All the information you want to know about live-aboard diving safaris with the Reef Diving Group.

Diving expeditions to Sinai were the highlight dives for certified divers.

At earlier times minimum facilities and conditions were satisfactory, those days are long gone and been replaced by leisure trips with all the accessories included.

If you need no further explanations Click here for a registration form.

Where to dive?

Dives are performed at:

Without visa – SHARM, RAS NATZRANI, UM SID AND THE STRAITS OF TIRAN.

With visa – RAS MUHAMAD, SHAD MAHAMUD, SHAB ALI - THISTLEGORM, JUBAL AND ABU NUHAS.

How many dives per day?

The days are planned so one is able to do three dives during the day and one night dive.

Night, cave and wreck dives will have to include a torch for whoever owns one or has rented one.

The first dive will be a check dive that will be performed in a shallow, easy dive site next to SHARM – this is a compulsory dive.

If I haven’t dived for a while - more than 6 months?

You will need to do a refresh dive before starting the safari (in advance). A refresh dive can be arranged in one of our diving facilities or in your neighborhood prior to arriving. For those who need some getting used to the dives and equipment, starting with simple dives is a great and possible option.

If I haven’t used my equipment for a long time?

It is recommended to service your equipment at an authorized technician’s lab (especially regulator and B.C once a year) contact us for use of our facilities.

Can I rent equipment? How much does it cost?

Equipment can be rented from one of our diving centers for 25$ a day (torch not included). Members of the REEF DIVING GROUP will have a members discount.

If you decide to purchase equipment, each of our diving shops will be more than happy to fulfill all of your needs.

Diving insurance?

Every diver must have a valid diving insurance (one can be arranged in any of the diving centers). Traveling insurance is also recommended for health, equipment, and safari cancellation coverage!

If I am not a diver, what can I do?

Non divers can easily join these safaris since the diving locations are also good for snorkeling! The boats allow achieving tranquility and serenity in a relaxed and unique atmosphere. Introductory dives can be arranged in advance (for additional charge).

Change in diving plans?

The diving locations may vary depending on the weather, safety and the divers skills. The reef diving group is not responsible for changes due to weather conditions, equipment failure, strikes and other problems arising due to any local events.

General information on boats

What are the conditions on-board?

All boats have excellent diving facilities. The major differences are in comfort, luxuries, accommodation (cabin comfort, toilets and showers), air-conditioning and the services provided.

How many passengers share a cabin?

In most cases a cabin will be occupied by 2 passengers but in some others three or four.

In many cases people like to sleep on the upper deck under the open sky!

What is the electricity power on the boat?

The boat has a power source of 220V that can be used to charge electronic equipment as long as the generators are on.

What kind of food is served on the boat?

On the boat 3 meals are served everyday. They include chicken\fish\beef pasta, rice, and salads. A meal that even vegetarians will not forget.

Mineral water, soft and hot drinks are served all day long.

What can be done in-between dives?

Most boats are equipped with VCR, DVD, T.V, CD player and a sound system. Bringing cassettes and CD’s are recommended though only in their original cases…! Board games, a deck of cards and books are highly recommended.

Seasickness?

The boats are steady but often there are some light swells (it is open sea after all). At night the boat will port in quiet lagoons .If a feeling of nausea does exist, some motion-sickness-tablets, which are allowed to be used while diving can be kept handy.

Extra equipment to bring to the safari!

Hat, sun glasses, UV protector, swim suit, minimum supply of clothes, warm clothes for evening time, a towel, simple first aid kit for - headache, diarrhea, nausea and personal hygiene.

What about cameras?

The underwater view you are about to see is not something you would want to forget. An underwater camera becomes essential equipment, for those who do not own a camera – a digital camera can be rented in our diving centers.

When and where do we meet?

The night before the first day of diving day we meet in MARINA DIVERS for registration and renting equipment (18:00) crossing the border to Sinai (Taba) will start at about 21:00. Once arriving to Sharm we will board and overnight on the boat in order to start sailing early morning and gain a full diving day…!

When do we return?

The last cruise day is a full diving day, we return to the marina at about 16:00 and the border at about 20:00. Crossing both sides (Egyptian/Israeli) may take a while - half an hour or more.

Although this time schedule is realistic some delays may occur.

In which case is visa a needed?

Visas are necessary for all safaris that go further south of SHARM!

Getting a visa to Egypt

Important – for an Israeli, a visa might take 20 days to issue!

A tourist visa takes 1 day.

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months and contain at least 2 pages clear of stamps. Visa application requires 4 identical passport photos.

The cost of a diving safari

The prices of safaris vary between 100$ to 139$ per day depending on the standard of the boat, the size of the group and the number of days. Some boats offer cheaper prices for snorkelers and kids.

What does the price include?

The price includes: border fees, transportation  TABA-SHARM-TABA three meals a day, mineral water, soft drinks, coffee and tea with cookies, diving leader, air tanks, weights and tips for the boat crew.

What is not included?

A visa to Egypt, diving equipment (anything more than tanks and weights) and tips for the diving leaders.

Can we as a group schedule specific dates that will fit our needs?

Absolutely – we can be flexible when dealing with a group and even plan special dates, time and prices that will fit the groups needs.

Payment

Customers will be charged 25% of the cost at registration in order to insure a place, the rest of the 75% can be paid in cash or credit card. Booking a place will not be insured until registration forms with valid credit card details are sent to the reef diving group. Payment will be at the high rate of the dollar at the day of payment.

Cancellation fee

After registration 100 NIS will be charged and not refundable incase of cancellation.

Cancellation 3 weeks in advance, 25% of the safari’s cost will be charged.

Cancellation 2 weeks in advance, 50% of the safari’s cost will be charged.

Cancellation 1 week in advance, 100% of the safari’s cost will be charged.

We recommend purchasing insurance that covers cancellation fees.

How do I register?
In order to schedule a date and register, please mail us to safari@scuba.co.il