Diving in sharm el sheikh, Egypt

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

A sun filled few days in Sharm El Sheikh have ensured we’ve completely forgotten it’s winter back in England. A couple of days by the pool built up an appetite to get off our lazy (and slightly tanned) asses and do something. With Debs being advanced qualified at diving and this being the Red Sea it was the only sensible choice!

Having never set foot (or flipper) in any sea with a air tank strapped to my back and a tight fitting wet suit making me look even taller and thinner than i already am i was guided along by a very friendly instructor called Peter, walking into the sea off the beach at Shark’s Bay. We spent a few moments getting used to the idea that you can actually breath underwater and that all you need to do is just go with it and relax. The first 2 minutes are the most important, if you can breath for those two minutes and relax enough then after that it’s a breeze. We spent 25 minutes at around 6 metres looking at amazing coral and fish that i have to admit I only recognise from Finding Nemo!

Still it was a very enjoyable experience, something which i now know i would pursue further at some point. Of course this delights Debs who’s been aching to go diving for a couple of years and it was soon her turn. A quick refresher dive with the instructor before lunch was soon followed by a fun dive after lunch, checking out the fish that’s she mostly recognizes from her Wii game “Endless Ocean”. Who says TV isn’t educational!

The great thing about diving is the community it creates. Sitting by a pool doesn’t really create one apart from the odd conversation about the pigeons stealing your chips. We met a few friendly people whilst on our diving experience which made the day all the more enjoyable.

After an evening of more Tepanyaki and sushi (we have had Egyptian food honest) we went into town for a drink and to attempt smoking a shish which was fun (and tasted of cherries).

So today has been all about the tan, something we most definitely want to get to look healthy through the rest of the windy British winter. We can definitely recommend holidays in Sharm el Sheikh to escape the European weather and enjoy the egyptian coast.