Regaldive launch new Red Sea resort

[Regaldive]

Divers and underwater enthusiasts will be excited to learn that award-winning dive specialist Regaldive has added a new resort to its Red Sea programme – Hamata.

180km south of Marsa Alam, Hamata is the southernmost diving resort in the Egyptian Red Sea and offers divers immaculate, uncrowded dive sites and ultimate relaxation away from the crowds. It is not unusual to arrive at a dive site to find that you are the only divers around!

The legendary Fury Shoal is right on the doorstep of Hamata, offering over 35 recognised dive sites within two hours’ boat ride of the dive centres. Gota Soraya is rated as one of the best wall dives in the Red Sea, with large caves full of Glass Fish, Sweepers and an abundance of hard and soft corals.

Once reachable only by liveaboard, the pristine sites of the region are still relatively undived. However, with direct flights now available into Marsa Alam throughout the year, the Hamata area is becoming more accessible to divers.

Divers will come away from Hamata with memories of immaculate reef systems and an abundance of marine species, many of which are rarely found elsewhere. The southern location means that conditions are ideal for diving throughout the year.

Prices for a seven-night stay at Zabargad Dive Lodge start from £539 pp (two sharing) including direct flights from Gatwick to Marsa Alam, transfers and Half Board accommodation. A five-day dive pack (10 boat dives with tanks and weights) costs £159.

Also available is the luxurious Lahami Bay Beach Resort and Gardens.

Call Regaldive on 0870 2201 777 or visit www.regaldive.co.uk for further information.

[Fiona]

A few years ago some friends of mine did the St Johns area with Coral Queen, they flew to Hurghada as this was the most southerly airport they then had a horrendous bus journey late at night.

So now you are flying to Marsa Alam how long is the bus journey to the resort ?

I have to say once I get to Marsa I want to be on board as quickly as possible.

[Lou]

I know it is supply and demand etc, but judging by the damage we saw in the deep south on our St John's trip last year, with just liveaboards going there, it will be fairly trashed in no time with a resort on the doorstep. What a damn shame

It would be nice if we were able to accpet that some places just take some effort to get to, and the reward for that effort is something more unspoiled, rather than reducing everything to the Benidorm experience.

[Odin]

Yep!
Next Red Sea trip for me will be Sudan waters.
2004 Southern Red Sea - Reefs excellent - never more than 2 liveaboards at a site
1 year later....
Liveaboards galore on every site!
The company on the boat helped to make up for it - but the reefs were totally different in the quality of of coral/life

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by Odin

The company on the boat helped

Don't go overboard now will you

[simon moore]

Well,

I've just booked myself in here for a late booked week in early April with my non diving partner, staying at the Lahami Bay Beach Resort. Information as to how long the transfer might be/how far away Hamata is from Marsa Alam is, how shall we say, variable.

Anyone else been there ?

I'll be allowed some diving, so any tips on best use of limited resources most welcome !

As long as it's hot, and wet, it should be fine.

[Ding Dang Doo]

Originally Posted by Odin

Yep!
Next Red Sea trip for me will be Sudan waters.

I've thought about this, only when I looked at the Tony Blackhurst site, I'm sure I read that as it is a muslim state, there is no alcohol... now, don't don't get me wrong, I'm not a (total) pi55 head, byut I do enjoy a few beers after diving in the evening - I'm on hoilday, after all.

Can anyone shed any light on this???

[Regaldive]

Hi all -

The transfer from Marsa Alam airport down to Lahami Bay takes between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on which hotels it drops off at along the way.

And don't worry, you can certainly enjoy a drink or two in the evenings (in moderation of course ).

Have fun!

Laura

[Odin]

Originally Posted by Ding Dang Doo

I've thought about this, only when I looked at the Tony Blackhurst site, I'm sure I read that as it is a muslim state, there is no alcohol... now, don't don't get me wrong, I'm not a (total) pi55 head, byut I do enjoy a few beers after diving in the evening - I'm on hoilday, after all.

Can anyone shed any light on this???

Depends on the length of the trip... I still have the recipe for illicit booze that I used to make in Saudi... 3 weeks gives a great "Jeddah Gin"
I too like a beer, but can go without if the diving dictates.