Icon, Egypt

You can dive in Egypt throughout the year, but seasonal conditions vary. The hottest period of the year is April to October when water temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. It's the best time for diving and visibility with predominantly calm seas during these months. Between November and March, the water temperatures are between 19°C and 24°C, especially in the northern parts of the Red Sea. Even at this cooler time, air temperature can be significantly lower in the evenings, particularly in winter. Nevertheless, diving conditions remain good, with fewer divers and often better visibility. To enjoy the maximum from your visit, you will need to book your holiday as per your temperature preferences and what type of sea life you'd like to watch

The arid desert climate surrounding the Red Sea means that hot summers and relatively cool winters occur. Summer daytime temperatures are typically over 35°C, whereas winter is moderate but sometimes cool during the evening hours. A thin windbreaker or thicker sweater for comfort during breezy or nighttime excursions is a good idea. Loose summer clothes tend to be comfortable enough onboard, but a hot pullover sweater for cold nighttime hours is always a good notion. It is also a good idea to carry ear protection and warm socks for comfort while traveling or waiting in between dives

Tips, or bakschisch, are regularly presented to the crew and guides as a way of thanking them for their service. At the end of your diving safari, two envelopes will be provided—one for the crew and one for the guides. Even though gratuities are voluntary, they are most welcome if the visitors are satisfied with the level of service provided. The amount you can offer is at your discretion and is a personal way of showing gratitude for the dedication of the staff during your stay

To participate in a liveaboard, divers should have completed their diving course with a minimum of 20 logged dives. For marine park excursions, 50 logged dives are required according to the rules set by the Egyptian Water Sports and Diving Authority. The last dive should have been completed within the past one year to get them ready. If these requirements are not met, the dive guides can restrict access to some of the dives. Dive guides also reserve the right to alter the safari schedule to accommodate the skill and experience level of the participants.

As required by the Chamber of Diving and Watersports, all guests must complete and sign a Health Record Form before departure. If any of the medical points listed apply to you, obtaining a medical diving certificate from a doctor is necessary to confirm your fitness to dive. For a smooth boarding process, it is best to arrive with this certificate already prepared

Apart from the usual diving gear, there are some items and documents you will need to include to ensure everything goes smoothly for you. The documents you should carry are a medical statement or medical examination certificate. For divers under the age of 40, this certificate should not be older than two years, and for those over the age of 40, it should not be older than one year. Also, carry your logbook, certification cards, records of dive insurance, a copy of your passport, and your travel agency voucher.

For gear, take a wetsuit of 3 mm to 7 mm, depending on the season, a regulator with an emergency air source, a dive computer with backup batteries, and an SMB. Basic gear such as a mask, snorkel, fins, and BCD is mandatory. Take a torch per buddy group for daytime diving and an individual torch for nighttime dives, but these can be rented onboard if necessary