With direct flights from the UK to Sharm back on offer since the end of 2019, all lovers of Sharm – both staff and tourists alike – are excited. But once you actually get here, what is there to do? 20 things are quite a few, there are only 10 here, so stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow!

1. Dive from the boat in Ras Mohamed – Ras Mohamed National Park features one of the top ten dive sites in the world, Shark & Yolanda Reef amongst other reefs. This one reef (actually made up of four reefs) is exceptional though as it provides stunning corals combined with exciting fish sightings in one place all year round.

2. Dive SS Thistlegorm – This sometimes challenging dive (so you must have a minimum of 20 logged dives to dive the wreck) never ceases to provide divers with excitement and adventure. Exploring the locomotives and the inner holds is a must for even the most hardened wreck junkie.

3. Take your PADI Advanced Open Water certification – Don’t have enough dives for the Thistlegorm, how about completing your Advanced course with a friendly dive center like 100% Project AWARE center Anthias Divers, that specializes in tailor made dive packages, to gain more experience? In only two days, you will be certified to dive to 30 meters and discover all manner of other useful skills.

4. Post on social media – I know that you are on holiday and many of you would rather forgo technology, but on the off chance you are still connected whilst you here, don’t forget to tell your friends how great Sharm is. After the recent years, Sharm needs a team effort to help remind the world what a great place it is.

5. Dive Ras Mohamed by land – Boat diving not your bag? How about a relaxing shore dive from a Bedouin camp in Ras Mohamed? Take in the beautiful contrast of where desert meets the sea as you kit up, and then enjoy a peaceful dive with few other divers.

6. Take your PADI Open Water Course – I almost forgot, Sharm is not just for certified divers. If you are not yet a qualified diver, Sharm is the perfect place to learn to dive. The warm, turquoise waters and many shallow bays make this top diving destination ideal for taking your first underwater breathes in a stress-free environment.

7. Go ice skating – Yes, really! Fancy cooling down in the evening after a sunny day on the boat. There are even two ice skating rinks here for you to test your talents.

8. Enjoy the blue skies – Sharm el Sheikh is one of the few destinations where 365 days of sunshine is pretty much guaranteed. Even without the fabulous diving, this is a definite reason to visit, especially during Europe’s ever longer winter that seems to get colder by the day.

9. Snorkel – Lost for ideas for what to do on your non diving day before you fly home or want to pacify the non-divers in your party? Go snorkeling. The 30-meter visibility provides great views of the reef and its inhabitants, even from the surface.

10. Take a quad bike journey to the desert – If you would prefer to be dry on the last day before you fly (although I really don’t understand why), take a quad bike tour into the desert and enjoy the outstanding Bedouin tea and hospitality.

Still not enough things for you to do in Sharm el Sheikh? Don’t forget to check back for Part 2 tomorrow, where there will be even more ideas. In the meantime, sunny regards from Sharm to keep you all warm.

Inspired? Take a look at www.anthiasdivers.com to find out more!