Advice on Sharks Bay

[chris_hull23]

Hi there,

I'm trying to sort out a dive school for a 2 weeks package in November.

I was wondering if anyone could help with some of the questions I have. I'm new to Egypt so haven't a clue what to expect, other than good dive sites...

Mainly wondering if anyone recommends the Sharks Bay Dive School, they are doing quite a good deal but if you have any better suggestions that would be cool. (We are staying in Sharks Bay).

Also, is it better to book in advance or wait and use some negotation skills when I get over to Egypt.

Finally, i've read about loads of good dive sites, but are there any that really shouldn't be missed, given that we have only 10 days available for diving.

All help and advice gratefully received by reply or e-mail.

Thanks,
Chris

[NickBCotswold]

hi chris,

while i personally cant answer your question, i know theres a couple of guys/girls from this site who are based in sharm and are associated in someway shape or form with professional diving.......sure they can help...

all i would suggest (others may correct me!) is that its possible to make some good savings online by pre-booking...

My better half and I make our first ever visit to sharm in Nov and i defo saved a significant amount of money by pre-booking a 3 day dive package.....

also, means i can travel relaxed knowing the club associated with my hotel is expecting me, knows my level/qualifications and what kit I intend to hire - also the ice has been broken, so feel like "friends" are expecting me!!

only "my" opinion and experience tho!!

Nick B

[chris_hull23]

Thanks Nick. Good advice I guess.

[Steve in Sharm]

Hi there,

I'm trying to sort out a dive school for a 2 weeks package in November.

I was wondering if anyone could help with some of the questions I have. I'm new to Egypt so haven't a clue what to expect, other than good dive sites...

Mainly wondering if anyone recommends the Sharks Bay Dive School, they are doing quite a good deal but if you have any better suggestions that would be cool. (We are staying in Sharks Bay).

Also, is it better to book in advance or wait and use some negotation skills when I get over to Egypt.

Finally, i've read about loads of good dive sites, but are there any that really shouldn't be missed, given that we have only 10 days available for diving.

All help and advice gratefully received by reply or e-mail.

Thanks,
Chris

Hi Chris,

I live n work in Sharm so please feel free to PM me with any Q's you may have - though answering them on here could result in some good advertising :D

OK, now for an unbiaised answer.

Sharks Bay (Umbi) is a small dive school right under your noses - plus points are that you do not have the 20/30 minute pickups that other dive schools have cos they have their own jetty right there on the beach. They also run a fleet of small boats so you wont be overcrowded on a bigger centre's boat.

They are a cosmopolitan centre and do not have any english guides - though all their guides do speak very good english.

There are quite a few BSAC Holiday centres here and of course you have Ocean College (which is where I work) who are a BSAC school.

If you go with another centre - expect to be picked up at around 7.45/8.00 for transport to the dive centre/jetty.

As for your idea of "negotiating" when here - all centres i Sharm that I know of charge more for "walk ins" as they do for pre-booked customers, this is to cover the extra costs which can be incurred dependent upon your time of arrival for things like changing port police paperwork/hiring in more staff because todays staff are allocated etc etc - so yes, book online first and save yourself some money.

My wife works at Sharks Bay and you can email her direct on:

sharksbay@sinainet.com.eg

Regards

Steve