Live aboards

[just mike]

Anyone got any recent feedback on the Coral Queen serving St John's reef please ie whats the boat/crew like, whats St John's reef like etc

[iain paul]

Anyone got any recent feedback on the Coral Queen serving St Johns reef please ie whats the boat/crew like, whats St Jons reef like etc

Just back from there 10 days ago (for 4th time on board. Previous trip report featured on Travel Club reports page and club web site) Crew just as good as ever and couldnt be more helful. Normal dive guide Ahmed is excellent though he had a week off when I was out.

Boat still very good but had a problem on one engine whilst we were there with result we stayed in Fury Shoal this time.(Compensation offered immediately). Engine was being fixed when we left and understand they are being replaced completely, over winter to allow extended range within the 1 week charters next season. Also understand that nitrox should be available next year after the refit.

Despite the problem we had a full diving itinerary for the week with almost no repetiton of sites. Generally 4 /day on offer except 1st and last days, but may be up to 5 in summer. Hard coral is fantastic in Fury shoal but life dissapointing this time round- might have been the season or just Fury Shoal. St Johns was also very good in previous years (July) for both coral and fish life. Now the area is opened up you'll probably find theres maybe 6 other boats in sight, and not necesarily on the same site. Very peaceful ,realxed and excellent diving.

Unless you want a long drive, opt for the period when Marsa Alam airport is open, its a long drag from Hurghada but still well worth while

Iain

[just mike]

:=Anyone got any recent feedback on the Coral Queen serving St Johns reef please ie whats the boat/crew like, whats St Jons reef like etc

Just back from there 10 days ago (for 4th time on board. Previous trip report featured on Travel Club reports page and club web site) Crew just as good as ever and couldnt be more helful. Normal dive guide Ahmed is excellent though he had a week off when I was out.

Boat still very good but had a problem on one engine whilst we were there with result we stayed in Fury Shoal this time.(Compensation offered immediately). Engine was being fixed when we left and understand they are being replaced completely, over winter to allow extended range within the 1 week charters next season. Also understand that nitrox should be available next year after the refit.

Despite the problem we had a full diving itinerary for the week with almost no repetiton of sites. Generally 4 /day on offer except 1st and last days, but may be up to 5 in summer. Hard coral is fantastic in Fury shoal but life dissapointing this time round- might have been the season or just Fury Shoal. St Johns was also very good in previous years (July) for both coral and fish life. Now the area is opened up you'll probably find theres maybe 6 other boats in sight, and not necesarily on the same site. Very peaceful ,realxed and excellent diving.

Unless you want a long drive, opt for the period when Marsa Alam airport is open, its a long drag from Hurghada but still well worth while

Iain
Iain. Thanks for the info, anyone else got any feedback please

[just mike]

Iain. Did you get my email. Rgds Mike



:=:=Anyone got any recent feedback on the Coral Queen serving St Johns reef please ie whats the boat/crew like, whats St Jons reef like etc
:=
:=Just back from there 10 days ago (for 4th time on board. Previous trip report featured on Travel Club reports page and club web site) Crew just as good as ever and couldnt be more helful. Normal dive guide Ahmed is excellent though he had a week off when I was out.
:=
:=Boat still very good but had a problem on one engine whilst we were there with result we stayed in Fury Shoal this time.(Compensation offered immediately). Engine was being fixed when we left and understand they are being replaced completely, over winter to allow extended range within the 1 week charters next season. Also understand that nitrox should be available next year after the refit.
:=
:=Despite the problem we had a full diving itinerary for the week with almost no repetiton of sites. Generally 4 /day on offer except 1st and last days, but may be up to 5 in summer. Hard coral is fantastic in Fury shoal but life dissapointing this time round- might have been the season or just Fury Shoal. St Johns was also very good in previous years (July) for both coral and fish life. Now the area is opened up you'll probably find theres maybe 6 other boats in sight, and not necesarily on the same site. Very peaceful ,realxed and excellent diving.
:=
:=Unless you want a long drive, opt for the period when Marsa Alam airport is open, its a long drag from Hurghada but still well worth while
:=
:=Iain
Iain. Thanks for the info, anyone else got any feedback please