Dahab Diving; How do they get your money?

[copter53]

So I am planning on traveling to Egypt this summer to visit a friend of mine who is doing research for the summer. I want to go to Dahab because I hear it has alot of shore dives thus I can save some money not having to pay for a charter.

Yet, I feel like it is to good to be true, Are the tanks in Dahab overpriced to make up for less charter sales? Is anyone allowed to go into the water at anytime? Is it really free to shore dive in Dahab if I have my gear?

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

You don't just get tanks and dive. It has to be arranged by a dive operator. In the Red Sea, it's more of a dive package rather than itemized price (boat seats, tanks, etc).

Take a look at SCUBA diving holidays, liveaboards, courses and technical diving in the Red Sea with Red Sea Shadow for more info.

 

[copter53]

Why can't I just get tanks and dive? Why do I need an operator to be with me? So they do take your money for no reason!

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

Why can't I just get tanks and dive? Why do I need an operator to be with me? So they do take your money for no reason!

This is how it works here. The operator will arrange dive site transportation (trucks in case of Dahab), dive guide, permissions whenever needed, tanks, gear if required, etc...

 

[copter53]

How much does it cost? Is it cheaper since there is no charter? What if I know locals who can drive me?

 

[LouieLouie]

Then be prepared to baksheesh your way out of a less than luxurious Egyptian jail, as diving without a guide is prohibited. But yes, shore dives are cheaper than boat dives.

 

[ianr33]

as diving without a guide is prohibited. But yes, shore dives are cheaper than boat dives.

Just struck another destination off the list!

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

A quick clarification; a guide should escort you to the dive site, do the briefing, highlight the points of interest, hazards, etc. However, this doesn't mean he should escort you into the water. If you're qualified to do the dive on your own, he will be more than happy to enjoy a sit in the sun.

And BTW, this does not affect the price.

 

[Ste Wart]

Why can't I just get tanks and dive? Why do I need an operator to be with me? So they do take your money for no reason!

There is some arcanely stupid law in Egypt that makes you dive with DM or higher. Apparently! I was told that for the 2 years I worked in Dahab; never actually checked into so it may or may not be true.
Anyway head to one of my old haunts SeaDancer. It's a tiny little dive shop on the main drag. The Brit manager Steve will insult and ridicule you constantly so as to make you feel one of the family (seriously though, he is good manager). The main crew the Paul "grandad" and Olly "fluffy" know the dive sites in an out and you can probably get a 10 dive package, with all equipment for around 200 euros. Pretty cheap.
Highlights would be; Bells to Blue Hole wall; The Islands and Eel Garden. If they can arrange it, the boat dive down to Gabr El Bint (grave of the girl) is stunning, but more money because you're boat diving.
Most instructors drink in the furry cup bar of an evening if you need a beer o3, but the beer at Churchills, in the Red Sea Relax bar is much cheaper.
The Thai restaurant 'blue house' is the place to eat and you will need to make a reservation as it's normally packed.
Loads more I could add. Just have fun

~~Stew

 

[macrobubble]

There is some arcanely stupid law in Egypt that makes you dive with DM or higher.

No, there isn´t!
What Red Sea Shadow wrote is quite correct: If you are qualified (cert-level, no. of dives, initial check out) to dive with a similar buddy you do not need to follow some guy around the reef. A guide (CDWS-card holder) has to be present at the dive site, though, equipped with an emergency kit, do the briefing etc. To me that is a reasonable regulation.