Image courtesy of Werner Lau
With some world class diving on offer, guaranteed sunshine and easy affordability, it’s clear to see why the Red Sea is a popular option. But for those looking for something just that little bit different, it’s also worth a second look. With a range of unusual resorts in off-the-beaten-track locations, as well as a wide range of one-off dive experiences, the Red Sea is the ideal destination for those looking to experience something far from the mainstream.
For those looking to combine quirky accommodation with undiscovered dive sites, Roots Luxury Camp in El Quseir provides the Red Sea’s answer to ‘glamping’. The camp is home to deluxe chalets, hand-built from natural materials while still offering modern creature comforts. El Quseir offers excellent shore diving opportunities and easy access to pristine dive sites. Up to 50 sites can be reached from the resort, including Serib Kebir, the Rock and Sharm Fungani. Seven nights’ cost from £639 per person, to include flights, transfers, half board accommodation and five days diving.
Further south in Marsa Alam, Regaldive’s Oasis Dive Resort offers tranquillity for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The resort reflects a pretty Bedouin village and is set in a rural location alongside a quiet beach. Marsa Alam itself is the gateway to the southern Red Sea and offers some of the best virgin diving in the area. Divers can enjoy the superb house reef, or venture by jeep to sites such as Marsa Abu Dabbab. Special boat trips to Elphinstone Reef or Sha’ab Samadai are also on offer. Seven nights’ cost from £599 per person, to include flights, transfers and half board accommodation. Four days house reef diving cost from £93 per person.
Heading deeper south, remote Hamata offers divers the chance to explore the Egypt of old. Offering convenient access to the stunning pristine reefs of Fury Shoals, formerly only accessible via liveaboard, the Zabargad Berenice Resort provides an attractive and restful base for divers to relax after an exciting days diving. Seven nights’ cost from £619 per person to include flights, transfers, half board accommodation and three day’s house reef diving.
Finally, for divers looking for accommodation designed especially for them, The Breakers in Soma Bay is the first ‘watersports lifestyle’ hotel in Egypt. Located just a few steps from a beautiful stretch of fringing reef, this hotel offers extraordinary views of the panoramic jetty and sea. From Soma Bay, divers can access renowned sites including Panorama Reef, Abu Kafan and the infamous wreck of the Salem Express. Seven nights’ cost from £499 per person to include flights, transfers and half board accommodation. Five days boat diving costs from £175 per person when taking advantage of the buy one get one half price promotion*.
For further information, or to book, visit www.regaldive.co.uk
