News
Diving with… Steve Rattle, Pharaoh Dive Club, El Qusier, Red Sea, Egypt
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
What is your name?
Steve Rattle
What is the name of your business?
Roots Red Sea / Pharaoh Dive Club
What is your role within the business?
Owner
How long has the business operated for?
10 years
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
PADI Pro for 28 years. Instructor for numerous agencies such as PADI, PSAI, BSAC… to name a few.
What is your favorite type of diving?
That’s the thing with diving, you never know what you will experience or see, even diving the same sites a 100 times you will find something new if you look hard enough. Sure I love diving with sharks, warm water varieties! Caverns and caves are great too but I can have as much fun on the house reef on the right day when a pod of dolphins turn up to play.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
The joy of diving with us around El Quseir is the tranquillity and the serene beauty of the place. You will have amazing pristine coral sites teeming with fish to just you and your buddies. Crowds and commerce haven’t found us yet and long may that be the case; it’s one of the few unspoilt spots in the Red Sea.
What is your favourite dive in your location and why?
Rather than say what is my favourite as I don’t have one, I will tell you what our guests rave about but I can’t keep it to just one. The Rock is an amazing zodiac dive. In the middle of the bay is a mound rising to 18m simply covered with hundreds of anemones and their thousands of resident anemone fish. Having spent some time on the rock it’s a short swim to a spectacular coral garden covering 100’s of square metres of immaculate corals. Just as popular is the Boneyard for those with suitable experience. The Boneyard is a truly atmospheric dive through a maze of caverns and canyons filled with dancing lights and adventure. The dive inside the system is around 45 minutes and you come out to a splendid coral wall with shoals of reef fishes. There are so many more but you asked for one!
What types of diving are available in your location?
Whatever you are looking for, you tell us what you want to do and we will take you to the site to deliver what you want. The most prevalent would be shore diving, walking down the beach and going left or right. Every site has something unique on the entry, whether it be a canyon or a cavern, and these make the dives very special. Some of the sites you can enter and then return at a different site. We also offer zodiac diving around the harbour in El Quseir, which has some absolutely spectacular sites.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
Smiling faces! It doesn’t matter how well we publicise and promote the location, virtually everyone that comes is amazed as to how good the base and the diving is, pictures just can’t do it justice. Add to that the whole relaxed ambiance and special experience and it’s easy to see why we have such a high level of regular guests, all that leave with smiling faces!
What is your favourite underwater creature?
As we have so many encounters with them, and have begun to understand their behaviours, it has to be the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins. We don’t go to them, we know the areas where they will be and dive nearby. They choose to come and play and every time is still a delight for me. When we are back on the zodiac it is almost impossible to remove the smiles off the guests’ faces!
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
Roots is always evolving; we are continuously seeking to improve opportunities and facilities. We have our Open Ocean Science Centre running citizen science projects in conjunction with Glasgow University. OOSC now offer courses too: Survey Diver teaching the proper procedures and methods to conduct marine science surveys, and we have others in the pipeline.
We also are heavily involved with providing Adaptive Scuba, being the Red Sea base for the amazing Deptherapy charity. We hope to open these programmes up to more candidates and plan to continue improvements of the associated facilities.
As a centre what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
As a destination we still have the misnomer of Egypt being a high-risk location. This is totally incorrect; the Foreign Office have never given advice against travel to El Quseir! The issue in Egypt is obviously not unfounded but the media have an awful lot to answer for with their misleading representations of the country’s internal politics and outside influences. Egypt’s African coast is, and has always been, a very safe destination and finally the tourists are returning in abundance with a massive increase in flight connections.
Is your centre involved in any environmental work?
We are not only involved but we have taken a very strong lead with community interaction and education. We run a volunteer programme where participants are completing daily beach and reef clean ups with the assistance of the local community and our other guests.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkelling industry overall? What changes would you make?
The policing of the industry is the biggest issue. I often cringe when I see some practises of other operators around the world. A mixture of ignorance being bliss and malpractice is a constant concern. In Egypt the governing body, CDWS, do their best to provide the policing with stringent rules and requirements to gain a legal license, however, the average holiday maker has no idea that the sales guy on the beach is acting illegally or if the dive centre they are taken to are licensed or not. All you can hope for is that ‘buyers beware’ and they check out the operators they are diving with. How much would you pay to be sure you are in safe hands?
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
Ask yourself what experience would you like when you go diving? Do you want to be fighting crowded sites or would you rather have the sites to yourself? Do you want to follow a line of divers in a prescribed route or drop in and go where you want, at the pace you want to go? We offer the latter: relaxed diving on pristine, uncrowded sites. And the sites are simply some of the best shore-based diving in the Red Sea. Our phenomenal repeat business bears witness to this.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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