Transfers
Return transfers from the hotel accommodation
of your choice to the dive centre / boat are included
in your diving package. Should you require them,
we can also arrange airport transfers on request.
Please contact us for
details.
Travelling with Diving Equipment
All scuba diving equipment must be carried within
the standard weight allowance permitted by the
airline. Some airlines may offer an increased
allowance but this cannot be guaranteed. BCDs
and cylinders must be empty and placed in the
hold. Depth and content gauges and computers may
be adversely affected by low pressure and if possible,
these should be carried as part of your hand luggage
along with any camera equipment.
If you are onward travelling to a liveaboard
or mini safari it is better to bring soft-sided
luggage rather than hard suitcases as storage
space may be limited.
Passports and Visas
All travellers should be in possession of the
relevant passport and visa for visiting Egypt
and should contact the appropriate embassies and
consulates well in advance of travel.
UK passport holders may purchase an entry visa
from the Egyptian Consulate in London or on arrival
at Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh airport. The cost
of this visa varies from time to time but it is
generally around £15.
Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations required
for Egypt but hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and
tetanus vaccinations are often recommended. Please
contact your doctor or travel clinic for comprehensive
advice prior to travel.
Insurance
Diving insurance is mandatory for all Divers'
Lodge guests. You should bring a copy of your
policy with you on your first day diving with
us. We can also arrange insurance on arrival should
you require it.
Climate
 The
Red Sea is blessed with some of the best all year
round diving conditions in the world and visibility
is often in excess of 30m. Water temperatures
dip to around 20ºC in the winter months and
reach 28ºC in the height of summer. Air temperatures
tend to be one or two degrees warmer than the
water in the winter and peak at around 40ºC
in the summer. July and August are the hottest
months.
Although it is generally always sunny there is
often a breeze and it may feel cooler than you
think. Depending on your own preference, a 3mm
shorty or full suit will generally be acceptable
for diving during the summer months and the water
stays comfortably warm well into September and
October. During the winter, most divers manage
with a 5mm or 7mm full suit or two piece but many
prefer the added warmth of a semi-dry or even
a drysuit.
Please ensure you bring a sweater or fleece for
the evenings and for the boat. This is essential
in the winter months.
Time Differences
Egypt is 2 hours ahead of GMT although the clocks
may change at different times.
Currency
The local currency is Egyptian pounds or LE.
£1 GBP = 11 LE approx. This currency should
be used for the majority of purchases and also
for payment of marine taxes and lunch on the dive
boat. For diving services Divers' Lodge accept
payment by cash in Euro, US$, Sterling and LE.
Visa and Mastercard are also accepted with a 3%
surcharge. Most larger hotels and some restaurants
will accept payment in other currencies and credit
cards. There are plentiful banks and exchange
facilities in both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Guests should note that 10% sales tax is applicable
for almost anything (including services) bought
in Egypt.
Diving Health and Safety
Certified divers must show their certification
cards and logbook on the first day of diving.
Divers' Lodge centres are PADI, BSAC and TDI facilities
but we also accept other internationally recognised
diving certifications including CMAS and NAUI.
Any divers who have not dived for 6 months or
more will require a check dive. If you have not
dived for more than 12 months, we will require
you to undertake a Scuba Review depending on your
certification level and / or experience.
Divers of all kinds should ensure that they are
medically fit to dive. On arrival at Divers' Lodge
you will be required to complete a Self Declaration
Medical Form and Liability Release. If you answer
NO to any of the medical questions
on this form, then you are deemed fit to dive
and you need take no further action. If you answer
YES to any of the medical questions on
this form, you may still be able to dive but you
will require a letter supporting your medical
suitability to dive from a doctor in your country
of origin. You should bring this letter with you.
If you do not have a letter, or there is any doubt
about your medical fitness to dive, Divers' Lodge
will refer you to a local specialist whose decision
is final. If you are in any doubt, please consult
your doctor in plenty of time prior to travel.
Please note: If you are over
50 years of age it is now mandatory to provide
a doctor’s note supporting your medical
suitability to dive.
Divers' Lodge insist that all guests adhere to
the stipulations in their insurance policy, the
limitations of their certification level and experience
and local rules and regulations regarding depth.
The Recreational diving limit for all Red Sea
sites is 30MSW unless training on a specialty
course. Technical diving limits are maximum 100MSW
for certified Advanced Trimix Divers and maximum
55MSW for certified Extended Range Divers or equivalent.
Divers' Lodge recommend that guests do not dive
within 24 hours of your return flight and always
dive conservatively and well within your limits.
Plan your dive… Dive your plan…
General Health
 The
heat and sunshine of Egypt can easily play havoc
with delicate stomachs! To avoid stomach upsets,
drink as much bottled water as possible and try
to keep away from ice in drinks or unwashed fruit
and vegetables. If you are prone to illness, or
take specific medication, please ensure you bring
sufficient supplies with you that do not affect
your ability to dive. We recommend that you travel
with a small first aid kit. Do not forget the
sun cream and insect repellent!
Special Needs
Divers' Lodge are not a mass market diving operator.
We like to take care of our guests as we do our
friends. Please let us know if you have any special
needs and requests and we will do our best to
assist you.
Sustainable Tourism
Many thousands of water users delight in the
wonders of the Red Sea each year. We encourage
you to take care of your holiday environment and
help us to preserve it for future generations.
Please abide by the following rule that you take
only photographs and memories… and leave
only footprints…
Local Customs
Egypt is primarily a Muslim country and religion
plays a very important role in everyday life here.
As such we request that all visitors are sensitive
to the local culture and customs. Egyptians are
particularly tolerant of people with different
values and beliefs to their own and Egypt is particularly
relaxed, especially in tourist areas. However,
it is advisable to dress conservatively when in
public areas, particularly if female, as this
helps to avoid any unwanted attention or misunderstanding.
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