a long shot....

[cheeky_diver]

Hi YD,

Thanks to the impending "winterfestival" period my partner (Both SSAC Master Divers and (cough) PADI DM's) and I are looking to ditch the misery that is Santa and all that comes with him!! (Bah, humbug, I know) and go abroad over the so-called festive period. We have a number of odd requests and requirements that I hope the masses at YD can help with...

We'd like:
14 days of :Cracking weather, non-dive sights and delights, superb diving (whether it be wrecks, reefs etc) and most importantly (you'll love this bit) a student-friendly budget! Girlfriend doesn't like the sound of a liveaboard (hence non-dive related activities).

Oddly the Red Sea (obvious choice) doesn't appeal to either of us.
Malta/Gozo weather seems to be a bit pants in Dec/Jan.
America is ... full of Americans! ( I make no excuses for my blatant racism, I'm from Scotland, It's inherent)

Any and all suggestions will be considered.

Thanks in advance,

Graham

[Houseplant]

unhelpful advice, but if you want it cheap with good diving, then the red sea is where you want to be.

[cheeky_diver]

no advice is unhelpful!, it's just the Girlfriend (furthermore known as my Diving Officer!) doesn't just want to dive dive dive dive etc. I've never done the Red Sea, but the impression I get is that most resort towns (Sharm, Hurgada) are purely dive orientated. Apparently a 'holiday' involves more than just diving!?

Yeah, just as Freud once said "The great question that has never been answered, and which I have not yet been able to answer, despite my thirty years of research into the feminine soul, is “What does a woman want?”

We should really save that question for another forum!

Cheers for the reply

Graham

[colinpjenkins2]

Canaries might be a compromise. Weather OK'ish diving OK'ish and cheapish, and things to do.

[Ding Dang Doo]

Dahab?

Can you not do a few trips into the desert on quads, that sort of thing? Not been, but I seem to remember it's mainly shore diving, and I don't think it breaks the bank.

Or, what was that place that DIVEBUDDA went to? It's an eco village, with accommodation for all budgets... only, this is Christmas you are looking for... with only 6 weeks to go...

just did a quick search, perhaps try dropping him a PM... unless someone else can shed a bit of light?

Pete

[Horndog]

Originally Posted by cheeky_diver

the Girlfriend (furthermore known as my Diving Officer!) doesn't just want to dive dive dive dive etc. I've never done the Red Sea, but the impression I get is that most resort towns (Sharm, Hurgada) are purely dive orientated. Apparently a 'holiday' involves more than just diving!?

I've not personally been to the red sea but my Parents, both non divers, went to Sharm last year, and had a great time. They dont normaly return to the same place twice but are planning on going back. They prety much had a relaxing beach holiday in an AI but did one or two "Bedouine desert nights" and Quad adventures.

Marc

[sailorbuoy]

Option 1. Get a new Diving Officer....

Option 2. Egypt does have more to offer than diving, but the extra trips will cost money. I personally prefer Hurghada to Sharm as I think the town has more to offer... but then you do have to enjoy the odd mooch around the Souk and markets - I have found it to be very safe... just take a compass and walk 'till you have had enough. Walk some more in the general direction of a main road - get on the bus home - nice day out and cheap as chips.

You can also do trips into the desert on camels, horses or quad bikes - good fun.... Once.

Tour operators will do day trips to Luxor - it's an early start (0500), and three hours on the coach, but might fit the bill for non-diving activity...pricey as I remember it.

Then there's sitting by the pool....

Alternatively just go diving!

Water temp in the Canaries in Dec is about 18 degrees... bit chilly for me for a diving holiday with my DO...

Hope you find the right compromise!

Rich

[Richie]

Sharm has many, many more non divers than divers these days.

Cheap, cheerful and with a fair number of non diving options - not very cultural mind you.

Diving is good away from the training areas. December can be a tad cool i n the breeze.

We did Xmas 3 years ago and had a great time apart from rain as we ate xmas dinner (pizza) on the beach.

And it was christmassy - Santa on a Camel and piped carols. Religious harmony rules Insh Allah

[Seadeuce]

You can have the Red Sea and more by going to Jordan,

Diving is easy, mostly shore, depths from 10m - 65m on walls.

The big plus is that the excursions are great for non-divers and divers alike. Petra-Wadi Rum-Dead Sea-Jerash, to name but a few.

Google and explore. Weather is guaranteed!

I went with Aquatours and had a ball.


Seadeuce

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by cheeky_diver

Any and all suggestions will be considered.

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