Blue O Two MV Blue Fin

[Markyg]

Hi all, i've just booked to do the Northern Wrecks and Reefs in Egpyt next February on MV Blue Fin. I did my Open Water in Egypt 2 years ago and haven't dived there since but have dived quite a few other places abroad. This is also my first Liveaboard. Any tips on gear required, wetsuit thickness for this time of year, clothes, what type of bag to take etc. I've read quite a few reports on here, some very good and also some from people i think who have had petty gripes. Some have suggested not taking a dive bag as this can lead to theft at airports etc!!!!! Is this a big problem as i was going to get one very large dive bag to pack everything into and just take regs, torch etc on as hand luggage. I'll be grateful for all advise and tips. Thanks Mark

[purple vonny]

I went on Blue Fin last August with Sixsquid.

Yet another Red Sea trip report

We loved the boat. It was excellent, couldn't fault the service or the safety.
I'd highly recommend it, probably the nicest boat I've been on.

February will be chilly. If I was going, I'd take my drysuit. Otherwise, I think a 2 piece 5mm or a 7mm wetsuit / semi dry. You will be cold after dives when the wind is whipping through the dive deck. Unless you never feel the cold.

I'm sure someone will come up with a list of things to take with you. It has been done several times on here. But the boat is equipped with a good supply of ear drops and diarrhoea medicine!

Abbreviated list includes:

dive kit (obviously)
warm clothes
deck towel (robes and shower towels provided)
toiletries (buy at airport to save weight allowance)
Booze (buy at airport) but they have booze onboard and you can run a tab.
They also have videos and books on board.
Crew tip and guide tip at the end of the week. your travel company will suggest an amount.

Regs can go in your dive bag.

[Markyg]

Thanks for the advice. It sounds great, i can't wait. The weather in February being cold is probably is why we got such a good deal!! Mind you it's the diving i'm going for not the sun tan but i'll make sure i have a fleece etc to wear between dives and at night.

Thanks again

Mark

[Phil Mauer]

Mark,

Just returned from a Norther trip on Blue Melody, I've been on Fin, and Horizon can fault them - excellent boats and crew. I'm going back South again in Sept 08 on Blue melody.

The weather can be windy but they provide blue dressing gowns to put on when you take your suit off on the dive deck.

Baz who runs the salon area is excellent! You shouldnt find a fault with Blue O two or any of their boats. The water tem was 21-22 deg c this Feb - I used a 5mm suit with hood for night dives - some had dry suits but not really required.

Dive bags - OK take one and keep regs/torch in hand luggage - on Fin they take your large dive bags and store them until the end of the trip so ensure you take everything out you want - if you have any burning questions ring Blue O two they will help or pm me.

Phil

[Sixsquid]

Blue Fin was my 1st liveaboard and it was fantastic
Mind you, I had one the very bestest buddies

I got the impression that Blue Fin was one of the better Red Sea liveaboards and I may have been a wee bit spoilt Kevin was a great, happy guide and it was lovely to see him again at LIDS, still smiling and still the perfect host

You will have a terrific time and I look forward to hearing all about it with loads of pics

[Phil Mauer]

I aslo thought Fin was one of the best until I went on Blue Horizon (still Blue O Two fleet)

Phil

[Sixsquid]

Originally Posted by Phil Mauer

I aslo thought Fin was one of the best until I went on Blue Horizon (still Blue O Two fleet)

Phil

Cool Big up to Blue O Two then