CLUB TRIP TO EGYPT SEPTEMBER 2024

by Angela Coggins · 2nd December 2024

CLUB TRIP TO EGYPT SEPTEMBER 2024

Members of the club organised a trip to Egypt in September 2024 and for some members it was their first ever Egypt experience. 11 members headed out for a stay in 5 star luxury in Hurgharda with the intention of doing 5 to 6 days diving and then taking a couple of days to chill out and enjoy the weather before heading home.

On arrival we had the 1^st day to relax, acclimatise and enjoy the delights of all the Steigenberger Aldau Beach hotel had to offer.

Beautiful hotel that Terry Maloney one of our Lead Diving Instructors recommended and got to enjoy with us.

Day 2 and the diving starts, the dive centre was on our Beach on the far left side so it was a beautiful stroll down there to get on a boat, no messing about. Our 1^st dive took us to Abu Ramada South. Max depth we did was 24.9m and average 13.4 was a beautiful dive in a barmy 28 degrees. The 2^nd dive of the day took us to Gota Abu Ramada for an hour long dive that can only be described as like swimming in a very well stocked fish tank. A successful days diving was had by all and the chat was describing what we had seen and how we hoped our pictures would turn out well.

Each night we booked into 1 of the hotels many restaurants as we wanted to sample them all and I have to say we were not disappointed. All of the many eateries where beautiful, it was very hard to pick a favourite restaurant. We also found a pool hall in the hotel opposite that we could use so we fitted in a few competitive games as well before heading to bed ready for an 8am boat start.

This was the Japanese restaurant and I have to say was my personal favourite. Food cooked fresh right in front of you. From left to right : Terry & Margaret Maloney, Graham & Barbara Raff, Phil & Angela Coggins, Wendy & Tim Pretlove, Sian & Alex Naylor. John Smith Sian’s brother didn’t join us this night so we were down to 10.

Day 2 saw us head out to Small Gifton for a lovely gentle wall drift dive Max depth we hit around 27M, absolutely stunning dive with plenty to see. The 2nd dive was at Panorama Tanks which is a relatively new site with sunken tanks and some stunning pinnacles dotted about. Wasn’t expecting much from this man made site but have to say we were all pleasantly surprised by it.

1^st Picture Terry Maloney 2^nd Picture Terry Maloney, Alex Naylor, Tim Pretlove with Wendy Pretlove below him.

Day 3 Took us to Abu Hashish for another wall dive, Max depth 31M and then Al Malog 22M, suffice to say another 2 stunning dives that left us excited for what the next day brought. Numbers were reduced slightly on day 3 with a man (woman) down.

Day 4 brought another 2 stunning dives to Hamada & Shadh Sabina Max depths 30M and 15 M and very scenic.

Day 5 was time to mix it up and get a wreck dive in. Unfortunately due to high winds the boat was limited as to where it could take us but we settled on the El Mina which was sitting at 33M and had a large Torpedo on its side to explore. We avoided deco so the dive wasn’t as long but still enjoyable to see a bit of metal instead of reefs.

2^nd dive was Al Erug Gifton and a shallower dive at 11M very pretty and a good days diving again.

Day 6 with some having a day off took us to Small Gifton and a depth of 35M. Those who didn’t come were left kicking themselves as on this dive we saw Manta & eagle rays and they are a sight to behold, magnificent in the water. I described it in my personal log book as mind blowing.

The 2^nd dive was Gota Abu Ramada and also didn’t disappoint as this was Wendy’s 100^th Dive which the lovely crew all help her celebrate but giving her a sign to hold underwater and making a big fuss of her when back on the boat with a special cake made for everyone to enjoy. I have to say the staff on and odd the boat at Ilios Dive Club were all truly amazing.

Angela Coggins, Wendy Pretlove, and Tim Pretlove all celebrating Wendy’s hour long 100^th dive. Great achievement Wendy can’t wait to see you’re 200^th soon enough. This was our last days diving in Egypt and safe to say we cannot wait to explore the rest of the underworld Egypt has to offer. I can see us making this a yearly trip.

A few days of relaxation saw us eating and drinking a bit more and none of us were ready to go home after 10 days, but home we must go.