How easy is it to dive with AQUARIUS?

Booking a diving holiday has never been easier, firstly book your holiday package (flight, transfer and hotel) through the Internet or through a reputable tour operator, then once you have your holiday dates just get online and send us a mail on info@aquariusredsea.com, Tell us what diving services you require and we'll work the rest out for you, Remember that you'll receive a 10% discount for booking online !.

Send us the name of your hotel and in which Red Sea resort (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurgahda, Sahl Asheesh, Makadi / Safaga, Marsa Alam or Hamata) you'll be staying in, which day you'd like to start diving and we will arrange a FREE transfer to our closest location, get all the necessary paperwork out of the way and then you are free to dive.

It's as easy as 1-2-3

1. Book your holiday

2. Let us know what you need

3. Come diving !!

With over 10 years experience, AQUARIUS guarantees fantastic value for all your diving needs !!

About Egypt

The land of the Pharaohs, 8 millennium of history, the Nile, oodles of sand and desert and… the Red Sea. Egypt has a population of almost 80 million, with over 90% being Muslim and the remainder mainly Christian. Most live in the north at Cairo and the delta region, and along the banks of the Nile which is truly the life line for the country. Tourism is the major industry of this fantastic and fascinating country.

Egypt was in its time the centre of civilisation, modern day Egypt may not be able to claim the same but it is the centre of civility and serenity. The Egyptians are amongst the warmest, friendliest people on Earth….they haven’t learnt to be great hosts…. it just comes naturally.

The capital, Cairo is home to nearly 17 million. A vast city mixing the old and the new, the rich and the poor. crowds from dawn to dusk; hustle and bustle is the order of the day. It is also the home of the world’s greatest museums and of the only remaining Seven Wonders of the World… the Pyramids at Giza. South on the Nile brings you to Luxor, an open air museum of temples and close to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.

The major Red Sea resorts are Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam

Hurghada, was the first major Red Sea resort to evolve in the late 70’s. Most of the early guests were divers and their families. Today Hurghada and the surrounding areas is a full on holiday resort with all the amenities for sun worshippers and divers alike.

Sharm El Sheikh, at the southern tip of Sinai, lagged behind Hurghada for most of the 70’s and 80’s but has really developed over the last 5 years. It is fast becoming on par with Hurghada. Like Hurghada it caters for sun worshipers and divers alike.

Marsa Alam, 200km south of Hurghada, is the NEW Red Sea resort area. Serviced by a new International Airport the area is developing fast and offers truly international hotels and resorts for holiday makers and divers.

Currency

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP or LE) but your Sterling, Euros and Dollars will be acceptable at most places. Exchanging money can be done at the Banks and Exchange points which are open around midday and in the evenings to cater for your needs. The exchange rates are usually at least 10% more favourable to you if you exchange your money here in Egypt. Travellers Cheques can also be exchanged at the banks and major credit cards can used; some establishments add on 3% for credit card transactions so best to ask first. Most banks also have ATM machines which will issue Egyptian Pounds.

At AQUARIUS Diving Club we charge you in either Pounds Sterling, Euro or Dollars, and we accept all major credit cards. However, if you are booking diving through your travel agency, please note that the agency may have special exchange rates, should you choose to pay on your credit card.

Passport and Visa

For all Europeans, a passport has to be valid at least for another 6 months in order to enter Egypt. Also in most parts of Egypt you need a visa to enter the country.

Language

The local language is Egyptian Arabic. In Hurghada and all major and minor tourist areas you can communicate in your own language without too much difficulty and you will find all Egyptians very keen to understand your language and learn from you - English, Italian, French and German is widely spoken among the locals working within tourism.

Food, Beverage and Water

General rule – do not drink the tap water and if you want to be on the safe side, use bottled water for teeth brushing as well. Also please note that water is a scarce resource, and some times may be temporarily interrupted.

Egyptian meals are normally spiced or very sweet and often served with rice and bread. Most Hotels offer international dishes and in general the food is quite safe to eat with the same precautions as you would take at home. The same goes for beverages – mind the ice cubes though.

Very often stomach issues do not occur because of the food, but on account of high temperature shifts going from Europe to Egypt, too many cold drinks on a hot day (you should drink at room temperature) - or too little water and too much sun. Always remember to wash your hands whenever you get a chance.

Tipping and Tax

Tipping - Baksheesh - is expected in all hotels, restaurants and service areas, since tips are a substantial part of the income. In some restaurants 12% service and 10% sales tax may be included in the price, check the menu. The 10% sales tax is not applicable everywhere, but within most restaurants and diving centres it is standard to pay sales tax – normally it is shown in the price list whether tax is included or not.