Where to go? From France

[manar]

Hi!

I was going to go to Truk in micronesia this summer, but I happened to go to paris instead of southeastern asia and micronesia, so I am looking for good diving spots accessible from france.

I already had been to egypt, and i deifinitely enjoyed underwater there , it was really beautiful and I'd want to go back soon, however not this time!
I'd like to go to somewhere new.

I was thinking about the seychelles, but I am not sure cause I am a budget backpacker and I guess there might be nearer places than the seychelles, so, I wonder where should I go.
I also know that there're some very nice diving spots in sudan, but I think it's hard to get to Khartum, so, now basically I have no idea where should I go.



I am aware of the fact that there're many diving points in europe also, but I am afraid i might be disappointed reminding underwater in red sea if I dive in europe, so I am hesitated and looking for diving spots in africa.
However as I haven't doven in europe ever, so, If it's good, I also want to try diving in europe.



Please, help me!!!!

 

[Malene]

To help you narrow your search, could you tell us, how long do you have for your diving holidays ? Do you want to dive only or do you want to visit, party, shop, etc...

But 5 hours from France, not too expansive, nothing beats Egypt !!!

 

[manar]

Thanks for the reply! !
I guess It's better for me to go to egypt again.. I searched a lot but as you said, nothing beats egypt(!!) considering my time(6 days maximum) and money. I only want diving!

Now the problem is, I am having a trouble with finding cheap flight tickets from paris to egypt(hurghada or sharm el sheikh). It's wayyyyyyyy expensive than I thought! :depressed: It's okay for me to go to egypt from germany or england, I just want to buy the cheapest flight ticket..

How can I get one? Is it better to purchase the ticket through the travel agency in paris or anyway in europe?

 

[robint]

look into Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. Lots of Europeans go there so there must be direct flights. There are lots of small backpacker type hotels, too.
Here are a couple of websites to check out:
Info Bonaire - The Bonaire Information Site - The Most Current and Up-To-Date Information
Bonaire WebCams - The Works - All the WebCams and Weather and UW Temperature on One Page!
Bonaire Talk - The place to discuss everything and anything about Bonaire!
Bonaire Scuba Diving - Dive Spots
Bonaire: The official tourism website of Bonaire

 

[PeCaRi]

what about Malta or Sicily? Malta and Sicily has beautiful sites. or Madeira. A bit more expensive: Azores: big staff there. all have easy access from France, flight even less than Egypt. Another more exotic option might be Norway. the northest coral reefs in the world. yes, might be a bit pricy.

In general: Check air tickets in agencies. Egypt often last minute package tour available. also the other tours.

 

[Louie]

A couple possibilities:

Following on from the previous poster, Malta is a possibility. It's not too far from Paris so hopefully, not too expensive. I liked Gozo with so many lovely underwater formations and the laid back atmosphere on land.

Could you get a package from London - and maybe find a cheap flight to London or take the train there? Many travel agents and specialist companies do dive packages (liveaboard and land-based) from the UK to Hurghada, Sharm and Marsa Alam. Personally, I think you're better off going further south.

 

[manar]

robint// Thank you for your suggestion! I looked for some pictures of Bonaire and I think it's really beautiful! Definitely want to go there, however I also searched for the airfare and found out it's really expensive... So maybe next time when I plan to go to south america! Thanks a lot!

PeCari// Now you reminded me of the tourists from malta I met during my last trip, I also heard it's very nice! I have no idea where Azores and Madeira is.(Silly me!) I haven't heard of it til you let me know Thanks and I'll look for some information about those places you recommend. I always thought Norway would be just cold, and it's really nice to know that norway is also good for diving. I really appreciate you!


Louie// I found out there're so many package programs from England or Germany to Egypt. I'd really love to go further south this time, so I've been searching for information on the web. Well till now, those liveaboard schedules doesn't fit with me well, so, I have to look more. Thanks for your information!!!

 

[PeCaRi]

Hi Manar,

well it's not a shame for not knowing where Madeira and Azores are. actually in the Atlantic, belonging to Portugal. Here is a link where you can have a look at some pictures.
yes, it is rather a big fish Island, with sometimes difficult conditions --> current. but no problem if you have some current experience and a good dive op.

Madeira is the spring Island of Europe, beautiful also overland.

And norway: well it s cold, but astonishing! Problem: Viz is quite mediocre. Just have a look at google pictures.

unfortunately I'm only a diver, not a photographer. :depressed:

yes, there is some really good diving in Europe.

 

[Air One]

Don't forget the Canary islands in the Atlantic, these islands are Spanish they are facing Mauritania.
One of these islands is called Hierro and is a fantastic place for diving, the best time to go is september/ October : good chances to see big rays as mobulas. The vis is usually over 30 m and the watter temp is about 20-25° .
The sceneries are absolutely fantastic there, and the people very welcoming. Hiero is very quite, few tourists most of them are divers .
The place to stay is "la restinga". It's a cheap and very easy place for backpackers.

http://www.eltamboril.com/

 

[marcaumarc]

You can fly direct to St. Martin from France. I believe there are lots of flights, so maybe they are not too expensive.