News
It’s Great to be back in Sharm
It has been too long since Nick and I have dived in Sharm El Sheikh, and so we jumped at the chance to come back this week. We are diving with Camel Dive Club for the next week or so, and our first two days of diving have really re-ignited our love for this place. Whilst there are still no direct flights from the UK to Sharm, getting here is not difficult, with flights via Cairo and also various European hubs. The team at Camel have been assisting UK divers with finding the best route, and it is great to see people returning to this must-do diving destination.
Sharm offers incredible land-based diving, with iconic sites such as Ras Mohamed and the Thistlegorm within easy reach of a day boat, as well as great shore diving for those wanting a more relaxed pace. So far, we have visited Gordon’s Reef, Wodehouse, Shark & Yolanda, the wreck of the Dunraven and Ras Ghozlani, and we have only been here for two days! We have another week of diving and will be sending regular reports back for our Scubaverse readers throughout.
The reefs are in superb condition, with coral growth and marine life thriving at the moment. If you have not been here for a while, then you, like us, may have forgotten the way the reef pulses with the movement of the bright orange and pink anthias. Turtles patrol the soft corals, looking for their favourite snacks, while huge moray eels sway in the gentle currents. The visibility is fantastic and the water is a gorgeous deep blue. It is winter here too, and so whilst the water is not cold, it is cooler than in the summer at 23/24 °C. You will probably need some warm clothes to change into on the surface too, as the wind can make the boat rides cool. However, the winter sun and a cup of tea will soon warm you up.
Another thing you forget is just how friendly and warm the locals are here. The boat crew at Camel are no exception, always ready to give you a hand and a smile. Nothing is too much trouble, and today, their reactions to a potential camera flood was outstanding – with quick actions and plenty of dry towels to hand as soon as they knew we had an issue. Thankfully, all is now well!
Watch out for more posts from us about our diving and the dive site details & descriptions in coming days…
www.egypt.travel/diving-in-egypt
For more from Nick and Caroline visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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