Showing posts with label dahab. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dahab. Show all posts

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Diving Holidays in Dahab

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

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

Monday, August 11, 2008

PADI Open Water Course in Dahab

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

Diving Holidays in Dahab

Diving Holidays in Dahab

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