News
Diving with…Hannah Brown, Eagle Divers, Sharm el Sheikh, Red Sea
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?
Hannah Brown
What is the name of your business?
Eagle Divers, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
What is your role within the business?
Marketing & Reservations Manager, and PADI Dive Instructor
How long has the business operated for?
6.5 years
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I’ve been diving for 10 years, with the first few years based in Scotland before moving to the Red Sea for the slightly warmer and clearer water. I’m currently a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, certified in 2013.
What is your favourite type of diving?
I’m equally as happy in the shallows searching for macro life as I am hanging deep in the blue looking out for Hammerheads.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
That we’re not just a business! We’re friends and family who work hard together with a shared passion and aim to provide some seriously great diving and course experiences during your well-earned holiday. We’re really proud of the comments our previous guests have left on TripAdvisor, referring to ‘family atmosphere’, ‘fun’, ‘trusting’, ‘friendly’ and ‘safe.’ Feedback like this doesn’t make us complacent, quite the opposite in fact, as it pushes us to continue to provide the best level of service we can. We’re developed enough to be able to provide you with any type of diving or course you might want, but small enough to still provide that personal service which I believe is why people keep coming back to dive with us.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
My favourite dive site is Shark Observatory in Ras Mohamed, either from the shore or boat. From the shore, the entrance is the coolest, dropping through a hole in the rock before moving through a small cave and coming out to a drop-off too deep to see the bottom. The site is mainly a steep wall dive with inlets and overhangs, which are completely covered in colour and life. The site obviously got its name from being a place where sharks were easily observed, although nowadays they’re not as common but there’s still potential. If you don’t get a shark you won’t be disappointed; you’ve got a great chance of spotting giant trevally, tuna, eagle ray, turtle and huge napoleon wrasse instead.
It might not be one of the best known or most talked about sites in the Northern Red Sea, but for me it’s one of the best……second up would be Small Crack, but you need to come dive it for yourself to find out why.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Nearly every type of dives/diving you can get are possible in the Northern Red Sea. We have a couple of cracking shore dives, my favourite being at the site where we camp in Ras Mohamed, but mainly dives are conducted from purpose built dive boats. We’ve got drift, mooring, wall, deep, canyons, plateaus, lagoons, blue water, macro, wrecks… the list goes on. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to diving or a seasoned pro, dives are geared to the level of the diver with routes altered so no two dives are ever the same.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
I love seeing the excitement on someone’s face when they jump into the Red Sea and realise how amazing the visibility is, or when they spot their first turtle/shark/manta/eagle ray. However, the most rewarding part of being a Dive Instructor for me is when you take a non-diver and help them become a really confident and capable diver.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Hammerhead sharks because they are just incredible to watch underwater, or torpedo rays because of the way they shake their butt’s when swimming – it always makes me laugh.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
YES! I am beyond excited to announce that our diving centre has just acquired its very own dive boat, Eagle One. This has been a dream of ours since the beginning and through hard work and dedication to that dream from our entire team, we’ve managed to get there in not such a long time. I get the great job of accessorizing items such as the mugs, flags and reusable water bottles, so I’m excited about that also!
2017 also saw us run our first three Southern Red Sea liveaboards, after primarily focusing on Northern routes the previous years. Due to the success of the trips we already have the dates for 2018 ‘Best of the Southern Red Sea’ in the diary with flights available to book now. If anyone fancies joining us for a week exploring Daedalus, Rocky, and Zabargad feel free to get in touch, we’re hoping for more hammerheads and maybe even a tiger shark this year!
There’s one more development on the cards which will be announced very soon, so keep checking our Facebook, Instagram and newsletter for more details.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Well, it would be nice if the UK Government would finally lift the direct flight restrictions currently still in place. Although that being said, many of our British guests who have been diving out in Sharm with us for the past 6 years have been finding alternative routes out, so the impact is really not as big anymore. Combined with all the other countries who do provide direct flights, the diving industry as a whole has picked back up which is really lovely to see. The direct flights would just make it that little bit more convenient travelling here. The restrictions will be lifted in the not too distant future I’m sure, but I guess the UK Government has a lot on its plate at the moment so it isn’t much of a priority.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
Absolutely; now that we have our own boat we are working hard to reduce the amount of daily waste, specifically with reference to disposable plastic cups and bottles, which are all too common in Egypt. We encourage all passengers (during the initial boat briefing) to fill their own water bottles throughout the day and to ensure any rubbish from snacks are secure in the bins to prevent it from accidentally blowing into the sea. Every dive is a dive against debris, with divers and snorkelers encouraged to remove any rubbish they find during a dive and dispose of it properly, and obviously it goes without saying that the no touch policy for coral and marine life is emphasized and enforced during dives.
In general the dive community here in Sharm is really good at looking after the marine environment and it’s not uncommon for organised clean-up dives to recover very little in terms of trash because of the positive attitude to keeping the sea clean. There’s always room for improvement of course, personally I’d love to see the whole country rid of single use plastic bags, there is just no need for them.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkelling industry overall? What changes would you make?
I feel like the industry is growing at a natural pace, especially with SCUBA and freediving becoming more accessible around the world and to people of different abilities. The whole trend for mermaids which started lasted year has seen a massive increase in popularity of water-based activities, especially for children, and in turn has also increased people’s awareness of the different sports which is great.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
We want you to have the best dives, and the best holiday possible, so if you’re looking for a top notch experience with some of the best diving on offer at a competitive price, you now know where to find us!
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
They can check out our website at www.eaglediversegypt.com and if they like, sign up to the monthly newsletter which includes special offers, events and blogs. Of course we’ve also got the Eagle Divers Egypt Facebook page which lists the available services, upcoming events and daily diving updates plus the dive centre Instagram account. If you need a question answered quickly, then the best route is to either email us at info@eagle-divers.com or send us a message on WhatsApp at +44 7598 007375.
Welcome to Day 5 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
SlipIns DiveSkins
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Diving Books from Miflex Hoses
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
We stock a great range of Diving & Underground book titles, ideal to add to any order or simply buy as a gift for a friend.
Titles we have include:
Shipwrecks of the Dover Straits, Adventures Underground, Pioneers Beneath the Peak, Dive Truk Lagoon, Underwater Potholer, Images Below & many more.
From Authors including:
Stefan Panis, Martyn Farr, Duncan Price, Ron Young, Rod Macdonald, Chris Howes
Visit our website for more details.
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light – now available in pink!
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
SCUBAPRO, the world’s premier manufacturer of high-quality scuba diving equipment, introduces its second generation Luna 2.0, an easy-to-read, intuitive dive computer loaded with easy-to-use features and available in two versions, the Luna 2.0 and Luna 2.0 AI with wireless air integration.
Designed for new and casual recreational divers, the low-profile Luna 2.0 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its oil-filled plastic housing helps ensure reliable performance to depths of 120 meters. A large widescreen display features a high-contrast black and white matrix-segment LCD with full-sized characters for easy reading in all dive conditions. An intuitive menu and simple two-button interface lets the diver navigate the system with ease, aided by clearly marked screen prompts. The LUNA 2.0 offers two algorithms – Predictive Multi-Gas Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG or ZH-L16 + GF PURE, plus 21-50% nitrox compatibility and three selectable gasses for open circuit diving. Three dive modes are available – Scuba, Apnea and Gauge – to suit a range of diving activities.
The Luna 2.0 AI (air integrated) offers the same easy-to-use features and functions as the standard Luna 2.0 plus adds wireless air integration. This not only enables to easily monitor ythe tank pressure, it also provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows the air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Also available with the Luna 2.0 AI is an optional integrated heart rate monitor that lets visually track the heart rate and skin temperature to help staying in the personal target zone.
Both Luna 2.0 models include personalized dive management functions like PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) which calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current and previous dives and breathing mixes, and Microbubble levels that give the option to adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match the individual experience level, age and physical conditioning for a more enjoyable dive.
The soft silicone arm strap offers a comfortable fit on the wrist, plus bungee mounts on the corners of the housing allow for alternate attachment methods. A Bluetooth Low Energy interface enables the download of the dive data to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac (firmware can be user-updated), and the CR2450 battery is rated for up to two years or 300 dives.
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
35% off Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene in Spring 2025
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Embark on the ultimate diving adventure aboard the Scuba Scene, the luxury liveaboard offering an unforgettable Red Sea experience. Known for its exceptional service, safety, comfort, and world-class dive sites, Scuba Scene is the ideal choice for divers of all levels.
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. From the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park to the famous Thistlegorm wreck, Scuba Scene brings you to the heart of the Red Sea’s best sites. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew that ensures every detail is perfect, this liveaboard guarantees relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Now is the perfect time to book! Save a massive 35% on any sailing between 3rd March and 28th April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first plunge, Scuba Scene promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Don’t miss this chance to dive the Red Sea in style and at an incredible price. Book your adventure today!
Tel: 0800 699 0243
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
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