News
New direct flights make Egypt’s Marsa Alam this Winter’s hottest dive destination
From this November, divers will be able to escape for a winter sun diving adventure to Marsa Alam on Egypt’s Red Sea coast more easily than ever before, with the introduction of new TUI flights from London Gatwick – the resumption of a route that was the victim of the COVID pandemic. Regal Dive, the Red Sea specialist, is thrilled to be offering the new flights alongside the brand new Wadi Sabarah Lodge, which opened in October, for the ultimate Marsa Alam experience.
The service, with a flight time of less than five hours, began on the 2 November and will run twice a week.
DIVING IN MARSA ALAM – THE NEW WADI SABARAH RESORT
Nestled along the enchanting Egyptian Red Sea coast, just a short transfer from Marsa Alam International Airport, the new Wadi Sabarah Lodge is a hidden gem for those seeking diving perfection. The lodge was built by local craftsmen out of coral limestone in the traditional Bedouin style and features 46 striking rooms, and three suites. Each room is en suite and has either sea views or a private balcony. The Lodge has a tempting infinity pool, meditation and massage sessions, and an ever-changing menu of both local and international dishes at the Tamarisk restaurant. The Lodge sits within a calming and beautiful botanic garden, with over 2,000 plant species, many of which are endangered.
The outstanding highlight, is the on-site Emperor Divers dive centre that rubber stamps the lodge’s appeal for divers. Whether an experienced diver or a beginner, the expert team at Wadi Sabarah will ensure that guests’ underwater adventures are truly unforgettable. Marsa Alam is the gateway to the exciting Southern Red Sea and its myriad pristine reefs. Once the preserve of liveaboard boats, this area is now accessible directly from the shore. Diving is a combination of shore dives to the resort’s extensive house reef, or by jeep and truck, or boat day trips to the legendary Elphinstone Reef and Sha’ab Samadai, otherwise known as ‘Dolphin House’. This is virgin diving away from the crowds at its very best.
Price: Regal Dive (regal-diving.co.uk, 01353 659999) offers Wadi Sabarah Lodge from £1,125pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B accommodation, 15 dive package, tanks and weights, transfers and return flights from London on the new TUI flights.
Marine Life & Conservation
Experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by few nights with Sharks next month at some really great rates with Seas4Life (Watch Video)
An Exclusive, Expert Led, One-Off experience…
For just a few short weeks each year – end of May through to end of June – the mighty Sardine Run showcases the epic efforts of supreme marine predators working in unison to feed off the migrating sardines in a most dynamic flurry of action. End of June early July is also when the shark season begins – just imagine it is a David Attenbourgh Blue Planet experience.
In case this natural wonder wasn’t exciting enough – majestic humpback whales just happen to start their annual migration back up north adding to this phenomenal experience.
Its a must for the adventurous soul.. Lots of love, laughter, and smiles.
This is a feeding event of unmatched proportions. Thousands of common dolphin charge after the shoals, separating them into bait balls, with their ‘dolphin bubble technique’, bring them to the surface. Watched from the air by the cape gannets, who then launch a massive aerial assault on the sardines. They are also easy pickings for shivers of bronze whaler, dusky and black tip sharks, seals and lastly the huge mouths of Brydes (Brooders) whale that can consume an entire bait ball in one single lunge!
Seas4Life is offering an incredible deal for this year’s Sardine Run. Here are the details:
Date: June 23rd – July 2nd 2024
Type: Family, group, couples, solo travellers. Min of 4 pax – max 8 pax
Location: South Africa
Nights: 9 nights/10 days
Rates originally started at USD$9,705 per person 9 Nights PP, based on 5 pax on the trip. However, you can now experience the Greatest Shoal on Earth followed by some seriously unforgettable shark action for just USD$7,100 per person.
Includes:
- 5 night stay at Gulu Game Reserve (23rd – 28th June)
- 4 night stay at Africa Oceans Manor (28th June– 2nd July)
- 9 nights fully catered stay with breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
- Welcome drinks and selected alcohol (local beers, wines and spirits)
- 4 Sardine Run Days and 3 full Shark Research Days – 1 morning being with Great White
sharks - Guiding by expert marine conservationists, shark specialists and ocean enthusiasts
- Transfers to and from the airports and to and from the launch base and hotels; and on 28th June from Gulu Game Reserve to African Oceans Manor along the Southern African Coastline and parts of the Garden Route
- Privately chartered 26 foot (8m) semi-rigid dive boat (South African Maritime Safety Authority, licensed to travel up to 40 Nautical miles offshore) with two 140hp motors
- Snorkelling and scuba diving gear
- All activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Use of Gulu Private Resort and African Oceans Manor facilities including rejuvenating in their spa, use of the pool, playing tennis, hiking or fishing… (these will be charged separately if used)
- Marine conservation contribution to the shark research unit
- Offsetting your carbon through Planet Moja
- AMREF
- Lead shark scientist Nico, sardine run expertise of ScubaXursions
- Julie as lead guide
- Lots of smiles, laughter and many memories made
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visas and taxes (airport, government and tourist)
- Scuba diving, free diving and underwater photography courses
- Alcoholic drinks (unless stated) champagne, luxury spirits and selected wines
- Activities not outlined above
- All photographic gear
- DAN Insurance, Scuba and/or photographic gear insurance
- All additional park and/or conservancy fees if applicable
- Travel and health insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
For more information or to book, contact Seas4Life now:
SALES@SEAS4LIFE.COM / +254 723 639 640 / seas4life.com
In a video recorded exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman reviews the Puck4 Dive Computer from Mares.
Find out more about Mares dive equipment at www.mares.com.
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