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.
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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