Best dive operator in Sharm

OK - let's have some candid views on some of the larger day-dive operators.
Any views? Looking for:

- Overall professionalism
- Standard of boats, dive platforms, food, etc.
- Choice of destinations (i.e. number of boats)
- Nitrox availability, choice (different mixes) & cost
- General costs
- Rental equipment standard (including tanks & valves)

Steve

"Steve Baker" <steve.baker@not-this.jakata.net> wrote in message
news:cf8cp3$14l$1$8302bc10@news.demon.co.uk...
> OK - let's have some candid views on some of the larger day-dive
operators.
> Any views? Looking for:
>
> - Overall professionalism
> - Standard of boats, dive platforms, food, etc.
> - Choice of destinations (i.e. number of boats)
> - Nitrox availability, choice (different mixes) & cost
> - General costs
> - Rental equipment standard (including tanks & valves)
>
> Steve
>
>

Not the one that owns MV Oyster ?

"Steve Baker" <steve.baker@not-this.jakata.net> wrote in message
news:cf8cp3$14l$1$8302bc10@news.demon.co.uk...
> OK - let's have some candid views on some of the larger day-dive
operators.
> Any views? Looking for:
>
> - Overall professionalism
> - Standard of boats, dive platforms, food, etc.
> - Choice of destinations (i.e. number of boats)
> - Nitrox availability, choice (different mixes) & cost
> - General costs
> - Rental equipment standard (including tanks & valves)
>
> Steve

Everyone seems to recommend Red Sea College.

Not used them myself. Went with Emperor and they were fine.

Dived with Ocean College a few times. Comments:

- Generally very professional and improving. Two centres (one in Naama Bay
and one in Ras Umm Sid)
- Boats generally good, but some very small for the number of divers - at
least on the wet deck. Can be a bit awkward getting kitted up and down. Some
boats much better
- Destination choice is good, but you sometimes need to bully them to
switch boats once you've started. Day 1 they prescribe as a local dive for
everyone (to check you out) and possibly also day 2 and beyond if they're
not happy with your diving. If you're experienced and have dived recently,
you really need to push very hard not to get forced into a local dive on day
1. They tell me that if you've dived recently (within 3 months) or have over
100 logged dives, that can be waived, but I still think you'd need to push
them hard
- Nitrox is available, but only 32% and at 10 Euros per fill! Also,
pressure and O2 percentages weren't as accurate as I would expect. They only
have one analyser on the pier, shared between boats, so analysis has to be
done up-front. If there's any kind of mix-up once the boats left which would
necessitate a re-analysis, you're stuck. The tanks aren't marked very well,
so it's easy for someone to mistake an EAN bottle as air (as someone did
with one of my friend's tank on my last trip). They don't provide tape or
clear marking tools to stop that happening. At best, it's annoying. At
worst, it's dangerous
- Costs comparable to other centres, but slightly on the high side, perhaps
- Rental kit is of good standard, but not outstanding. BCDs generally good.
Regs sometimes not maintained as well as they should be, so minor leaks
quite possible. Masks, fins, suits, etc. often showing a bit of wear. Tanks
OK, but a bit battered and the valves, inserts & O-rings need checking. They
should be better

All in all - good outfit, but I'd look around next time.

Anyone else with similar comparisons - Sinai Divers, Emporer, Red Sea
Divers, etc.?

Karl

"Steve Baker" <steve.baker@not-this.jakata.net> wrote in message
news:cf8cp3$14l$1$8302bc10@news.demon.co.uk...
> OK - let's have some candid views on some of the larger day-dive
operators.
> Any views? Looking for:
>
> - Overall professionalism
> - Standard of boats, dive platforms, food, etc.
> - Choice of destinations (i.e. number of boats)
> - Nitrox availability, choice (different mixes) & cost
> - General costs
> - Rental equipment standard (including tanks & valves)
>
> Steve
>
>

"Karl" <karl@nowayjose-koft.com> wrote in message
news:4118a0dd$0$16973$afc38c87@news.easynet.co.uk. ..
> Dived with Ocean College a few times. Comments:
>
> - Generally very professional and improving. Two centers (one in Naama
Bay
> and one in Ras Umm Sid)

Agreed, We have used Ocean College the last 3 times and will use again next
time. (Others used - Red Sea Dive College, Emperor, Camel). They also have
agood proportion of English Speaking guests so you can be assured of meeting
new friends and not ending up on a boat full of Italians!

> - Boats generally good, but some very small for the number of divers - at
> least on the wet deck. Can be a bit awkward getting kitted up and down.
Some
> boats much better

This is the same for all the ones I've used (Red Sea College, Emperor, Camel
and Ocean College). However the Dive Masters we had at Ocean College ensured
that groups were split into two and there was enough time on the wet deck
apart to not make this an issue. Very personal but I think the food on the
OC boats is lovvvvely, helps if you are a veggie as there is lots of pasta
and vegetable dishes.

> - Destination choice is good, but you sometimes need to bully them to
> switch boats once you've started. Day 1 they prescribe as a local dive for
> everyone (to check you out) and possibly also day 2 and beyond if they're
> not happy with your diving. If you're experienced and have dived recently,
> you really need to push very hard not to get forced into a local dive on
day
> 1. They tell me that if you've dived recently (within 3 months) or have
over
> 100 logged dives, that can be waived, but I still think you'd need to push
> them hard

This may be annoying for those of you who know they are good divers but
remember the Divemasters at Ocean will not have seen you before and they get
all sorts telling them how good a diver they are. We had some spear
fishermen from Scotland once on the boat they had to be seen to be belived!
I think this is one of Ocean Colleges plus points, they also insist on a
proper buoyancy check before any new diver to them goes underwater. There
are a lot of OW level and novice divers in Sharm and it's good that they get
looked after.
If you return they do remember you or would that just be us being
rememberable? (in the bars afterwards that is) and upon return you get
treated appropriately for their knowledge of you. They are also very good on
the no touching, bashing or removing coral, which is more than I can say for
some of the others we have dived with / heard about. The Divemasters are
good at finding out what you are interested in, you wanna see sharks we
leave early and drop in the blue off Shark Reef (after current checks of
course). You wanna stay in touch with the reef no problem, no one is
expected to do anything they are not comfortable with. Their aim is to give
you a relaxed fun, friendly 'wow' dive experience.

> - Nitrox is available, but only 32% and at 10 Euros per fill! Also,
> pressure and O2 percentages weren't as accurate as I would expect. They
only
> have one analyser on the pier, shared between boats, so analysis has to be
> done up-front.

We was there the week before last and only got charged 8 Euro a fill - still
expensive I know but it's this same most places. We always take our own
analyser.

> If there's any kind of mix-up once the boats left which would
> necessitate a re-analysis, you're stuck. The tanks aren't marked very
well,
> so it's easy for someone to mistake an EAN bottle as air (as someone did
> with one of my friend's tank on my last trip). They don't provide tape or
> clear marking tools to stop that happening. At best, it's annoying. At
> worst, it's dangerous

Agreed the tanks are not marked well but on our boats the Nitrox was kept
separate, luckily on a crowed we all got the right tanks.

> - Costs comparable to other centers, but slightly on the high side,
perhaps

There are cheaper but you get what you pay for in my experience.

> - Rental kit is of good standard, but not outstanding. BCDs generally
good.
> Regs sometimes not maintained as well as they should be, so minor leaks
> quite possible. Masks, fins, suits, etc. often showing a bit of wear.
Tanks
> OK, but a bit battered and the valves, inserts & O-rings need checking.
They
> should be better

Always take my own kit. But again I have had the same experience with the
tank 'O' seals and inserts needing occasional replacement (there are always
spares), this was the same for all the dive centers I have used in Sharm.

> All in all - good outfit, but I'd look around next time.

I'd be interested to hear if you find better.

>
> Anyone else with similar comparisons - Sinai Divers, Emperor, Red Sea
> Divers, etc.?

Red Sea Dive College - these were very good all comments above apply
although I have not dived with them for 3 years they still have a v.good
name.
I have seen that Red Sea Dive College are now (for a fee of around 45
Euro/quid? per day each) putting no more than 10 on a boat with Nitrox
thrown in. Interesting Idea if you have a group of 8 -10 divers you could
have a boat to yourselves and within reason go where you want.

Emperor - Most comments above go for Emperor but they let themselves down on
the not being strict on the touching and bashing of coral, also more
European (French, Belgian and German) guests than British.

Camel - Most comments above go for Camel but they let themselves down on one
bad dive we had with them. The worst /scariest dive I have ever done
(including UK).

KR

> Karl
>
> "Steve Baker" <steve.baker@not-this.jakata.net> wrote in message
> news:cf8cp3$14l$1$8302bc10@news.demon.co.uk...
> > OK - let's have some candid views on some of the larger day-dive
> operators.
> > Any views? Looking for:
> >
> > - Overall professionalism
> > - Standard of boats, dive platforms, food, etc.
> > - Choice of destinations (i.e. number of boats)
> > - Nitrox availability, choice (different mixes) & cost
> > - General costs
> > - Rental equipment standard (including tanks & valves)
> >
> > Steve
> >
> >
>
>

"KR" <kathryn@btinternat.com> wrote in message
news:iy9Sc.2921$T24.31191280@news-text.cableinet.net...
>
> "Karl" <karl@nowayjose-koft.com> wrote in message
> news:4118a0dd$0$16973$afc38c87@news.easynet.co.uk. ..
> > Dived with Ocean College a few times. Comments:
> >
> > - Generally very professional and improving. Two centers (one in Naama
> Bay
> > and one in Ras Umm Sid)
>
> Agreed, We have used Ocean College the last 3 times and will use again
next
> time. (Others used - Red Sea Dive College, Emperor, Camel). They also have
> agood proportion of English Speaking guests so you can be assured of
meeting
> new friends and not ending up on a boat full of Italians!
>
> > - Boats generally good, but some very small for the number of divers -
at
> > least on the wet deck. Can be a bit awkward getting kitted up and down.
> Some
> > boats much better
>
> This is the same for all the ones I've used (Red Sea College, Emperor,
Camel
> and Ocean College). However the Dive Masters we had at Ocean College
ensured
> that groups were split into two and there was enough time on the wet deck
> apart to not make this an issue. Very personal but I think the food on the
> OC boats is lovvvvely, helps if you are a veggie as there is lots of pasta
> and vegetable dishes.
>
> > - Destination choice is good, but you sometimes need to bully them to
> > switch boats once you've started. Day 1 they prescribe as a local dive
for
> > everyone (to check you out) and possibly also day 2 and beyond if
they're
> > not happy with your diving. If you're experienced and have dived
recently,
> > you really need to push very hard not to get forced into a local dive on
> day
> > 1. They tell me that if you've dived recently (within 3 months) or have
> over
> > 100 logged dives, that can be waived, but I still think you'd need to
push
> > them hard
>
> This may be annoying for those of you who know they are good divers but
> remember the Divemasters at Ocean will not have seen you before and they
get
> all sorts telling them how good a diver they are. We had some spear
> fishermen from Scotland once on the boat they had to be seen to be
belived!
> I think this is one of Ocean Colleges plus points, they also insist on a
> proper buoyancy check before any new diver to them goes underwater. There
> are a lot of OW level and novice divers in Sharm and it's good that they
get
> looked after.
> If you return they do remember you or would that just be us being
> rememberable? (in the bars afterwards that is) and upon return you get
> treated appropriately for their knowledge of you. They are also very good
on
> the no touching, bashing or removing coral, which is more than I can say
for
> some of the others we have dived with / heard about. The Divemasters are
> good at finding out what you are interested in, you wanna see sharks we
> leave early and drop in the blue off Shark Reef (after current checks of
> course). You wanna stay in touch with the reef no problem, no one is
> expected to do anything they are not comfortable with. Their aim is to
give
> you a relaxed fun, friendly 'wow' dive experience.
>
> > - Nitrox is available, but only 32% and at 10 Euros per fill! Also,
> > pressure and O2 percentages weren't as accurate as I would expect. They
> only
> > have one analyser on the pier, shared between boats, so analysis has to
be
> > done up-front.
>
> We was there the week before last and only got charged 8 Euro a fill -
still
> expensive I know but it's this same most places. We always take our own
> analyser.
>
> > If there's any kind of mix-up once the boats left which would
> > necessitate a re-analysis, you're stuck. The tanks aren't marked very
> well,
> > so it's easy for someone to mistake an EAN bottle as air (as someone did
> > with one of my friend's tank on my last trip). They don't provide tape
or
> > clear marking tools to stop that happening. At best, it's annoying. At
> > worst, it's dangerous
>
> Agreed the tanks are not marked well but on our boats the Nitrox was kept
> separate, luckily on a crowed we all got the right tanks.
>
> > - Costs comparable to other centers, but slightly on the high side,
> perhaps
>
> There are cheaper but you get what you pay for in my experience.
>
> > - Rental kit is of good standard, but not outstanding. BCDs generally
> good.
> > Regs sometimes not maintained as well as they should be, so minor leaks
> > quite possible. Masks, fins, suits, etc. often showing a bit of wear.
> Tanks
> > OK, but a bit battered and the valves, inserts & O-rings need checking.
> They
> > should be better
>
> Always take my own kit. But again I have had the same experience with the
> tank 'O' seals and inserts needing occasional replacement (there are
always
> spares), this was the same for all the dive centers I have used in Sharm.
>
> > All in all - good outfit, but I'd look around next time.
>
> I'd be interested to hear if you find better.
>
> >
> > Anyone else with similar comparisons - Sinai Divers, Emperor, Red Sea
> > Divers, etc.?
>
> Red Sea Dive College - these were very good all comments above apply
> although I have not dived with them for 3 years they still have a v.good
> name.
> I have seen that Red Sea Dive College are now (for a fee of around 45
> Euro/quid? per day each) putting no more than 10 on a boat with Nitrox
> thrown in. Interesting Idea if you have a group of 8 -10 divers you could
> have a boat to yourselves and within reason go where you want.
>
> Emperor - Most comments above go for Emperor but they let themselves down
on
> the not being strict on the touching and bashing of coral, also more
> European (French, Belgian and German) guests than British.
>
> Camel - Most comments above go for Camel but they let themselves down on
one
> bad dive we had with them. The worst /scariest dive I have ever done
> (including UK).
>
> KR
>
> > Karl
> >
> > "Steve Baker" <steve.baker@not-this.jakata.net> wrote in message
> > news:cf8cp3$14l$1$8302bc10@news.demon.co.uk...
> > > OK - let's have some candid views on some of the larger day-dive
> > operators.
> > > Any views? Looking for:
> > >
> > > - Overall professionalism
> > > - Standard of boats, dive platforms, food, etc.
> > > - Choice of destinations (i.e. number of boats)
> > > - Nitrox availability, choice (different mixes) & cost
> > > - General costs
> > > - Rental equipment standard (including tanks & valves)
> > >
> > > Steve


All these comments are fair for all of these dive centres, I worked for
Emperor for a year as a Manager and although I still dive with them (cheap
diving) I can still heartily recommend all of the others. They all seem to
be at the top-end of the dive centre pyramid for brits.
But then do you want to spend all your time with all brits? Our fellow
Europeans can be as equally engaging. You think Stoney is cold? Try
telling that to a Norwegian who thinks that 8 degrees is positively tropical

Steve Baker wrote:
> OK - let's have some candid views on some of the larger day-dive operators.
> Any views? Looking for:
>
> - Overall professionalism
> - Standard of boats, dive platforms, food, etc.
> - Choice of destinations (i.e. number of boats)
> - Nitrox availability, choice (different mixes) & cost
> - General costs
> - Rental equipment standard (including tanks & valves)
>
> Steve
>
>


I'm surprised no one has mentioned Oonas divers. I've heard good
reports, and they seemed to have the best value package deal - 6 days
diving + flights/accom for £550ea. I'm booked to go at the end of
September...

Sure, although some of the others do similar deals for as low as £450, all
in.

I was more interested in the general aspects. Be useful to hear your views
on how they were when you come back from your trip. I'm sure it'll be
excellent. Have a great time.

Steve

"John Smith" <jsmith@jsmith.net> wrote in message
news:411a952e$0$520$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...
> Steve Baker wrote:
> > OK - let's have some candid views on some of the larger day-dive
operators.
> > Any views? Looking for:
> >
> > - Overall professionalism
> > - Standard of boats, dive platforms, food, etc.
> > - Choice of destinations (i.e. number of boats)
> > - Nitrox availability, choice (different mixes) & cost
> > - General costs
> > - Rental equipment standard (including tanks & valves)
> >
> > Steve
> >
> >
>
>
> I'm surprised no one has mentioned Oonas divers. I've heard good
> reports, and they seemed to have the best value package deal - 6 days
> diving + flights/accom for £550ea. I'm booked to go at the end of
> September...

>
> I'm surprised no one has mentioned Oonas divers. I've heard good
> reports, and they seemed to have the best value package deal - 6 days
> diving + flights/accom for £550ea. I'm booked to go at the end of
> September...

How much! Currently getting the whole lot including 10 dive
pack (includes trips) and 4* all-inclusive for under £500.

TerryH

In message <cfj0jf$s4a$1@news5.svr.pol.co.uk>, BSAC 1624
<sucs@bsac1624.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>>
>> I'm surprised no one has mentioned Oonas divers. I've heard good
>> reports, and they seemed to have the best value package deal - 6 days
>> diving + flights/accom for £550ea. I'm booked to go at the end of
>> September...
>
>How much! Currently getting the whole lot including 10 dive
>pack (includes trips) and 4* all-inclusive for under £500.
>
>TerryH
>
>

Which travel agent/company? Which Dive operator? Which hotel?

--
Richard Faulkner