Any (sensible!) suggestions?

[madderthanafish]

I'm thinking of having a week or two away around the start of December and never having done it, (well, not THAT "it", , anyway!) I thought it would make a change to do some warm-water stuff.

Never been abroad, never dived abroad so not sure where to go/what to do. There's two of us going and we both dive, both AOW and experienced. Fully kitted up but for UK stuff so no idea about wet/semi-dry suits. Don't really mind where we go or what we do but shore diving is preferable. Have an inkling to try the Red Sea but again, not much idea all round.

We're at the dive show next weekend. What's the chances of picking up a good deal and can anyone suggest specific centres/places??

Thanks all.

MTAF.

[onthetrain]

Originally Posted by madderthanafish

I'm thinking of having a week or two away around the start of December and never having done it, (well, not THAT "it", , anyway!) I thought it would make a change to do some warm-water stuff.

Never been abroad, never dived abroad so not sure where to go/what to do. There's two of us going and we both dive, both AOW and experienced. Fully kitted up but for UK stuff so no idea about wet/semi-dry suits. Don't really mind where we go or what we do but shore diving is preferable. Have an inkling to try the Red Sea but again, not much idea all round.

We're at the dive show next weekend. What's the chances of picking up a good deal and can anyone suggest specific centres/places??

Thanks all.

MTAF.

Hi mate,

If you fancy the red sea I reckon you would enjoy Dahab. It's a bit more laid back than Sharm, it's mostly shore diving so your boat habits won't be a problem.

There are a few good operators, I like emporer, they will be sure to be at the dive show, and they usually do dive show deals.

Alan

[Jen]

Originally Posted by onthetrain

Hi mate,

If you fancy the red sea I reckon you would enjoy Dahab. It's a bit more laid back than Sharm, it's mostly shore diving so your boat habits won't be a problem.

There are a few good operators, I like emporer, they will be sure to be at the dive show, and they usually do dive show deals.

Alan

Agree on all points, Dahab is loverlee. Last I heard (and I am the last to hear) it was all shore diving but what shore diving it is!

I've dived there in a 7mm wetsuit in winter and been very toasty. Others do a 5mm and still be warm. It's still very sunny but the wind can be fierce so take a warm fleece for post dive.

[Gavin Smith]

I'm in Dahab the week after next so I'll tell you what it's like!

I've booked 3 days shore and 2 days boat diving.

Gavin

[Ding Dang Doo]

Originally Posted by madderthanafish

I'm thinking of having a week or two away around the start of December and never having done it, (well, not THAT "it", , anyway!) I thought it would make a change to do some warm-water stuff.

Never been abroad, never dived abroad so not sure where to go/what to do. There's two of us going and we both dive, both AOW and experienced. Fully kitted up but for UK stuff so no idea about wet/semi-dry suits. Don't really mind where we go or what we do but shore diving is preferable. Have an inkling to try the Red Sea but again, not much idea all round.

We're at the dive show next weekend. What's the chances of picking up a good deal and can anyone suggest specific centres/places??

Thanks all.

MTAF.

Egypt is a great idea... Dahab is supposed to be great for shore dives... but not alot to do in the evening (from what I've read, that is) Sharm would be better if you like a laugh at night.. but Sharm really is hustle and bustle...

Also 6 hour flight (but worth it)

What about Malta... think this is divable all year, I'm sure there is a lot of shore diving... and if you have all the UK gear, then this is probably the correct set up for Malta in Winter.

I'm sure I'll be corrected, one way or the other.

Shorter flight too.

My 2 peas!

Pete

[Whistler]

I have done Malta in January and it is pretty darn cold when you get out with wind chill. I did 6 dives and they were all shore as the boats were out the water being serviced. Did Nuweiba, Red Sea in February and it was all shore diving, quite windy some days but about 30C in the sun. Did Tunisia in March and was pretty much the same as Malta. Have done Cyprus in various months of winter and is nice and warm(ish) apart from Feb which is pretty wet. You don't say what your budget is but if it is short haul (less than 5/6 hours) then no question. RED SEA!!!! ( My personal view of course )

[purple vonny]

Go to the Red Sea fo sure, only 5 hours away, sunny even if a bit chilly ....

Have a look at Oonasdivers late availability thread, they had some good deals going on this site a couple of days ago.

[recurve]

Just had ten days in Gran Canaria, with five days shore diving in the El Cabron marine reserve which was quite fun. Some of the entries/exits were interesting, never having done any shore diving before.

We had cheap digs in the town of Arinaga which is NOT a tourist haunt, and used Davy Jones diving in the town itself which is only 5 minutes ride from the reserve. Just watch the steps of the dive centre, slippery when wet!!!!

Drop me a line if you want more info

[Druid]

Another vote for Dahab.

All shore dives, so that should suit you. It will be starting to get a bit cooler at the start of December so your drysuits will be ok - you won't need a base layer and a Weezle though Or you could hire a wet suit and use your own bc/regs etc.

You should be able to get a good deal at the dive show, it's usually better to book your diving when you book the holiday. We use the Bedouin Moon hotel - basic but clean, cheap and friendly with stunning views across the Gulf of Aqaba. The more upmarket hotels like the Hilton are all together around the lagoon south of the town.

We dive with Reef 2000. They're a little way out of town (£1 taxi ride) but right next to the hotel. Poseidon also have a good reputation and are right in the centre of town.

Originally Posted by Gavin Smith

I'm in Dahab the week after next so I'll tell you what it's like!

I've booked 3 days shore and 2 days boat diving.

Gavin

Me too, we fly out on 21st October

2 days boat diving? There's only really one dive site that needs a boat to get to, Gabr el Bint, and there's not 2 days diving there. Or have you booked a trip to the Thislegorm or Ras Mo?

[Sakara Drinker]

See my sig line for Red sea Relax or Emperor. Reef is too far out of the town for me. Those three are the better ones IMO