Marsa Shagra in Early March - worth it?

[Lou]

As it turns out we have a short window of opportunity to get s week's hols in during late Feb/early March. It is use it or lose it, so we want to get away and get some warm water and sun, but without spending a fortune as we have a main holiday planned for later in the year.

Having seen Oonas Divers deals on Marsa Shagra, and nothing but positive reports from those who have been it has popped tot he top of the "possibles" list, but I am a bit worried about the winter wind in that part of Egypt blowing out the "unlimited shore diving" and leaving us paying out for any diving we want to do offshore.

Has anyone been around that time of year who can let me know what the weather generally is like, and whether we would be looking at budgeting for their boat trips rather than the beach and jeep diving?

Cheers

Lou

[TDave]

Lou,

March is still a nice time to visit the area and, whilst it will be windy, I would highly doubt it'll be windy enough at that time to have yourself blown out from the unlimited shore diving on over.

It /might/ make it difficult to get to some of the off-shore sites (Elphinstone in particular, Sha'ab Samadai is still doable although it will just be a slightly rocky journey!) but for it to be so bad that it would interfere with the shore diving is pretty rare - further South in Marsa Tundoba I had that happen I think twice in the nearly 3 years I was there.
Similarly with Elphinstone, if you're taking the RIBs out there to it then they seem to be able to go even when most of the daily boats won't, depending on the strength of the group I presume.

Only other thing to be aware of though, especially with the wind is that it will be a little bit chilly. Looking at the log, I got around 20 - 22 degrees there over the last couple of years at that sort of time which, whilst it's not _too_ cold in and of itself, the wind(when present) means you chill off pretty quick once you get out of the water. Most people diving wet would be looking at at least a 5mm. Personally, I dived a Dry Suit - but I'm a whimp.

It's a great place though, and I'd definitely keep it up there as a primary option - whatever the weather there is some stunning diving to be done.

Hope that Helps

TD

[jorawley]

we've booked to go there in april so if you go can you please let us know of the best sites and any useful hints & tips

[DIVE BUDDHA]

lou all i can say is you wont be dissapointed with diving at shagra !

everything from the reefs to the staff ,i cant recomend it enough !

i think that you should if you book with oonas divers you will get 4 boat dives in

with the price!

absolutely fab diving !

best wishes leigh

[Lou]

Thanks Dave - I assume the 20-22 is the water temp? 5mm is the likely wetsuit option so that won't be too bad.

Sounds like a go-er anyway....I shall get C onto the case tomorrow!

[Daniel Taylor]

Lou

I was there in December and whilst the wind could make the rhib rides "fun" it certainly didn't hamper the diving at all. The house reef is pretty well sheltered and just a woddle in from the changing area.

We are going back in March (hopefully about the 5th). The water should be the same temperature as in December. Maria got away with a 3mm full length and I wore a 5mm/3mm suit. Neither of us were cold during, or after, our dives. Here are a couple of pictures if you want a look.

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by Lou

Sounds like a go-er anyway....I shall get C onto the case tomorrow!

Go on leave me at home why don't ya

[Odin]

Why not book a week at Stoney...?

er... I'll get my coat

[Okeanos]

Lou, speak to Colin at Seaways, he's just got back from somewhere near there.

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Okeanos

Lou, speak to Colin at Seaways, he's just got back from somewhere near there.

Yeah, we spoke to Marianne about it on Christmas Eve. They had a good time.

As it is it may have dropped off the list as Oonas have whacked another £100-ish back on the price since last week, for the time we want to go. Makes it £750 and for another couple of hundred you could do a proper hotel in Tobago!