News
Sharm el Sheikh doesn’t suck!
It finally happened! What finally happened you may ask?
June 8th saw the official launch of Camel Dive Club & Hotel outlets (Camel Bar, Pomodoro restaurants and Vanilla Café) only providing stainless straws for selected drinks and/or on request.
Why did it take so long?
A few local bars in Sharm el Sheikh had already started implementing no plastic straws from February 3rd (International Straw Free Day) after a group of eco-friendly residents who wanted to make a difference in Sharm set up a Facebook group, called “Straw Free Sharm” aimed at educating the local community.
Since its beginning in 1986, Camel Dive Club & Hotel has been pioneering eco-friendly ideas in Sharm el Sheikh thanks to their owner, Mr. Hesham Gabr, who cares greatly about global and local environmental issues. This latest revolutionary move was driven by the amount of non-biodegradable plastic straws that were found during Camel’s regular underwater clean ups, causing research to begin into reducing plastic straw use at all Camel Dive Club & Hotel food & beverage outlets.
The project had a significant number of challenges and we wanted to take our time and find a way that Camel could become straw free, whilst ensuring no detrimental effect on our customer service or the local environment. The Camel marketing team have been working on this project since November 2017. It has been an interesting journey where the whole team has learnt a lot about straw use in general. I think if any of us ever see another plastic straw again, it will be too soon!
We learnt that there are no eco-friendly plastic alternative straws available in Egypt. However, thanks to our fantastic engineering department we have also learnt that it is relatively simple to get them manufactured locally for a small fee. One of the most surprising discoveries that we made was that the outlets at Camel Dive Club & Hotel used 32,150 plastic drinking straws in 2017 alone. As Mr Hesham Gabr said: “This has to stop!”
After many hours of in-depth research and thorough road tests of samples that we had acquired, we decided that the stainless steel reusable straw was going to be the best option (even though we are a bit concerned about possible thefts.) The humble stainless steel straw stood up to hygiene and satisfaction tests, as well as definitely providing the best slurp-ability for the duration of the drink. Did you know that they even help to keep drinks cold?
The next bit of the puzzle was to find a supplier that could ship supplies to us in Egypt at a reasonable cost and if possible, without the stock being held up in customs for too long. Thanks to our friends Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown of Scubaverse, we managed to choose an extremely helpful supplier based in the UK called EcoStrawz.
After many emails and even more free samples, we placed the order. The project was finally starting to feel very real at last and it was very exciting. The stock destined for Camel was shipped to a UK address for collection by myself, then brought back to Sharm el Sheikh after a short trip to visit family. I can highly recommend it as a way to limit your UK shopping spree as an expat. There is not so much room for Jaffa Cakes and Marmite if you are trying to fit 150 stainless steel straws into your luggage!
150 stainless steel straws is not a lot you may think. However, after many calculations of how many drinks the Camel outlets sold in 2017, we decided that it would be enough as we only plan to give our guests a straw on request or with the slightly difficult drinks, for example cocktails that contain crushed ice, or the thick fruit juices and milkshakes that we serve.
The straws made it safely to Sharm after a brief discussion at Sharm Airport about what they were. (At four o’clock in the morning after arriving in Sharm el Sheikh via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, even I was struggling to explain what they were, and as some of you know, I can talk for Wales!)
We held a soft launch on May 25th after training all our waiting and bar staff who were incredible supportive of this project, to gain as much feedback as possible. The outcome was fantastic with enormous support from the whole community and, of course, our guests.
To celebrate this innovative outcome of reusable straws in Sharm el Sheikh and Egypt as a whole, Camel Dive Club and Camel Bar hosted an event on World Oceans Day, June 8th, 2018.
During the day, Camel boats successfully completed a Dive against Debris, in which over 30 staff and guests from the UK, the USA, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Holland, Russia and of course Egypt, collected over 22kg of debris in just one hour underwater at two different dive sites in Sharm el Sheikh. Resident 12 year old Luca Hales, who recently was nominated as a PADI Ambassadiver, took part in the events, boosting the importance of educating younger generations, as well as the responsibility of the diving industry to set a role model when it comes to protecting the environment.
In the evening of the same day, during the weekly Divers’ Night at Camel Bar, residents and guests enjoyed a Quiz in aid of Project AWARE with rounds that included plastic, the Ocean and Egyptian topics, accompanied by a finger food buffet and dancing, combined with some excellent Karaoke singing that went on well in to the night.
It was a lot of fun, and as a community it was great to see so many different dive centers there and over 70 people in total; all united in their support of a plastic free world and future.
Hate Plastic Straws? Love Sharm and Camel Dive Club!
Inspired? Take a look at www.cameldive.com and book your trip!
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
Exclusive Scubaverse Offer: Save on Your Next Adventure
As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
Visit https://www.purediveresort.com/package-offers/ to explore amazing packages and claim your discount with the code: SCUBAVERSE10
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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