Ask Egypt
Got a question about diving or visiting Egypt?
Real questions from real travelers, answered by people who actually run trips on the Red Sea — not a generic forum.
How far in advance should I book a diving trip in high season?
For regular fun diving, a few days' notice is normally enough, even in peak season (October-April). For a specific trip like the Thistlegorm…
What currency should I bring, and can I pay in Euros?
Egyptian pounds (EGP) are the local currency and best for small purchases, but USD and EUR cash are widely accepted at hotels, dive centers …
Is the Thistlegorm wreck dive suitable for less experienced divers?
The Thistlegorm is a deeper, more advanced wreck dive - an Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent experience) is genuinely require…
What should I bring on a full-day diving trip?
Swimwear under your clothes, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and any prescription medication you need. We provide the tanks, weights, a…
I get seasick easily - will that be a problem on the boat trips?
The Red Sea is generally calm, especially close to shore, but any boat can move on a windier day. If you're prone to seasickness, take motio…
Is the desert safari suitable for kids?
The standard evening safari (quad bikes or 4x4, Bedouin camp dinner, stargazing) works well for families with kids over about 6, though quad…
Is it safe for a woman to travel to Hurghada alone?
Yes, we regularly host solo female travelers on our trips. Hurghada's tourist areas are used to independent travelers of all kinds, and our …
Can I snorkel with dolphins at Dolphin House near Hurghada?
Yes, that's exactly what the Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai) trip is for - it's a natural reef where spinner dolphins rest during the day, an…
Do I need to buy an Egyptian SIM card, or is hotel WiFi enough?
Hotel WiFi is usually fine for messaging and browsing, but can be slow for video calls. A local SIM (Orange, Vodafone or Etisalat, all avail…
How much should I tip on a diving boat in Egypt?
Tipping isn't mandatory but is genuinely appreciated and part of local crew income. As a rough guide, $5-10 per person per day for the boat …
What is the cancellation policy if my flight changes?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the trip date, full refund, no questions asked. Inside 48 hours we try to move you to another date f…
Is hotel pickup included in the diving trips?
Yes, for every hotel within Hurghada itself - a driver collects you around 7-7:30am and brings you back after the boat returns, no extra cha…
What's the difference between PADI and SSI certification?
Both are internationally recognised and let you dive anywhere in the world - the certification card matters far more to other dive centers t…
How many days do I need for a proper diving trip to Marsa Alam?
For fun diving, 4-5 days gives you a comfortable pace (one or two dives a day with rest time) without feeling rushed. If you're doing a PADI…
My partner doesn't dive - is there anything for them to do while I'm diving?
Definitely. A lot of our boats carry snorkelers alongside divers on the same trip, so your partner can be in the water with you at the surfa…
Are there sharks in the Red Sea? Should I be worried?
There are sharks, but shark incidents are extremely rare and almost always linked to specific, well-publicised circumstances rather than nor…
Do I need a visa before flying to Egypt?
Most European, US, UK, Canadian and Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh airport for about $…
Is Hurghada safe for tourists right now?
Yes. Hurghada is one of the most tourist-oriented cities in Egypt, with a strong security presence around hotels, the marina and dive center…
What is the best time of year to dive in Hurghada?
April to June and September to November give the best combination: warm water (26-28 degrees C), good visibility, and it's not the peak summ…
Is Marsa Alam good for someone who has never dived before?
Yes — it's actually one of the best places in the world to try diving for the first time. Most centers offer a Discover Scuba Diving session…
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