Marsa Shagra Eco Lodge - Marsa Alam - Egypt - Red Sea

Duration : 1 week (22 - 29 September)

Everybody who dives the Red Sea in Egypt has heard of Marsa Shagra and it's unlimited diving which is perfect for new and experienced divers. Despite Dive Wimbledon going to Marsa Alam on a regular basis we hadn't organized a trip to Marsa Shagra so we though it was about time.

Marsa Shagra is a more authentic Egyptian experience in an Eco Lodge with a much smaller environmental impact than a normal hotel. This holiday is all about diving and enjoying the fantastic company of other divers.

Cost : £760 including half board(includes soft drinks) twin share in Bedouin Beach Safari tents, flights, transfers, 6 days unlimited shore diving (including free use of RIBs on the house reef and 2 guided jeep safari dives/ day). Non divers £580.

Mandarah Huts cost an additional £ twin share while Madyafa Chalets cost £ twin share. Enquire for more information on these accommodation options.

Accommodation : There are 3 types of rooms available.

The basic Beach Safari tents are located near the beach and include 2 beds power etc. The toilet facilities are communal.

There is an upgrade option of the Mandarah Huts which cost an additional £40 on a twin share basis and include twin beds and communal toilet facilities. The single supplement is £65.

The most comfortable option is to stay in the Madyafa Chalets which have en suite facilities and 2 terraces. These cost an additional £100 on a twin share basis or £130 for a room with air conditioning. The single supplement is £95.

Diving : The diving is for all levels and we will be running PADI Open Water Divers qualifying dives as well as the PADI Advanced course and other courses on demand.

At this time of year the water is a balmy 28 degrees so I often dive without a wetsuit though many prefer to have a 3mm suit instead.

The first dive consists of a check out dive with the renowned Red Sea Diving Safari and after that you can dive as often as you like between 6am and 9pm. I have dived in the bay out the front several times and have seen turtles and dolphins :-)

There are also 2 jeep dives a day available where you get the chance to visit other local sites as well as unlimited use of the onsite RIBS on the house reef. There are bigger boats which will go further afield but there is a 10 Euro charge/ dive for these and if you would like to go further afield to Dolphin House Reef or Elphinstone (experienced divers only) then this incurs a 20 Euro charge/ dive. these charges are payable locally.

The price of the holiday includes guide (When jeep diving), tank and weights. Full equipment can be rented in Egypt for 30 Euros/day. If you prefer we can rent you the equipment for £10/day. For those taking Open Water or Advanced courses with Dive Wimbledon the equipment is included. We will be instructing the courses.

Dive computers can be rented for £25/week from Dive Wimbledon or 10 Euros a day locally

Courses : We will be running the following courses depending on demand :

PADI Open Water Diver
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
PADI Rescue Diver
PADI Divemaster
PADI Enriched Air Diver
PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy
PADI Underwater Digital Photography Specialist
PADI Deep Diver
PADI Night Diver

Enquire for course package prices.

Visa : The Egyptian Visa is obtained upon arrival at the airport in Egypt for £12 for EU passport holding citizens though you may prefer to arrange it before your departure. For other nationalities check the Egyptian Consulate website.

Payment : If you are interested in this holiday please contact Roger on 02085406874 or by email to confirm. A deposit of £200 is required with the balance due two months before the trip. Please either send a cheque payable to Oonas Divers to 34A Hotham Road, South Wimbledon, SW19 1BS or call with card details. The balance of the holiday can be paid by cheque, debit or maestro card. Credit cards can be used but they incur a 2% charge leveled by the tour operator.