you want to progress
Active Diving offer the PADI Open Water Course across all of their destinations, taking you through the basics of scuba diving in open water (ocean, lake, quarry, etc.) whilst allowing you to gain background knowledge along the way. Earning your PADI Open Water Course is just the beginning. As a certified diver, fabulous dive destinations, exciting people, unparalleled adventure and uncommon tranquillity await you. And, as you continue your adventure and gain experience through higher training levels, your opportunities expand

The course involves three sections:
1. Theory
2. Pool Training
3. Open Water dives

The theory when completing the PADI Open Water Course is simple & interesting, it will give you all the information you will need to dive safely & confidently. After being fitted for your scuba diving gear, you get wet first in a pool where you perfect your diving skills & then in the ocean where you enjoy the amazing sensation of being weightless while exploring the beauty & wonder of the underwater world.

The first practical part of the PADI Open Water Course takes place in a pool and introduces you to some basic hand signals. There is a short discussion on safe diving techniques also. In shallow water you will don scuba equipment and become familiar with it through breathing from a regulator underwater to being able to remove and recover your regulator. At the same time you will also look how to partially flood and clear your mask of water, a core skill for any diver. Other techniques learnt include breathing from an alternate regulator provided by another diver, equalising the ears/airspaces whilst underwater as perhaps most importantly having some serious underwater fun as part of your PADI Open Water Course.

Once the above is done you receive a certification card showing that you have completed your PADI Open Water Course that gives you access to thousands of stunning five sites located all over the globe, the seas are officially now your oyster.
Active Diving approach teaching with exceptionally high standards, offering the full range of PADI Scuba Diver Courses from Discover Scuba to Instructor, Our Training Team comprises the most experienced and professional instructors, each of whom are ready and willing to pass on their skills and experience to their students. Come and take part in the PADI Open Water Course today!!
To find out more about the PADI Open Water Course across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Dean Thomas (16/08/08)

That’s all for now on the PADI Open Water Course

diving sharm el sheikh

2008-08-16T15:20:00.003+01:00

diving sharm el sheikh

2008-08-16T15:20:00.002+01:00

Sharm el Sheik diving

2008-08-16T15:20:00.001+01:00

Sharm el Sheik was founded by the Israelis, who felt a need to improve control over the land they occupied in 1967. This control is still adding character to the destination, the wealth tourism is bringing to the area is accelerating this growth in leaps and bounds. Sharm el Sheikh is Egypt's more luxurious resort with a plethora of eateries and entertainment in the evenings. There are no budget hotels, but a nice range of good-valye 3 star places. Sharm el Sheikh offers a ferry running to Hurghada, and good communications lines going up on either side of Sinai.

Diving is compulsory when around the Red Sea, Sharm el Sheik diving offers coral reefs and tropical fish, among some of the greatest you can get across the Red Sea. If you don’t already have your PADI openwater certificate it may be more cost effective to pick it up out in Sharm el Sheik.

Na'ama Bay for Sharm el Sheik diving is the perfect House Reef, ranking among the most in the Red Sea. Here you will commonly encounter Groupers, Jacks, Barracuda, Moray Eels, Napoleon Fish and a wealth of different species of colourful reef fish. Mantas and even Whale Sharks come in to Naama Bay itself to feed on the rich plankton in spring. Dolphins and Beluga Whales are frequently enjoyed between here and the Straits of Tiran so keep your eyes peeled when you arrive.

Sharm el Sheik diving offers some of the most spectacular night dives in the world, species which usually hide by daylight are amongst the reefs many grottos and caverns. Night Sharm el Sheik diving brings out these creatures from their daytime hiding places to hunt, you can marvel at then colours and luminescence only experienced in these epic conditions.

Irrelevant of your diving experience you will most probably have the experience of increasing your knowledge of diving from a boat excursion. Under the guidance of your instructor or guide both you and non-divers alike can share the experience through snorkelling, sunbathing or relaxing.

Sharm el Sheik diving offers short and long term excursions to the following dive sites: The straits of Tiran, Sharks bay, the national park of Ras Mohamed and even more sites which are found only through local knowledge.

The Straits of Tiran are formed by the island of Tiran to the East and the Sinai mainland to the west. The reefs are named after British cartographers and are called Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, after Thomas Reef and Gordon Reef.

The effects of deep waters, continental plate and narrow channel combine to funnel a strong supply of nutrient rich waters to the coral reefs across Sharm el Sheik diving. This in turn creates a food chain linking the plankton, coral and marine organisms and reef fish to the Sharks, Manta and Eagle Rays that are frequently encountered here. These unique reefs, which feature steep walls, canyons and caverns, provide a wealth of outstanding colours and huge schools of fish such as Snappers, Barracudas, Bat Fish and Jacks. Sharm el Sheik diving currents can be dangerously strong at the extremes of the reefs and care must be taken to assess both their direction and strength to avoid danger.

Shark's Bay is a popular tourist destination, as a result there isn't much free space left, but Sharm el Sheik diving is a testimony that heavy tourism can work. It is quite beautiful and the reef just off the beach is well-preserved, colourful and full of fish that loves swimming rich under you.

The National Park of Ras Mohamed, the centre of Sharm el Sheik diving can definitely be described as "wall dive" paradise, the dive sites in the vicinity of Ras Mohamed predominantly. Few places in the world can rival the sheer vertical walls that plunge into the depths 800 metres and more below these towering cliffs.

The wealth of marine flora and fauna is astounding and each site of Sharm el Sheik diving offers divers different attractions. The main Sharm el Sheik diving sites are Jackfish Alley, Shark's Observatory, Shark's Reef and Jolanda Reef.

The Local Sites found between Sharm El Sheikh and Ras Nasrani (opposite Gordon Reef at the mouth of the Straits of Tiran) provide a wealth of unrivalled diving adventures for beginners and experienced divers alike. The geography of this coastline restricts access to many of the sites by land and therefore Sharm el Sheik diving is mainly done from daily boat excursions.

The dive sites differing features range from stunning walls and canyons to coral slopes and gardens. The main dive sites are known as Ras Nasrani, Ras Bob, White Knight, Shark's Bay, Ras Umm Sid and the Temple, the Tower, Ras Katy, Amphoras and the Gardens.
If Sharm el Sheikh is the best place for swimming and relaxing in Egypt, Na'ama is the best in Sharm. Na'ama Bay boasts of great hotels, good restaurants and almost all activities imaginable. There are reefs off the beach at Na'ama, but the best places for going snorkelling are the Gardens (Near, Middle and Far) slightly east of Na'ama centre.
Central Sharm

The Red Sea contains more than 1,000 species of fish and has over 2,000 kilometres of fringing reef, making it one of the most bio-diverse seas in the world. Extreme heat in this region results in a very rapid rate of evaporation which results in a high concentration of salt. This makes the Red Sea among the saltiest bodies of water on Earth.

The Egyptian Red Sea has always been known as one of the most coloured sea of the world. The geological movements of the past created a unique condition that permitted marine life to grow in a fantastic variety of corals and reef fishes resulting in the widest possible range of colours.

To find out more about Sharm el Sheik and diving across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk/diving_destinations_sharm_el_sheikh.html and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (03/08/08)

That’s all for now on Sharm el Sheik diving

Diving Holidays in Dahab

2008-08-16T15:19:00.002+01:00

As the internet helps to open our eyes to different destinations our ideals of the perfect holiday are equally becoming more extravagant and exotic. Adventure sports holidays are becoming more common; showing up more and more in the press, scuba diving holidays are especially being shown more interest than ever before. The market is prepared for this and affordable diving holidays are becoming more accessible through online travel portals such as Active Diving and suchlike. Google maps and social networks are creating guides to every dive site on the earth evermore expanding the possibilities achievable during a weeks holiday. Planning these holidays when aiming for far flung places can sometimes becoming exhausting in themselves, especially to destinations which are relatively undeveloped. Small but knowledgeable tour operators are becoming the leaders in this area, helping those who seek out the more wild adventures and richer experiences through their well connected ground liaisons and experience of the particular destinations.

Online tour operators offer packages and opportunity to allow someone else to deal with the minute details so that you can get on with your diving holiday amongst family and friends. Travelling might be fun for some but for many, it is a passion too. People love to travel to various diving destinations and spend months planning for their dream diving holiday. Diving holidays are for divers the best part of the year where one can plan out a long break from the usual hectic schedule and make a visit to a new exciting world.

Diving holidays can be done on a budget or equally luxurious; some tour operators offer special deals for certain destinations or promote discounted holidays through their online newsletters. Famous destinations such as The Red Sea’s Thistlegorm and The Blue Hole are popular all year around however airlines often offer cheaper flights if purchased in advance so it may be worth looking into booking your flights as soon as possible if you want to save some money and avoid the crowds across the dive sites it would be worth asking a diving tour operator about low season in your chosen destination. Equally travelling out of season for some of the diving holiday destinations will allow you to book cheaper accommodation and thus you can spend more on your actual diving excursions.

The divers interested in the more popular destinations for diving holidays can get a rough estimate of the total travel package by giving their requirements to an online tour operator. Online tour operators can plan a diving holiday for the diver’s needs and needs and budget. Diving holiday packages are frequently updated on a regular note where various affordable packages and deals are available for the most popular destination.

Most online reviews are generated by recent divers and travellers so that unbiased recommendations and information can be provided to the readers. Travel blogs are also popular online offered in order to encourage divers to visit the destination and enjoy their diving holidays with their loved ones.
Booking the holiday is the easy bit, choosing the destination initially however can be daunting – so much choice!! I usually try to decide what I want to get out of the diving holiday and then take it from there. There's plenty of room for spontaneous exploring when you're under the surface. You'll find new, colourful species of fish, coral and dozens other interesting things to attract your attention. The excitement of exploring the unexpected is a large part of the fun. But the only way to do that safely and intelligently is to plan your dive well in advance. Planning your diving holiday requires taking a number of items into account. When you pick the diving holiday location, you’ll need to consider transportation time and costs, legal restrictions and so forth. Diving a lake 10 minutes from home obviously requires an entirely different set of criteria than flying thousands of miles, then taking a boat out in the Red Sea.
In order to ensure the best conditions from your diving holidays throughout the year it is important to check out the expected weather conditions for the time of year, in Dahab generally the conditions stay the same but I would still recommend checking the forecast.. If you plan to recover underwater items you will need to investigate the laws regarding treasure hunting and export. You'll need to research local support for tank refill, equipment repair and so forth.
Being fit and a good swimmer are not prerequisites to learning scuba diving, but both help, according to Sophie Rennie, a BSAC national instructor who holds a Masters degree in exercise physiology. “A day diving can be tiring so you need some cardiovascular fitness,” she said. “Also the equipment can be heavy.”
I recommend bicep and triceps curls, with elbows tucked into the sides of your ribcage, lift a barbell or two dumb-bells slowly towards the chest. Do not bring the weights right up to the chest between repetitions as this gives the muscles a rest. Do 12-15 repetitions, building up to three sets, and increase the weight as you become stronger. Following with regular sit ups to strengthen your stomach muscles in preparation for the diving holiday of a lifetime.
Once your booked up and raring to go its worth preparing physically for the diving to come, Many of the 400 UK schools tailor courses to suit the busy lives of their customers equally offering training before departure so that once you arrive in your diving holiday destination your can thoroughly enjoy the diving available. Intensive courses can be held over five days but in most clubs lessons are held one night a week for about six weeks, after which there is an open-water session. Provided he or she qualifies, the ocean diver can then practise the sport to a depth of 20 metres almost anywhere in the world.
To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit Active Diving and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (03/08/08)

That’s all for now on Booking Diving Holidays

Dahab Diving

2008-08-16T15:19:00.001+01:00

Dahab often referred to as the Goa of the Red sea, Dahab diving breeds on Dahab's hippie-like image, yet it is as good, if not better than people claim. The average age of Dahab's tourists are probably around 20, but far older visitors can feel just as welcome. Dahab is one of the most versatile diving locations in the world. The sites combine coral garden, arches, canyons and caves, with a huge diversity of reef fish and invertebrates, as well as turtles, rays, moray eels, octopus, and larger fish including Napoleon fish, Barracuda, small sharks and dolphins. 20% of the fauna, and 50% of the Butterfly fish, are found nowhere else in the world.

Dahab is definitely one of my favourite places in the world for total relaxation, the ultimate getaway from the daily grind. The amazing setting and the people around you; this place doesn't get boring even on days when you do absolutely nothing. Swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, drinking coffee and eating food, with only the pulse of the waves surrounding you 24 hours a day. Of course Dahab diving is second to non in my opinion and the ultimate getaway from the daily grind.

Dahab diving offers a plethora of experiences for all levels of ability. The Lagoon is a nice spot to watch, and also a great place for children to swim. The lagoon is formed by a long tongue of beach. On the outside, the ocean begins, allowing good swimming for adults. Still, the lagoon is little visited, a reflection of Dahab being well-equipped with beaches. The Blue Hole, not far north of Dahab, is probably Egypt's most infamous diving spot. The hole is a shaft that starts just a metre below the surface of the sea. It goes 80 metres straight down, and the main trip for experienced divers is to dive down to a depth of 60 metres, then pass through a tunnel to the outer edge of the reef before returning to the surface. People die here almost every year, mainly from nitrogen narcosis. It is apparently too easy to start diving all by yourself. This should only be done after years of training or with an experienced guide next to you. The Blue Hole is not only for divers, it is chillingly fascinating for snorkelers too. The corals are colourful, fish abundant, and you can tickle your nerves by swimming along the edge of this hole which has no visible bottom.

Ra's Abu Galum is a nice addition to your visit for Dahab diving, it’s a camel ride north of the Blue Hole. It is a genuine Bedouin village, with ramshackle huts on a sandy bank next to the ocean. There might be a few hundred people living here. What is perhaps most memorable in this area is that the boys and girls playing naked on the beach, swimming like dolphins, and appearing totally free. Their attitudes resemble little the strict rules of relations between men and women in the rest Egypt.

Taking into account of the experience you’re gaining when travelling in Dahab diving you should be aware that your usual home comforts are not always accessible, Dahab is a great place for eating, but hotels are often basic; the few middle class hotels have a dull touch. But the clue here is to settle for the simple standards, and enjoy everything else (the restaurants, the clubs, the large gardens and the amazing atmosphere).

Practically all restaurants here follow the same concept, they are open-air places next to the beach whereby you will be seated on large pillows right on the ground. You may pick out the fish of the night from stands at the entrance, and when you finally finish your meal, you can stay as long as you like.

Dahab diving offers a relaxed environment, the heat lightened by a constant breeze with the temperatures ranging from the mid-80's at night to the upper 90's during the day. In the shade it is very comfortable with the breeze; clearly visible from the coast is Saudi Arabia, Right across the gulf.

Dahab diving provides a stark contrast to other diving destinations, the teal water of the red sea on one site and the orange of the desert leading up to craggy mountains. Being able to walk into the water from the hotel is equally attractive, ensure diving is accessible constantly, there are dozens of dive shops and the sea is swarming with divers.

When in Dahab diving your likely to see grey moray eels, lots of lion fish, split-tail rays, crocodile fish, cleaners shrimps, wrass of all different colours, shapes and sizes, as well as unicorn fish, grouper, puffer fish, clown fish, pipe fish, angel fish, sergeant fish and scorpion fish. You’re equally likely to see octopi and giant clams. The coral visible when in and around Dahab diving is amazing, the table coral, which looks like a tree where in all the branches are horizontal and the same height, creating a “table” look provide excellent cover for interesting fish to lurk below in the shade.

Overall from each person I have met throughout my diving travels the general consensus is that the Red Sea especially when in Dahab diving rivals the Great Barrier Reef and is a “must dive” location for all SCUBA divers. The best description I can think of to describe the wonders of Dahab diving would be like swimming inside the most abundant aquarium on earth.

To find out more about Sharm el Sheik and diving across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk/diving_destinations_dahab.html and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (15/08/08)

That’s all for now on Dahab diving

Sharm el Sheikh diving with Whale Sharks

2008-08-16T15:18:00.000+01:00

The Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh holds a plethora of wonders; however the most priceless beauty of all is hidden beneath the water. The lethal combination of the sea, sand and sun creates a place of beauty and a paradise for the majority of water sports lovers, diving especially. Sharm El Sheikh diving is perhaps the most accessible in Egypt, often the first port of call for divers looking to experience The Red Sea.

It’s an established fact that Sharm El Sheikh diving is a diver’s paradise. With a bounty of marine flora and fauna the divers get to enjoy some of the best sites below the sea. The place has more than fifty diving spots but scuba is essentially offered at the best diving destinations which are well equipped with modern apparatus.

The whale shark is often seen by divers in the Red Sea, especially the Sharm El Sheikh area. However the highest concentration of whale sharks to be found anywhere in the world is in the Philippines.
The red sea boasts some of the best diving in the world; Sharm El Sheikh diving offers a large amount of this with a vibrant and varied underwater life throughout. The first port of call for Sharm El Sheikh diving is Na'ama Beach, Shark's Bay, Sharm El- Moya, Ras um Sid, and the Terrazina Beach. The Tiran Island is an excellent scuba diving spot at Sharm El Sheikh. Don't be disappointed if you are not a professional diver, there are many tour operators in the UK whom can arrange courses for when you arrive (Active Diving: http://www.activediving.co.uk). Equally there are plenty of dive schools in the area for once you arrive, it is definitely worth getting your PADI Open Water certification either before you arrive of once your there to ensure you can sample some of the best diving in Egypt.

Whale sharks as a species, despite their size pose little to no threat towards humans. They are actually quite gentle and can often be found playful towards divers. There are unconfirmed reports of whale sharks lying still in and around the Sharm El Sheikh area, upside down on the surface to allow divers to scrape parasites and other organisms from their bellies. The only risk posed to divers and snorkellers when with whale sharks is the possibility of being struck by the shark’s large tail fin.
Exploring the spectacular reefs of Ras Nourani under the guidance of expert divers leaves an indelible impression on the minds of the visitors ensuring Sharm El Sheikh diving is a memorable experience for all. Sharm El Sheikh diving is unsurpassed in Egypt and renowned for diving across the globe. The red sea had been a source of wonder and mystery throughout the world for various reasons. But its now an interesting site of Egypt because of a plethora marine treasures hidden beneath its emerald waters.
When in Sharm El Sheikh diving the reefs at Ras Mohammed are a must, they are magnificent, their beauty and diversity always amazes me. Thousands of colourful fish and other marine creatures together form a complete ecosystem. You will find microscopic creatures to whale sharks all looking for food or hiding from predators. The coral spreads its wings in many forms, shapes and colours. From the largest colonies of hard corals to the tiniest swaying soft ones. Sharm El Sheikh diving is most definitely in the land of dreams, filled with crystal clear water, splendid corals, awesome underwater vegetation and atypical Piscean species which will not only please your eyes but present you with an opportunity of witnessing some of the best surprises in the sea.
Within 2 hours of Sharm El Sheikh diving is the Tiran and Ras Mohammed reefs, two of the most renowned diving spots in the world.. Ras Mohammed is the southern tip of Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez. Ras Mohammed is another destination where the underwater reefs drop beneath to seventy metres. The Straits of Tiran are perhaps the best of Scuba diving spots with its four stupefying circular coral reefs. You will find schools of barracuda and a variety of sharks. It may be worth arranging a diving safari with a dive school in order to get away from the sometimes overcrowded dive sites allowing you to catch a glimpse of less popular sites:
- Active Diving
- Red Sea Diving College
- Red Sea Diving Safari
- Oonas Dive Centre
Most of the scuba diving spots have to be reached by a boat. Not to worry, because the calm waters of the red sea is suitable for the amateurs too. The dive sites are endowed with intricate coral formations and an assortment of marine life like snappers, jacks and barracudas. The shallow coral gardens around are also interesting to be explored. For the expert scuba divers the Thislegorm or the Dunraven, a bit far away from the coast are the ideal spots of relaxing and looking over the wonderful sea life. All in all I would recommend a visit to Egypt for the Sharm El Sheikh diving alone, the fact that the city offers a plethora of alternative activities, nightlife and a culture that welcomes anyone and everyone ensures that your experience will be a memorable one.
Without a doubt Whale Sharks are some of the most magnificent creatures in the ocean, managing to maintain absolute grace and serenity despite their enormous size, an astounding experience for anyone diving or snorkelling.
To find out more about diving with Whale sharks across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk/diving_whale_sharks.html and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (15/08/08)
That’s all for now on Sharm El Sheikh diving

learn to scuba dive

2008-08-16T15:17:00.002+01:00

You are about to enter a new world …. A world full of many wondrous and awe-inspiring sights …. a world beyond imagination….beginning to learn to scuba dive.
No matter how many television documentaries you have seen about the underwater world, nothing can compare to the real thing. Once you learn to scuba dive your eyes will be opened like never before to the underwater world. You are about to experience the adventure of a lifetime, one which will leave you with a great feeling of personal satisfaction and an adrenalin rush so high words will fail you … a truly exhilarating experience.
Active Diving’s learn to scuba dive program caters for all budding scuba divers. Our dive facilities are always in demand for the diver that wishes to learn to dive or increase his/her diving skills through the PADI learn to scuba dive courses

PADI Scuba Diver (learn to scuba dive in 2days)
This is the first level of diver certification. On completion you will be licensed to dive anywhere in the world under the supervision of a PADI professional to a maximum depth of 12 meters.
During this course you will learn to scuba dive through all the basic underwater skills necessary to enable you to enjoy scuba diving safely in three confined [shallow] water modules. You will then put these skills into practice, and have a lot of fun, in two Open Water dives. Alongside the water sessions are onboard video assisted lessons and three multiple choice quizzes.
From this level you can easily continue on towards the Open Water Diver, which allows you to dive to 18 meters.

PADI Open Water Course (learn to scuba dive in 3/4 days)
The course consists of five confined [shallow] water modules and four Open Water dives. By the end of the course students will be comfortable with the equipment and be able to relax and enjoy diving in less demanding conditions, even using a compass to plan and navigate a simple dive route.
The use of a video reduces classroom time, giving you more opportunity to get wet, and four multiple choice quizzes lead you in easy stages to the final theory exam.
Now you can dive - but how do you take underwater photos, recover that anchor, name that fish …? As an Open Water Diver you will want to learn to scuba dive as well as discovering more about the underwater world - the way forward is through Adventure Dives.

PADI Advanced Open Water Course (3 days)
Your lifetime of diving pleasure and fun is just beginning. The PADI Adventures in Diving Program is designed to increase your diving experience and knowledge in a controlled and safe environment.
Each Adventure Dive stands alone, allowing you to explore individual interests. Completion of three Adventure Dives earns you the PADI Adventures Diver rating. Completion of five Adventure Dives, including the Deep and Navigation dives earns you the PADI Advanced Diver certification. Adventure Dives completed with other PADI Dive Centres will be counted towards either of these certifications.
Each Adventure Dive includes knowledge development through the use of the PADI Adventures in Diver manual, Instructor presentation and video. This is followed by an Open Water dive designed to put your knowledge into practice in a safe and enjoyable way.
Join our Adventure Vibe with ACTIVE DIVING!!
To find out more about how you can learn to scuba dive across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Dean Thomas (15/08/08)

That’s all for now on how you can learn to scuba dive

scuba diving packages

2008-08-16T15:17:00.001+01:00

The time has come to discover a whole new world! Immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater realm and you will simply be thrilled! Come and join us by starting today with our Discover Scuba Diving programme or another of our scuba diving packages. If you’re looking for a convenient way to try scuba, look to a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience to broaden your horizons. You can jump into this program with us and continue onto your PADI openwater as part of one of the many scuba diving packages available.
Give it a try. Diving can change your life. But beware – diving is addictive and you’ll wonder how you ever survived without this experience. If you have dived before we offer a range of scuba diving packages from complete novice qualifications to divemaster. Equally we offer a range of BSAC scuba diving packages.
ACTIVE DIVING is a PADI 5-star Dive Centre, and we teach diving to their exacting standards across Lanzarote, The Red Sea and South Africa. Completion of each of the scuba diving packages either PADI or BSAC course comes with certification which qualifies you in that given area of diving activity, and also enables you to progress to higher levels of recreational and professional diving

Who are PADI
If you want to learn to scuba dive, the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver course is the most widely recognized and respected diving certification in the world.
PADI's Mission statement headlines
• Purpose... PADI exists to develop programs that encourage and fulfil the public interest in recreational scuba and snorkel diving worldwide.
• Vision... PADI intends to be the world leader in the educational development of scuba diving professionals and enthusiasts.
• Slogan... PADI - The Way the World Learns to Dive.®
• Mission... To teach the world to scuba dive.
• Values... In all of our relationships, we will demonstrate our steadfast commitment to...
Leadership, Integrity, Our People, Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Retention, and The Environment Underwater Cultural Heritage

The PADI 5 Star Dive Centre membership level is awarded to progressive PADI Dive Centres that excel in providing dive consumers with a full range of diver education programs, equipment selection, and experience opportunities and that actively promote aquatic environmental awareness.
A PADI 5 Star Dive Centre is active in its community presenting a professional image consistent with, or better than, the norm of the marketplace. These dive centres embrace the PADI System of diver education and are committed to providing customers with quality products, services and experiences.
A PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre (5 Star IDC) is a dive centre that not only meets all 5 Star Dive Centre standards, but also offers PADI Instructor-level training. A PADI 5 Star IDC offers dive consumers programs to fulfil their educational goals from entry-level training up through instructor-level certifications.

PADI Advanced Open Water Course
Continuing the adventure is one of the best moves you can make. Completing one of our advanced scuba diving packages will upgrade your depth rating without any classroom content - just two days of diving.
The PADI Advanced Open Water program has some great benefits in helping you to develop your diving skills by going beyond Open Water Diver as part of one of the many scuba diving packages available, you will
• Learn additional skills specific to your interests
• Be more confident in and around the water
• Acquire a better understanding of the aquatic world
• Dive where only divers with advanced training can, to a maximum depth of 30 metres
What the scuba diving packages cover
• 2 core dives – Deep and Navigation
• 3 elective dives – Peak Performance Buoyancy, Diver Propulsion Vehicle, Boat, Nitrox, Dry Suit, Search and Recovery, Wreck, Underwater Naturalist, Drift, Digital Underwater Photography.
Come on, qualify yourself and change your world with ACTIVE DIVING!
To find out more about scuba diving packages across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Dean Thomas (15/08/08)

That’s all for now on scuba diving packages

scuba diving courses

2008-08-16T15:16:00.000+01:00

Scuba Tune Up
Are you a certified diver but have not dived for a while? No Problem! The good news is that you do not need to complete your course again. Simply sign up to Active Diving Scuba Review program or an one of our equivalent scuba diving courses and we will have you back in the water feeling comfortable and confident in no time.

Join one of our friendly and professional instructors for a 3 hour confined water session brushing up on the skills that you learnt on your Open Water Course. We don’t stop there though. You will then have the opportunity to do 2 spectacular dives in the ocean. You can dive alongside turtles, octopus, Manta Rays, Clown Fish, Pipefish and even Humpback Whales on any of our scuba diving courses.
Open Water Course
The PADI Open Water course is a full certification course one of the most popular within the range of scuba diving courses available. The qualification allows you to scuba dive independently of an instructor or divemaster to a maximum recommended depth of 18m. The PADI Open Water Diver course is a performance based course and can be broken down to three components:
The Knowledge Development section will give you the theory required to feel happy and confident in the water. This is completed as self study before the course begins using the PADI crew pack. This pack includes your Open Water Diver Manual, Diver's Log Book, Recreational Dive Planner and more. On day one of your course, you will view the corresponding section of the Open Water DVD which also previews the skills that you will learn. You will briefly review what you studied in each section with your instructor and complete a short quiz. Before the completion of your course you will complete an exam demonstrating a sufficient understanding of scuba diving concepts.
Next is your Confined Water Training. This is where you develop your basic scuba skills including how to prepare your scuba units, entering and exiting the water safely, breathing comfortably under the water and clearing your mask without having to come to the surface. You will also learn some emergency skills to give you the comfort and confidence needed in the open water. This is a fun and exciting day that will allow you to familiarise yourself with your equipment.
Finally you will have your four Open Water Dives needed for certification. This is your chance to put all of your newfound skills into practice and experience the underwater adventure after this you can go on to continue with any of the other scuba diving courses on offer.
BSAC training is also available offering scuba diving courses for everyone from absolute beginner to a fully qualified dive leader.
Advanced Diver Course
Do you want to experience real adventure? You can with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course or one of the equivalent scuba diving courses on offer from BSAC.
The PADI Advanced Open Water Course "Adventures in Diving" program is the next step beyond the Open Water Certification. The aim of this course is to expand on your knowledge and skills gained in your Open Water Course, and to develop more confidence to broaden your diving horizons.
To complete your "Advanced Open Water Diver" certification, five Adventure Dives are required. The following are the most popular adventure dives from our range of scuba diving courses:
Deep Dive - Experience the excitement and wonder of what lies below 18 metres. You will gain the experience of diving to 30 metres below the surface. This will allow you to explore otherwise unseen sights such as wrecks, caves and more.
Underwater Navigation - Ever wondered how an experienced diver finds their way around a dive site so easily? On the Underwater Navigation dive you will learn some of the secrets of navigation, including compass use and using the natural environment to assist you. You will never be lost again!!
Night Dive - Just as the marine life changes from season to season, it also changes from day to night. Many fish seldom seen during the day come out at night allowing you to explore a whole new world. A big misconception about diving at night is that you can not see a thing! Wrong - just as your eyes adjust to a dark room at night, they will do the same underwater. The Night Dive is commonly regarded by divers as the most rewarding Adventure Dive.
Underwater Naturalist - This dive will allow you to examine the relationship between marine creatures and their surrounding environment. You will learn to identify some of the fish, plants and animals that you see regularly, and how your interactions affect their behaviour.
Wreck Dive - Dive on some of Egypt’s most famous wrecks discovering not only the stunning structures rising above the ocean floor but also the amazing marine life calling these wrecks home.
If any of these scuba diving courses appeals to you, please contact: http://www.activediving.co.uk/
Author: Dean Thomson (15/08/08)
That’s all for now on scuba diving courses

scuba diving lessons

2008-08-16T15:15:00.000+01:00

Discover Scuba
Thinking of getting certified for an upcoming holiday? scuba diving lessons can be done before you leave home or once your arrive, If you dont have the time to put into a regular diver course talking part in scuba diving lessons whilst on holiday is the perfect solution. There's a quick and easy program designed especially for you! This is your chance to slap on some fins, strap on a mask and experience an intense adventure in a short amount of time
Discover scuba diving lessons is a simple, confined water- based introduction to scuba diving.
PADI Open Water Referral Course
The PADI Open Water Referral program is a pre-entry level certification that is perfect for holiday makers who don't want to spend half their holiday in a classroom or sitting on the bottom of a pool, scuba diving lessons initially are half a day and introduce you to the wonderful world of diving.

As a subprogram of the PADI Open Water Diver program, the PADI Referral Course allows you to get certified quickly and easily by minimising time constraints whilst on holiday.
PADI Open Water scuba diving lessons
Earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification is just the beginning. As a certified diver, fabulous dive destinations, exciting people, unparalleled adventure and uncommon tranquillity await you. And, as you continue your adventure and gain experience through higher training from scuba diving lessons, your opportunities will expand.
• Number of Dives: Five Confined Water Dives and Four Open Water Dives
• Knowledge Development: Five sessions
• Prerequisites: 10 for Junior Open Water Diver and 15 for Open Water Diver. Good health, reasonable fitness and comfort in the water.
• Materials You’ll Need: PADI Open Water Crew-Pak (included in course fees).
• Equipment you’ll use during the course includes: mask, fins, snorkel, tank, regulator, buoyancy compensator, submersible pressure gauge and exposure protection as required by the local environment.
Becoming a diver opens a door to a whole new world and scuba diving lessons are the way to open that door. Open yours and step through to this exhilarating experience!
Once you have qualified as a PADI Open Water Diver, the next step is to gain more experience and acquire additional diving skills from more scuba diving lessons, which will increase your confidence and open up different areas and types of diving to you.
PADI Advanced Diver Course
Move up and experience real adventure with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. As you step beyond the PADI Open Water Diver level, you make five dives and have the opportunity to try some of diving’s most rewarding and useful specialty activities, such as deep diving, digital underwater photography, wreck diving and much more as part of your scuba diving lessons. These skills make diving much more than underwater sightseeing.
With your PADI Instructor you complete the deep and underwater navigation Adventure Dives. These dives boost your confidence as you build these foundational skills. Then, you choose three additional dives from more than 15 Adventure Dives to complete your course.
Boat Dive – although we are not a coastal location, our rigid hull inflatable provides valuable experience in small boat diving techniques, and takes you to dive areas of the lake that otherwise are a long swim away!
Enriched Air scuba diving lessons – this is the way diving is going. Extend bottom time, build in an extra safety feature or use recreational enriched air mixtures as the first step of your technical diving development – whatever your reason for choosing this dive, our dedicated equipment, technical school dive computers and gas blending facilities make it easy to achieve.
Night Dive – this is really where we shine both at Lanzarote, Dahab and Sharm ( Our dedicated dive sites and their staff remain open for your training dive, and although we do ask you to purchase your own torch, we will supply both the chemical lights and the back-up torches for the dive.
Deep Dive – this is classed as a dive below 18 metres, and believe us a 22-25 metre dive here in our water is more than equivalent to a 30 metre dive in crystal clear tropical waters. Very good experience and confidence building!
Underwater Photography scuba diving lessons –. Given the right weather conditions, visibility is good and this is a technique which will give you great pleasure in all your diving holidays around the world, together with pictorial souvenirs of your dive experiences.
• Wreck Dive – yes, we know everyone aspires to diving on shipwrecks that may reveal their ancient secrets or tragic past. That’s what causes a lot of people to learn to dive in the first place. But, be wise and learn wreck diving techniques under controlled conditions.
Come and take one of these courses with Active Diving and qualify yourself to dive freely all round the world!
To find out more about scuba diving lessons across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Dean Thomas (15/08/08)

That’s all for now on scuba diving lessons

PADI open water course

2008-08-16T15:13:00.001+01:00

If you're reading this then you've probably decided to learn how to SCUBA dive. Congratulations! You've taken your first step toward a lifetime of fun and adventure! By taking our PADI open water course you will obtain one of the most widely recognized and respected diving certification in the world
Maybe you've been thinking about it for a while now, or maybe you saw your friend’s photos from their SCUBA trip. Do you want to explore sunken shipwrecks, swim along towering walls or coral, or become one with nature? Are you tired of being left out of all the great fun and adventure? Look no further, learn to SCUBA DIVE with Active Diving today and enrol on a PADI open water course!
Whether you will be diving in the Canaries or in Egypt, you can learn how to dive and change your life! The PADI open water course will ensure your scuba diving is fun, safe and easy. You don't have to be an Olympic swimmer to do it either. As part of the PADI open water course we will teach you how to dive in a confined area of the ocean, where you will learn all of your SCUBA skills in a controlled environment, then take you out into the open water for your certification dives. Once certified you are ready to go off on your own to explore the underwater world!
Boring lectures are a thing of the past! Get in the water and dive today!
With PADI open water course you can dive up to a depth of 18m as soon as your qualified. The majority of the learning is held in a classroom or in a practical lesson including pool dives and open water dives.
PADI open water course
Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can enrol onto a PADI open water course and achieve their certification within 4 days. You must be older than the age of 15 to begin the PADI Open Water Diver program. For those of you who are not above the age of 14 and would like to participate in the PADI Open Water Diver Program, then the PADI Jr Open Water Diver program is available to you. If you are between 10 and 15 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI open water course (junior) program available.
Throughout the PADI open water course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You earn this rating by completing five confined dives and knowledge development sessions as well as making four open water (ocean or lake) dives.
To find out more about the PADI open water course across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Dean Thomas (16/08/08)

That’s all for now on the PADI open water course

Active Divings NEW blog!

2008-08-11T15:36:00.001+01:00

Check out our other blog on http://activediving.wordpress.com/

Diving sharm – The Wrecks

2008-08-11T15:14:00.000+01:00

Diving sharm is a must for anyone who is serious about exploring the underwater world, wreck diving especially is the place whereby the world above the water amalgamates perfectly with the aquatic world to create an awe-inspiring locality of marine life, colours and seemingly new worlds. Diving sharm is, in my opinion the pinnacle of where our everyday world blends with the depths of the ocean.

Wreck diving in the red sea, especially when Diving sharm opens your eyes to feasts amongst the Sinai Peninsula whereby the amount of wrecks present for divers to investigate is endless. Diving sharm offers perhaps the two most famous sunken shipwrecks in the world, the Thislegorm and the Dunraven. Known for the thrill they create when diving as well as the pristine condition and almost untouched state in which the red sea has preserved these vessels.

Diving sharm to dive the Thislegorm is well worth it, the ship lays at anchor awaiting further orders and directions from its previous commander, Great Britain. Once a supply vessel, she was laden heavily with an array of military equipment en route to North Africa to replenish British troops with ammunition and vehicles. Sunken by an attack from a German bomber in the late evening of 6th October 1941, the bombs took out the number four hold, ripping the stern apart. Resulting in the sunken treasure which holds some of the most wonderful aquatic life visible when Diving sharm.

Diving sharm is an experience which every diver should explore; the Thislegorm is integral to the overall experience. 126m long with a beam of 17.5m, once with the capability of carrying 4898 tons. She lies on a sandy plain at 30m, with parts of her bridge coming to just 17m. Safety is imperative when diving this piece of history, the currents are strong and the tidal directions can vary greatly, ascent and descents on rope secured by the wreck are obligatory.

Diving sharm for the wreck itself is undisputedly the number one dive site in the world featuring a vast array of military hardware ranging from anti aircraft and bren guns, airplane wings, ammunitions and shells, railway carriages and tenders, Wellington boots, trucks and motorcycles.

Diving sharm for the Thislegorm is awe-inspiring in itself, however additionally the Dunraven offers something slightly different. She was a steam and sail powered vessel en route from Bombay to Newcastle transporting spices and timber when she met with the horse shoe reef at Sha'ab Mahmud. The ship hit the reef after an allegedly drunken dispute involving the Captain, his wife, and his First mate, and caught on fire. The shipwreck has been underwater for more than 130 years; its contents were stripped of by a team of archaeologists in the 80s. Now it resembles a large cave. Inside divers can find schools of yellow goat fish and Giant morays. Due to its long time underwater the hull that is on the top is encrusted with corals and full of marine life, such as schools of bat fish, nudibranchs, pipe fish and the very rare ghost pipe fish.

Diving sharm for its wrecks induces a haze of adrenaline induced speechlessness which is incomparable to any other diving experience, a must for the premier position on any divers must see list.

Author: Emma Parker (11/08/08)

To find out more about Diving sharm and other areas across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (03/08/08)

That’s all for now on Diving sharm

PADI Open Water Course in Sharm el Sheikh

2008-08-11T14:55:00.000+01:00

Sharm el Sheikh offers some of the calmest waters in the world for learning to dive, the PADI Open Water course is the perfect addition to your trip to Egypt. Throughout the training and upon certification you will be privy to some of the best diving in the world. The red sea offers a high level of visibility and a wealth of marine life from multicoloured coral to sharks, turtles and shipwrecks.
Certification isn't required, however it is highly recommended, the 20 hour PADI Open Water course (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) can teach the basics of scuba diving across a few day. The PADI Open Water course will instruct students on how to prepare gear, to breathe properly, descend and ascend safely and avoid common dangers. They will also teach you how to clear your mask, use your regulator properly, life-saving tips and much more. Once you have completed the PADI Open Water Course you are an entry-level scuba diver allowing you to dive in an environment under your instructor’s supervision and guidance.

The minimum ages for scuba certification is 10 for the Junior Open Water (adult supervised diving), and 15 for the Open Water Diver. These certifications show that you successfully completed the course according to the training standards and requirements established by PADI. Dive centres require a person to be a certified diver or in training before they will rent or fill scuba tanks for you, or let you participate in scuba activities. There is a “Discover Scuba Diving” (DSD) program which allows you to dive one day under the direct supervision of an instructor for the experience without the certification but the diving is extremely limited.
Enrolling on the PADI Open Water Diver Course can lead to a lifetime of great adventures on vacation or around the corner from home. To take part in the PADI Open Water Course you will need to be in good health with no major health problems as well as being comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills (nothing extreme – 200 meter swim at you leisure and a 10 minute float on the surface (any way up)). Mentally you need a mature attitude and the self-discipline to follow the guide-lines and principles required for safe diving.

The PADI Open Water course consists of 3 segments: Confined water dives, Knowledge development and Open water dives. Each plays an important role in learning to dive. When you're certified as an Open Water diver you'll be able to dive to 60 feet / 18 meters (40 feet / 12 meters for 10-12 year olds) whenever you're accompanied by a fellow of the same or higher certification level (the other diver must be 18 or older for Junior Open Water divers). You don't have to be accompanied by a Divemaster or Instructor, but can be if you'd prefer. You're also eligible to do the Advanced PADI Open Water Course and many specialties.

The PADI Open Water course is usually taught over 3 to 5 days, Active Diving (087 123 11 122: http://www.activediving.co.uk) offer a range of packages for beginners and experienced divers across a variety of Sharm el Sheikh Resorts.

The Open Water certification is a full entry level certification you earn by successfully completing the entire PADI Open Water course. The certification qualifies you to:
• Dive independently (with a certified diving buddy) while applying the knowledge and skills that you learned in this course, within the limits of your dive training and experience......
• Get air fills, rent scuba equipment and other service for scuba diving.
• Plan, conduct and log open water no stop (no decompression) dives when equipped properly and accompanied by a buddy in conditions which you have training and or experience.
• Continue your diver training with a specialty dive in the PADI Advanced Open Water program, and or in PADI specialty course.
The instructors and students you meet will often have useful suggestions and fascinating stories to tell about the exciting places they've dived. Australia's Barrier Reef, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Caymans, Thailand and dozens more sites around the globe have all been explored.

To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South
Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART

Author: Emma Parker (08/08/08)

That’s all for now on the PADI Open Water course

PADI Open Water Course in Lanzarote

2008-08-11T14:52:00.000+01:00

Lanzarote is the perfect place to learn how to scuba dive, by completing your PADI Open Water Course there will not only allow you to dive some of the best diving in Europe but equally it will fit into a weeks holiday ensuring that you can get some extra dives out of your 7 day holiday, or even 14 days if you have a long trip planned. Scuba diving on the island of Lanzarote is a popular sport however the dive sites are relatively uncrowned. If you have never dived before it may be worth completing a discover scuba dive course to ensure it is what your looking for, most times this 3 hour introduction to diving only buoys a persons excitement about diving.
Certification isn't required, however it is highly recommended, the 20 hour PADI Open Water course (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) can teach the basics of scuba diving across a few day. The PADI Open Water course will instruct students on how to prepare gear, to breathe properly, descend and ascend safely and avoid common dangers. They will also teach you how to clear your mask, use your regulator properly, life-saving tips and much more. Once you have completed the PADI Open Water Course you are an entry-level scuba diver allowing you to dive in an environment under your instructor’s supervision and guidance.
Embarking upon the PADI Open Water Diver Course can lead to a lifetime of great adventures on vacation or around the corner from home. To take part in the PADI Open Water Course you will need to be in good health with no major health problems as well as being comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills (nothing extreme – 200 meter swim at you leisure and a 10 minute float on the surface (any way up)). Mentally you need a mature attitude and the self-discipline to follow the guide-lines and principles required for safe diving.

Lanzarote is a short haul flight from the UK and Ireland, varying from 3-5 hours from all major airports, the island itself is a biosphere reserve and as a result promotes the sustainability of both the island and the surrounding marine life. The minimum ages for scuba certification is 10 for the Junior Open Water (adult supervised diving), and 15 for the Open Water Diver. These certifications show that you successfully completed the course according to the training standards and requirements established by PADI. Dive centres require a person to be a certified diver or in training before they will rent or fill scuba tanks for you, or let you participate in scuba activities. There is a “Discover Scuba Diving” (DSD) program which allows you to dive one day under the direct supervision of an instructor for the experience without the certification but the diving is extremely limited.
The PADI Open Water course consists of 3 segments: Confined water dives, Knowledge development and Open water dives. Each plays an important role in learning to dive. When you're certified as an Open Water diver you'll be able to dive to 60 feet / 18 meters (40 feet / 12 meters for 10-12 year olds) whenever you're accompanied by a fellow of the same or higher certification level (the other diver must be 18 or older for Junior Open Water divers). You don't have to be accompanied by a Dive master or Instructor, but can be if you'd prefer. You're also eligible to do the Advanced PADI Open Water Course and many specialties.
The PADI Open Water course is usually taught over 3 to 5 days, tour operators such as Active Diving (087 123 11 122, http://www.activediving.co.uk) are based in Lanzarote and can offer you courses and guided dives to be pre-booked before you even leave the UK.

The fun begins in the confined water dives, during which you will apply dive principles, and learn and practice dive procedures and skills. You’ll do this either in a swimming pool or in body of water with pool like conditions under your instructor’s guidance and supervision. There are 5 confined water dives that correspond with 5 knowledge development sections.
Knowledge development establishes the principles and basic information that all divers need to have fun diving safely. It’s divided into 5 bite sized segments that you’ll complete primarily on your own time or in the classroom alone by using the PADI Open Water course manual and video to guide you. For each segment your instructor reviews and elaborates on the material, applying what you’re learning to your specific needs and the local dive environment. A short quiz at the end of each section in the manual confirms that you have picked up the information that you need from that section.

At the end of the knowledge development section there is a 50 question examination (in leisurely conditions) which covers all of the 5 knowledge review sections and your instructor will go through this with you for “reinforced” learning.
You’ll make 4 Open Water Dives. Prior to completing your PADI Open Water course, you’ll meet specific learning objectives that you’ll read about in the Open Water Divers manual.

The instructors and students you meet will often have useful suggestions and fascinating stories to tell about the exciting places they've dived. Australia's Barrier Reef, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Caymans, Thailand and dozens more sites around the globe have all been explored.

The PADI Open Water Course is a full entry level certification, once you have passed the course you are qualified to:
• Refill air tanks, rent scuba equipment and other services for scuba diving.
• Plan, conduct and log open water no stop (no decompression) dives when equipped properly and whilst accompanied by a buddy in conditions which you have training and or experience.
• Dive independently (with a certified diving buddy) while applying the knowledge and skills that you learned in this course, within the limits of your dive training and experience......

To find out more about diving holidays and PADI certification across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (08/08/08)
That’s all for now on the PADI Open Water course

PADI Open Water Course in Dahab

2008-08-11T14:51:00.000+01:00

Dahab is a small town on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh. To scuba dive in Dahab is many a divers dream however to learn to scuba dive by completing your PADI Open Water course there is a chance of a lifetime – offering you the opportunity to learn in one of the most richest diving areas in the red sea. You can dive in Dahab without certification as part of an introduction to scuba diving called a Discover Scuba Diving course however it is highly recommended, the 20 hour PADI Open Water course (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) is completed. The PADI Open Water course teaches the basics of scuba diving across a few days. The PADI Open Water course will instruct students on how to prepare gear, to breathe properly, descend and ascend safely and avoid common dangers. They will also teach you how to clear your mask, use your regulator properly, life-saving tips and much more. Once you have completed the PADI Open Water Course you are an entry-level scuba diver allowing you to dive in an environment under your instructor’s supervision and guidance.

Embarking upon the PADI Open Water Diver Course can lead to a lifetime of great adventures on vacation or around the corner from home. To take part in the PADI Open Water Course you will need to be in good health with no major health problems as well as being comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills (nothing extreme – 200 meter swim at you leisure and a 10 minute float on the surface (any way up)). Mentally you need a mature attitude and the self-discipline to follow the guide-lines and principles required for safe diving.

The minimum ages for scuba certification is 10 for the Junior Open Water (adult supervised diving), and 15 for the Open Water Diver. These certifications show that you successfully completed the course according to the training standards and requirements established by PADI. Dive centres require a person to be a certified diver or in training before they will rent or fill scuba tanks for you, or let you participate in scuba activities. There is a “Discover Scuba Diving” (DSD) program which allows you to dive one day under the direct supervision of an instructor for the experience without the certification but the diving is extremely limited.
The PADI Open Water course consists of 3 segments: Confined water dives, Knowledge development and Open water dives. Each plays an important role in learning to dive. When you're certified as an Open Water diver you'll be able to dive to 60 feet / 18 meters (40 feet / 12 meters for 10-12 year olds) whenever you're accompanied by a fellow of the same or higher certification level (the other diver must be 18 or older for Junior Open Water divers). You don't have to be accompanied by a Divemaster or Instructor, but can be if you'd prefer. You're also eligible to do the Advanced PADI Open Water Course and many specialties.

The PADI Open Water course is usually taught over 3 to 5 days in dive vacation destinations such as Lanzarote or the red sea (Active Diving: http://www.activediving.co.uk) , but can also be taught over weeks or even months if taken as a part-time course. The course content is the same but the daily workload is much greater, although still quite manageable, on the shorter course.
The fun begins in the confined water dives, during which you will apply dive principles, and learn and practice dive procedures and skills. You’ll do this either in a swimming pool or in body of water with pool like conditions under your instructor’s guidance and supervision. There are 5 confined water dives that correspond with 5 knowledge development sections.

Knowledge development establishes the principles and basic information that all divers need to have fun diving safely. It’s divided into 5 bite sized segments that you’ll complete primarily on your own time or in the classroom alone by using the PADI Open Water course manual and video to guide you. For each segment your instructor reviews and elaborates on the material, applying what you’re learning to your specific needs and the local dive environment. A short quiz at the end of each section in the manual confirms that you have picked up the information that you need from that section.

The Open Water certification is a full entry level certification you earn by successfully completing the entire PADI Open Water course. The certification qualifies you to:
• Dive independently (with a certified diving buddy) while applying the knowledge and skills that you learned in this course, within the limits of your dive training and experience......
• Get air fills, rent scuba equipment and other service for scuba diving.
• Plan, conduct and log open water no stop (no decompression) dives when equipped properly and accompanied by a buddy in conditions which you have training and or experience.
• Continue your diver training with a specialty dive in the PADI Advanced Open Water program, and or in PADI specialty course.

The word Dahab is Arabic for gold and is possibly a reference to the geographic locality; gold washed down from the desert mountains may have accumulated on the alluvial flood plain where the town was built. The name may also be a reference to the colour of the sands to the south of the town itself. Some locals attribute the name to the colour of the sky, just after sunset. Either way the destination of Dahab is a gem within Egypt and should definitely be on a divers must see list. Many of the reefs in Dahab are within walking distance from your accommodation, the majority of the higher class hotels offering house reefs to use for unlimited diving.

To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (08/08/08)
That’s all for now on the PADI Open Water course

PADI Open Water Course

2008-08-11T14:50:00.000+01:00

The first thing that often comes to mind at the thought of learning to scuba dive is images of James Bond wearing fins and attacking the villain, or even Jacques Cousteau investigating the newfound creatures surrounding coral reefs world wide.
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) developed rapidly after the war and sport diving arose in tandem. Tanks, regulators and other gear formed the nucleus of an activity that is now practiced anywhere there is more than two feet of water. From the 1960s to the present, buoyancy compensators, wetsuits and dry suits, along with a host of supplemental gear has been developed to allow almost anyone to take part in scuba diving.
Certification isn't required, however it is highly recommended, the 20 hour PADI Open Water course (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) can teach the basics of scuba diving across a few day. The PADI Open Water course will instruct students on how to prepare gear, to breathe properly, descend and ascend safely and avoid common dangers. They will also teach you how to clear your mask, use your regulator properly, life-saving tips and much more. Once you have completed the PADI Open Water Course you are an entry-level scuba diver allowing you to dive in an environment under your instructor’s supervision and guidance.
Embarking upon the PADI Open Water Diver Course can lead to a lifetime of great adventures on vacation or around the corner from home. To take part in the PADI Open Water Course you will need to be in good health with no major health problems as well as being comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills (nothing extreme – 200 meter swim at you leisure and a 10 minute float on the surface (any way up)). Mentally you need a mature attitude and the self-discipline to follow the guide-lines and principles required for safe diving.
The minimum ages for scuba certification is 10 for the Junior Open Water (adult supervised diving), and 15 for the Open Water Diver. These certifications show that you successfully completed the course according to the training standards and requirements established by PADI. Dive centres require a person to be a certified diver or in training before they will rent or fill scuba tanks for you, or let you participate in scuba activities. There is a “Discover Scuba Diving” (DSD) program which allows you to dive one day under the direct supervision of an instructor for the experience without the certification but the diving is extremely limited.
The PADI Open Water course consists of 3 segments: Confined water dives, Knowledge development and Open water dives. Each plays an important role in learning to dive. When you're certified as an Open Water diver you'll be able to dive to 60 feet / 18 meters (40 feet / 12 meters for 10-12 year olds) whenever you're accompanied by a fellow of the same or higher certification level (the other diver must be 18 or older for Junior Open Water divers). You don't have to be accompanied by a Divemaster or Instructor, but can be if you'd prefer. You're also eligible to do the Advanced PADI Open Water Course and many specialties.
The PADI Open Water course is usually taught over 3 to 5 days in dive vacation destinations such as Lanzarote or the red sea (Active Diving: http://www.activediving.co.uk) , but can also be taught over weeks or even months if taken as a part-time course. The course content is the same but the daily workload is much greater, although still quite manageable, on the shorter course.
The fun begins in the confined water dives, during which you will apply dive principles, and learn and practice dive procedures and skills. You’ll do this either in a swimming pool or in body of water with pool like conditions under your instructor’s guidance and supervision. There are 5 confined water dives that correspond with 5 knowledge development sections.
Knowledge development establishes the principles and basic information that all divers need to have fun diving safely. It’s divided into 5 bite sized segments that you’ll complete primarily on your own time or in the classroom alone by using the PADI Open Water course manual and video to guide you. For each segment your instructor reviews and elaborates on the material, applying what you’re learning to your specific needs and the local dive environment. A short quiz at the end of each section in the manual confirms that you have picked up the information that you need from that section.
At the end of the knowledge development section there is a 50 question examination (in leisurely conditions) which covers all of the 5 knowledge review sections and your instructor will go through this with you for “reinforced” learning.
You’ll make 4 Open Water Dives. Prior to completing your PADI Open Water course, you’ll meet specific learning objectives that you’ll read about in the Open Water Divers manual.
The instructors and students you meet will often have useful suggestions and fascinating stories to tell about the exciting places they've dived. Australia's Barrier Reef, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Caymans, Thailand and dozens more sites around the globe have all been explored.

The Open Water certification is a full entry level certification you earn by successfully completing the entire PADI Open Water course. The certification qualifies you to:
• Dive independently (with a certified diving buddy) while applying the knowledge and skills that you learned in this course, within the limits of your dive training and experience......
• Get air fills, rent scuba equipment and other service for scuba diving.
• Plan, conduct and log open water no stop (no decompression) dives when equipped properly and accompanied by a buddy in conditions which you have training and or experience.
• Continue your diver training with a specialty dive in the PADI Advanced Open Water program, and or in PADI specialty course.

To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (08/08/08)
That’s all for now on the PADI Open Water course

Scuba diving in the red sea

2008-08-11T14:49:00.000+01:00

Think of scuba diving and images of James Bond wearing fins and sneaking up on the villain come to mind. Or, maybe your first thought is of Jacques Cousteau investigating the creatures of a coral reef. Both scenarios have entered popular culture for good reason - both reflect the adventure and wonder that characterize scuba diving. Over the last ten years awareness in scuba diving has grown in leaps and bounds, red sea diving is becoming the Mecca for many European travellers.
Though many regard Jules Verne's description of underwater diving as pure science fiction, equipment-assisted diving had been around for more than 100 years earlier. But it wasn't until the WWII years when Emile Gagnan, with some help from a then-obscure French navel lieutenant - Jacques Cousteau - invented the first scuba gear, the Aqualung.
To anyone standing on its shore and gazing out across its heavenly waters, the Red Sea may seem to be a mislabelling. Its blueness is eternal and anything less red cannot be fantasized. The Red Sea, where the desert meets the ocean, is truly one of the planet’s most exotic and fascinating natural seascape environments. The Red Sea is located between Asia and Africa. At its most northerly point forms the Sinai Peninsula and stretches over 1000 miles south to join the Indian Ocean, between Ethiopia and Yemen. In the north and west are desert plains, while in the south a mountainous region (2642 meters high), which is part of the mountain range stretching from deep in Saudi Arabia, across the Sinai and then into Nubia of the African continent. Red sea diving holds an oasis of living creatures, reefs, and coral formation. Its use as a highway between East and West has attracted man since the beginning of time.
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) developed rapidly after the war and sport diving arose in tandem. From the 1960s to the present, buoyancy compensators, wetsuits and dry suits, along with a host of supplemental gear was born or advanced. Red sea diving requires a lot more than just selecting good equipment, basic physiology and physics, safety practices, venomous sea creatures are just a few of the essential topics of study. Anyone who 'just wants to get down there' won't be stopped by anyone... but the deep. The sea will claim them quickly enough.
Young children can be taught the basics, using SASY (Supplied Air Snorkelling for Youth) and other child-oriented gear. Teens to the mature can participate in diving and see all that the fascinating coral reefs and ocean depths have to show whilst red sea diving. Even elderly novices, with proper precautions, can safely enjoy shallow dives and see sights found nowhere else on Earth.
Certification isn't required, but is highly recommended. A good scuba diving class can teach anyone willing to learn in a few hours how to prepare gear, to breath properly, descend and ascend safely and avoid common dangers. You'll learn to clear your mask, use your regulator properly, life-saving tips and much more. http://www.activediving.co.uk offer red sea diving holidays where people of all ages and experience the wonders of the sea.
A 20-hour course from a PADI red sea dive club (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) whom are a recognized school can teach you skills useful your entire life. The cost is a few hundred pounds, but certification - once gained - is good for life. From there you can discover dive sites all over the world, some of the most diverse being located in south Africa and Lanzarote.
As a bonus, you'll learn to select dive gear. A mask, regulator, buoyancy compensator (BC), dive watch or computer, air supply (snorkel or tank) and fins are essential. But you'll also learn to judge wetsuits and dry suits, knives or guns, and you can even pick up a lot of tips about underwater photography. Instructors are always experienced divers, from experience with travelling with Active Diving I have found that always use the more experienced and established dive centres to ensure their customers have local guides with thorough knowledge of the area.
Because of movement of the in the Earth’s surface about 30 million years ago red sea diving is now possible. In that time, the Arab peninsula started to part from Africa along a thin break line which was filled by the ocean’s water. However, "Mother Nature" did not stop there. Twenty million years ago another geological movement started. The Arab peninsula which parted from Africa, started to move to the north. That movement struck resistance in Turkey and swung to the east, and another break line was formed. This one stretching all the way from the northern part of Israel, through the Jordan valley to the Dead Sea, and finally through the Gulf of Eilat to Ras Mohamad at the southern point of the Sinai. The young age of the Gulf of Eilat is what makes it so deep, 100 meters in Dahab and 1800 meters north of the Straits of Tiran. On the other hand, the old Gulf of Suez is relatively shallow, with a 85 meters maximum depth. The Red Sea is still widening at about one-half inch per year, the rift is the youngest region of continental breakup on the planet, allowing geologists to learn about processes that occurred in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans hundreds of millions of years earlier.
Water temperatures for Red Sea diving remain unusually constant year round, averaging 22C in the summer. Low pressure systems develop in the Sahara Desert and draw hot dry east winds from Asia which cause the temperature to rise frequently along with sand storms. At the same time, lows develop over the Red Sea, bringing moist cold air from the south and creating clouds, haze, and more often rain. The northern land mass is the primary influence over temperature in the gulf, but this decreases to the south the closer you get to open sea. The open sea’s cooling effect creates an interesting temperature pattern: maximum summer temperatures are lower in the south while minimum temperatures are higher in the north with the opposite occurring during the winter. In any case, the coldest moth of the year is January and the warmest months are July and August. Red Sea diving is notorious among seafarers for its high speed surface winds and aggressively short irregular motion. It may be calm on the inward shore, but journeys to exposed sites like The Brothers islands, a remote off-shore site east of El Quseir, can be perilous and boats have been seen literally to fall apart under the force of the journey.
Cargo vessels, oil tankers, fishing boats, and passenger liners all move their trade across this great waterway, but for many, the true enchantment of the Red Sea is hidden just below its surface. Red sea diving opens your eyes to over 1000 species of invertebrates and around 200 recorded coral types to be found. Moreover, the Red Sea boasts over a thousand species of fish, more species than any other proportional body of water. Not surprisingly, therefore, Red Sea diving is considered by many to offer the very best of the marine world. The Red Sea diving attracts photographers, marine scientists, and leisure seekers from all over the world, hoping to experience and explore the incalculable wonders of the colourful, abounding marine life and the Red Sea’s lavish coral reefs. In places, the exceptional living reef stretches way out to sea, forming a elaborate system of caves, lagoons, gardens, and plateaus. Some of these coral summits plunge dramatically thousands of feet to the ocean floor. Red Sea diving is not all a delight however, as it has its troubles which you will have to stay away from. There is minimal danger from marine animals in the Red Sea, and with a little common sense, even these dangers can be eliminated. Some of the marine animals are dangerous to touch, others dangerous to eat, and some are dangerous to come face to face with. There are fire corals and stinging hydroids which can be extremely painful if accidentally touched as well.
Snorkelling is a popular way to view the edge of the reef, especially for those with limited confidence in their swimming ability. Sharks, manta rays, turtles, and eels will take pieces of bread from your hand, and brilliantly coloured schools of fish team all around in bewildering colour. However, most divers will tell you that there is nothing to beat the thrill of experiencing the depth of the reef and the abounding marine life to be found Red Sea diving. The lure of the reef is such that many novice divers become totally "hooked" and cannot imagine why they have never joined in the fun before. Furthermore, when asked to compare their local diving conditions with those in the Red Sea, they find it a "paradise" with clear visibility, little wave action, and warm temperatures all year long.
Red sea diving relies on the water as does the rest of Egypt, Surrounding cities are totally dependent on it for household and industrial supplies, and tremendous desalination plants are in operation. These supply drinking water which has been purified to a high standard, as well as non-potable domestic water. Sea water is also used in large quantities by oil refineries and cement works situated along the coastline. The danger of pollution is always present in the Red Sea, particularly from oil spillage. A Royal Decree forbids the discharge of any pollutant substances, including oil, within 100 miles of the Saudi Arabian coastline.
Currently, the areas of the Eastern Desert and around the Red Sea have received a great deal of overdue attention. A joint expedition from the University of Delaware and Leiden University and Leiden University has been working at the ancient Red Sea port of Berinike. The past season the Delaware-Leiden team excavated in two areas, opened a total of seven trenches, and found four public buildings. One of the sites contained offering tables, an incense burner, a stela stand and an almost life-size bronze figure of a cloaked woman clasping a snake. Scraps of colourful textile from the Fourth and Fifth centuries A.D. have also been found. In addition, evidence of trade appears in the form of imported coconuts, pepper, and rice. So, while the edges of the Red Sea are being explored, the sea itself is being plunged in a survey of sunken wrecks. The Institute for Nautical Archaeology in Egypt, is continuing the underwater survey started last season, plotting the locations of shipwrecks along the Red Sea coast.
Red sea divers understand first hand that it cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. Even the leisured gazer, speculating the inaccessible blue/red abnormality, can be said to have been given something to think about. The underwater amazement of the Red Sea remains a living tapestry of resounding corals and exotic fish, waiting for you to discover its secrets.
To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (04/08/08)

That’s all for now on Red Sea Diving

diving in sharm el sheikh

2008-08-11T14:48:00.000+01:00

The location most commonly referred to when discussing any scuba diving destination has to be diving in sharm el sheikh. The red sea boasts some of the best diving in the world, the diving in sharm el sheikh offers a variety of dive sites from reefs and walls to wrecks. Situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula it marks where the red sea and the gulfs of Suez and Aqaba split in two. Diving is readily available everywhere, there are nearly fifty dive Centres in the region ensuring the opportunity cannot be missed.
Directly located on the eastern Red Sea coast, it is one of the best liked place for divers thanks to many diving sites accessible in a few minutes from the majority of accommodation. Liveaboards are common however unnecessary for the more popular dives in the area. The diving in sharm el sheikh is famous for its transparent and mild water, the abundance of colours and the presence of many different kinds of coral. Not to mention when diving in sharm el sheikh the abundance of marine life is astounding from sharks to dolphins and turtles.

Another massive attraction for those wanting to go diving in sharm el sheikh is the temperature of the water, its good all year round making diving and snorkelling possible constantly. In the depths when diving in sharm el sheikh it is very easy to find a number of wrecks. In these waters besides all the bentonic species it is very easy to meet big pelagic, tiny fishes, barracudas and sharks.

In Sharm el Sheikh, both diving and snorkelling can be rewarding just by stepping out from the beach or your house reef as part of the accommodation, which is a common occurrence. There are great reefs in Na'ama Bay, Ras Um Sid and Shark's Bay. But you will soon see plenty of offers for short or long excursions. Not only does this offer variation, but also experiences that should not be missed. When joining an excursion for snorkelling and diving in sharm el sheikh remember to note that the value for snorkellers can sometimes be limited. Many visitors diving in sharm el sheikh take dive courses while there. The quality of the courses vary somewhat, but many are of good quality. For many foreigners, prices are attractive, but not for all. Western countries with many dive centres, often offer better prices as well as better preparation for cold-water diving. If you do choose to take a course whilst there I recommend seeking a PADI or BSAC registered centre, Active Diving have a handful of outfits across the Red Sea and will be able to help you arrange this before you leave the UK (http://www.activediving.co.uk, 087 123 11 122).
More Europeans learn to dive here than anywhere else in the world and diving is ideal for beginners. Whatever your experience, dive centres require you to do one local dive before they will take you on a boat trip in order to give you an opportunity to orient yourself to Red Sea diving. The popularity of some of the more popular sites when diving in sharm el sheikh does mean that the water can get rather crowded, particularly once the day boats arrive. The dive sites are diverse and covered in coral formations and a range of marine life, including jacks, snappers and barracudas. The areas covered by Sharm are from the Straits of Tiran through to the marine park of Ras Mohammed. The Straits of Tiran have four circular reefs rising out of deep water and surrounded by steep drop offs. Ras Mohammed has steep coastal cliffs that drop away underwater to depths of over seventy metres. There are coral gardens that are shallow and calm as well as some excellent drifts in strong currents. For the more advanced diver, with day boats going as far as the wreck of the Thislegorm if you are willing to get up early for a four-hour boat trip. There is also the possibility of diving the Dunraven, which takes 2 1/2 hours by boat.
When not diving, if you have not had enough of the water it is possible to snorkel, swim, and do other water sports such as parasailing and banana boat rides. The resorts are quite lively with restaurants, bars, discos and shops and food and drink is relatively cheap. There are also various organised day trips such as quad biking or jeep safaris in the Sinai desert, trips to Mount Sinai and the 6th Century St Catherine’s Monastery. Close to the resort is a nature reserve where there are lakes and mangroves.
Author: Emma Parker (11/08/08)

To find out more about diving in sharm el sheikh and other areas across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (03/08/08)

That’s all for now on diving in sharm el sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh diving

2008-08-11T14:47:00.002+01:00

The Egyptian city of Sharm el Sheikh holds a plethora of wonders; however the most priceless beauty of all is hidden beneath the water. The lethal combination of the sea, sand and sun creates a place of beauty and a paradise for the majority of watersports lovers, diving especially. Sharm El Sheikh diving is perhaps the most accessible in Egypt, often the first port of call for divers looking to experience The Red Sea.

It’s an established fact that Sharm el Sheikh diving is a diver’s paradise. With a bounty of marine flora and fauna the divers get to enjoy some of the best sites below the sea. The place has more than fifty diving spots but scuba is essentially offered at the best diving destinations which are well equipped with modern apparatus.

The red sea boasts some of the best diving in the world, Sharm el Sheikh diving offers a large amount of this with a vibrant and varied underwater life throughout. The first port of call for Sharm el Sheikh diving is Na'ama Beach, Shark's Bay, Sharm El- Moya, Ras um Sid, and the Terrazina Beach. The Tiran Island is an excellent scuba diving spot at Sharm el Sheikh. Don't be disappointed if you are not a professional diver, there are many tour operators in the UK whom can arrange courses for when you arrive (Active Diving: http://www.activediving.co.uk). Equally there are plenty of dive schools in the area for once you arrive, it is definitely worth getting your PADI Open Water certification either before you arrive of once your there to ensure you can sample some of the best diving in Egypt.

Exploring the spectacular reefs of Ras Nourani under the guidance of expert divers leaves an indelible impression on the minds of the visitors ensuring Sharm el Sheikh diving is a memorable experience for all. Sharm el Sheikh diving is unsurpassed in Egypt and renowned for diving across the globe. The red sea had been a source of wonder and mystery throughout the world for various reasons, however it is now a particularly interesting site because of a plethora marine treasures hidden beneath its emerald waters.
Sharm el Sheikh diving is most definitely in the land of dreams, filled with crystal clear water, splendid corals, awesome underwater vegetation and atypical Piscean species which will not only please your eyes but present you with an opportunity of witnessing some of the best surprises in the sea.
Within 2 hours of Sharm el Sheikh diving is the Tiran and Ras Mohammed reefs, two of the most renowned diving spots in the world. Ras Mohammed is the southern tip of Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez. Ras Mohammed is another destination where the underwater reefs drop to seventy metres. The Straits of Tiran are perhaps the best of Scuba diving spots with its four stupefying circular coral reefs. You will find schools of barracuda and a variety of sharks. It may be worth arranging a diving safari with a dive school in order to get away from the sometimes overcrowded dive sites allowing you to catch a glimpse of less popular sites:
- Active Diving
- Red Sea Diving College
- Red Sea Diving Safari
- Oonas Dive Centre

Most of the Sharm el Sheikh diving spots have to be reached by a boat. Not to worry, because the calm waters of the red sea ensure the area is suitable for amateurs and experienced divers alike. The dive sites are endowed with intricate coral formations and an assortment of marine life like snappers, jacks and barracudas. The shallow coral gardens around are also interesting to be explored. For the expert scuba divers the Thistlegorm or the Dunraven, a bit far away from the coast are the ideal spots of relaxing and looking over the wonderful sea life. All in all I would recommend a visit to Egypt for the Sharm el Sheikh diving alone, the fact that the city offers a plethora of alternative activities, nightlife and a culture that welcomes anyone and everyone ensures that your experience will be a memorable one.

To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (08/08/08)
That’s all for now on Sharm el Sheikh diving

Scuba Diving Holiday in Mozambique

2008-08-11T14:47:00.001+01:00

Mozambique, often referred East Africa's jewel hosts a plethora of undiscovered islands of are perfection – pure and simple. Mozambique often heard of in the news is only known to divers perhaps as one of the least explored scuba diving holiday destinations.
Now that every Tom, Dick and Gary enjoys their scuba diving holiday in the Maldives or Mauritius for half-term, those who like to take their Indian Ocean ‘straight up’ (hold the plasma TVs) must look further afield. If you can live without the glitz and the golf courses during your scuba diving holiday, Mozambique has 3,000km of squeaky-soft virgin beach – about 2,997km of which is footprint-free. The underwater world is even more to dream about for your scuba diving holiday.
‘Unspoilt’ is more than just an idea here; you can see the pristine-ness, on coastline fairydusted with a rainbow of seashells: hundreds and thousands of them, exquisitely shaped and in every shade from blush pinks to the inkiest indigo blues. It’s an awesome sight for anyone, as a scuba diver the sight creates a fluster of excitement for what is basking in the water below only to be discovered during the scuba diving holiday. This must have been what the rest of the world looked like before souvenir stallholders plundered the sands to make shell necklaces for shell-suited tourists.
Mozambique’s virginal state is cause for only muted celebration, however. There are no hawkers because there are no shops. There are no shops because there is no money. A civil war that raged through the 1980s denuded a destination that was once the continent’s most glamorous playground. So the pure shores immortalised in song by Bob Dylan (although, apparently, he has never actually visited) became a forgotten paradise, just as mass tourism began to bite deep elsewhere. However if your willing to go to the edge of Africa for an experience that will stay with you forever, then giving up shops and cheesy souvenirs is a welcome price to pay for the scuba diving holiday of a lifetime.
The upside is eco. Having slept through the big-hotel-building of its neighbours, Mozambique has woken up just in time to start from scratch, to a much more ethical template – as the great, green hope for responsible scuba diving holiday tourism. The country is sprouting stylish, environmentally-savvy lodges, each one garnishing its Robinson-Crusoe beaches with designer details and sustainable ideals that appeal to eco-warrior A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as honeymooners in search of the ultimate hideaway.
Happily, it’s a bit like having to choose between Daniel Craig and George Clooney during your scuba diving holiday – you can’t really go wrong. In the far north are the seductive charms of the Quirimbas archipelago: 32 breathtaking bouquets of 1,000-year-old baobab trees, and creamy sands, wrapped up with mangrove ribbons and drizzled across Perrier-clear waters busy with incredible marine life.
The villagers may be dirt poor (most live on 50p a day) but, as everywhere in Mozambique, they smile shyly as we saunter through streets radiating faded grandeur. Nobody begs. I stayed at Casa Lisa on my first night and from there I travelled to Tofo and stayed at Casa John (do you see the connection), the lodge is beautifully surrounded by the soundtrack of the ocean providing a unique serenity. I was told that i could leave my door and windows open when I slept, I had to anyway the lodges run an eco friendly program whereby all air-con is turned off at night.
The best underwater buzz during your scuba diving holiday is the Bazaruto archipelago in the south, which also offers the (admittedly remote) chance to swim with one of only three remaining populations of dugongs – the strange ‘sea cows’ thought to have been behind a thousand medieval ‘mermaid’ sightings. Active Diving (http://www.activediving.co.uk/) offer guaranteed scuba diving holidays to swim with these amazing creatures in Mozambique as well as with Whale Sharks – the gentle giants of the sea.
With a bit of hope and just a little luck, Mozambique will fare better than other newly developed scuba diving holiday destinations. The scenery certainly merits it; the citizens definitely deserve it; but, so far, only a few of us foreigners know about it.
To find out more about diving holidays across Mozambique, The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (04/08/08)

That’s all for now on a Mozambique scuba diving holiday

Booking a Diving Holiday in Mozambique

2008-08-11T14:44:00.000+01:00

Mozambique is a relatively unknown destination for anything other than diving holidays. The divers are happy with this, the destination conjures up some idea of an undeveloped, entirely non-commercialised sleepy town whereby the life and diving are easy and fluid. You wont be mistaken once your arrive. Mozambique as a destination is coming on in leaps and bounds, buoyed by the diving holidays industry the are is starting to thrive. Planning your escape to the area is a little more taxing than buying a train ticket into London however with the utilization of an adventure sports tour operator or a specialist diving holidays specialist the getaway can be easy to plan and prepare for. Active Diving (http://www.activediving.co.uk, 087 123 11 122) offer an excellent customizable package to Mozambique and they have the local knowledge to share over the telephone. If your thinking of visiting Mozambique give it a Google, the area is highly undeveloped and perfect for the escape you have been dreaming of.

Online packages offer you the opportunity to allow someone else to deal with the minute details so that you can get on with your diving holiday amongst family and friends. Travelling might be fun for some but for many, it is a passion too. People love to travel to various diving destinations and spend months planning for their dream diving holiday. Diving holidays are for divers the best part of the year where one can plan out a long break from the usual hectic schedule and make a visit to a new exciting world.

Diving holidays can be done on a budget or equally luxurious; some tour operators offer special deals for certain destinations or promote discounted holidays through their online newsletters. The online tour operators are knowledgeable about each diving destination and can give you advice as to which destination and diving package is best to suit your needs and ability, as well as information about the top tourist spots, history of the place and other interesting information about the diving holiday destination.

The divers interested in visiting the popular diving destinations can get a rough estimate of the total travel package by giving their requirements to an online tour operator. Online tour operators can plan a diving holiday for the divers needs and needs and budget. Diving holidays on tour operator websites are frequently updated with deals relating to accommodation and new destinations however generally the prices will fluctuate only as a result of flight prices therefore if you find a company with lots of knowledge and competitive prices I would be hesitant to keep searching, local knowledge is the key to these far away shores.

Most online reviews are generated by recent divers and travellers so that unbiased recommendations and information can be provided to the readers. Travel blogs are also popular online offered in order to encourage divers to visit the destination and enjoy their diving holidays with their loved ones.
You'll need to check out the expected weather conditions for the time of year in Mozambique. If you plan to recover underwater items you will need to investigate the laws regarding treasure hunting and export. You'll need to research local support for tank refill, equipment repair and so forth.
On a week-long dive so far from home, you'll do well to have a backup location. You probably won't have the time and money to switch from, say, Mozambique to Madagascar. Diving in Mozambique is an adventure in itself. The corals are bursting with colour and the water is teaming with life. The majority of the packages available for Mozambique are planned specifically around seeing whale sharks and manta rays.
To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.ActiveDiving.co.uk and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (03/08/08)

That’s all for now on Booking Diving Holidays

Diving Holidays in Marsa Alam

2008-08-11T14:41:00.000+01:00

Marsa Alam is a destination that few have heard of, those who partake in diving holidays however are more than familiar with the area of Egypt. Egypt itself has been an established holiday destination for years as a result of owning one of the seven wonders of the world however Marsa Alam is a whole new kind of Egypt – its prime purpose in creation see Diving holidays are showing up more and more in the press, creating more interest in scuba diving than ever before, equally affordable diving holidays are becoming more accessible through online travel portals such as Active Diving and suchlike.

Diving holidays can be done on a budget or equally luxuriously; some tour operators offer special deals for certain destinations or promote discounted holidays through their online newsletters. Famous destinations such as The Red Sea’s Thistlegorm and The Blue Hole are popular all year around however airlines often offer cheaper flights if purchased in advance so it may be worth looking into booking your flights as soon as possible if you want to save some money and avoid the crowds across the dive sites. Equally travelling out of season for some of the diving holiday destinations will allow you to book cheaper accommodation and thus you can spend more on your actual diving excursions.

Online adventure sports tour operators are incredibly knowledgeable in regards to diving holidays, the destinations, the instruction and what will be seen once under the water. I would recommend staying away from the larger tour operators who lack local knowledge – find a provider whom can give you the local insight into the waters and surrounding area. They can give you advice as to which destination and diving package is best to suit your needs and ability, as well as information about the top tourist spots, history of the place and other interesting information about the diving holiday destination.

The divers interested in visiting destinations for popular diving holidays can get a rough estimate of the total travel package by giving their requirements to an online tour operator. Diving holiday packages are frequently updated on a regular note where various affordable packages and deals are available for the most popular destination.

Most online reviews are generated by recent divers and travellers so that unbiased recommendations and information can be provided to the readers. Travel blogs are also popular online offered in order to encourage divers to visit the destination and enjoy their diving holidays with their loved ones.
On a week-long dive so far from home, you'll do well to have a backup location. You probably won't have the time and money to switch from, say, Marsa Alam to Hurghada. There are more than 25 inshore and offshore reefs in the Marsa Alam area that Active Diving offer as part of their packages, offering you the choice of more than 50 different dive profiles, as well as many snorkelling opportunities full of adventure and discovery. There are 8 shore diving sites that offer more than 16 different dive profiles for divers who prefer pure shore diving (package with unlimited house reef diving and 10 guided truck dives). However more and more dives are done as in-range speedboat or daily boat dives. For this Active Diving offer an in-range shore diving package with unlimited house reef diving, 6 guided truck dives and 4 guided in-range speedboat dives.
Once your diving holidays are booked up and raring to go its worth preparing physically for the diving to come, Many of the 400 UK schools tailor courses to suit the busy lives of their customers equally offering training before departure so that once you arrive in your diving holiday destination your can thoroughly enjoy the diving available. Alternatively you can learn how to dive or advance your techniques once you arrive at your holiday destination, learning how to dive as part of your diving holidays will not only increase the magic of your first experience under the water but will enrich your entire holiday as you relax and develop away from home.
To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit Active Diving and quote: ART_***
Author: Emma Parker (03/08/08)

That’s all for now on Booking Diving Holidays

Diving Holidays in Dahab

2008-08-11T14:25:00.000+01:00

Diving Holidays in Dahab

Online tour operators offer packages and opportunity to allow someone else to deal with the minute details so that you can get on with your diving holiday amongst family and friends. Travelling might be fun for some but for many, it is a passion too. People love to travel to various diving destinations and spend months planning for their dream diving holiday. Diving holidays are for divers the best part of the year where one can plan out a long break from the usual hectic schedule and make a visit to a new exciting world.

Diving holidays can be done on a budget or equally luxurious; some tour operators offer special deals for certain destinations or promote discounted holidays through their online newsletters. Famous destinations such as The Red Sea’s Thistlegorm and The Blue Hole are popular all year around however airlines often offer cheaper flights if purchased in advance so it may be worth looking into booking your flights as soon as possible if you want to save some money and avoid the crowds across the dive sites it would be worth asking a diving tour operator about low season in your chosen destination. Equally travelling out of season for some of the diving holiday destinations will allow you to book cheaper accommodation and thus you can spend more on your actual diving excursions.

The divers interested in the more popular destinations for diving holidays can get a rough estimate of the total travel package by giving their requirements to an online tour operator. Online tour operators can plan a diving holiday for the diver’s needs and needs and budget. Diving holiday packages are frequently updated on a regular note where various affordable packages and deals are available for the most popular destination.

Most online reviews are generated by recent divers and travellers so that unbiased recommendations and information can be provided to the readers. Travel blogs are also popular online offered in order to encourage divers to visit the destination and enjoy their diving holidays with their loved ones.

Booking the holiday is the easy bit, choosing the destination initially however can be daunting – so much choice!! I usually try to decide what I want to get out of the diving holiday and then take it from there. There's plenty of room for spontaneous exploring when you're under the surface. You'll find new, colourful species of fish, coral and dozens other interesting things to attract your attention. The excitement of exploring the unexpected is a large part of the fun. But the only way to do that safely and intelligently is to plan your dive well in advance. Planning your diving holiday requires taking a number of items into account. When you pick the diving holiday location, you’ll need to consider transportation time and costs, legal restrictions and so forth. Diving a lake 10 minutes from home obviously requires an entirely different set of criteria than flying thousands of miles, then taking a boat out in the Red Sea.

In order to ensure the best conditions from your diving holidays throughout the year it is important to check out the expected weather conditions for the time of year, in Dahab generally the conditions stay the same but I would still recommend checking the forecast.. If you plan to recover underwater items you will need to investigate the laws regarding treasure hunting and export. You'll need to research local support for tank refill, equipment repair and so forth.

Being fit and a good swimmer are not prerequisites to learning scuba diving, but both help, according to Sophie Rennie, a BSAC national instructor who holds a Masters degree in exercise physiology. “A day diving can be tiring so you need some cardiovascular fitness,” she said. “Also the equipment can be heavy.”

I recommend bicep and triceps curls, with elbows tucked into the sides of your ribcage, lift a barbell or two dumb-bells slowly towards the chest. Do not bring the weights right up to the chest between repetitions as this gives the muscles a rest. Do 12-15 repetitions, building up to three sets, and increase the weight as you become stronger. Following with regular sit ups to strengthen your stomach muscles in preparation for the diving holiday of a lifetime.

Once your booked up and raring to go its worth preparing physically for the diving to come, Many of the 400 UK schools tailor courses to suit the busy lives of their customers equally offering training before departure so that once you arrive in your diving holiday destination your can thoroughly enjoy the diving available. Intensive courses can be held over five days but in most clubs lessons are held one night a week for about six weeks, after which there is an open-water session. Provided he or she qualifies, the ocean diver can then practise the sport to a depth of 20 metres almost anywhere in the world.

To find out more about diving holidays across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit Active Diving and quote: ART_***

Author: Emma Parker (03/08/08)

That’s all for now on Booking Diving Holidays