The Resta Grand resort combines two things we all love - cracking value all inclusive and beautiful reef diving in Marsa Alam. On the sunny private beach, on the terrace of your stylishly furnished room, in the a la carte restaurant, the Resta Grand is a popular hotel choice with divers looking for somewhere that bit extra special, and only 10 minutes from Marsa Alam airport. And with the Emperor divers team helping you to explore the regions many and varied dive sites, what's not to love? The room options are impressive, with 396 modern, comfortable guest rooms. There are 4 room types, with twin, double and family options across superior king or twin, deluxe rooms and suites. 120 rooms boast enticing sea views, looking out over the Red Sea. Get closer to the action with a pool view option, or step back from it all with a garden view. Each guestroom is individually air-conditioned, and has either a balcony or a terrace. The decor is stylish throughout, modern and airy. It's easy to see why so many people keep coming back, time and time again. As you stroll through the grounds, towards the private beach, take time to enjoy one of the many drinking and dining choices. The Space is the main restaurant, where breakfast and dinner is served or catch some rays at Plateau beach restaurant or Aquesta pool bar. The Zeit Zaitoun a la carte Mediterranean restaurant is a worthwhile in resort,extra, whilst your all inclusive package includes ice cream and afternoon tea. Relax at the Marsa Club house and enjoy an inclusive cocktail. The El Sala Pub has a full schedule of entertainment, as well as snooker and pool. There are 3 pools, two of which are heated during the winter. And for those that just cannot sit still, there's a full health suite, gym, tennis courts and even a kids club to help keep the kids entertained.
Each room is individually air-conditioned. They also feature broad balconies or a terrace. Spectacular views are granted in all our rooms, as well as in room safe, hair dryer and shaver point, satellite LCD TV, coffee & tea making, mini bar and internet access (local charge)
Standard twin rooms as the same as the superior king size, but with 2 side by side beds
Pick one of the larger deluxe rooms with either a garden or beach front view. Ask if you prefer a double or twin option
There are 4 generous suites, each with a larger living adn sleeping area to enjoy.
View entry requirements here Entry requirements for Egypt are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. You do not need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Egypt. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 21 JUN 2022
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.
View entry requirements here Entry requirements for Egypt are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. You do not need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Egypt. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 21 JUN 2022
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.
Our holiday packages are inclusive of flights from London Gatwick for a fully ATOL bonded holiday. A supplement may apply for regional departures if possible. 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. Our advertised liveaboard packages with Emperor and Aggressor fleets exclude flights. Please ask for a quote to add these to your booking. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Egypt, let us know and we can arrange transfers as required. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your boat space 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.Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. This can be obtained on arrival with cash payment. Or you can now 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
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
Flights to Egypt are charter flights with TUI or EasyJet. TUI seating is allocated at check in and you cannot check in online. For EasyJet flights you will be able to manage your booking online with the airline directly and select any payable seating/baggage extras.
Egypt does not permit digital boarding passes. You must print your boarding passes/flight coupons for both flights. TUI do not enable online check EasyJet allow online check in via their website
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.
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 staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
Euro, USD and sterling cash (notes) are all widely accepted. It can be handy to have small denominations of Egyptian pounds for use outside of the hotel/tipping. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, but will be processed in Egyptian pounds and subject to a transactions surcharge,
Mobile phone coverage will depend on your carrier - please confirm any overseas charges before travel.
European 2 pin plugs
Kit hire can be arranged in resort and is paid for locally
Special trips, night dives, 3rd dives and any extras are arranged and paid for locally
The dive centre has a small, limited shop on site
Nitrox divers have FOC nitrox with a nitrox cetification
A typical deposit for this holiday is around £250 per person, although this will depend on your exact flight option - larger deposits may be required for some flight options/dates
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. We do not take AMEX. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
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 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.
Repeat discounts are not cumulative and cannot be applied to special offer prices
7 nights accommodation in a standard room on a B&B basis (2 people sharing) 3 days diving (2 dives/day) Return airport transfers are included You will need an Egyptian visa for entry - please speak to your travel consultant to see if you are able to use our Egyptian visa service or if this needs to be arranged in advance/on arrival.
Excluded from your package are any meals or drinks outside of your package Special trips/excursions, night dives, nitrox, kit hire and courses are all paid for locally. There is a 5euro compulsory reef tax. 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 staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed. Talk to your consultant about adding international flights from the UK for a competitive price
Step away from your upscale resort and make time for the world underwater. Marsa Alam grows in popularity with divers, and it is easy to see why. Here there are colourful hard coral reefs, fringing the many bays along the coastline. Suitable for all divers experience levels, the fish life is plentiful. Snorkellers and non divers will love it too! Turtles are frequent, and head to Elphinstone for your chance at the shark action. Drift along the lush walls and prepare to be amazed. Butterfly fish and banner fish cluster on the reef edges. Look closely to find stonefish, scorpionfish, pipefish, frogfish and crocodilefish. There's plenty here for everyone!
Most dives are made from the fleet of custom built dive boats, harboured in Port Ghalib. Most dive sites are 15-90 mins from the dive centre. Full day or half day trips are are planned everyday to a whole host of sites (local charges apply for special trips). In between relax in the sun, there is always plenty of space for everyone. The fast RIB heads out regularly too to sites such as Elphinstone so you spend more time in the water! Or if you prefer a shore dive, there are several sites along the coastline and a house reef that combine excellent fringing coral reefs with intriguing sea grass beds - ideal to while an hour away.
A large pinnacle next to the boat is an area you could spend your whole dive on - clauds of Glassfish and Sweepers trying to keep out of the way of the trevallys and red mouth groupers, Fang Blennies hiding in worm holes, Pipefish feeding on coral polyps - it's a stunning spot. A red anemone at 20mt down the reef and one of the largest individual coral colonies in the area - a wall of stag-horn coral tumbling from the surface to 15mt.
This site covers the north corner of Marsa Shuna. The reef covered in hard corals serves as nursery for thousands of reef fish. Blue spotted rays live on the sand while scorpion fish, lion fish and parrot fish can be seen among the corals. Hawksbill and green turtles are not unusual.
Often named 'Dolphin House', this offshore reef is shaped like a horseshoe and creates a naturally protected lagoon to moor in. Here the diving is stunning: a labyrinth of pinnacles, some steep drop offs on the outer walls, table corals bigger than you are likely to have seen and a stunning 'Cathedral' swim-through at 5m. A pod of spinner dolphins uses this lagoon as a nursery and shelter and you will have the chance to snorkel with them in between dives. This is a special trip with an additional cost. It can be arranged locally
Elphinstone is a world famous offshore reef. Sheer walls and sometimes fast currents make this one for advanced divers only but it will be one you remember. Dive the east wall in the morning and the west in the afternoon to make the most of the sun, and light up the abundant soft corals. Anthias smother the walls and large gorgonian fans and black corals hide critters such as longnose hawkfish. Keep an eye out in the blue for schools of snapper, large barracuda and enormous Napoleon wrasse. The north and south plateaus can be a place for very special encounters - manta rays, grey reef and hammerhead sharks have all been seen here and cruising the shallows at the right time of year can be curious silky and oceanic whitetip sharks. This a special trip at an extra cost that can be arranged locally
For advanced divers only, seeing the 'big ball' loom out of the distance at a depth of 25mt is a memorable experience. On the outer edge of this unique coral formation the drop off extends below 50mt and you are right out in the blue, meaning big life encounters are possible. Coming across a deep sand plateau back to the main reef you may encounter a large resident school of barracuda before exploring the shallows of the reef wall to end your dive.
An open air restaurant which serves late breakfast and all-day quick bites.
Zeit Zaitouna la carte Mediterranean restaurant
The Space Main restaurant, International Cuisine
Relax after your liveaboard at the 5 star Resta Grand Resort, close to Port Ghalib marina. Dive the southern Red Sea with Emperor Divers Marsa Alam
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Trombi Pinnacles
Skill level: Novice | Ave Depth: 10 | Max Depth: 20Blue Spotted rays can be seen on the sand near the deeper part of the pinnacles. Scorpion fish and lion fish live on the wall of the largest pinnacle. Hard corals and thousands of small reef fish cover the shallow part. Octagonally a hawksbill turtle will make an appearance and in the summer months a school of barracuda hovers under the boat.