Everything British Divers Need To Know Diving In Sharm

Everything British Divers Need To Know Diving In Sharm

At Circle Divers, we love our British guests. All our instructors, management and office staff at both centers are fluent in English as well as many other European languages too. But why should you choose Circle Divers in Egypt for your next holiday? Let us answer a few questions you may have

How Can I Get To Circle Divers In Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab?

There are over 35 direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh a week from all major airports in the UK. Most hotels in Sharm, including those nearby Circle Divers in Ras Um Sid, Hadaba can be reached within 20 minutes from the airport. Dahab is a short 40 minute journey by car from the airport.

 

How Long Does A Direct Flight From UK to Sharm take?

On average 5 to 5 ½ hours, sometimes quicker depending on tail winds.

Do I Need A Visa?

NO! If you are only staying in Sharm for 14 days or less you will not need to purchase a visa  at the airport.

The only time you will need a visa is if you intend to travel to outside the Sinai (including flight transfers in Cairo) or want to stay more than 15 days. The $25 tourist visa you can purchase upon arrival entitles you to stay 30 days in Egypt and travel to all permitted destinations.

YOU DON”T NEED A VISA FOR DAHAB.

Do I Need A Visa For SS Thistlegorm trips?

NO – all the dive sites Circle Divers will take you to in both Sharm el Sheikh and Dahab don’t require a visa.

What Is The Weather Like In Sharm?

Sunny all year around (recently listed as the most sunlight in the world by a leading travel company). Temperatures in the winter can drop to a cool 22 °C in the daytime (17 ⁰C in the evening) with summer temperatures often reaching  above 45 °C  daytime or a toasty 30 ⁰C + in the evening.

Good News – it rarely rains in Sharm el Sheikh, maybe once or twice a year in the winter. (We seem to have already had this year's rainfall….2 light showers in early March)

Above 45, That’s Hot – How Do You Cope?

Yes, it can seem unbearably hot in July and August but most places in Sharm and Dahab have air conditioning or fans. Plus you could always spend more time in the water diving in the Red Sea to stay cool.

Water temperatures are lovely and warm in the summer months often hitting 30 or 32 degrees C.

What Money Should I Use?

The Egyptian pound of course. Although taxis, shops, hotels, and restaurants will accept sterling, Euros and Dollars beware some unscrupulous traders may offer lower exchange rates.

How Do I Get Egyptian Pounds in Sharm El Sheikh?

Bring your local currency, pounds or Euros, and change at any number of official Exchange offices or the local ATMs now offer exchange at the official bank rates (normally higher than UK!)

Do They Accept Credit Cards In Sharm and Dahab?

Yes VISA, MasterCard, and most debit cards can be used in Sharm either to pay with or at local ATMS. Wireless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay can also be used on your phone.

Is Sharm El Sheikh Expensive?

Not very at all. Although food and drink prices have risen in recent years, eating out or going out drinking is almost half the price of the UK.

Cigarettes = 1 GBP or less per pack of 20

Beer = 3 GBP

HEETS = 2 GBP per pack

Can I Drink Alcohol In Sharm?

Yes, there are very few limits on alcohol consumption with most hotels offering a bar and many standalone bars, pubs, and clubs. Just be cautious when drinking, it can dehydrate you very quickly in the summer sun and drunken behavior is not well tolerated. And never overconsume alcohol before diving!

Can I Watch The Live Football In Sharm?

Yes (if you must!). There are many bars and restaurants/cafes showing all live sports from Premier League Football, 6 Nations Rugby, Formula 1, Horse Racing and many more.

Is Sharm Safe For Brits?

Yes many of the long term residents who live in Sharm say they have never felt safer anywhere else in the world. Egyptians are friendly, non-violent, helpful people who will do their very best to never upset anyone.

Exercise caution as you would anywhere else but most times a single woman can feel completely safe walking down the street even at 2 am.

Will I Meet Other Brits?

Yes definitely. As well as the many Brit tourists, there is also a large British expat community with many British bars and restaurants where you may find them.

Do I Need To Speak Arabic?

No – contrary to some opinions. English is still the second language when diving in Sharm. Most Egyptian staff locals, especially service staff will speak English and often many other foreign languages such as German, French, Russian and Dutch.

At Circle Divers, all our instructors, the office staff and counter staff fluent English – we even have a British dive centre manager and Course Director.

A few useful phrases include

Aiwa…………………yes

La…………………….no

Shockran………..thank you

 

Salam alikam…………….hello

Masalama (mar-sal-am-a) ………….Goodbye

Is The Diving In Sharm Any Good?

YES, YES, YES, the best in the world. It has excellent visibility all year round, some of the most extensive coral reefs in the world, and a huge variety of underwater marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and more.

Contact booking@circledivers to book your next Egyptian scuba diving trip soon.