Malta

Just three hours from the UK and with a number of regional departure options, Malta & Gozo are the closest top dive destination from the UK. Stay in a range of accommodation from self-catering apartments to well-appointed hotels and enjoy great wrecks and wonderful dive sites from professional dive centres. Suitable for beginners and continuous diver training.

Image by Pete Bullen

Bahamas

With regular flights to Nassau, the exciting diving of the Bahamas is only a short hop away. Enjoy the excellent diving directly from the island including heart thumping shark adventure dives or join a liveaboard and head to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. In addition, the beautiful Out Islands of the Bahamas are easily accessible. The choice is yours.

Mexico

Head to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula for some wonderful diving opportunities, superb beaches and fascinating Mayan history. A 10-hour direct flight from London puts you within range of the unique Cenotes – a highlight for many – colourful reefs, turtle encounters and thrilling drift dives from Cozumel island. This region offers great value with a range of accommodation options as well as appealing diving opportunities.

Egypt - Red Sea 

The classic diving destination is back to its best, with a wide range of flights now available to all the top diving areas – Marsa Alam, Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. Under 5-hours from the UK, eager divers can indulge themselves in the wonderful coral reefs and historic shipwrecks that make this area famous. A wide range of accommodation options are available from dedicated dive resorts to luxury hotels. Liveaboards are also a popular option.

Tobago

With regular flights from the UK, the idyllic island of Tobago is easily accessible and yet remarkably uncommercial in flavour. There are a range of diving options for every budget and dive sites suitable for both beginner and intermediate divers. Despite its small size, a twin centre trip is a great option.

Maldives

Visit the Maldives from October through to April and benefit from direct flights from London, ensuring this world-class dive destination is a snap to reach. Fly into Malé, the capital, in just 10 hours and head off to your island of choice by speedboat. Or join a liveaboard for a diving safari in the central atolls. Divers can expect thrilling marine life including manta rays and whale sharks in addition to the topside charms of this famous archipelago.

Lanzarote

The westernmost member of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote offers much for divers, including great flight connections and a short 4-hour flight. Expect interesting and varied dive sites for all levels of divers, plus great beaches and consistent sunshine to keep you smiling between dives.

Grenada

There are several flights through the week from the UK to the spice island of the Caribbean, Grenada. The island nation oozes charm and is enduringly popular with divers. Excellent wreck diving attracts more experienced divers, with plenty of reefs and sites for the less experienced too. Extend your diving holiday to take in the neighbouring Island of Carriacou – the land of reefs.

Oman

Perched on the eastern edge of the Arabian peninsula and facing the Indian Ocean, Oman benefits from nutrient rich waters that positively brim with marine life. A pleasant climate for large parts of the year along with a dramatic and beautiful coastline add to the appeal. An increasingly popular option for divers, there are both resort based and liveaboard options available and Muscat is just over 7-hours away.

South Africa

There are several ways to fly to South Africa. From March to July it’s possible to fly direct to Durban. The Kwazulu-Natal coastline offers access to the famous sites at Aliwal Shoal and the arrival of several shark species, most notably the raggies. In addition, embark on a memborable Sardine Run adventure from here.

To book any of these diving holidays, get in touch with our dive experts.

With a huge demand for travel, booking early has never been so popular and there are some incredible deals to be had. Here, we take a look at some of the most eye-catching early bird deals for divers.

MALDIVES

Traditionally, the peak months for the Maldives are November to April. During these months, the sun shines, the beaches sparkle and the visibility tends to be at its best. Offers are often hard to come by for these months, but for this winter there is wonderful value to be found for those booking early.

Stay at Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa in the South Ari Atoll and save 30% on accommodation and meal plan.

So it really is true that the early bird gets the best dive deal. To plan your next dive adventure or learn more about these great deals, contact our friendly team today.  

Blackout dates apply. Visit our offers page for full details of our current range of offers.

New WHALE SHARKS and dive sites

We are in the famous whale shark area of South Ari Atoll and we have encounters all year round, one of very few places worldwide that can say that! It has been really special though during this time because we have had whale sharks come to us, maybe missing all the attention they usually receive when guests are here! In the 5 years since we opened over 350 different whale sharks have been encountered with only 8 being female but during the last 4 months we have seen 2 new FEMALE whale sharks and one stayed with us for over 40 minutes. She came right up to us and kept coming back towards us until the final moments when she zoomed right over our heads.

During this time Mette our dive base leader and I have been diving new reefs and new areas and have discovered an amazing soft coral place which is even better than 7th Heaven which is very well known here! Pastel shades of green, pink, peach, blue and lilac can been seen and are particularly beautiful when the current makes them all open to filter plankton from the water as it passes by!

On Kudimar wreck we have regularly seen up to 5 nurse sharks as well as the giant moray and giant mantis shrimp! 

Even Kudarah which is our most famous site, only 10 minutes from our harbour, has been EVEN more crammed with fish schools than before! We have seen grey reef sharks hunting right inside the thila (pinnacle) blocks and now we see rainbow runner schools nearly everyday to add to batfish, blue stripe snappers and humpback snappers! Huge tunas are hunting and we have seen them suddenly become striped and flying past like rockets as they hunt! Simply spectacular! 

BB TEAM and growing organic food

All our team have remained here since flights have not been available for them to return home yet. We all look after each other, eat together and watch our island volleyball tournament together! We have been doing maintenance work to the hotel and also to our dive boat so we are well and truly ready to welcome our guests back when the time comes. 

Together we decided to grow our own fruit and vegetables because it was getting more and more difficult to get fresh food from Male. We have had great success and can proudly show you our produce... cucumbers, eggplant, pumpkin, bitter gourd, chillies, papaya and passionfruit! Our chefs have made us tasty and healthy salads and curries and it tastes extra special when you can say you have grown it yourself! 

We plan to continue growing our own produce when our guests return and they can come and see our garden for themselves! 

NEW Health Standards

We have announced that we will be open from the 1st November and we are making sure that all the recommendations from our Government Heath Authority and WHO and DAN are being implemented before our guests arrive. Our staff will be doing training on best practise to ensure total compliance. Being a small boutique hotel we specialise in giving a personal service to our guests and that includes doing everything in our power to protect them whilst they are in our care. We have just 6 rooms in the hotel and keep our dive groups small with an instructor for both safety and to ensure guests are shown the best marine life this area has. 

During this time we have celebrated our 5th anniversary since we opened and we have received many good wishes from our regular guests!

We look forward to welcoming guests back from the 1st November and look forward to happy days spent diving together. We SO miss their smiling faces and laughter! 

Our reefs and especially our whale sharks are ready and waiting! We hope all of you stay safe and healthy ready to join us in this extra special place in Maldives.

Plan ahead and book your diving holiday to Boutique Beach in the Maldives and enjoy a great saving in 2020! SAVE 30% - discount per room, per night on all inclusive basis, PLUS a free return airport speedboat transfer for two.

Contact our team to book this offer, or find out more about diving in Dhigurah Island.

Malta & Gozo

Just three hours away, Malta is famous for its superb wreck diving, while neighbouring Gozo has around 50 fantastic dive sites with iconic topography, caves, caverns and more to explore. Grab a short break to one of these islands or combine both for a longer diving jaunt.

Red Sea

No round-up of great value but high-quality dive destinations would be complete without mention of the Red Sea. Head to Sharm el Sheikh to dive the mesmerising dive sites of the Ras Mohamed National Marine Park, or head south to Safaga or Marsa Alam for exceptional value and superb shore diving – with some exciting boat dives to enjoy too. Travel in the quieter winter months or early spring for even better value.

Bonaire

With a unique 'dive and drive' style of diving, Bonaire may lay claim to the world's most socially distant diving opportunities. Grab a tank, throw it in the back of your Ute, and go explore the island's dive sites at your leisure! This sun-drenched island in the southern Caribbean has over 90 dive sites on offer making it a favourite amongst divers of all abilities.

Azores

This archipelago of characterful Portuguese islands far out in the Atlantic Ocean may not be home to bustling coral reefs, but they offer plenty for the eager diver, especially those with a little experience. Dramatic dive sites such as Princess Alice Banks or those in the Formigas and Dollabarat marine reserve attract exciting pelagic marine life and schools of mobula rays, while local dive sites are more suitable for less experienced divers. Whale watching and topside scenery compliment the underwater excitement for a highly enjoyable diving break offering bang for your buck.

Oman

Facing the Indian Ocean and with 1700km of coastline to explore, Oman is blessed with nutrient-rich waters, great marine life and varied dive sites. Numerous species of moray eel, turtles, eagle rays and leopard sharks all call these waters home, with healthy coral reefs too. Topside, there are fascinating landscapes, history and culture to enjoy. Direct flights from the UK add to the appeal.

Tobago

Quirky little Tobago in the southern Caribbean has long been a popular option for divers on a budget with regular direct flights from the UK. The island's position means it has dive sites on both the sheltered Caribbean coast and the more exposed Atlantic coast, ensuring plenty of variety and options for all levels of diver. Great value resorts and a laid-back charm ensure this small island is sure to get under your skin.

Lanzarote

Just a short flight from the UK, Lanzarote offers not only year-round sunshine and great value, but also some underrated diving opportunities. The dramatic volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, the most easterly of the Canary Islands, continues underwater, with dramatic drop-offs and rocky outcrops adorned with anemones. Divers may spot octopus, morays, rays, barracuda and more, with occasional dolphin sightings for an added bonus.

St Kitts & Nevis 

Little St Kitts & Nevis in the north-eastern Caribbean is as diverse above the waves as below.  A blend of European and native cultures creates a charming ambience, while below the sparkling Caribbean Sea lies splendid dive sites. There are shallow pinnacles, walls, gullies and interesting wrecks to explore – all just a short boat ride away. A great option for divers with non-diving partners.

Thailand

Thailand's Andaman Coast may be most famous for its incredible beaches, magical islands and wonderful people, but the diving is not too bad either. The dive sites off this coast offer excellent diversity, with everything from tiny critters to possible manta ray sightings. Mini liveaboard adventures are also available to be able to explore farther afield. A great option for families, or those looking to combine diving with topside adventure.

Maldives

The Maldives may be synonymous with luxury, but there are some great value options to be had for divers as well, especially in the less popular months for regular tourists. These months may bring the occasional dark cloud, but the marine life is as fabulous as ever, with arguably more big fish sightings in certain areas. We recommend a liveaboard, staying in one of the more traditional Maldivian dive resorts, or on a local island to save crucial pennies.

Contact our friendly team to quote your next diving holiday, or search our current hotel and liveaboard offers.

We did not have a lockdown in Malta and were open throughout the pandemic upgrading the premises and preparing for the season. We had many restrictions, but it was actually very nice, more time to do things we enjoy and it felt calmer. Gozo had a break with very few people around and very few cars. It really was great. The environment got a well-deserved break. Friendly dolphins were spotted close to the shore in Comino on several occasions!

Malta has done quite well with battling the virus. We only had two confirmed new cases in the last week and the number of active cases has now gone down to five. Many restrictions have been lifted but there are protocols in place for every sector of the commercial and tourist industry.

No protocol was issued by the authorities for diving centres so we (Professional Diving Schools Association, Gozo Tourism Association with the help of DAN) got together to make our own based on protocols issued for other sectors and with a bit of common sense. Clients are not allowed to use our shower. The toilets are cleaned with soap and sprayed with disinfectant regularly. Hand sanitiser is provided for all those who enter the shop and crowding in the shop will be avoided by asking people to wait outside. (No crowds so far!). Divers are to keep the same diving equipment for the whole stay and not rinse it daily like we usually do. After use, the rental kit is sprayed with fresh water, allowed to drip dry, later sprayed with disinfectant, then left 3 days hanging in a separate room before being put back in the hire department for other guests to use. Regulators and masks are being dipped in a solution with a strong dose of disinfectant, then rinsed thoroughly before being used by other divers. In restaurants tables are 2 metres apart and people are obliged to wear a mask in certain shops, on buses and in taxis.

I believe that life post Covid will be different to the life we've lived so far. The Covid pandemic forced most busy bodies, or rather busy fools like me to take some downtime and reflect about what's important in life. All of us in tourism are going through what probably the worst financial crisis in the history of our working lives, having to take loans to survive, drastically cut down on expenditure and rethink our business models. However, in my opinion and in a strange way, the pandemic was a godsend for many of us who had time to find ourselves, our families, our homes and appreciate the importance of the simple things in life over the materialistic world we live in. 

I've always wanted to grow my own vegetables, and this was the year to do it. I don't have a garden, so I used flower pots and got mixed results. My tomatoes were delicious, but my aubergines are miniature versions of the ones I expected to have. I'll do better next year. I've always wanted to go for a daily walk, and this only materialised in the Covid period after a couple of weeks of slowdown and far too many ZOOM parties with family and friends across Europe, far too much food and far too much drink. One Saturday morning I made a conscious decision to go for a long walk and kept it up since. During the Covid weeks I watched more films than I did in the last thirty years and even managed to watch the news every day.

It's over now. As from today the airport is open to most destinations around the world and we're expecting some tourist arrivals. It's time to get back to work but lessons learnt since the pandemic struck will not be forgotten in a hurry. I'm now looking forward to visiting my favourite dive sites, the drop off at Crocodile Rock, the caverns at Wied il-Mielah and of course Comino. The Covid pandemic gave us time to do major upgrades on Divemania, our dive boat and she will go to the water first thing Monday morning. I can't wait. It's hard to put words together that describe how I miss the intensity of our deep blue Mediterranean Sea, the clarity and the underwater scenario. A picture says a thousand words, so, voila, a few pictures of only a few of our dive sites.

We offer a range of self catering apartments and hotel options for divers on Gozo and neighbouring island Malta. Just three hours from the UK, Malta & Gozo make for a perfect short break. Alternatively, extend your trip to fully explore the delights of both Malta and Gozo on a tailor-made twin centre itinerary.

Speak to the friendly Regaldive team today to begin planning your diving holiday to Malta & Gozo.

Sheltered bays, natural harbours and cliffs slip beneath some of the Mediterranean's clearest waters to create magnificent shore diving opportunities and underwater topography, while the island is dotted with fascinating shipwrecks and plenty of dive sites for the more experienced. 

Here, we share just a few of the archipelago’s fascinating dive sites.

Blue Hole 

Regularly voted the best dive of the Mediterranean, this iconic dive site on the west coast of Gozo has been carved out by centuries of wind and wave action. The dive begins in a shallow water shelf sitting atop the famous Blue Hole Cavern. Exiting via a rectangular photogenic archway adorned with golden cup corals, the dive continues to a series of large boulders tumbling down from 5 metres to more than 50 metres, creating fantastic diving opportunities for all levels of divers. One not to be missed.

P29

Many wrecks have come to rest at diveable depths in the waters around Malta. The P29 may not be the most iconic (that title likely goes to the Blenheim Bomber) but she could be the most popular. The P29 began life as a German minesweeper and still features her machine gun. In later life, this 62 metre vessel was employed as a patrol boat for the Maltese authorities, before being scuttled. She lies just 150m off the northern coast of Malta and is easily reached.

Reqqa Reef

With an exposed location and a tricky entry, this is one for the more experienced diver. The rewards are plentiful however. Descending to 30 metres, and then dropping off again down to 60 metres, this dive site brims with life that dance in the nutrient-rich waters. Divers may encounter schools of dentex in a feeding frenzy, along with large grouper and clouds of smaller marine life. Add in the submerged chimneys and topography, and you have a dive site that challenges and enthrals in equal measure. 

Santa Maria Caves

Malta is spoilt for choice when it comes to fascinating underwater topography, caverns, caves and swim-throughs. Selecting the best is not easy, but the Santa Maria caves on Comino are certainly one of the most popular for good reason. A great dive for all levels of diver, this photogenic dive site offers a multitude of wonderful swim-throughs and caverns and is also rich in marine life. Divers may spot octopus, morays and nudibranch, and cannot fail to spot the schools of banded sea bream that tend to engulf divers. A dive site that always leaves a smile on your face!

Image by Pete Bullen

Inland sea and tunnel 

Undoubtedly one of the most popular dive sites, the inland sea is a natural sea water pool with a deep, narrow, 80 metre long tunnel through the cliff leading to the open sea. White pebbles form a semi-circular beach surrounded by boathouses, one of which was conveniently turned into a café. The sea is deep and most recreational divers dive on the wall far from the seabed, while light from the sun casts dazzling patterns. The Inland Sea’s easy shore access and depth make it perfect for deeper dives for qualified divers. 

Image by Viewing Malta

Enjoy the fabulous diving of this archipelago from either Malta or Gozo, or extend your trip to combine the two islands. Just a short flight from the UK, Malta, Gozo and Comino make for the ideal summer or autumn diving adventure from the UK.

We feature a range of accommodation options from self-catering apartments to hotels with all amenities, and only work with the most experienced and professional dive centres to ensure a safe and highly enjoyable Maltese adventure.

Contact us to book your diving holiday to Malta.

Choosing the right destination to learn to dive is crucial and there are many factors to consider. The professionalism of the dive centre, safety, access to suitable dive sites for student divers and consistent underwater conditions are just some of the factors to consider.

Here, we give our tips on the top ten diving destinations for beginners.

Sharm el Sheikh, Red Sea

Back on the map, Sharm el Sheikh has all the ingredients for the perfect learn to dive holiday. Just 5 hours from the UK and Europe this area boasts a range of sites that are perfect for beginner divers with safe, shallow coral reefs on which to get comfortable with being underwater. Add in professional dive centres, year round sunshine and great marine life and it is not hard to see why Sharm kicks off our list.

Malta & Gozo

Possibly Europe's premier dive destination, the Mediterranean islands of Malta & Gozo feature excellent dive centres and a range of shore diving sites well suited to those looking to learn to scuba dive. Spend your time on one island only, or extend your holiday to combine both. A great choice for those on a tighter budget.

Soma Bay, Red Sea 

Conveniently located less than an hour south of Hurghada and with a range of convenient and cost effective flight options, Soma Bay is another winning option. Boasting an award winning dive resort and excellent facilities, the house reef provides ideal conditions for training dives. As your get your confidence, a range of suitable dive sites are also available a short boat ride away.

Lanzarote

Another excellent value option with many direct flights, Lanzarote arguably offers the best diving in the Canary Islands and is well suited to those looking to take their Open Water course. Based on a family friendly sandy beach, our award-winning partner dive centre is blessed with suitable dive sites starting right from the shore.

Grenada

Dubbed the Spice Island of the Caribbean, Grenada is blessed with year-round sunshine and ideal conditions for learning to dive. Oozing charm, Grenada has extremely professional dive centres and plenty of dive sites suitable for the beginner. More adventurous souls should stay longer to check out Grenada's lesser known twin Carriacou, known as the land of reefs.

North & South Malé Atolls, Maldives

World-famous for its picture perfect atolls and azure blue waters, the Maldives has been a diving mecca for years. Learning to dive here is more expensive than other destinations, but the rewards are plentiful. Well established, professional dive centres offer very high levels of tuition, with excellent shore diving available from the best dive resorts. Providing diving opportunities on a par with many more remote spots in the Maldives, we recommend using the North or South Malé atolls as a base to learn, leaving some of the outer atolls to explore once you are qualified divers.

Jebel Sifah, Oman

Possibly less well known for its diving than some of the other destinations on this list, Oman never-the-less has much to shout about. Year-round sunshine and good flight options combine with excellent diving just a short distance from the country's capital, Muscat. European dive centres provide a high standard of tuition, with a good choice of dive sites available to suit those new to the sport.

The Visayas Islands, Philippines

This group of islands in the central Philippines offers a range of great options, many of which can be combined to make a longer holiday. One could head to the vibrant reefs of Bohol to learn to dive with highly professional European-run dive centres, before exploring the delights of Moalboal, Malapascua or beyond. The choice is yours! Warm, tropical waters, wonderful marine life and a friendly welcome add to the appeal for new divers.

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

With outstanding Caribbean beaches and fascinating archaeological sites, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula has plenty to enjoy and inspire topside, but that's not where the appeal ends. The coastline around Puerto Aventuras and the island of Cozumel offer wonderful reefs and great conditions for beginners. You'll be looked after every step of the way by an experienced, professional dive team to get your diving odyssey off to a flying start.

Bunaken National Marine Park, Indonesia

Located just off the coast from Manado and easily reached from the UK and Europe, Bunaken National Marine Park offers everything a beginner diver could possibly wish for. This region boasts a wonderful climate, while the warm tropical waters are famed for their colourful coral corals and marine life. One of Indonesia's most famous diving areas, Bunaken has a range of outstanding dive resorts offering professional instruction and excellent facilities. Oh, and don’t forget to look out for turtles! 

If you are considering learning to dive, get in touch with our friendly team of dive professionals today on 01353 659999. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and advise on the best options for you.

With over 30 years' experience, we tailor our holidays to suit your precise needs. Our small, dedicated team offer a personal and attentive service to ensure every detail of your holiday is covered. 

"We have worked with Regaldive since the very beginning of Emperor almost 30 years ago, regularly looking after Regal divers on our boats and at our diving centres, but of course we haven’t had any guests for the past few months and so it's really nice to get this opportunity to update everyone.

The most important part of our company is our team. We have managed to keep the team together and we have been able to support them through this pandemic. Egypt, Maldives and Indonesia actually have relatively few COVID cases, so I am very pleased to say that no staff, nor their families, have been taken unwell by this terrible virus. We have been in contact with our team regularly. Some are posted on the boats while they are anchored up, keeping them safe and maintained ready for divers in the coming months. Others have gone back to their local cities, towns and villages to care for their families.

To keep our diving and non-diving guests active, we have been doing live seminars on Facebook. Guides from all over the company have been talking about diving areas, or more general topics such as marine life or seas conditions and diving tips. Tracy has been running The Hatchling’s Club for our younger audience, full of information and facts about our favourite marine animals alongside some craft ideas. All our live talks have had lots of views and we have really loved the interaction that comes from this. 

We have our eye on the future and we are getting excited. Restrictions are starting to be relaxed in many countries; borders are opening up. Diving in our three destinations is so close we can taste it! Emperor is trusted to make safety the highest priority. We have operated at the highest level for nearly 30 years now and have an impeccable safety record. Over the decades we have innovated and adapted to make sure we are at the front of the pack when it comes to diver safety and service. We are ready to do so again, and we have a team dedicated to applying solutions to the current environment.

The three countries we work in have started to build a framework of procedures and policies that are still being finalised. Over and above that rest assured we will always follow the latest scientific advice and set the bar for industry best practices. As we get closer to reopening and the science, regulations and advice gets more apparent, we will confirm which procedures will be employed to specific upcoming trips.

We have been securing and maintaining our boats, our diving equipment and training our team; we are ready to go as soon as those first flights land! Egypt has had its fair share of slumps in the tourism business in recent years, and one thing has always been true – after a period of inactivity in the sea, the diving is better than ever. Reefs recover and replenish, and nature never looks more awesome. Be on one of those first flights out if you can, and we will be waiting for you here to get you back underwater with that familiar Emperor service.”

Contact a member of our team or call us on 01353 659999 to discuss your next Red Sea liveaboard adventure.

The turtle has to be my favourite marine animal, and I get excited each time I see a one. Whether it’s a big chunky green or a snappy little hawksbill, I will endeavour to point it out to my buddy using the well-known hand signal we all know and love. My initial bond was formed when I spent some time volunteering at a Turtle Rescue and Education centre on Zanzibar Island ten or so years ago. Each turtle had its own way to say hello every morning when I would approach the sheltered area, they really are intelligent beings.

I think turtles are little miracles dressed in a hard shell. Females will lay up to 200 eggs in a single nest, cover them up and wish them the best of luck as she makes her way back to the water. The ambient temperature of the nest will dictate if the turtle hatchlings will be male or female. After 40-60 days the hatchlings will emerge from their eggs and nest and make their way towards the sea guided usually by the moon, starlight, or setting sun. For those that face the perils of the beach dash and make it to the ocean, the next miracle begins as they drift in the open ocean for several years. After this time, they will return back to shorelines and coral reefs, where we divers are most likely to enjoy their company. The turtles often spend large amounts of time in a certain area, becoming residents. Between the ages of 17 and 30 turtles are ready to buddy up with a mate and start the next round of little miracle shelled beings, which they will do every 2-3 years. Now, do they do this on the closest beach because that’s nice and easy? No. The females will return to the beach that she was born on to lay her eggs, sometimes this can be thousands of miles away. How I hear you ask? I like to think it's magic, but the latest theory is that they rely on unique magnetic signatures along coastlines.

Very few turtles reach adulthood for various reasons including human interference, the ones that do are able to contribute to the next generation. Currently six of seven species of turtle are facing extinction. Each time I see a particularly big turtle, I get super excited. Depending on the species, turtles need between 10 and 50 years to reach sexual maturity, so these large adults are a key component to their species survival. Although it may seem like we regularly spotted these nonchalant creatures on dives, their numbers are in danger. Research projects such as HEPCA work hard to collect data on turtle behaviour, focusing on feeding and nesting grounds to understand the essential role they play to help keep the Red Sea healthy.

Some of my best turtle sightings have been at Apo Island, Dauin in the Philippines, Tulemben and the Islands in Bali, and the Red Sea. Turtles can be spotted in all tropical waters, and if you want to see them surrounded by beautifully healthy coral that’s teeming with marine life then you need to add Apo Island, Dauin to your bucket list. So during your next surface interval keep your ears open for the gasps of breath and your eyes out on the water to spot a mouth and nose partially beaching the waves, with the promise that you’ve got a little hard shelled miracle to look forward to on the next dive.

Having never been to Sharm el Sheikh, the Red Sea or even Egypt before, visiting this part of the world seemed like a wonderful opportunity to provide a first hand experience of the area as well as visit some of our partners. With this insight I would then be able to pass on key information to those who have never been to these resorts or Sharm el Sheikh like myself.

I spent time with two of our partners out there, one fantastic new addition and one long time favourite. The first was Shark’s Bay Umbi Village, a veteran in Sharm el Sheikh but a newcomer to the Regaldive fold. This diamond in the rough provides a unique experience unlike anything you would find in Sharm El Sheikh. I was picked up from the airport by their minivan airport transfer, no more than 10 minutes later I had arrived into a Bedouin ‘snow globe’, the first sight, carved into the cliffs face are their mainstay rooms that stay true to their culture. Weaving through the passageways of doors either side appearing as if from nowhere, felt like I had fallen into the pages of a children’s book.

The local staff all live on site in true Bedouin fashion like one big family. At the head of this family is the founder and namesake of this diving ‘village’, a man called Umbi, if you take a moment and ask anyone who works here about him they will tell you amazing stories of his life and true testaments of his character.

The saying “…you come as a guest but leave as a friend” is thrown around so much but never has it felt truer than when you stay at Umbi Village. The staff here sit and chat, they take care of you and would bend over backwards for you, until you realise that they’ve become more than just a friend - they begin to feel like family too.

You’ve woken up, walked out onto your balcony and took in the stunning scenery with a clear view of the island of Tiran across the water. Your tummy grumbles, reminding you that you need breakfast, after taking a brief stroll passed the Bedouin tent you reach the restaurant where a buffet is waiting for you complete with a cook ready to make your omelette whichever way you like. The perfect way to start the day.

What is to be said for the experience on land remains true for the sea, a short walk down their own jetty and you’re on one of their magnificent vessels that are capable of not only providing a gateway for day diving but also a liveaboard experience from mini 3-5 day safaris up to a full week.

The pristine Reefs of the Tiran Strait are just 25 minutes away by boat (or 10 by speedboat). Gordon Reef can be seen first as the wreck of the Louvila sits on top of her. On a gentle drift dive I enjoyed a large plateau of porites coral that was teeming with schools of yellow goatfish. At the drop off you might be lucky enough to see a white tip reef shark cruising below or huge tuna in the blue water. Barrels that fell off a cargo ship in the 80s have formed an artificial reef on the sand, housing territorial anemone fish and wrasse. I witnessed blue-spotted stingrays sheltering underneath the many table corals here and a hawksbill turtle fed on the abundant broccoli coral. This area enjoys currents from very deep water funnelling over the shallower saddles of the Tiran reefs – one of the reasons it is so rich.

The dive crew are on hand to make every part of your dive trip effortless then in between or after your dives there is plenty of space to relax on the upper sun deck whilst indulging in a delicious catered lunch.

Back on land you’ve rinsed off and got comfortable again and are ready for your dinner, arriving in the Bedouin tent is a glimpse into their pure way of life. The seating areas with cushions on the ground to sit or lie on is a comfort like no other. Once settled, you can order from their a la carté menu with features a wide variety of choices such as wraps, pizzas, pasta dishes to name a few. The chicken bedouin roll is my personal favourite. Finishing off your day with a glass of your favourite drink and a bit of shisa should that take your fancy.

Before you’ve even left this haven you’ll be planning your next trip to come back and see your friends.

Camel Dive Club is a resort that’s reputation is renowned. Situated in the centre of Sharm El Sheikh a short 200m walk to the beach, this is a complex comprised of a hotel, dive centre and restaurant, with each section requiring its own personal mention without ever feeling like they are separate in any way. This is a place that was intentionally and perfectly designed for the needs of a diver. 

The hotel rooms surround the training pool, these spacious rooms complete with large comfortable beds and an en suite shower room is the luxury you will look forward to after your diving when you’re sat on your balcony enjoying the evening sun.

The dive centre is the social hub, whether or not you’ve been diving that day they're always wanting to talk about all things diving. State of the art classrooms for courses and any tec requirement you may desire, they can accommodate.

Lastly the restaurant, Pomodoro, a delicious breakfast buffet to kick off your day or a classy evening meal to toast a fabulous day of diving, either way a food coma will be waiting for you at the end. 

Camel Dive Club is more than just a resort, it is it’s own little world in Sharm El Sheikh, one that will be always be there waiting to take you on your next adventure.

Speak to a member of our team to discuss Sharm el Sheikh diving holidays.