Red Sea LOB, when to arrive?

[SeaHeid2288]

Hi all,

Have been trying to plan my next trip and was leaning on the Philippines but the resorts I was considering filled up.

Now thinking about a LOB out of hurghada. If I book a trip that is from Jan 3 - Jan 10 (but the boat actually sails on Jan 4), can I schedule my flight to arrive at 4:00 AM on Jan 3? Is this cutting it too close?

Thanks!

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

If the boat only sails on the 4th and you arrive at 4AM of the 3rd that means you have more than 24 hours before the boat departs unless you mean arrival on 4AM of the 4th (night of the 3rd).

Im presuming that your scheduled meet up time is anywhere between 16-19 at the docks and you use that evening to get situated and acquainted with the boat (Most itineraries work like this in Sinai) , should that be the case there shouldn't be any problem if you run a couple of hours late.

Just make sure to arrive on time before they depart because they usually don't wait for people that haven't arrived in time.

Enjoy your trip! Egypt & the Red Sea is amazing

 

[SeaHeid2288]

Thanks!
Yes the flight would arrive at 0400 on Jan 3. The itinerary says the trip starts at 16:00 on Jan 3. However, if you read the details it says the sail time is early the next morning. So that first night, you sleep on the boat while it's docked I presume?
Thanks again

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

Thanks!
Yes the flight would arrive at 0400 on Jan 3. The itinerary says the trip starts at 16:00 on Jan 3. However, if you read the details it says the sail time is early the next morning. So that first night, you sleep on the boat while it's docked I presume?
Thanks again

Yes, in 99% of the times ive been there the boat stays the first night at the dock and departs very early the following morning, usually around 05:30-06:00.

 

[scubadada]

As long as your luggage (dive gear) gets there with you, you are OK. From personal experience, I get there at least one day early, in case.

 

[runsongas]

Hi all,

Have been trying to plan my next trip and was leaning on the Philippines but the resorts I was considering filled up.

Now thinking about a LOB out of hurghada. If I book a trip that is from Jan 3 - Jan 10 (but the boat actually sails on Jan 4), can I schedule my flight to arrive at 4:00 AM on Jan 3? Is this cutting it too close?

Thanks!

fwiw i did arrive on a turkish flight at 2am in the morning and made it to the boat but 4am would be cutting it close to me.

 

[rongoodman]

Take your dry suit with you! I was cold for a week this last March over there in a 5mm.

 

[scubadada]

I wore my 7 mm, often with a 5/3 mm hooded vest, for a 2 week stay in April. I was quite comfortable

 

[Darnold9999]

Was there in March last year and was very glad I had a dry suit. Rest of the boat was cold.

 

[ReefHound]

Thanks!
Yes the flight would arrive at 0400 on Jan 3. The itinerary says the trip starts at 16:00 on Jan 3. However, if you read the details it says the sail time is early the next morning. So that first night, you sleep on the boat while it's docked I presume?
Thanks again

Just got back. Our boat was "officially" scheduled to depart on Sunday but received permission from port captain to depart early. We left around 4pm Saturday to get the checkout dive out of the way a few hours later. You might want to contact your boat but it may be the boat is not guaranteed to still be at port for you Sunday morning and come 16:00 on Saturday you are living on borrowed time if you're late.

If the flights go well and your baggage doesn't get lost, you are golden. Otherwise, your only hope is the boat is there for you to board Sunday morning. You can get a room for $50-100 if getting there a day early.