Dive into 2013 – literally. Diving holiday specialist Regaldive, is offering 10 per cent off its holidays and anyone booking between January 7 and the 13th will be entered into a prize draw to win a Kindle Fire.
The Egyptian Red Sea is renowned as one of the best destinations in the world for learner divers. The popular resort of Sharm El Sheikh is home to some of the world’s best dive sites including Ras Mohammed Marine Park, as well as a variety of safe and shallow reefs perfect for beginners. While getting to grips with scuba, you can see marine life including snappers, barracuda and jacks. Seven nights at the Falcon Naama Star, a short walk from the beach, now costs from £370 per person including flights, transfers and B&B accommodation based on two people sharing. A PADI Open Water Course costs from £160 per person, to include all equipment, based on two divers.
The small resort of Soma Bay boasts some of the most pristine sandy beaches in the Red Sea. A haven for learner divers looking to get away from the crowds, the sheltered waters of the Soma Bay house reef are breaming with life and are home to diverse marine life including barracuda, turtles and eagle rays. Seven nights at the Breakers Diving and Surfers Lodge, opposite the house reef, now costs from £602 per person, including flights, transfers and half-board accommodation based on two people sharing. A PADI Open Water Course costs from £197 per person, to include all equipment, based on two people sharing.
If you want to combine dining with sightseeing, try the Egyptian resort of Hurghada – home to bustling streets and bazaars. With a huge choice for all dive abilities, learner divers can explore Hurghada’s sheltered sites with the hope of spotting their resident dolphin pods, before moving on to the more advanced reefs, drop offs and legendary wreck graveyards. Seven nights at the adult-only Sunrise Holidays Resort costs from £543 per person, including flights, transfers and all-inclusive accommodation based on two people sharing. A PADI Open Water Course costs from £106 per person, to include all equipment, based on two people sharing.
Regaldive MD Andreas Elia said: “For beach lovers, learning to dive can add a whole new dimension to their holiday. Contrary to common belief, scuba is an extremely relaxing sport, allowing holiday-goers to enjoy a feeling of weightlessness as they journey beneath the water’s surface in search of exotic marine life”.
“First time divers travelling with Regaldive can benefit from its ‘Learn to Dive Guarantee’ ensuring that, if, after the first day of tuition customers decide that the sport is not for them, Regaldive will refund their course fees leaving them free to enjoy the rest of their holiday above the water.”
