1st July 07
Egypt - Diving with Dive Tribe
by  :Sarah Lee

As published on http://www.bsac.com

We had the last day off due to a lunch time flight the next day but some people on UK flights who were not leaving until late the next day dived again on day 6 - I considered doing one dive even though it meant staying on the boat the whole day but I eventually decided to have a lie in while Kenny played Golf - it transpired they had had pleasant, but uneventful dives back on dolphin reef again, so on reflection I was glad I went for the lie in. During the week we had a look at the mini safari Dive tribe were offering, an overnight boat trip to the Thistlegorm with a night dive for 150 euro. Tempting as it was we couldn't justify the extra cost having paid for half board accommodation which would be standing empty. We would have preferred the option to do 3 dives a day perhaps once or twice during the week. There was no night diving offered, apparently something to do with only liveaboards being granted the appropriate licences. I think if this is something on your must do list then you should check with the dive centre before you book your holiday to see exactly what the situation is.

The water temperature was approximately 27 degrees and the air temperature was around 36 - 38. We really didn't notice the heat as we were on the boat all day and had the breeze to keep us cool. I would certainly go back at that time of year because the sites and resort are quieter and the sea is nice and warm. Overall we did have a very relaxing week and found the diving enjoyable rather than challenging. The whole Dive Tribe set up is very well organised, the people seem genuinely happy which makes for an altogether pleasurable and very enjoyable holiday. Knowing what I know now I would have chosen to stay at the Movenpick because it s closer to downtown El Gouna, has the dive centre on site (although I understand it could be a very long walk to breakfast from some of the rooms), has access straight to the beach (which the Steigenberger doesn't) and also has a nice little bar above the Dive Tribe to have that long cool drink after a days diving.

I was sceptical about going to a purpose built resort but the diving and golf overcame this and we were pleasantly surprised. If you want a land based holiday in the Red Sea which is small, quiet, clean, well laid out, relaxed, hassle free with easy diving you should consider El Gouna. Would we go again ? probably not, only because there are so many other places in the Red Sea to visit. We will also probably sacrifice the golf and do a liveaboard next time to maximise the underwater time and get to see more of the wrecks.

Websites:

RegalDive 
Dive Tribe 
Longwood Holidays