Equipment and Courses

Snorkeling gear can be rented at most places, or for convenience you can bring your own and sell it when you leave. There are many dive shops, concentrated mainly in Dahab and Sharm ash-Sheikh. You must be certified to rent equipment; most major types of certification are given in courses lasting 5 days and costing around US$250. Dahab and Na’ama Bay have decompression chambers; the newest one is in Sharm ash-Sheikh and is fully up-to-date. If you’re certified but rusty, you can take a check-out dive for US$35.

What to look for in a dive center, if you’re a neophyte? Multilingual staff is important-make sure the instructor speaks your language flawlessly (little misunderstandings can have big significance underwater: “Tanks!” “You’re welcome."). Be certain the instructor is certified to teach your particular course, whether it’s PADI, CMAS, or NAUII-ask to see his or her card. Does the dive club have a written set of regulations for safety- governing its operatives? Some clubs are active in protecting the reefs, participating in annual cleanup dives, and making sure their operations have minimal impact on the marine ecosystems. Finally, reputation is important and you can get an idea of this by asking lots of people (preferably divers).