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.
Nestled deep within the jungle of Quintana Roo, Mexico, lies Cenote El Pit, a hidden natural wonder that captivates adventurers, especially those with a love for diving. Known for its striking depth, crystalline waters, and surreal geological formations, Cenote El Pit is more than just a hole in the ground—it’s a portal to an otherworldly underwater realm.
Located within the famous Sac Actun cave system, just a short drive from Tulum, El Pit offers a thrilling experience for divers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its towering walls, pristine water clarity, and mesmerizing light effects make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Yucatan Peninsula’s cenote-rich landscape.
What makes Cenote El Pit unique?
Cenote El Pit is one of the deepest cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, plunging over 120 meters (393 feet) into the earth. Unlike other cenotes which are open and wide, El Pit has a more cavernous vertical drop that gives the impression of plunging straight into the earth’s core.
Located just a short distance from Tulum, this cenote is surrounded by dense jungle providing a sense of adventure even before you enter the water. Below the surface, crystal-clear water allows the light beams to pierce through letting you see the unique underwater formations.
Why you should dive Cenote El Pit?
For those passionate about diving, Cenote El Pit is one of the most exciting and visually captivating cenotes in Mexico. Here’s why:
1. Incredible Depth and Visibility: The water visibility is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, allowing divers to see deep into the cenote’s vertical shaft. The clarity provides an almost dreamlike sensation as you descend into the depths surrounded by shades of blue and green.
2. Spectacular Light Shows: A very famous feature of Cenote El Pits is the way the sunlight penetrates the cenote. During the middle of the day, when the sun is directly overhead, its rays cut through the water creating a natural laser-show effect. Divers can witness these light beams illuminating the underwater formations and halocline layers.
3. Halocline Phenomenon: El Pit is famous for its halocline. This is where freshwater meets saltwater at a certain depth, creating a blurry shimmering effect in the water. When passing through the halocline, the water becomes clouded, almost like swimming through a layer of fog, only to clear up again as you ascend or descend beyond it.
4. Hydrogen Sulfide Cloud: At around 30 meters, divers encounter a thick, eerie layer of hydrogen sulfide that forms a milky cloud at the bottom of the cenote. This cloud is formed by the natural decomposition of organic matter and creates a mystical, fog-like layer. As you descend into this cloud, it feels like you’re diving into another world, with the forest of dead branches and tree roots adding an extra touch of otherworldliness.
5. Stalactites and Stalagmites: The walls of Cenote El Pit are adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, ancient formations that hint at the cenote’s history when it was once a dry cave. These formations, created over thousands of years, offer a glimpse into the geological past and add an element of exploration as divers navigate through the cavern’s intricate landscape.
6. Peaceful and Pristine Environment: Unlike some of the more popular cenotes that can become crowded with swimmers and tourists, Cenote El Pit retains a more secluded and tranquil ambiance. Its remote location and the challenge of access—often only via dirt roads—mean it’s mostly visited by dedicated divers. This makes for a serene and immersive experience, where you can truly appreciate the silence of the underwater world.
Practical Considerations for Diving in Cenote El Pit
Cenote El Pit is suitable for both intermediate and advanced divers. For those interested in cave diving, additional certification is required. Following local regulations, we recommend that divers first explore a more accessible cenote before diving in El Pit. This ensures both safety and an optimal experience for our guests.
You can dive at El Pit all year round! Pro Dive International provides guided diving tours with experienced instructors.
Contact Pro Dive International now to book your dive or request more information!
Cenote El Pit stands out as one of the most unique and stunning cenotes in Mexico, especially for divers seeking an extraordinary experience. Its combination of crystal-clear water, incredible depth, natural light displays, and geological formations creates a magical and mystical environment unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re looking to explore the mysterious halocline layers or marvel at the sheer beauty of the underwater cathedral of light, diving in Cenote El Pit is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure.
Indigo Safaris invites you to experience the incredible wildlife of the Sea of Cortez, home to numerous exciting megafauna migrations, including the mesmerizing Munk’s Pygmy Devil Ray (Mobula munkiana), more commonly known as mobula rays. Twice a year, tens of thousands of these rays gather in the waters from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, with the peak season occurring between May and July. Our exclusive mobula and orca tour offers a front-row seat to this breathtaking spectacle, along with the chance to encounter other remarkable marine creatures. With only 11 guests on board, this intimate adventure is not to be missed.
Pricing:
- 5 Superior Suites at $3,100 USD per person, including tax (3 suites remaining)
- Single Suites at $3,875 USD per person, including tax (limited availability)
- $35 USD port fee paid on board
Inclusions:
Accommodation, all meals (continental breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert), non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, daily room service, towels, and access to onboard facilities such as the hot tub and lounge… and, of course, plenty of fun!
Exclusions:
Airport transfers, bar, gift shop purchases, crew gratuities, and internet access.
The Wildlife
Orcas
Commonly referred to as killer whales, orcas are actually large dolphins and apex predators. Males can reach up to 30 feet in length and swim over 35 mph, but it’s the matriarchs who lead the family pods. Resident and oceanic orcas stay in tight family units, while transient orcas travel in smaller groups or alone. On this tour, we seek out orcas from the Eastern Tropical Pacific population, which travels between Baja and Costa Rica.
Flying Rays of the Sea of Cortez
Below the water, the vibrant colors and geometric patterns of mobula rays create a hypnotic scene, perfect for photographers. Above the surface, these acrobatic creatures, spanning 5 to 7 feet across, are known for their spectacular leaps out of the water. Some of the more athletic rays can soar over 10 feet, and we believe these high-flying jumps may impress the females during mating displays!
The Escort: Photography Coaching
Onboard, guests will receive expert photography coaching from Indigo Safaris’ founder and renowned underwater photographer, Christopher Bartlett. With more than 100 published articles and multiple dive magazine covers to his name, Christopher will guide guests from the basics to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle photography. He has been leading cetacean trips since 2015 and brings a wealth of experience with marine species, including mobula rays, sperm whales, humpbacks, and sharks.
The Trip
Embark on the luxurious 116 ft Nautilus Gallant Lady, a six-cabin expedition yacht, and follow this epic migration across the Sea of Cortez. Suitable for snorkelers, swimmers, and divers of all experience levels, guests will have ample opportunities to spend time in the water with the mobula rays. Some encounters may last only minutes, while others could extend over an hour, allowing guests to join the rays in the middle of their squadron. Nighttime encounters with schooling rays, illuminated by the yacht’s dive lights, add a magical element to the adventure.
Beyond mobulas, the trip also offers encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. Unlike shore-based trips, our itinerary includes remote locations and unique experiences, such as swimming with dolphins and witnessing bait balls being preyed upon by predators like tuna and dorado.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for non-divers and snorkelers, with only one day dedicated to scuba diving, which is also suitable for snorkelers.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1:
Arrive at the Nautilus-owned SeeCreatures dive center in Cabo San Lucas. After a warm-up dive or snorkel, enjoy a safety briefing and board the Nautilus Gallant Lady in the evening. Settle into your cabin as we sail toward the Sea of Cortez.
Day 2 – Meet the Mobulas:
Our expert crew, with over 47 years of experience in the area, will guide you on your first encounters with the mobula rays. For those interested, freediving lessons will be available. Guests can also relax on the sundeck or enjoy the yacht’s kayaks and paddleboards.
Days 3 and 4:
With five-and-a-half hours of aerial spotting provided by our expert pilot, guests will maximize their chances of encountering mobulas and orcas. Snorkelers and freedivers will take turns experiencing the wildlife up close, with two hours per group before swapping. Expect truly unforgettable encounters.
Days 5 and 6:
Continue the search for mobulas and orcas, with a special nighttime snorkel in a calm bay where lights will attract the rays as they feed on plankton, providing a spectacular show.
Day 7:
On the final day, snorkel or dive at Cabo Pulmo World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, known for its abundance of marine species. The day concludes with dinner under the stars as we sail back to Cabo San Lucas.
Day 8:
After breakfast, disembark in Cabo San Lucas.
Will We See Orcas?
There is a 50% chance of seeing orcas on any given day, increasing significantly with five days of aerial spotting. Our expert pilot and master spotter will work tirelessly to maximize your chances of encountering these magnificent creatures. Guests may also encounter dolphins, sperm whales, fin whales, and even whale sharks in this pelagic paradise.
Recommendations:
Indigo Safaris suggests arriving in Cabo San Lucas a day before boarding, with an overnight stay at Los Tesoros, conveniently located next to the dive center.
The Nautilus Gallant Lady:
Accommodating just 11 guests in nine luxurious suites, the Nautilus Gallant Lady offers both standard and premium suite options, each with private en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities. Aboard this iconic vessel, guests can enjoy a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine, expertly prepared by our onboard chef.
Join Indigo Safaris for this unforgettable wildlife adventure in the Sea of Cortez!
For more information or to book, contact Indigo Safaris:
Email: safariexperts@indigosafaris.com
UK: +44 771 334 27 29
USA: +1 718 312 8777
France: +33 668 74 97 05
Skype: christopherbartlett
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