If you’re thinking about taking a Nile cruise, high season is from December to February. If you can travel in March - April (excluding Easter season) or in October - November, things are less busy and temperatures are still pleasant. If you’re looking to do some scuba diving or water sports activities, any time is great however; December – April are cooler month with more frequent high winds and sandstorms.

Some travelers may want to avoid travelling to Egypt during Ramadan; the holy month for Muslims that changes every year. This is primarily due to the fact that alcohol is not to be consumed by Muslims during this month and normal operating hours for restaurants, local businesses and government offices are shorter or even closed during Ramadan. Another downside of this time is all tourist sites usually close at least two hours earlier than usual, causing a shorter time for visiting. People who are fasting in Ramadan are sluggish during the day time but very active after they break their fast.

On the other hand, Ramadan is a delightful month in Egypt; it is a month-long celebration. At night most of the coffee shops are open late and full of people who stay awake till the early morning hours. It is the time the Egyptian people never sleep and the time when everybody goes out at night to socialize.

Egyptian people remain very friendly and peaceful toward foreign visitors. Few incidences of violence and terrorist activities have been reported in recent years making Egypt safe as any place as a holiday destination. Even in recent years with the higher levels of awareness of terrorist activities in the middle-east acts of aggression have not increased in Egypt even toward western nationalities. There have not been any major terrorist incidents toward tourists since 1997.

Millions of tourists enjoy trouble free holidays in Egypt every year, so you if you want to travel to Egypt you should. Travel in Egypt is as easy and as safe as it can possibly be and when it comes to personal crimes, far safer than even the most developed countries. Regardless, we suggest you check with your consulate or embassy for any travel advisories before traveling to Egypt or any foreign country.

Most travelers come to Egypt via international flights; this is the quickest and easiest way to get here. It's also possible to get here by train from Europe or by boat from the Mediterranean Sea and you would need to make your travel arrangements independently because this type of travel is out our scope of services.

You will need a valid return or onward flight ticket, passport and tourist visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Egypt. Most nationalities can buy their tourist visa upon arrival at the airport but some nationalities must have a pre-arrival visa to enter Egypt. We advise anyone planning to visit Egypt to contact the Egyptian consulate nearest you for complete details. The current fee is $15 for tourist visas issued at international airports however; the cost may vary depending on your nationality.

Our main office is located in Cairo but we also have satellite offices in Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Additionally, we have representatives in all the major cities throughout Egypt to provide assistance at airports, rail stations, bus stations, local transfers, hotel check in/out, Nile cruise embarkation/disembarkation and other logistical support as needed.

Egypt is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2) and starting in 2011 does not practice the daylight savings time procedures many countries do in April and September.

Yes, general postal offices can be found in all cities. Normal operating hours are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. hours daily except for Fridays. Posting mail in hotels avoids the pilgrimage to the post office and stamps are readily available in the hotel shops. International express mail systems like EMS, DHL, Federal Express and other courier services are also available.

Telephone service is available everywhere in Egypt and mobile phones are the standard. The country code for Egypt is +20. To dial an international phone number (from a mobile phone) inside Egypt you need to put the + sign in front of the country code.

If you plan to use landlines in the hotels or phone booths we suggest you use phone cards; it’s much cheaper. You buy phone cards at the main telephone offices, mobile phone shops and local super markets.

Mobile phones work almost everywhere in the Red Sea except for some far off areas like the off-shore islands and the shore from Marsa Alam to the south. Internet cafes are everywhere in Egypt. DSL and wifi services are common so making free calls (computer to computer) is possible.

Arabic is the official language in Egypt however; Egyptians speak a different dialect from other Arab countries. This is usually understood but there is a colloquial dialect or street Arabic which varies throughout Egypt. The dialect between Cairo (Lower Egypt) and Luxor (Upper Egypt) is very noticeably different.

Most Egyptians working with tourists understand and speak at least English but usually two or three other foreign languages. In popular areas for tourism children as young as two years old know how to say welcome to Egypt, what's your name, baksheesh (tips); give me money/cigarettes/candy in many languages. Children are taught in schools to speak foreign languages and most love to practice their language skills with tourists.

There are two main ways to travel long distances in Egypt; domestic flight or tourist train however; train service is limited to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan. If you have more time than money than taking a bus is an option to/from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.

Egypt is a conservative Muslim country and visitors should try to respect their customs. In the hotter months loose cotton clothing is the most comfortable thing to wear for both men and women. If you burn easily it is wise to cover all exposed skin when out in the sun. A hat or scarf to cover your head is essential to protect you from the fierce heat in order to avoid sunstroke. Comfortable shoes are also a must. In winter, the evenings get suddenly very cold in comparison to the warm days. It is advisable to take warm outer clothing to wear in the evening between October and March, and perhaps even light rainwear for Cairo and the north.

Try to keep in mind you're not coming to another planet but Egypt, with her millenniums of history and culture. Use common sense and logic; you'll enjoy your visit much more!

Gratuities are left entirely to your own discretion. We recommend the following - if any service is done well and to your appreciation, tips are a very nice way to show gratitude. On the other hand, if service on let’s say a restaurant isn't good, than save the tips for someone who deserve it! For more information on tipping in Egypt visit our Etiquette Protocols page.

The range of food in Egypt is very wide and cosmopolitan. Mostly you'll find dishes are a cross between Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Food is available in large restaurants or from street corner stalls and snack bars. The smaller snack-bars and cafes usually offer a good range of inexpensive lightly-spiced Egyptian food as well as sandwiches, pizzas and French fries. Falafel is a snack made from beans and is available freshly cooked on every street corner.

Most major hotels and resorts offer a variety of international cuisine. In addition, the local cuisine includes excellent seafood dishes, pastas and sandwiches. There are also a few major fast-food chains in major cities, including Hurghada. Expect to find just about any type of cuisine with limited menus. A three course meal in a hotel will cost anything from about 75 Egyptian pounds and upwards, whereas you can get a three course meal in a local cafe for about 25 Egyptian pounds. Western-style fast food restaurants, including places like McDonalds and Pizza Hut are a common sight in major cities.

Egypt, a world class holiday destination, offers something for everyone! Aside from the popular water sports activities you can golf, go shopping, visit museums, take a Nile cruise, go on land tours, or visit the desert. The night only brings more life to the cities including dancing and fine dining. There are also a lot of scheduled annual events.

If you have free time and interested in golfing there are a few golf courses in Cairo, one in the Sporting Club in Alexandria, one in Luxor and a few more near Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea. In Cairo you can golf at Mena House, Gezira Club, Katameya Heights, and Mirage City, Pyramids Al Soleimania. You can golf at the Royal Valley in Luxor and near Hurghada you have a few choices - the Cascades Golf Resort, in El Gouna and a new golf course in Soma Bay. There is also a golf course in Sharm El-Sheik at Jolie Ville Golf Resort.

We're available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week the entire time you're in Egypt. Don't try to take care of major problems without our assistance and, if you do experience any problems, please don't wait until you return home to inform us because we can do much more when you're here. Very rarely does this happen but just in case the first thing you should do is contact us for assistance as soon as possible. We'll provide you with all our contact details before you arrive so you know who to contact should you have any problems.

For visitors to Egypt, there is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency brought into the country; cash, traveler's checks, money orders, bank transfers or letters of credit. Currently travelers are not required to declare the amount of money on a Customs Declaration form.

No special immunizations or vaccinations are required to travel in Egypt however; we advise you to check with your own doctor for inoculation requirements. Even though no specific vaccinations are required to travel in Egypt, it is recommended to consult with your physician at least 2 months before departure, and to have your Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid and Hepatitis A and B immunizations up to date.

There are several hospitals in Egypt that provide various levels of services from minor outpatient care to more serious problems including surgical procedures. Most medical facilities are adequate for most minor problems, including diving related emergencies in the hospitals in the Red Sea resorts. In case of medical emergencies there are modern well-equipped hospitals in all major cities in and resorts where tourists frequent. Pharmacies are on every corner in every city throughout Egypt.

Medical treatment in Egypt can be very expensive so it is important that you have adequate coverage on your medical insurance. Although there are no customs restrictions, if you're taking prescription medication while abroad it is advisable to have a note from your doctor with you just in case you're questioned.

Medical coverage policies are different with each insurance company. Really, only you know if your insurance will cover medical care while traveling and it is your responsibility to check with your insurance company at home before traveling. If it does not provide adequate coverage for your needs we suggest you consider travel insurance that offers medical coverage before leaving home.

A health certificate from a doctor isn't required to participate in a diving course however; you must be in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical condition it will be necessary for you to have a statement from a diving doctor that states you have no known medical condition that is incompatible with scuba diving activities. If you have any doubts about any medical issues contact us and we'll send you a copy of the PADI Medical Statement form that outlines medical requirements for safe diving.

There are several full service hyper baric chambers located in at every major diving area; Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Hurghada, El Gouna and Marsa Alam.  All these facilities are fully staffed with professional medical teams and prepared to manage diving related accidents.

The cost to use a hyper baric chamber can be very expensive depending on the seriousness of your condition, how much treatment you need and how many hours you need to stay in the chamber. The hyper baric chambers in the Red Sea do offer special coverage to use their facilities at a very low cost, around 5 Euros per person. The coverage is not insurance but does allow you to be treated in any facility for an unlimited amount of time.

Any time you travel you should always take a sufficient supply of any prescription medications you’re taking, and it’s wise to take a few first aid supplies with you for minor problems. When traveling to Egypt you may also want to bring a diarrhea remedy such as Imodium in your first-aid kit but in most cases the Egyptian remedies work much better and are much less expensive.

The major reason for sicknesses is travelers who are not used to the heat simply do not drink enough water/fluids to replace what they lost. It is suggested that you drink around 6 liters of water per day as a good preventative. Alcohol and drinks with caffeine are also dehydrating and not suitable as a replacement for water. The general rule of thumb is that if you do not urinate frequently or it is very yellow then you're not drinking enough water.

Something many travelers do not think much about is mosquitoes. They can also be a problem in Egypt especially in the summer and fall months. If you're prone to insect bites you should use a good insect repellent on all exposed areas of skin, especially in the evenings. Insect repellent is readily available in Egyptian pharmacies but it may not work well for you so you may want to take your own from home.

The Nile River inhibits a special snail which carries a parasite called Bilharzias or Shistostoma and they are commonly found in shallow water near the banks or in the canals. These creatures can cause serious illness if transmitted to humans so avoid bathing in or drinking from the river.

To participate in any diving activities with us we require all divers to show us their diving certification card; it must be from a recognized certifying agency and proof of logged dives.

Although we don't require you to present a health statement from your doctor, we highly recommend you carry one when you travel to Egypt. In the unlikely event of an emergency, it may be helpful for medical treatment especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or have serious allergies.

Passing through customs at International airports in Egypt is conventional. When you arrive at the airport the first thing you must do is present your passport and visa to a passport control officer. After passport control, you continue to the baggage claim area to pick up your luggage. Once you have your luggage, you must clear customs before exiting the airport. To re-enter the airport you must have your passport and boarding ticket.

Absolutely, however special care for infants and smaller children should be taken into account. In the summer months it can get very hot in Egypt and the sun rays are very strong year round. They must be protected from the sun at all times. 

When making hotel reservations or Nile cruises, be sure to consider your sleeping arrangements. Be sure also to select appropriate activities that are suitable for children; avoid long trips in the deserts, take special care with meal preparation (avoid contact with local water for their food) and if you plan to visit the Red Sea for water activities take additional care for their safety in and around the water. The best advice we can offer is to use common sense when traveling with children and bring along a good supply of not so easy to find items.

With most hotels, domestic flights, ground transportation, Nile cruises and entrance fees for sightseeing tours, children 10 years old or less are entitled to discounts. Sometimes in high seasons children discounts are invalid. Any time children are entitled to discounted rates, we inform you.

In order to receive student discounts, an International Student Identification Card (ISIC) must be presented. If you're a student, you can get many discounts as an ISIC holder, including half-price entrance to most archaeological sites and museums. You may also get discounts on rail and air travel, in some hotels, restaurants and even some local merchants.

Valid in 85 countries throughout the world, the benefits of an ISIC card are well worth the cost which is about $15 US dollars. If you're no longer a full-time student but are under 26 years old you may qualify for an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), which offers similar benefits. Alternately, if you're a full-time teacher the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) may be best for you.

In Egypt, you can obtain any one of these cards from the Cairo office of the Egyptian Student Travel Services. Their office is located in El-Roda, directly above the National Bank of Egypt, two blocks south of El-Roda Square, near the el-Giza bridge. It is within walking distance from El-Malek-El-Saleh metro station. There's another issuing office at the Campus of the AUC just off Tahrir Square. The address for the main office in Cairo is:

Egyptian Student Travel Services - Headquarters

El-Mamalek Square - 23 El-Manial Street

El-Roda, Cairo

Telephone: +20 2 53 10330

Yes, we can reserve international and domestic flights for our clients. There are many low-cost charter flights that provide services from many European countries to Egypt so it’s a good idea to check around before you confirm your flight reservations. If you’re coming to the Red Sea for a beach holiday, be sure to ask about flight/hotel combination package specials available.

We offer a full range of travel services inside Egypt, including Red Sea diving and liveaboard services. You can book a fully personalized VIP holiday package with us or let us make reservations only for specific travel services such as domestic flights, diving, snorkeling, Nile River cruises, sightseeing tours, hotel accommodations, ground transfers, desert safaris, mountain trekking or a combination of the above travel services you need.

Various transportation services are available throughout Egypt; domestic flights between most major cities, trains (between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan only), and public buses to nearly all cities in Egypt. Private ground transfers are also available and, although we strongly advise against it, you can rent a private car from major car rental companies in most major cities in Egypt. For additional information on various options to get around inside Egypt visit our Transportation page.

From most European countries, the best way to get to Hurghada is via a direct charter flight. If you're in Cairo and want to transfer to Hurghada you can take a modern public bus, a domestic flight or private transfer by mini-bus. Trains are not available between Cairo or Luxor and Hurghada. The only option to transfer between Luxor and Hurghada is public bus or private transfers by mini-bus.

If you booked your holiday with us, complementary round trip transfers from the airport to your hotel are always included unless otherwise stated.

The best way to book your holiday with us is to submit your inquiry using our online inquiry form. This form allows us to collect all the details we need to give you a price quotation. You also can contact us directly via e-mail.

The cost is going to depend a lot on what you want to do during your holiday, what standard of  hotel accommodations you need, your group size and what time of year you plan to travel. Our goal is inform, guide and help you create the best holiday itinerary that meets your personal travel needs and is within your budget. Our online inquiry forms are a great place to start and designed to help us collect the information we need to give you a free price quotation.

In general, a personalized vacation package will be slightly higher especially for individual travelers however; the major advantage of personalizing your holiday is you get exactly what you want. You can choose your hotels, see the places you want and you'll not be joining large groups of other tourists. You can take your time at the places that interest you most and overall your schedule is much more relaxed and flexible.

We accept major credit cards and cash (bank transfer). A deposit is required to confirm any reservations and the balance is due upon arrival before your program starts.

All items you bring with you for personal use are exempt from duty taxes however, most electronic equipment including notebook computers and video cameras must be declared upon arrival and may be listed on a declaration form by a customs official who will retain the original and give you the copy. Keep this safe with the rest of your travel documents in case you need it when you depart.

The local exchange rate normally ranges between 5.5 to 6.0 Egyptian pounds for $1 US dollar.

In most cases yes, any foreign currency is accepted in most everywhere in Egypt. Most common foreign currencies used are US dollars and Euros.

Some of the major banks in Egypt are Arab African International Bank, National Bank of Egypt, Bank Misr, Commercial International Bank, Barclays Bank and Thomas Cook to mention a few. Most of these banks accept major credit cards and offer standard banking services.

As a general rule, banks are open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Most banks are closed on Fridays, Saturdays and official holidays.

Yes, and you usually get a better exchange rate in some of the exchange offices in major hotels. Some hotels even have exchange machines which take cash or credit cards. Major credit cards, i.e. MasterCard or Visa, and even debit cards can be used for cash advances in banks, ATM's and for purchases in stores and restaurants.

For daily carry around cash, you can usually get by with $50 - $100 US dollars in your pocket. US dollars and Euros is the preferred currency and of course Egyptian pounds. We suggest you carry a couple hundred Egyptian pounds in smaller notes with you at all times for small purchases or tips.

Most major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted in most restaurants, merchant stores and hotels. Debit cards are also accepted in some places.

Travelers checks are not widely accepted however; for emergencies they can come in handy. Thomas Cook currency exchange offices and some banks are starting to accept to cash travelers checks. Few, if any, merchants accept travelers checks. Lastly, if you plan to use travelers checks expect to pay a small commission fee (1 - 3%) when you cash them.

We suggest any time you want to use a credit card, first ask about any extra commission or fees. In some cases you may have to pay 3 - 5% on the total purchase if you use a credit card.

ATM's are common and easy to find anywhere in Egypt, especially in major cities. ATM's accept major credit cards and debit cards for cash advances. They usually dispense cash in the local currency - Egyptian pounds. If you plan to use ATMs we suggest you check with your bank at home about your daily withdrawal limits before you leave.

This varies for each person individually but we recommend you keep around 100 or 200 Egyptian pounds on you most of the time. Exceptions to this general rule may be if you're going shopping or to a restaurant.

If you're not sure diving is right for you we strongly suggest you experience first before committing to a certifying course. One of the best ways to do this is through our Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) program. With less than an hour of training you'll be ready to experience breathing underwater using scuba gear. For complete details on our Discover Scuba Diving program click here or contact us.

Yes, our daily diving boats are designed to accommodate divers and non-divers. Many reefs are very near the surface and offer excellent diving and snorkeling conditions. Any time boat are moored and the engines are turned off snorkelers can enter the water and start snorkeling. Some divers even snorkel between dives.

Children are also welcome on our daily diving boats however; it is the parent’s responsibility to supervise and control their children at all times. We don't recommend taking infant children because of their special needs and the comfort of the other guests. If in doubt contact us for advice or suggestions.

The following is included in the price of our daily diving packages:

 ● PADI certified & English speaking dive guides

 ● Weights & 12-liter tanks

 ● Round trip transfers from your hotel

Typically buffet style lunches are prepared daily by the cook. Lunches normally include meat, chicken or fish, a salad, hot vegetable and pasta, rice or potatoes and a soft drink.

We're happy to accommodate special meal requirements - vegetarian, low salt or non-dairy meals. We ask that you tell us at least one day in advance about your special meal requirements so we can prepare accordingly to meet your special needs.

Our standard daily diving packages include 2 dives each day; 1 morning dive and 1 afternoon dive following lunch and a short surface interval. It's possible to make 3 dives for an additional cost.

It doesn't matter what daily diving package you choose, you can decide what days you want to dive so you can set your own diving schedule that best suits you. We only need one day advance notice to make the necessary arrangements.

On nearly every dive, expect to see a large variety of colorful hard and soft corals, schools of colorful tropical fish, clown fish, lion fish, tuna, groupers, jacks, and many other reef fish. It isn't unusual to encounter dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, and moray eels.

Weather pending, we visit two different dive sites each day and only on special requests re-visit the same site more than twice in the same week. If you dive with us for 5 days or less you're most likely not going to visit the same dive site in the period.

The average is between 6 to 10 persons which may be all divers or a combination of divers and snorkelers.

This depends mainly on your level of training, experience and of course what type of dive you want to make. You may also have the required training and experience for a dive but it has been a long time since your last dive. In this case we require you to make a shallow dive and check your buoyancy and tune your scuba skills before making any advanced dives.

Occasionally divers are not able to complete all the dives they planned to make during their holiday due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances. We're sensitive to these situations and take this into account to determine if a refund is fair and our decision is based on each case individually.

We don't require advance payment to make daily dives with us however; we do offer discounted rates for advanced online bookings and guarantee your space on our boat when you arrive. Otherwise, if you contact us after you arrive our daily diving services are offered on a first come, first serve basis and we can't guarantee your space.

We have several pages on our website specifically for liveaboard safari diving that should answer most of your questions regarding our liveaboard safari diving services. The best place to start is our Red Sea Liveaboard diving page or Liveaboard FAQ page. If you don’t find what you need in these two pages, send us your inquiry.

Yes, in some places and sometimes there are strong currents however, these places are rare and often predictable. In some places such as the Thistlegorm wreck, you count on currents be present but depending on the time of day you dive this area will depend on the current strength, anywhere from mild up to moderately strong. Our dive guides are very experience and will escort you on dives with currents.

We offer daily diving in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Both locations are well known for excellent diving and snorkeling.

We highly recommend you wear a 3mm - 5mm suit during the warmer months (May through October) and 7mm - dry suit during the cooler months (November through April). Two piece suits (farmer john style) are most suitable.

Normally not unless you are on a private charter boat and special conditions apply however; if you're already a certified diver it is possible to take advance courses such as Nitrox and specialties courses. Courses are not available on all liveaboards so it's necessary to check with us first and make advanced reservations so our instructor can prepare to make your course during the liveaboard safari.

Nitrox is available on most of our liveaboards for free. You must show proof of your Nitrox certification to make Nitrox dives.

Yes, it is possible for non-divers to go on liveaboards however; keep in mind that liveaboard safaris are designed for divers and activities for non-divers is limited. Some dives sites (mainly in the north) have coral reefs that are near the surface and offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Contrast to the northern dive sites, the dive sites in the south Red Sea are primarily in open seas and subject to strong currents and other possible hazards.

This would depend on several factors such as your level of scuba training and experience, and what type of diving interest you. If you want to join a Red Sea liveaboard safari the most important considerations should be your training and experience for obvious safety reasons.

The north Red Sea is more suitable for novice divers. Whereas most dive sites are situated in the open sea. Divers are exposed to much more challenging conditions such as strong winds and currents. If you've never been on a liveaboard and not sure you meet the minimum qualifications contact us for advice.

To help you prepare for your liveaboard before you arrive we'll provide you with additional documents to help you prepare before you arrive. These documents include helpful tips and safety guidelines. If you have additional questions or concerns not covered in these documents we're available to assist you.

All your linen is provided for you onboard so it's not necessary for you to bring your own. Bath towels are provided for showers but you may want to bring an extra towel.

Yes, we do offer shorter trips; typically 3-day, 4-day and 5-day mini safaris. Mini safaris are usually on smaller boats and the routes are typically northern including the Hurghada region and south down to Safaga.

Following is included in our liveaboard safaris: 

  ● Arrival/departure meet & assist at the airport

  ● Round trip transfers from the airport or your hotel to embarkation points

  ● Certified & English speaking dive guides

  ● Full board meals & snacks

  ● Mineral water, soft drinks, tea, coffee & juices

  ● Red Sea taxes, marine park & off-shore island permission

  ● Unlimited diving (average 3 to 4 dives each day)

  ● Weights and tanks *12-liter aluminum

  ● Nitrox refills *on most boats

  ● 6 days diving *2 morning dives on last day

  ● 7 nights onboard *last night may be onboard or in 3 star hotel

Following is not included in our liveaboard safaris:

  ● International & domestic flights

  ● Entry Visa

  ● Scuba gear*available for rent

  ● Gratuities for dive guides & boat crew

  ● Alcoholic beverages

Typically chefs prepare 3 full course meals daily which consist of a meat, chicken or fish, salads, hot vegetables and pastas, rice or potatoes. Fresh fruit and snacks including sweets are offered in the afternoons. Breakfast includes cereals, cheeses, marmalades, breads, fruit drinks and yogurt. Surprisingly the chefs onboard are able to prepare very tasty meals, in sufficient quantities in a variety of cuisines; meals onboard generally receive excellent compliments from divers!

Absolutely, we're happy to accommodate special meal requirements upon request such as vegetarian, low salt or non-dairy meals. Please tell us at least one week in advance before the liveaboard starts about your special meal requirements so our chef has time to buy any special food and create a special meal plan to meet your needs.

Diving is unlimited on our liveaboards however; the actual number of dives feasible in a given day depends on the distance between dive sites, weather conditions and other factors. Normally divers are able to make 3 to 4 dives each day when all conditions are ideal. Normally only 2 dives are possible on the last day.

This depends on what type of diving you like. If a poll of opinions was gathered from divers who have dived in the north and south Red Sea the majority would probably say diving in the south Red Sea is better.

The north Red Sea is most noted for the wreck diving and Ras Mohammed which remains very popular with divers today. For novice divers the north Red Sea is much better since it is more protected and less challenging in most sites although there are also sites that are only suitable for veteran divers.

The south Red Sea seems to dominate popularity for liveaboard safari diving, especially for seasoned divers. Chances for sightings of large marine life and shark are significantly better; combine magnificent soft coral and large sea fans, these special features are some of the reasons divers prefer the southern dive sites over the northern dive sites.

Each route has a 'planned diving itinerary' which is designed to give you the best possible diving opportunities within a given number of days. How closely we can follow the planned itinerary depends on weather conditions, how much time is spent on each dive and other factors.

At the Brother's Island it isn't possible to make night dives, it is prohibited but there is more than one dive worth making so few dives may be made when diving the Brother's Islands. Otherwise, every effort is made to make the very most of the everyday so divers can make as many dives as possible with compromising safety. We consider that quality of dive more important than the number of dives.

During winter months (December - March) water temperatures average 18 - 22 degrees Celsius, whereas in the summer months temperatures average 24 - 30 degrees Celsius.

Yes, in some places and sometimes there are strong currents however, these places are rare and often predictable. In some places such as the Thistlegorm wreck, you count on currents be present but depending on the time of day you dive this area will depend on the current strength, anywhere from mild up to moderately strong. Our dive guides are very experience and will escort you on dives with currents.

We recommend you bring along a few T-shirts, shorts, long-sleeve cotton shirts, long cotton pants (similar to jogging sportswear) and a light cotton jacket for the evenings. It isn't permitted to wear shoes inside the common areas (salon and cabins).

We strongly suggest you wear a 3mm - 5mm suit during the warmer months (May through October) and 7mm - dry suit during the cooler months (November through April). Two piece suits (farmer john style) are most suitable.

You won't need a lot of money on the boat during your liveaboard safari; only for buying alcoholic drinks or tips for your dive guide and boat crew. Any currency is accepted but US dollars, Euros or Egyptian pounds are most widely used.

Northern liveaboard safaris start and end from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. Southern liveaboard safaris start and end from either from Marsa Ghalib or Marsa Alam (3-hour journey south of Hurghada). There is an international airport at all these cities making it easy to service international flights.

The high season periods for Red Sea liveaboards are April - May and September - October. During these months Red Sea liveaboard safaris are more expensive, boats have more divers onboard, and of course dive sites can be over crowded. Although the summer months are much warmer, June - August, this is low season and the diving is excellent. November is also a good time for diving in the Red Sea; less divers and the weather is usually still quite comfortable. December is a bit cooler but still tolerable with the proper wetsuit protection. January through March is normally quite a bit cooler but the biggest concern during these months is the strong winds.

One of the most important documents you will need is your passport that is valid for travel for at least 6 months after the date of your return travel and an Egyptian tourist visa, which you can buy on arrival in Cairo airport. It is strongly advisable that you secure comprehensive travel insurance should you lose your luggage during transit or become sick in Egypt.

For most countries in Europe, North and South America, and major Asian countries can easily obtain their visas upon arrival. Check out consulates in your own country if there are special visas needed for travel to Egypt. On most flights you will be handed a short form that you will complete by entering all of your passport details. On arrival you simply hand in the form with your passport and the fee (usually $15 US dollars). The visa is a single sticker or 2 stamps to be pasted on the first empty page of your passport. After completing your arrival information card, queue for the passport control. The officer will stamp your passport with your visa.

Depending on the severity of a disabled person, taking a Nile cruise may be possible but few cruise ships have actual onboard facilities for disabled persons. There are no cruise ships we know of, that have elevators and most ships have at least 3 decks connected by stairs. Even to board a ship, you must use a very narrow gangplank. To access the temples and monuments requires a fair amount of walking and sometimes the terrain is uneven and rough.

There is one cruise ship specially designed to accommodate the special needs of disabled persons or limited walking ability and they also have sufficient numbers of assistants to help when visiting the various sites however, compared to normal cruise ships it is more expensive. If you or somebody you plan to travel with are physically challenged it is best you contact us to discuss how we can help you on a case by case basis.

Since the Nile cruise services, amenities and entrance fees for excursions are included in the Nile cruise package, you do not need a lot of money. We suggest you exchange about $200 US dollars to local currency so can pay for souvenirs, drinks or for shopping. If you need more it is easy to get. This should keep you from over exchanging your currency and not end up with too much Egyptian currency at the end of your visit.

During the daytime, while enjoying the sightseeing tours, you can wear whatever you like but in the summer months the temperatures can be extreme so it is recommended you wear lightweight cotton clothes. While relaxing onboard you can wear shorts and swim wear, if you wish. Breakfast and lunch can be taken dressed casually but for dinner, you should wear smarter clothes.

It is advise that for women to wear something that will not draw much attention to themselves. Onboard the cruise, since you can enjoy the privacy of travelling you can opt for the more casual wear. Men can wear the usual trousers and shirts. When visiting the many attractions it is highly recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Loose cotton clothing is most suitable.

There are many things to enjoy with your family and friends when on an Egyptian discovery cruise. Most of the cruises are 5 star properties which include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and other fun activities. In Aswan or Luxor, families can enjoy felucca ride, this is a traditional Egyptian sailboat that travels across the Nile River.

If it is the first time to travel to a country with hot weather it is best that you keep the kids hydrated. Bring water bottles at any tourist areas to avoid dehydration. Moreover though most cruises offer international cuisine, there are American fast-food like McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken in most major city.

All meals are included on a Nile cruise. All meals are included and are in an open buffet style, some days there are many varieties, depending of the type and quality of the cruise boat; these meals are served with a fixed timetable. All cruises have restaurants and dining areas where meals are taken. Normally tea and coffee is available every day at 5:00 p.m. Other drinks are served in the bar area upon request.

Nile cruises sail from Luxor to Aswan or from Aswan to Luxor. However, if you want to visit other places like Abu Simbel, which is located on the southernmost part of Egypt, please ask us for details.

There are two options to the embarkation points (Luxor and Aswan). You can take a domestic flight or first class train, sitting or sleeper.

In the evenings entertainment may include a discotheque, belly dancing shows, Captain’s welcome cocktail party Galabiya parties and Nubian folkloric shows. Every day there is an entertainment program, which differs from one boat to the other. On the last evening, entertainment is usually a belly dancing show, a juggler’s show and local singers and bands.

Some ships have a cocktail party on the first day where they offer free drinks and introduce the staff on board. This party is also called the manager’s party, where the manager introduces his crew to the guests onboard. If you attend this party you are expected to wear formal attire.

All extras such as drinks, laundry, and telephones bills should be settled on the last day of your cruise at check out time. Payment can be made with credit cards or cash. Make sure you have enough cash, just in case your card or the machine is not working properly. Most cruise ships do not accept personal checks or money orders.

In Egypt tipping is important, especially to the staff working in the tourism industry. If you received good services please remember to show your gratitude and leave tips for the cruise staff. For good services, $3 US dollars per day is average as a jester of appreciation. These tips should be given to the boat, place them in a sealed envelope and hand it to the reception. After all the guests have checked out, the cruise manager, along with the accountant and the reception, will open all the envelopes and distribute the money to all of the crew. This way each person will get his fair share. Please note tips for your tour guide are not included in the boat cruise tips. What you give your guide it is entirely up to you.

Yes, in accordance with the Egyptian ministry of tourism, there is a 12% service charge, 5% local sales tax and 2% city tax on purchases.

Usually Check-in is around 12:00 p.m. (noon) and check-out is after breakfast on the last day around 9:00 a.m.

People with equilibrium problems should not spend too much time on deck at night. On a fast moving ship it is dangerous if you lose your balance and fall overboard.

Nile cruises travel between Luxor to Aswan and vice versa. During a cruise you will visit Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.

The distance from Cairo to Luxor is 671 kilometers, and the distance from Cairo to Aswan is 879 kilometers.

Yes, you can book any travel services such as flight tickets, train tickets, hotel accommodations, transportations, meet and assist in any airport and sightseeing tours in Egypt. Additionally, we arrange beach holidays, scuba diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea.

All our guests have their own private guide on sightseeing tours, including the excursions during your Nile cruise.

No, only meals are included.

Embarkation and disembarkation days will be the dates stated above however, the actual sailing times may vary depending on the cruise ship schedule - cruise ship sailing schedules are subject to change without notice due to mechanical problems, Esna lock schedule or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control.  Even if the itinerary order or timing changes, you will still have all the tours as stated in your program itinerary.

Yes we do, and one of favorite all suite cruise ship is the Sonesta Star Goddess. It has 33 suites, all with names after famous composers, giving it a special touch of sophistication. The ship has 27 deluxe Beethoven suites (each 40 meters), 4 lush Mozart suites (each 35 meters), and 2 superior Chopin suites (each 52 meters). All suites have a private terrace and designed for maximum comfort and space.

Yes, all port taxes are included in the cost of your Nile cruise.

1)  Most ships sail during the day time but during some periods it may be necessary for the ship to sail after dark.

2)  During busy periods some ships may be required to wait for a short time to get through the lock on the Nile at Esna.

3)  When moored, several cruise boats may be required to moor alongside each other. This can restrict views and require clients to cross several boats to reach the shore. Assistance will be provided if required.

4)  When first checking in on the cruise boat, it is advisable to leave your valuables in a safe deposit box. Depending on the ship, safe deposit boxes are available either in the reception in your cabin.

5)  Although most cruise ships offer telephone facilities onboard, the quality is not as good as onshore however; if you have a mobile with roaming services you can use it most any where during the cruise.

6)  We recommend visiting a bank, to change your money; before your cruise starts because most ships do not have banking services onboard and you will very limited access to banks during the cruise.

Snorkeling is swimming with fins, a mask, and a tube called a snorkel that allows you to have your face down in the water and still breathe.

Snorkeling doesn't require tanks and other expensive equipment like regulators. Scuba diving allows you to breathe underwater, while snorkeling allows you to breathe while you're on the surface with your face down. Snorkeling doesn't require any certification, while scuba diving requires certification.

Because it's loads of fun. Fair enough?

One of the wonderful things about snorkeling is that people of all ages can participate. And one of the great things about Red Sea is that there are many great places for beginners to try it out.

Well it sure can't hurt, but it's not required. It is recommended that you do have some comfort and experience when you're in water though. A few things to consider is that your fins help you a great deal in terms of movement, and they float. : ) As well, the mask that you wear will have air trapped in it will helps you float as well. If you don't feel safe enough, you can also rent floatation devices, as well as boogie boards that you can lay on top of.

Well, there are 3 main things that most snorkelers use.

A) Mask

This is what you put on your face. This allows you to see underwater without getting your eyes and nose wet. It's important that the mask is a good fit when renting or buying a mask. If the mask doesn't fit well, you'll experience some leakage of water in the mask.

We highly recommend using a mask that has a "silicon skirt". The skirt is the soft substance that is molded to fit your face, and prevents water from entering the mask. You can also rent or buy masks that use rubber ask the skirt, but the seal isn't nearly as good as the silicon, and is quite simply a dated technology. Ask your local snorkel or dive shop about choosing a mask that fits well. They'll know what to look for.

B) Snorkel

Well, this is what makes you a snorkeler. A snorkel is a hollow curved tube that is placed in the mouth that allows you to breathe while you're face down in the water. So basically, while you looking down into the water, the snorkel is sticking out of the water on one end while the other end is in your mouth. When looking for a snorkel, I would recommend asking for what is called a "purge" snorkel.

C) Fins

This is what makes life a lot of fun. Fins allow you to swim like a fish. Yeeeha! There are 2 kinds of fins, but for snorkeling in warm water, most people will do just fine with the close-heeled kind. The open heeled kind is more for scuba divers, which requires a special boot (bootie), or for colder waters. Any ways, make sure that the fins are a good fit, or else you'll either be cutting off circulation to your feet, or they'll easily come off. Make sure that they're a snug fit, but you should be able to wiggle your toes.

Well, it's a good idea to get comfortable with your equipment before you go out to the reef. Try out the equipment at your Hotel pool.

The first step is getting used to the mask. One thing about masks is that they have a tendency to fog up. You can either apply anti-fog goop (available at all snorkel shops) to the inside of the mask, or you can use your own spit. It sounds gross, but spit works quite well for preventing the fogging up of your mask. Make sure that the spit / anti-fog goop is spread across the full surface of the glass on the inside of the mask. Now wash it out in the water. This should prevent, or at least greatly reduce any fogging up of the mask.

When putting on the mask, make sure there's no hair stuck in between the silicon part of the mask. Hair will break the seal that keeps the water from entering the mask. Also, keep the strap in the middle of the back of your head, and don't have the strap too tight. Now, put on your mask and look under water while you're standing up. You're looking underwater. No fish yet, but soon...... Soon :)

Next, attach the snorkel to your mask strap with the clip that's on the snorkel. Put the snorkel in your mouth and breathe. Don't try to breathe with your nose or else the mask will quickly fog up. Breathe through your mouth in relaxed, normal breaths. Now try breathing with your face in the water. Nothing to it, right? Take as long as you want to get used to breathing underwater. That's the biggest mental hurdle for first time snorkelers. Are you comfortable yet?

If so, put on your flippers and give it a try. With your face down and body stretched out, start kicking with your fins. Remember to keep your legs straight while you lightly kick. You don't have to thrash around to swim well. Stay relaxed, and swim around the pool, getting used to breathing, kicking, and looking around.

Although many snorkelers dive underwater, we have found that some people would rather not, or don't find the need to do so. If you see a fish several feet below you though, and you want to get a closer look, you'll have to dive down. By doing this, your snorkel will fill up with water, and you won't be able to breathe until you clear the passage of your snorkel of water once you've resurfaced. It sounds a bit iffy, but it's a common thing for more experienced snorkelers to dive down and fill their snorkel with water.

To clear the snorkel of water, you must resurface, give a good strong blow of the snorkel as your head reaches the surface once again, and the top of the snorkel has penetrated the surface of the water. This should clear most if not all of the water that has filled the snorkel, and allow you to breathe normally through the snorkel once again. If you use what is called a "purge" snorkel, (which we recommend), you'll rarely get water back in your mouth. We also recommend trying this technique first in a pool.

Once you get comfortable doing this as well as the other techniques mentioned, you'll feel more confident, and have a more positive relaxed experience out on the reef.

The best times to go are when the waves are minimal, and it's sunny outside.

Not only do large waves make things more challenging to get around and potentially dangerous, but a disturbance such as big waves also make the water murky, greatly decreasing visibility. There're just some times when you should cancel a snorkeling trip if the waves are too high. A good rule of thumb is; if there are surfers in the area, it's probably a bad day or place to go snorkeling. Bays often offer more protection from a surge (big waves. The ideal snorkeling conditions are waves at 0-1 feet. Listen to the radio for a marine forecast, which should mention these kind of conditions.

It's also best to go snorkeling when the sun is out. Sunlight increases visibility, and brings out the true colors of fish and coral. It brings out the 'wow' factor for fish and overall experience. But the sun also brings out the 'sun burn' factor. If you're not wearing some sort of wet suit, shorty, or other coverings, make sure that you've got your back, neck, shoulders, butt, and thighs covered in sun block. To make things a bit easier, you can just wear an old junky shirt.

Protect your equipment from light, heat and fumes. Sunlight is known to damage the silicon parts of the mask, making the seal brittle. Heat also degrades the mask, as well as snorkel.

After you finish snorkeling, make sure your equipment gets washed off with fresh water. Salt water that dries will start wearing away at your equipment. Many beaches will have a place to do this. If not on the beach, make sure you wash the equipment off back in your hotel room that day.

Don't place heavy objects on top of any of your equipment. Prolonged weight on top of a mask, snorkel, or fins can warp them.

To avoid bent fins, they should lie flat, and not on their tips. Keep walking in your fins on land to a minimum.