Something many travelers do not think much about is mosquitoes. They can also be a problem in Hurghada especially in the summer and fall months. If you’re prone to insect bites you should use a good insect repellent on all exposed areas of skin, especially in the evenings. Insect repellent is readily available in Egyptian pharmacies but it may not work well for you so you may want to take your own from home. The Nile River inhibits a special snail which carries a parasite called Bilharzias or Shistostoma and they are commonly found in shallow water near the banks or in the canals. These creatures can cause serious illness if transmitted to humans so avoid bathing in or drinking from the river.

Any time you travel you should always take a sufficient supply of any prescription medications you are taking, and it is wise to take a few first aid supplies with you for minor problems. When traveling to Egypt you may also want to bring a diarrhea remedy such as Imodium in your first-aid kit but in most cases the Egyptian remedies work much better and are much less expensive. The major reason for sicknesses is travelers who are not used to the heat simply do not drink enough water-fluids to replace what they lost. It is suggested that you drink around 6 liters of water per day as a good preventative. Alcohol and drinks with caffeine are also dehydrating and not suitable as a replacement for water. The general rule of thumb is that if you do not urinate frequently or it is very yellow then you’re not drinking enough water.

Yes, our daily diving boats are designed to accommodate divers and non-divers. Many reefs are very near the surface and offer excellent diving and snorkeling conditions. Any time boat are moored and the engines are turned off snorkelers can enter the water and start snorkeling. Some divers even snorkel between dives

The average is between 10 to 25 persons which may be all divers or a combination of divers and snorkelers and for every 3 to 5 persons have dive guides

We’re happy to accommodate special meal requirements – vegetarian, low salt or non-dairy meals. We ask that you tell us at least one day in advance about your special meal requirements so we can prepare accordingly to meet your special needs.

If you’re not sure diving is right for you we strongly suggest you experience first before committing to a certifying course. One of the best ways to do this is through our Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program. With less than an hour of training you’ll be ready to experience breathing underwater using scuba gear. For complete details on our Discover Scuba Diving program contact us.

Yes, in some places and sometimes there are strong currents however, these places are rare and often predictable. In some places such as the Thistledown wreck, you count on currents be present but depending on the time of day you dive this area will depend on the current strength, anywhere from mild up to moderately strong. Our dive guides are very experience and will escort you on dives with currents.

A health certificate from a doctor isn’t required to participate in a diving course however; you must be in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical condition it will be necessary for you to have a statement from a diving doctor that states you have no known medical condition that is incompatible with scuba diving activities. If you have any doubts about any medical issues contact us and we’ll send you a copy of the PADI Medical Statement form that outlines medical requirements for safe diving.

The cost to use a hyper bardic chamber can be very expensive depending on the seriousness of your condition, how much treatment you need and how many hours you need to stay in the chamber. The hyper bardic chambers in the Red Sea do offer special coverage to use their facilities at a very low cost, around 10 Euros per person. The coverage is not insurance but does allow you to be treated in any facility for an unlimited amount of time.

In order to receive student discounts, an International Student Identification Card (ISIC) must be presented. If you’re a student, you can get many discounts as an ISIC holder, including half-price entrance to most archaeological sites and museums. You may also get discounts on rail and air travel, in some hotels, restaurants and even some local merchants. Valid in 85 countries throughout the world, the benefits of an ISIC card are well worth the cost which is about $15 US dollars. If you’re no longer a full-time student but are under 26 years old you may qualify for an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), which offers similar benefits. Alternately, if you’re a full-time teacher the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) may be best for you. In Egypt, you can obtain any one of these cards from the Cairo office of the Egyptian Student Travel Services. Their office is located in El-Roda, directly above the National Bank of Egypt, two blocks south of El-Roda Square, near the el-Giza bridge. It is within walking distance from El-Malek-El-Saleh metro station. There’s another issuing office at the Campus of the AUC just off Tahrir Square. The address for the main office in Cairo is: Egyptian Student Travel Services – Headquarters El-Mamalek Square – 23 El-Manial Street El-Roda, Cairo Telephone: +20 2 53 10330

Absolutely, however special care for infants and smaller children should be taken into account. In the summer months it can get very hot in Egypt and the sun rays are very strong year round. They must be protected from the sun at all times. When making hotel reservations or Nile cruises, be sure to consider your sleeping arrangements. Be sure also to select appropriate activities that are suitable for children; avoid long trips in the deserts, take special care with meal preparation (avoid contact with local water for their food) and if you plan to visit the Red Sea for water activities take additional care for their safety in and around the water. The best advice we can offer is to use common sense when traveling with children and bring along a good supply of not so easy to find items

To participate in any diving activities with us we require all divers to show us their diving certification card, it must be from a recognized certifying agency and proof of logged dives. Although we don’t require you to present a health statement from your doctor, we highly recommend you carry one when you travel to Egypt. In the unlikely event of an emergency, it may be helpful for medical treatment especially if you have a per-existing medical condition or have serious allergies.

If you booked your holiday with us, complementary round trip transfers from the airport to your hotel are always included unless otherwise stated.

Most major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted in most restaurants, merchant stores and hotels. Debit cards are also accepted in some places.

All items you bring with you for personal use are exempt from duty taxes however, most electronic equipment including notebook computers and video cameras must be declared upon arrival and may be listed on a declaration form by a customs official who will retain the original and give you the copy. Keep this safe with the rest of your travel documents in case you need it when you depart.

We suggest any time you want to use a credit card, first ask about any extra commission or fees. In some cases you may have to pay 3 – 5% on the total purchase if you use a credit card.