News
Sharm: How to Get There
As you may have read from our previous posts about Sharm el Sheikh here on Scubaverse, the diving is great, the reefs are healthy and the dive sites are uncrowded. We had a wonderful 10 days staying and diving with Camel Dive Club and Hotel. So how can you get there?
Many people believe that Sharm is closed, but this is not the case. The current government advice (Jan 2017) is that staying in Sharm el Sheikh is fine, but for “precautionary measures” Sharm airport is not advised apart from essential travel. The UK and Russia are the only two countries in the world that still have flight restrictions to Sharm airport, so we can only hope that these are lifted soon. At the moment, you cannot get a direct flight from the UK to Sharm el Sheikh, but there are plenty of other options for travel and there are great deals to be had once you are there too.
We flew from Heathrow to Cairo, and then an internal flight from Cairo to Sharm, using Egypt Air. There were no long waits at the airport between flights and we got a whopping 46gk (two 23kg bags) each of check in baggage on top of the usual hand luggage. This meant that we could happily pack all our dive gear, including warm winter suits, all our underwater photography equipment and still have room for more; a real luxury for the traveling underwater photographer!
There are plenty of other options with Turkish Airlines (again with good baggage allowance, and an extra bag for divers) from lots of regional UK airports, and you can also fly via lots of European airport too, so you can use up some air miles should you want to, or stop to have a nice weekend city break to recover on the way to or from your diving trip. Here are some options to consider:
Flight options from UK to Sharm:
- Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
- Pegasus Airlines (via Istanbul)
- EgyptAir (via Cairo)
Direct regular flights to Sharm:
- Italy – Meridiana and Neos (from Milan, Bologna, Verona and Rome)
- Germany – Germania (from Dusseldorf and Munich)
- Belgium – TUIfly (from Brussels)
Ornella and the team at Camel Dive Club are happy to help you find the best flights to join them as part of the service when you book.
Many people contacted us via social media when they saw that we were out in Sharm to ask how we got there, but mainly about travel insurance. Many divers believe that because of the government advice, you cannot get insured, but this is also not true. Friends of Scubaverse, Westfield Sub Aqua and Marine Insurance Services, offer cover for travel and diving in Sharm. We are sure there are others offering this too, but most people we spoke to had used this option.
Finally, many are put off because they think the price of a trip diving in Sharm will be too high now that the package trips and cheap flights have stopped. But, whilst the flights might be a little more (and there are certainly some great deals out there) the diving and hotel packages have come down to try to encourage more divers to return. This means that overall, there are some great deals to be had.
Camel Dive Club have the following offers:
7 nights at Camel Hotel + 5 days diving for only 311 Euro per person sharing
7 nights at Camel Hotel + 1 day diving + PADI Advanced Open Water course for only 377 Euro per person sharing
7 nights at Camel Hotel + PADI Open Water Course for only 350 Euro per person sharing. SPECIAL PRICE for 2 people booking together
NO SINGLE SUPPLIMENT in selected dates
Packages include:
- Seven nights in a double/twin room at 4 star Camel Hotel, including buffet breakfast
- Guided diving (two boat dives a day, tanks and weights) / PADI Open Water Course / PADI Advanced Open Water course
- Free nitrox (two 12lt tanks per day, 32%)
- Airport transfers
For bookings and more information contact info@cameldive.com. All the above offers have LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
We felt completely safe while we were there and during our transits through the airports. Security is as tight as we have seen anywhere on our travels, with our bags being checked several times throughout the process. Many Europeans, who have access to direct flights, are heading back to Sharm, and if you want to go back and dive the Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammed and the Strait of Tiran, then we hope this helps you plan your trip.
www.egypt.travel/diving-in-egypt
For more from Nick and Caroline visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced