PDA

View Full Version : Any Information on Diving the Sudan ??

Bren Tierney
10-01-2003, 02:39
OK, Sharm and the rest of the Red Sea resorts are relatively 'known quantities'. So what I'm after is info and recommendations for operators and anything else you can give me on deep south Red Sea - deepest Sudan sea-board.

Liveaboards, safe land-fall, air/mix fills - all info gladly received.

Cheers in advance,

Bren.
Alison boler
13-01-2003, 19:30
Bren,

I've been looking at putting a trip together this year because two friends of mine are now running the Emperor Divers centre based at the new Port Sudan Hilton. You can dive based at the hotel using their fast boats or they also have a liveaboard if you prefer that.
Apparently the diving is absolutely pristine. The problems with Sudan are to do with the logistics. Direct flights have started from Europe but as far as I can see, if you go from the UK you still have to go into Cairo, overnight and then on to Sudan and the same thing coming back. Which makes it 10 daysish for one weeks diving and of course adds to the costs. Which brings me to the other problem. There are all sorts of pretty heinous taxes on diving there. For instance visiting divers are subject to a $150 diving tax for one weeks diving.
Its a bit of a put off.

But.... Steve Coverdale (ex MV Oyster) and Miranda, who are managing the diving down there are really excellent. Steve is one of the best divemasters I have ever dived with. So it is quite tempting to go. Regal Diving are running trips and so are Tony Backhurst. Will let you know if I find out more and please let me know what you discover.

All the best

Alison
Bren Tierney
13-01-2003, 23:45
Hey Alison,

Thanks very much for the heads-up. I've used Emperor before and they have their act together, so I'm happy to use them.

Looks like I need to update my Regal brochure as mine's just expired. I'll order the new Tony Blackhurst info too on the strength of this. If I find out anything of interest, I'll get back to you.

Cheers again and dive safe,
Bren.
Terence Simpson
05-05-2003, 09:39
Hello Alison and Bren

I just wanted to let you know that the fees for diving have changed drastically since Emperor Divers opened their centre in Port Sudan. They are as follows:

FOR HOTEL BASED DAY DIVERS
US$20 Departure tax
US$22 Passport Registration Fee
US$60 for Visa ON ARRIVAL

FOR LIVEABOARD DIVERS
US$20 Departure tax
US$22 Passport Registration Fee
US$60 for Visa ON ARRIVAL
US$7 per person per day marine safari tax
US$10 Tourist tax

Emperor Divers has also arranged with the Sudan Government for their clients to receive their visa ON ARRIVAL in Port Sudan. This therfore avoids the days that can be spent waiting for a Visa from the Sudanese Embassy.

All that is required is that Emperor receive a copy of the clients passport a minimum of two weeks prior to the planned visit, the visa is then approved in Port Sudan and a document sent back to the client which they then produce on arrival in Port Sudan, the visa is stamped in the passport and thats it!!

Should you need any further assitance to you or any other BSAC member planning to vist Egypt or Sudan please do not hesitat to contact me at <a href="mailto:terry@emperordivers.com">terry@emperordivers.com</a>

Terry Simpson
Managing Director
Emperor Divers



Bren,

I've been looking at putting a trip together this year because two friends of mine are now running the Emperor Divers centre based at the new Port Sudan Hilton. You can dive based at the hotel using their fast boats or they also have a liveaboard if you prefer that.
Apparently the diving is absolutely pristine. The problems with Sudan are to do with the logistics. Direct flights have started from Europe but as far as I can see, if you go from the UK you still have to go into Cairo, overnight and then on to Sudan and the same thing coming back. Which makes it 10 daysish for one weeks diving and of course adds to the costs. Which brings me to the other problem. There are all sorts of pretty heinous taxes on diving there. For instance visiting divers are subject to a $150 diving tax for one weeks diving.
Its a bit of a put off.

But.... Steve Coverdale (ex MV Oyster) and Miranda, who are managing the diving down there are really excellent. Steve is one of the best divemasters I have ever dived with. So it is quite tempting to go. Regal Diving are running trips and so are Tony Backhurst. Will let you know if I find out more and please let me know what you discover.

All the best

Alison