Advice Wanted - Marsa Alam / Hamata

[Jon23]

Hi,

I'm thinking of going diving in late November in either Marsa Alam or Hamata, and was hoping someone would be able to give me some advice on which resort would be suitable. I'll be there with my girlfriend who will also be diving, we're both in our late 20's.

I've looked around the web quite a lot, and I'm really put off by many of the major resorts which seem to have 200+ rooms, 'animation teams' kids clubs etc, I'd prefer somewhere that's a bit smaller, and unlikely to be noisy or have children running around, but would like there to be at least a pool and a bar, and preferably a tv in the room.

Obviously the dive centre being good is also a major consideration.

Any thoughts?

[Eddie Clamp]

Hi,

I'm thinking of going diving in late November in either Marsa Alam or Hamata, and was hoping someone would be able to give me some advice on which resort would be suitable.
Obviously the dive centre being good is also a major consideration.
Any thoughts?


Hamata is great! Went there in 2007 with my non diving wife. We stayed at the Zabargad hotel which we named "hotel at the end of the desert" (ala Hitchhikers guide to) :D. Very well looked after. Went there with Regaldive.

My report is at: http://www.bsac.com/diverreports.asp?itemid=612&itemTitle=Egypt+%2D+Zabargad&section=1242&sectionTitle=Middle+East

Orca divers were very good to. Got to day boat dive the Fury Shoal. :)

[Jon23]

Thanks, that's one of the places I've been looking at. Unfortunately I can't find any indication of accommodation prices on their website (which now seems to be down) or the Orca website, and my email has not been replied to after 48 hours.

I've also been looking at the Abu Dabab Diving Lodge and the Oasis Dive Resort in Marsa Alam. Does anyone have any experience of either of these?

[Steve in Sharm]

Take a look at the Emperor set up down there, staying in Marina Lodge

http://www.regal-diving.co.uk/home/?m=destinations&destid=1&resortid=6

sounds exactly as you have described, I dived with them a few months back and its and excellent set up whilst the hotel is just what your after.

Regards

Steve

[Eddie Clamp]

Take a look at the Emperor set up down there, staying in Marina Lodge
http://www.regal-diving.co.uk/home/?m=destinations&destid=1&resortid=6
sounds exactly as you have described, I dived with them a few months back and its and excellent set up whilst the hotel is just what your after.
Regards
Steve

Thereby fitting two BSAC Travel Partners - Regaldive and Emperor together :)

Cheers Steve! :p

[Daron]

Another vote for Zabargad hotel. It is exactly what you want, nice house reef too which is open 6am to 11pm.

[Eddie Clamp]

Another vote for Zabargad hotel. It is exactly what you want, nice house reef too which is open 6am to 11pm.

Agree Daron. Looking to go back there soon.

May not fit the OPs criteria as there is no TV ;)

[Jon23]

Take a look at the Emperor set up down there, staying in Marina Lodge

http://www.regal-diving.co.uk/home/?m=destinations&destid=1&resortid=6

sounds exactly as you have described, I dived with them a few months back and its and excellent set up whilst the hotel is just what your after.

Regards

Steve

Is it exactly as I described, because I think this is what I was looking at when I described what I didn't want. It looks way too big and like there may be noisy kids running around, tacky entertainments etc. This is what I'm trying to avoid. Is my impression wrong?

[Steve in Sharm]

Is it exactly as I described, because I think this is what I was looking at when I described what I didn't want. It looks way too big and like there may be noisy kids running around, tacky entertainments etc. This is what I'm trying to avoid. Is my impression wrong?

I was there for a week in April and it was deadly quiet - though that doesnt vouch for the rest of the year!

HTH

[ChrisKnight]

Have you thought about (or heard of) the Red Dive Safari? The one at Marsa Shagra is fantastic - in summary:

- choice of chalet, hut or comfy tent
- shore diving as and when you feel like it from 0630 to 2100
- RIBs available to pick you up or drop you of on the house reef
- Free truck dives up and down the coast
- Excursions to nearby Elphinstone Reef and others
- Great food and diver-based staff.

See HERE (http://www.redsea-divingsafari.com/) for details. Also bookable through Oonas Divers.

Lots of good gen on other forums about it...a quick Google should reveal all.

Enjoy, ;)