Amr Ali Red Sea Defender liveaboard conduct Bio-tourism activities and trips in the Red Sea to increase environmental awareness and passion for the environment as a way to propagate the culture of conservation. To you this means you can do all the great diving of the Red Sea but get educated, help and feel like you really achieved something to help towards the future of this beautiful marine biodiversity. Recognising the growing popularity of 'tourism for a cause trips' and the rise of conscientious travellers, the boat presents a unique opportunity to engage the community, and invite people interested in learning about conservation and the environment to join Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) on their work and research trips. Thus a series of expeditions partly based on HEPCA's past experiences and future targets have been designed, balanced between science, conservation and fun. In an effort to remain a role model in the Red Sea and offer a different approach to tourism operations, HEPCA as always will adhere to the highest environmental standards available in our operations. The Amr Ali Red Sea Defender will sail the length of the Egyptian Red Sea coastline bringing together patrolling and mooring system management with scientific research & education. The boat is an invaluable platform to enrich our knowledge of the Red Sea (through research), and to foster true appreciation of marine resources through a hands-on approach to environmental conservation education. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT In continuation of HEPCA's 25-year legacy of pro-active intervention in the protection and conservation of the Red Sea environment, it has added an impressive new member to its fleet, The R/V Amr Ali Red Sea Defender. Amr Ali Red Sea Defender is 30 metres in length with a passenger capacity for 18 people plus 10 crew and 2 Guides/Researchers, it’s luxurious in nature without being 'over the top' and offers all the typical amenities aboard a Red Sea liveaboard. The boat has 9 en-suite cabins, 6 Double Cabins, 2 Suites, 1 Triple Cabin with individual air-conditioning. A big Lounge and Dining area with TV, (Flat Screen) DVD, Sound system, WIFI Library & board games. Outside Bar, Sundecks, Covered Decks and a big Dive Deck. A VARIETY OF EXCELLENT FOOD IS AVAILABLE ONBOARD THE AMR ALI International, Italian and local Egyptian delicacies are served on board. Food is served buffet- style in the spacious, air-conditioned Restaurant on the Main Deck. All diets, including Vegetarian and Halal are catered for with prior notice. Main meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner with snacks in between. Snacks consist of biscuits and fruit, which together with tea & coffee, drinking water and soft drinks are complimentary and available all day. We do not serve alcohol on board however you are allowed to bring your own and have a drink after a long day diving. HEPCA IS AN ESTABLISHED NGO (NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION) ACTIVELY WORKING TOWARDS THE PROTECTING AND PRESERVING OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE RED SEA Amr Ali Red Sea Defender crew will make your Red Sea trip unforgetable. HEPCA's new flagship is a specially modified diving liveaboard vessel that will sail the length of the Egyptian Red Sea coastline bringing together Patrolling and Mooring System Management with Scientific Research & Education, as well as promoting Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Practices. The boat in conjunction with the recently completed research centre in Port Ghaleb, represents a unique opportunity for researchers and scientists from Egypt and all over the World. The boat and centre can host research teams, and are equipped with an extensive variety of specialised field and lab research equipment that can be utilised by any visiting researchers. The boat will adopt best industry practices in achieving sustainable and ecological standards in the operation & maintenance of the boat. It will also act as a research vessel hosting researchers and students looking to conduct research in the Red Sea, and thus an R/V (Research Vessel) has been added in its name. As a leader in the environmental conservation sector in the Red Sea, HEPCA will utilise the boat to operate several new or modified eco-tourism and conservation concepts and trips. By designing tourist trips that aim for conservation or environmental protection and raising awareness as an objective for the activities. One of the main functions of the boat is an educational platform. Lecture materials and educational tools are available on board to be delivered as a set curriculum for schools or on individual topics.
The cabins all have private en-suite bathrooms. All the cabins have: Individual controls air-conditioning En-suite bathroom with hot-water shower, towels, hand basin, Portholes, Cabinet & shelves, Mirror, Reading lamps, Bedding ,24-hour, 220v electricity supply, Life jackets, European-style 2-pin plugs
This cabin has 2 bunk beds and one single bed. For groups of friends or families who want to use the upper bunk, then we sell it for a different rate. Private en-suite bathrooms, individual control air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with hot-water shower, towels, hand basin, Portholes, Cabinet & shelves, Mirror, Reading lamps, Bedding, 24-hour, 220v electricity supply. Life jackets, European-style 2-pin plugs
The double cabins have a king bed and private en-suite bathrooms. Individual control air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with hot-water shower, towels, hand basin, Portholes, Cabinet & shelves, Mirror, Reading lamps, Bedding, 24-hour, 220v electricity supply, Life jackets, European-style 2-pin plugs
The Red Sea is between 4-5 hours flying time direct from the UK. Scuba Travel have over 20 year's experience in the Red Sea and have carefully selected a fleet of luxury liveaboards and superb hotels that meet our exacting standards. Explore the sheer beauty of the Red Sea on a Red Sea liveaboard from North to South. Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and El Gouna are popular resort locations, whilst Marsa Alam, El Quesir and Hamata are perfect for those looking for quiet escapism.
Fine weather is the order of the day pretty much throughout the year, with rainfall quite rare and short lived. The hottest time of the year is July to August with air temperatures over 30°C. Even in Egypt's so called 'winter' the average rarely falls below 20°C. Water temperature varies from 20°C in February to 29°C in September. Please choose your exposure suit accordingly, depending on your personal preferences.
As standard our holiday packages are based on flights from London Gatwick, direct to your Red Sea hub - Sharm el Shekh, Hurghada or Marsa Alam. Where possible, we are happy to offer regional departures, in particular Manchester. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. Unfortunately, not all regional flight routings are compatible with liveaboard schedules. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Egypt, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
As flights are direct between the UK and Egypt, there are no stop over options available.
All UK visitors to Egypt need an entry visa (valid for a 30 days). This can be obtained on arrival with cash payment. Or you can npw apply online by clicking here Save time and prebook your visa with Scuba Travel's prepaid visa service. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on travel immunisations: click here
Most flights to Egypt are charter flights. This means seating is allocated at check in. For some carriers we are able to prebook leg room, window or aisle seats. Please speak to your travel consultant about availability and the current charges levied by your airline.
Charter airlines do not enable online check in for flights to Egypt. You must print your ticket coupon prior to travel. Do ensure you leave up to 3 hours, especially over busy travel periods.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here
On arrival in Egypt, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. Our representative will be waiting either airside around the baggage carousel or in the arrivals hall. They will be holding a board with either Scuba Travel, your destination or your name on it. If you have prepaid for our visa service, you will be given your visa on arrival. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Airport transfers are always included in your liveaboard or resort holiday package when using our flights. Our representatives will advise where to find your transfer outside of the airport. We try to keep transfer times as short as possible, with most being no more than 30mins travel time from the airport to the boat/hotel. If you have made your own flight arrangements to land in Egypt, please confirm at the time of booking if airport transfers are included or available at an additional cost
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. There is currently no departure tax leaving Egypt.
Airport transfers, 7 nights accommodation on full board basis, 12l tanks and weights and all diving. Depending on your package, flights are usually included from London Gatwick
Excluded from your package are any rental kit hire, nitrox or on board souvenirs. Soft drinks, speciality coffees and alcohol are all available on board - the boat will run an honesty tab to pay at the end of the trip. Please see the on board extras tab for a more comprehensive list of local charges.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the guides and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
All onboard prices are in Euro, but Sterling, US Dollars are accepted (subject to onboard exchange rate). The boat has a card machine.
Mobile coverage is itinerary dependent. Most of iineraries will have phone coverage when close to shore. Internet in intermittent and cannot be guaranteed.
2 pin European sockets.Plugs are located on dive deck, saloon and in cabins.
We offer a very wide range of rental equipment onboard Whirlwind including side mount and technical equipment. Whirlwind is rebreather friendly and have tanks, softnolime, helium and oxygen upon request.
Whirlwind offers a wide range of courses on board. Please speak to your travel consultant for current course prices and options.
There is an on board boutique selling t-shirts. All stock items are subject to availability.
We recommend all divers to dive with Nitrox when suitable. Nitrox can be prebooked up to 3 days before departure or paid for on a dive by dive basis onboard the boat.
Normally £250 deposit with full balance paid 90 days before departure.
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 2% surcharge. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions.
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our loyalty discount is all about! If you have booked directly with Scuba Travel, on your 3rd full price holiday you will automatically be eligible for a loyalty discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction. We are always happy to offer discounts as described below but these are not cumulative and we do not offer further discounts on special offer prices.
Wrecks and Reefs is the itinerary for any diver wanting to see the best of the Northern Red Sea - no matter what experience level you have see what has made Egypt's Red Sea such an unmissable destination in 1 week of adventure. With world class wreck... MORE
Red Sea Defender
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