Whirlwind set sail on the 20th March, fully booked with Scuba Travel UK guests ready for a week in the Northern Red Sea on the Wrecks and Reefs itinerary. Here are some of the guests comments on the brilliant wrecks, coral, and marine life the Red Sea has to offer.
Gordon Reef: “Nice fast drift dive lots of life corals, fish and a turtle.”
Shark Reef: “This was an especially memorable dive for me as I visited this reef in 1978! We drove from Jerusalem to the tip of the Sinai, camped on the beach and went snorkeling. This was so amazing that it is one of the main reasons why I wanted to learn to Scuba dive – so that I could see it again and here I am! It was just as I remembered it – wonderful colours, amazing variety of fish and coral. A world of life and vibrancy in the desert. “ - Isobel
Thistlegorm: “What a fantastic wreck something for everyone; teaming with marine life and a history to dive for. One of my all time favourite wrecks. Spared a thought for the crew who lost their lives when she sank.”
“Fantastic to be diving through all the holds – full of old motorbikes, cars, wellies and coal. Taking up the option of a guided dive enabled me to make the most of the wreck.”
Chrisoula K "This was an exciting wreck to explore and with plenty of swim throughs and compartments without feeling claustrophobic. Plenty of reef life to hold interest both within and outside of the wreck. A very enjoyable dive.”
Abu Nuhas -"Lovely reef to snorkel over, floating gently over really colourful corals and lots of fish”. Nicky
The Barge -“I particularly enjoyed diving The Barge as it had everything I look for in a dive, it was a wreck dive which appeared very similar to a reef dive as the corals and marine life has taken over the frame of the barge. Being in shallow water meant the colour was there and the dive was easy. Meeting the very large resident eel was great to see as were the many lionfish and scorpion fish. The highlight of the dive was seeing a large pod of dolphins checking us out as they passed by. “ Clare
“Dolphins – big wow. I didn’t realise how noisy they were – clicking and whistling - till I met them close up.”
“As a non-diver being able to snorkel above the barge was brilliant as you can clearly see the wreck...apart from when all the divers are in the way and blowing bubbles! Seeing a pod of dolphins pass by was very exciting and breathtaking. It was also lovely to snorkel through the small channel in the reef and into the lagoon, lots to see. Visited the island and found the skeleton of an inflated balloon porcupine fish. My favourite day so far!” Nicky
“Having THE BARGE to ourselves with, a turtle, octopus and scorpion fish the size of dogs. Perfect way to start the day.”
“This whole trip has been a special occasion for me. Blown away by the quality of the reefs which are as good in places as the Southern itineraries.”
“Whirlwind is well equipped and did the job well.”
ReplyDelete“The cabins are particularly good, with plenty of room in the bed and between the beds. All areas well maintained and recently refurbished.”
“Everything was perfect!”
“Good size well appointed.”
“Really enjoyed being on the boat, it’s much more spacious than I was expecting. The cabin was lovely, lots of places to store things, comfy beds, fabulous to have hot water whenever needed. Looking forward to trying out the Jacuzzi when we get into port as it’s been too windy to use at sea this week. “
“Up to the usual standard of the fleet. Every member of the crew smiling and helpful”
“Helpful crew and good informative dive briefings from Dickon and Yasser.”
“FABULOUS!”
“All the crew were friendly, really helpful and obviously get on well together.
Excellent guides Yasser and Dickon.”
“First class in every respect.”
“Very friendly, smiley and helpful, lovely to be around. Enjoyed the different towel/duvet sculptures that we found in the cabin each day! Excellent dive guides, Dickon and Yasser, informative presentations/briefings before the dives.”
“Fun, professional, friendly – worked together well, so that everything appeared to be smooth and seamless – despite very changeable winds and tidal streams. There’s a good “buzz” about the place which feels natural and makes you feel instantly welcome.”
“Everyone has a great sense of humour and is up for a laugh.”
“A great combination of being both professional and relaxed. Dickon and Yasser are both very switched on to the needs and abilities of the group, but without that officiousness meets big ego problem that you often get with inexperienced dive guides.”
“Excellent food, nice selection”
“Very good and varied food.”
“Excellent food, good variety and nutritious, and plenty of it. Great chef!”
“Really good; more varies than I expected”
“Delicious food, loved being able to have omelettes made on request for breakfast. Good variety and lots of tasty salads to go with everything. Nice selection of teas.”
“Overall – enjoyed the food, especially having a plentiful supply of salads, veg and fruit. Home-made pre-dinner snacks were also a nice touch.”