For the March 2007 trip a Wrecks and Reefs safari out of Sharm El Sheikh has been chosen

The trip will run from 10th - 17th March 2007 - minimumn qualification will be Ocean Diver.

Current cost = £715.50

(This will reduce by 10% as aoon as we have 6 paid deposits)

Flights

The flight, with British Airways, into Sharm El Shiekh, with a short mini-bus transfer to the Port.

BA 6858 - Sat 10th March 2007 dep 13:30 arrive on 10th March 2007 at 20:40

BA 6859 - Sat 17th March 2007 dep 21:40 arrive 18th March 2007 at 01:25

The Dive Destination - The Wrecks and Reefs of the Northern Red Sea

Departing from Sharm el Sheikh this itinerary takes you to some of the most notorious wrecks that the Red Sea has to offer, along with some world famous reefs and Marine parks this itinerary really is the best of both worlds with a huge amount of variety.
The Sinai Peninsular is an incredibly mountainous region which often seems mirrored underwater with monumental drop off's, vertical walls andcanyons.truly stunning topography.
The area around the Sinai is a major shipping channel and gateway from Europe to Africa. Throughout the years the combination of hundreds of reefs and boats (often driving at night with no GPS) has resulted in a number of shipping accidents, thus creating a tremendous amount of divable wrecks.
The Itinerary is fairly varied and will cover a number of wrecks and reefs - weather plays a large factor in what gets visited when, however the following sites are covered:

WRECKS - The wrecks at Abu Nuhas; Ghiannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Marcus. The Thistlegorm, Dunraven, Ulysses, The Barge, Rosie Moller (experience required)
REEFS- Straits of Tiran; Jackson, woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon. Ras Mohammed, Ras Um Sid, Shag Rock and Ras Katty.
This itinerary is suitable for all levels - beginners and experienced alike.

Our Boat - Whirlwind

Whirlwind was launched in May 2006 and is the latest addition to the Tornado Marine Fleets expanding "family". Tornado Marine Fleet are the owners and builders of the award winning Hurricane, Typhoon and Cyclone. One glance at Whirlwind and her impressive design and use of space proves that yet again Tornado Marine Fleet are the pioneers in building boats within the Red Sea.
First impression of Whirlwind is that of comfort and space. All the outer areas are teak laid with the upper sun-deck almost the entire length of the boat. Along with a jacuzzi /spa there is ample room for sun bathers and those seeking shaded areas. Leading down from the upper sun deck is another level known as the cocktail deck. Ideal for briefings and sundowners this area has plenty of whicker tables and chairs to enjoy lunch, dinner or the odd post dive drink.
The dive deck offers up spectacular amount of space, enough for the whole boat to comfortably kit up.
The impressive saloon area is well equipped with comfortable chairs and tables, plasma screen, DVD, a multi channel sound system, juice and hot drink station and of course the popular licensed bar making this an ideal spot to relax in the evening. The Saloon leads out onto the cocktail deck, so whatever the weather there is somewhere to relax after a long days diving.
Below the Saloon is the dining area which is reached by an attractive spiral stair case or from the dive deck. Circular tables offer up more space and create the ambience of a large continental cafe.
There are plenty of charging facilities throughout the boat including each cabin. All cabins are en-suite with individually controlled A/C. The design of the en-suites allow for more comfort as they incorporate a separate shower from the other facilities. All cabins are twin cabins allowing for 20 guests with 3 cabins on the main deck and the rest below deck.
The latest Iridium Satellite communications system provides facilities for guests to use both telephone and email.

Payment Details

Deposits of £200 are now due - pre-booked Visas are offerd at £20.00

Final payment will be due on 13th january 2007

The following are booked onto the trip: (Please note minimumn qualification = Ocean Diver )

If you are interested in joining us for this trip please mail me asap trip-organiser

Travel Information

(information provided by Tony Backhurst)

Health & Safety: Please refer to your GP or vaccination center for the most up to date advise click here for the government health website
Insurance:Please make sure you have insurance to cover travel arrangements and diving. Tony Backhurst Scuba Insurance is available from £36, or Annual, multi-trip, Europe & Egypt cover from £68. If you are making your own arrangements please provide us with a copy of your policy. See our own Tony Backhurst Scuba Travel Insurance designed with divers in mind.
Flight tickets: will be sent to you by post unless otherwise arranged. Please call if you have not received your tickets 3 days prior to departure.
Check In : is 3 hours before departure time. On Charter flights standard free weight allowance is 20kgs, we have arranged an additional allowance on some routes, please ask for details. Regulations prohibit dangerous items such as knives being carried in hand luggage. Electrical goods should be carried in hand baggage. Pony Cylinders can be transported in hold baggage, but must be shown to be open and empty. Please use our luggage tags provided , they will help our staff identify you..
Visas: British passport holders can arrange full Egyptian visas with us before departure for £10 alternatively they may also be purchased on arrival for $16 (although this may involve some queuing) . You will require this full visa as you will be diving outside of the local area. Non British passport holders may need to arrange a full Egyptian entry Visa with the Egyptian Embassy. Tel 0207 235 9777. Please note your passport must be valid until at least 6 months after the trip returns.
Marine Park fees are now paid by Tony Backhurst Scuba on all Red Sea liveaboard Holidays (Please note marine Park fees are still applicable for all Shorebased and Cruise & Stay holidays) Please note Night Dives are not permissable on the Marine Parks.
Medical Requirements: All passengers scuba diving whilst on holiday will be required by the Diving Centre or liveaboard in resort to complete a medical questionnaire. If the operator is in any way unsure of your fitness to dive, you will be required to undergo a medical examination. This may result in considerable extra cost for which you will be charged locally. No refunds will be given if you are refused medical clearance to dive. You are strongly advised to undergo a full medical examination before booking your holiday, and you must do so if you reply in the positive to any of the questions in the following questionnaire (please click here to go to the questionaire). If you currently hold a diving medical be sure you take it with you.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel Advice:- For upto date advice on foreign travel please visit http://www.fco.gov.uk
Passport Copies/numbers
Passport numbers are required for all southern Red Sea trips.
Arrival in Egypt . You will be met by our local representative. They will be waiting for you inside the terminal building after the baggage reclaim, and will have a sign displaying the name of your boat/hotel or Tony Backhurst Scuba Travel.
Liveaboard Holidays . You will be transferred from the boat after lunch to a hotel for your last night. Your evening meal and breakfast are included. You will then be transferred later in the day in time for your flight home.
Islam. During Islamic events such as the month of Ramadan (24Sep-24Oct ‘06) shop hours are shorter and some hotel facilities or excursions may be limited or unavailable. Please respect local customs and dress appropriately.

What to bring

Equipment. You will need a full set of diving equipment. Tank and weights are the only equipment provided by the boat and included in the cost of your holiday. You will need a mask, fins and snorkel, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, dive computer or dive tables. Diving in the Red Sea usually follows a multilevel profile, square profile tables are therefore not appropriate. Rental torches are expensive and unreliable, we recommend you purchase a small dive light for night dives. Equipment rental is available from our centre in the UK or in your resort. Please give prior notice. Water temperature ranges from 20°C in February to 29°C in September so choose your suit accordingly. There are charging facilities available for lights and cameras, standard 220/240 volts. The sockets are continental 2 pin, so UK plugs will require an adapter. We recommend you buy film and batteries at Gatwick before departure. All boats are able to handle international ( A Clamp ) or din regulators. Tanks are aluminium 12 litres. on all boats we can provide 15ltr Cylinders if requested prior to the trip. It is possible to twin up but not necessary for the type of profiles dived.
Clothes. Towels are provided in the cabins but we recommend you pack a beach towel for after diving. Shoes are not worn on any of the boats, so you will not need shoes during the entire charter. Shorts, T- shirts and swimwear are the norm. We recommend a fleece and jogging trousers for the evenings between the end of November and April. Remember sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, as the weather is nearly always sunny.
Drinks. We include all soft drinks and water on the liveaboards. Wines and spirits are best obtained at Gatwick, and you may take these onboard any of the boats. All boats have beer for sale and would prefer guests not to take their own onboard.Typhoon, Hurricane, Grand Sea Serpent, Sea Serpent, Whirlwind and Cyclone also have a selection of wines and spirits for sale in the bar.
Money. On Liveaboard trips we pay a contribution for you towards the up keep of the decompression chambers. Tips on board are voluntary and based on quality of service recieved, envelopes will be made available at the end of the trip and tips shared amongst the crew. On the last day you will need money for drinks, lunch and any presents you wish to take home. Most hotels and shops accept credit cards. We recommend some cash in small bills for incidentals in resort. Prices are quoted in $US except on Tornado Marine boats where they are in GB£.
Contact details:During UK office hours 0800 0728221.
Airport reps Gatwick 01293 502052 Manchester 07774 418040
Sharm el Sheikh - Wafee 012 3349271(mob) or Taymour 0123733349 (mob) or Traveline 0693664446(Sharm office)
Hurghada and Marsa Alam - Ashraf 0101695890 (mob) or Ahmed 0101760775 (mob) or Traveline 0101760687(Hurghada office).

Baggage Allowance on BA flights

Take a look at the BA web-site for the latest changes to their baggage allowance policy

Customers will be able to carry one piece of sporting equipment free of charge in addition to their checked baggage allowance. See list of accepted sporting equipment.

paul feakes December 2006