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Latest Diving Log

 

July/August 2010

 09.08.2010 Location: Ras Za'atar, Ras Mohammad No. 412

Dive Time: 62mins Max. Depth: 30.7m

This was also a morning dive and we did it as Nino wanted to show Hatem a rare species of ghost fish. As it happened he did indeed locate it but as there was a Japanese melee way above us we stayed put at around 28m. I don't like getting caught up with a large group underwater so we stuck to our own plan. This is a lovely wall dive for the first 20mins and reminded me a little bit of Shark Observatory. Lots of Gorgonians and a beautiful florescent pink anemone which I had never seen before. A Napoleon sailed above us in shallow waters on the coral garden. Lots of very pretty coral pinnacles which allowed for ample photos and videos. To finish the day off we got sight of a very large turtle which had just surfaced for air as we were on the way back to Travco. A really lovely day on the boat with two delightful children who were snorkelling with their dad. Aubrey and B snorkelled together and a great finish to a fantastic holiday.

 09.08.2010 Location: Anemone City, Shark and Yolanda Reef No. 411

Dive Time: 61mins Max. Depth: 27.8m

A pod of Humphead dolphins on the route out from Travco proved to be a sign for how the rest of the day would unfold. There must have been around 7 in this group and they enjoyed playing around the boat and showing off their aquatic skills! We were on "Delfinus" but this wasn't to be confused with the Delfinus crew of maybe 5 or 6 years ago. The crew didn't interact nor were they particularly helpful, however the rest of the paying clients were lovely. We were guided by Davina who had guided us before and she was just great. Dropped in deeper than usual on Anemone and unfortunately missed most of the clown fish and anemones which gave the reef it's name. Anyhow the route to Shark reef is always interesting as it's a steep drop off. The jacks and snappers were still hanging in the blue and as we progressed around onto to Yolanda the visibility was dramatically cut down. Hatem later told me this was due to the high water temperature and consequently there was an eerie yellowish colour through the water. Davina was forced to surface early as one of our divers was low on air so Dave, myself and a Russian photographer made our way over the Yolanda wreck where Dave found a huge stone fish and I got sight of an eagle ray. Also saw yet another crocodile fish. Finished the dive after an hour underwater which was just great!

 06.08.2010 Location: Jackson Reef, Tiran No. 412

Dive Time: 56mins Max. Depth: 22.4m

Dived the opposite side of Jackson in hope of seeing the famous hammerheads. Finned out into the blue for a good 15mins but nothing! The reef on this side of Jackson is absolutely beautiful and conditions today allowed for us to visit this side of the reef. It was teeming with wildlife. As we approached the end of the dive a small group of snappers were hanging shallow and as I was filming them Matty got sight of a white tip reef shark further down the reef. What a way to finish a diving holiday!!! It was great. We met a lovely Scottish couple, Dave and Aubrey on the boat and it was a lovely day out. Sharm at it's best today. Thanks Matty for being a great diving buddy and let's hope we can dive together soon in the future...Vanuatu, Truk or Maldives????

 06.08.2010 Location: Jackson Reef, Tiran No. 411

Dive Time: 50mins Max. Depth: 27.7m

A day on the boat doesn't get much better than this! An early start yes but worth it to avoid the queue at Sharks Bay Jetty. Onto dive boat New Age with a super crew and first dive was the conventional route on Jackson. Managed to get a little deeper and further down the reef due to lack of current on first part of the dive. Consequently saw a large shoal of Banner Fish which was really lovely. Plethora of small wildlife on the route back with a classic view of the large salad coral from below. Just a perfect way to complete Matty's final day of diving. Fantastic dive guide Davina just let us be and was super chillaxed!

   

 

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Diving Equipment

 

Chris Carney's Gear

Apex regulator with Scubapro octopus & console (pressure, depth gauge & compass)

Buddy Explorer BCD

Harness weightbelt with separate pockets.

3mm shorty wetsuit for summer, 5 mm full & 2.5mm vest for Spring

Proear mask

Oceanic split fins

Uwatec Aladin Sport computer

Fuji Finepix digital camera & housing

3ltr pony cylinder with BCD attachment

   

 

 

Eating Out!

 

Sinai Star

Probably one of the best restaurants in Sharm despite it's canteen atmosphere! A platter for 2 will normally cost around 150LE and will include prawns, calamari, sea bass, crabs and anything else which is catch of the day. In addition to this will be balady bread, salad, tahini dip and water. It's not licensed but you can take in your own drinks and they don't charge for corkage. If you want lobster adding to your platter it's usually plus 150LE depending on size.

Red Sea Fish

This is a splendid fish restaurant and you can eat inside with air con or eat outside with views of Sharm. The sea bass is fantastic! This restaurant is more expensive than Sinai Star and the same dips & salad are served. Worth a visit!

The Charleston, Italian, Il Mercato

A very pleasant Italian at the newly designed Il Mercato. Be warned that these lovely looking units do not have toilet facilities! You have to use the communal toilets. Anyhow the food here is pleasant and I loved the mushroom soup! They serve big portions and some of the starters would do as a main course if you're not ravenous!

Rangoli Indian Restaurant, the Sofitel

You will be served the best Indian food in beautiful surroundings with delicious Indian naan breads and aloo parathas. The views of Naama Bay are stunning and it's worth the trip for views of the Sofitel pool and gardens. You will need to make a reservation at least 2 days in advance.

Hyatt Thai Restaurant

The restaurant is run by Thai staff so you know the food is authentic. It's popular so you will need to book in advance.

The Dananeer

An excellent Egyptian restaurant in the heart of Naama Bay. It's excellent for veal, steaks, seafood and fish. It's a great family restaurant where children are welcomed. The service is good but can sometimes vary with time depending on how busy it is. Go at the beginning of your holiday as you'll want to go back!! View Dananeer meal photos opposite.

Little Buddah

Excellent food, though a little more expensive by Egyptian standards but certainly cheaper than the UK. There's a variety of food including Chinese, steaks, fish and sushi.

Ribs

Ribs lies in Naama Bay opposite the Ghazala Hotel on the main Peace Road. Serves great BBQ ribs, pizzas, fish & chips and vegetarian dishes.

Movenpick Golf Chinese Restaurant

Excellent authentic Chinese food cooked by a Chinese chef. There is an "Eat as much as you like" buffet on Saturday and in addition an a la carte available.

Movenpick Jolie Ville

Home made pasta, pizzas, fillet steak, lamb chops and salmon. Don't forget to finish with an ice cream as they are the best!!

China House

A personal favourite of mine. This restaurant can found in the Sharm and Naama shopping malls on the top floor. Unfortunately since the swine flu outbreak they no longer serve the delicious pork ribs which is a great disappointment as they were the best ever! However there is a huge variety of chicken, beef, fish, seafood and vegetable dishes on offer. The Naama Bay branch was also a favourite haunt of Tony Blair is his PM days as he was very fond of visiting Sharm over the Xmas/New Year period.

Hard Rock Cafe

Fast food including steaks, burgers, chicken wings and pasta. Great floor shows and a variety of cocktails too. Good night out for the family and the kids won't be disappointed.

 

   

Bars!

 

The Camel Bar

One of the original bars in Sharm and a great place to relax or watch a footy match. The open roof top is fabulous with dim lighting. shisha pipes if so desired and a very relaxed mood. Serves the most fabulous pizzas, steaks and Indian bar snacks.

Ocean Bay Hotel

1st floor has an English bar. Serves good cheap food & drinks.

The Tavern

English bar with bangers & mash, roast beef & Yorks puds, Shepherd's Pie etc. Not expensive and Karaoke too.

Pirates Bar, Hilton Fayrouz

A great selection of snacks, food and a variety of drinks including cocktails. Use to serve free burgers and hot snacks at tea time and maybe they might bring that back as was a great, cheap way to unwind after a days diving. Anyhow there's a large, flat t.v. screen and footy on most nights.

The Lido Bar

A great view of Naama Bay from the wooden decked Lido at the Iberotol. Serves a selection of cocktails and they make a decent Margherita! Entertainment varies and if you happen to be around when the alto sax player is performing it's a very pleasant evening to pass a good view and pleasurable drink!

Pasha Disco

Anything goes!! Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Frothy swimming pools and DJ music. Starts around 12.30 and finishes at 4am!

El Fanar disco

Opens on Wednesday night and starts around midnight. Frolik in the open air on the cliff top! Is in the district of Hadaba opposite the Rennaissance Hotel.

Calibre Disco (Savoy Hotel)

Every Tuesday and a very nice venue. Gets going around 11.30pm with a late Russian show and dancing till late.

Terrazina Beach

Great, lively beach for swimming and sunbathing. Costs around 25LE for a sunbead and towel for the day. Serves good, cheap food & drink until the early hours.

 

   

Videos

 
 Guestbook

Sinai Star, Sharm

Dananeer, Naama

Charleston, Il Mercato

Lido Bar