Location
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.
Covid Travel Information
For British nationals the FCDO currently advises against all but essential international travel to Egypt at the moment. We expect this to change soon.
Many other countries already consider it safe for their nationals to visit Egypt.
Since 1 July, the Egyptian government has permitted international flights to and from Egyptian airports. Some airlines are imposing special requirements, such as the wearing of face masks. You should check with your airline before you travel.
From 1 September, all persons (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) arriving from overseas, to any part of Egypt, will be required to present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival. The Egyptian authorities have advised that PCR tests must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Egypt.
Passengers from all countries will have temperatures observed, will be required to complete a monitoring card with personal details, and will need to provide confirmation of valid health insurance policy to airport authorities.
You have to complete this form online before you arrive in the UK from any country:
Form to provide your journey and contact details before you travel to the UK
If you're returning to the UK, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days
Updated 01SEP2020
Weather and Climate
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.
Travel
Flight options
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.
Stopovers
As flights are direct between the UK and Egypt, there are no stop over options available.
Arrange before you go
Visa requirements
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
Insurance
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
Immunisations
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
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.
Check in
Charter airlines do not enable online check in for flights out of Egypt. You must print your ticket coupon prior to travel. Do ensure you leave up to 3 hours, especially over busy travel periods.
Lounge
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
Parking
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
What happens when I arrive?
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.
Transfers
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
Departures
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. There is currently no departure tax leaving Egypt.
Info
Tipping
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.
Currency
All onboard prices are in Euro, but Sterling, US Dollars are accepted (subject to onboard exchange rate). The boat has a card machine.
Phone coverage
Mobile coverage is itinerary dependent. Most of iineraries will have phone coverage when close to shore. Internet in intermittent and cannot be guaranteed.
Plugs and electricity
2 pin European sockets.Plugs are located on dive deck, saloon and in cabins.
Extras
Hire equipment
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.
Extras
Whirlwind offers a wide range of courses on board. Please speak to your travel consultant for current course prices and options.
Souvenirs
There is an on board boutique selling t-shirts. All stock items are subject to availability.
Nitrox/Gas
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.
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Normally £250 deposit with full balance paid 90 days before departure.
Ways to pay
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.
Group Payments
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
Discounts
Repeat Guests
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 repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
5% off for repeat customers travelling with Scuba Travel within 24 months
10% off for repeat customers travelling within 12 months
Included
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
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.