Group Trip: Northern Red Sea & Brothers Islands on M/Y Contessa Mia

INCLUDES:

• Flights
• All scheduled transfers
• 7 Nights’ accommodation on the luxurious Liveaboard
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
• All tea, coffee, bottled water & soft drinks
• FREE UNLIMITED BEER
• Unlimited DIVING
• Nitrox
• Hire of 12L Tanks & Weights
• Marine Park Fee & Fuel Levy
• Port Fees
• Reef Taxes

EXCLUDES:

• Airport Taxes (Approx. R 7,500)
• Dive equipment other than Tanks & Weights
• 15L Cylinder – €45
• Onboard Service Fee - €100pp (Divided amongst crew)
• Insurance (Approx. R1,125)
• Visa on Arrival (Free for SA Passport Holders / €30 for Non-SA)

OPTIONAL EXTENSION:

• Cairo Day Tour Only: R1,990 p.p.s.
• Cairo Day Tour plus Hotel Day Use Room: R3,450 p.p.s.

CABIN UPGRADES:

• Sun Deck Twin Cabin (2): R1,200 p.p. for the week
• Sun Deck Double Cabin (2): R1,200 p.p. for the week

Where is the Red Sea?

The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden.

 

DECK / CABIN SPECIFICATIONS: M/Y CONTESSA MIA

Lower Deck: 8 x Twin / Upper Deck: 2 x Twin | 2 x Double 

M/Y Contessa Mia can accommodate 24 pax in 2 double rooms and 10 twin cabins. It has two salons providing its guests with bigger rooms, a relaxing salon on the main deck equipped with a top-notch audio and video system as well as a dining area on the upper deck with a magnificent 360 degree view of the open sea. The half shaded sundeck is an idea place to relax and enjoy the cool evenings while the top deck offers a perfect tanning spot for sun lovers.

 

DIVING HIGHLIGHTS & BUCKET LIST DIVE SITES

BROTHERS ISLANDS (BIG & SMALL BROTHER)

One day is spent diving the Brother Islands, two undersea mountains rising from the depths, about 100KM off-shore. Known for its magnificent wall diving & shark sightings, the islands are now strictly controlled & the number of divers is limited – a definite must on any Southern Red Sea itinerary.

 

ABU NUHAS WRECKS

Dive the famous wrecks of Abu Nuhas; the Ships Graveyard. The reef lies close to the ship-lane toward the Suez Canal & has claimed more ships than any other in the Red Sea. The Wrecks are covered in corals & are great for photography, especially the Carnatic, having sunk in 1869.

 

THISTLEGORM WRECK

The famous SS Thistlegorm World War II wreck is the one of the highlights of this cruise. She sank in 1941, having being bombed by the Germans while on a mission to deliver a cargo of trucks, motor bikes, ammunition & war materials to the British troops in North Africa.

 

RAS MOHAMMED NATIONAL PARK

This has been described as one of the best diving sites in the world. Located at the tip of Sinai, famous for its breathtaking walls, rich in soft and fan corals and populated with huge shoals of fish. Nutrient-rich sediments from the Gulf of Aqaba, attract many fish species and also feed the coral polyps creating a divers paradise.

LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic, however English is widely spoken.

TIME ZONE

Same Time as South Africa

CLIMATE

Temperatures in Egypt vary considerably from winter to summer. Ave. Temps: April: 23°C ; May: 27°C ; June: 31°C; July/Aug: 35°C; Sep: 30°C; Oct: 28°C

WATER TEMPERATURE

The Red Sea is warm enough to visit throughout the year, with an average water temperature of 19°C, even in December and January. This goes up to an 29°C average in the summer months, making the sea’s shallow parts as warm as bath water. A 3mm wetsuit is most commonly used.

POWER SUPPLY

Charging facilities are available for lights and cameras, standard 220/240 volts with round 2 pin sockets, similar to SA Cell phone chargers. All batteries and necessary spares should be taken along.

STAYING IN CONTACT

There is WIFI onboard, however please note, it is not guaranteed as it may be unavailable for long periods and intermittent at times due to location and other conditions. You will be Able to buy a local sim card either at a booth at the airport or you can ask they transfer driver to stop at a data and cell service provider en route to the liveaboard to purchase one.

WHAT PAYMENT METHOD IS ACCEPTED

Credit cards are accepted at all major establishments, but please note that an extra charge (between 2,5% and 5%) can be levied with each transaction. Travellers Cheques are NOT widely accepted.

DRESS CODE

Liveaboard: dress code is extremely casual i.e. Shorts, t-shirts, swimming costumes. Resorts and Public Areas: Casual and Smart Casual in Hotels. Religious Sites: Women are expected to wear a long skirt and long-sleeve blouse.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Drones are not permitted

PHOTOGRAPHY

There is usually an additional charge to take photographs/video footage when entering various tourist attractions. Photographing harbours, airports, military installations and military personnel are prohibited.

DIVING

• Certification must be presented as well as a log book and dive insurance
• Safety: Chamber in Hurghada, Sharm-el-Sheikh & Dahab
• Please be sure that your dive insurance is comprehensive & up to date before departing on your diving trip.
• Always follow safe diving practices at all times.
• Alcohol Consumption: If alcohol is consumed in between dives by an individual then they will be required to refrain from diving for the remainder of the day
• Flying After Diving: A minimum surface interval of 18 hours must be allowed prior to flying or going to altitud