The amazingly clear waters and over abundance of sea life makes the Red Sea one of the best places in the world to dive. 

Once in Hurghada we set out to find a reputable dive company to go with. While there was a dive centre in our resort, we didn’t feel overly confident with them as they couldn’t really give us much information, so we hit the streets to find another one. We walked up and down the Main Street only to find dive gear shops. Once inside we asked about diving and they couldn’t really even recommend a company to go with. This seemed incredibly odd to us. So we walked on down to the marina in hopes of finding a company there. We arrived at one of the googled dive companies, only for it to be closed down. Our thoughts were, how could this place be famous for diving but this hard to find a dive company to go with. We were almost ready to give up when we noticed a small booth along the marina boardwalk displaying desert tours. Tyson walked over and started talking to them. They offered diving as well and we could tell that they were confident in what they were talking about. This was perfect, although the price seemed too good to be true. We felt confident with them so we paid a small cash deposit, of our choice, got our receipt and were all signed up to go in two days’ time.

The hotel transfers were even included, so at 8:30 am a man arrived with our information and ushered us into an awaiting taxi. We drove all of two minutes (could have just walked) and arrived at the dive centre at the water’s edge of one of the resorts. We filled out the traditional liability paperwork, paid our remaining tab, got suited up with gear and boarded the boat. For some reason there was a bit of confusion. We got all settled in before someone came over and told us we were on the wrong boat. So we moved our dive gear boxes and switched boats. A short while later someone came around getting us to sign in on the boat we were told once again that we were on the wrong boat. So returning to the first boat for all of us, again moving our gear back. Shortly after we were on our way.

The dive master came over and chatted with us to let us know the plan for the day and what to expect. Within 30 minutes we were getting geared up and leaping off the boat. Five clients, plus dive master, explored the underworld for around 50 minutes seeing a wide variety of sea life. The waters were filled with the traditional parrotfish, banner fish and huge schools of brilliantly coloured orange goldfish-like guys. We even stumbled across a black and white sea snake as well as an octopus. We then got back on the boat where a delicious lunch along with soft drinks and water was waiting for us. We relaxed for over an hour before the boat moved to another part of the reef and attached on to the mooring ball. With gear back on we were down again for another 50-minute dive filled with clown fish in their anemone homes, a second sea snake, lion fish and jellies.

Both of these dives had so much to see. While they say it’s more famous for the coral, I would have to say it’s the colourful fish for us. The year round optimal condition and visibility of nearly 50 meters is a huge bonus as well. We have never come across any of the larger sea creatures in the Red Sea but it feels like you are swimming in an aquarium with all the spectacular colours. The fish are not nervous and just calmly swim around you.

A few of the highlights were getting to see an octopus on the move as well as a huge moray eel poking its head out.

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Or you can see how much this one month trip to Egypt set us back.