• Altitude Sickness
  Headache caused by a quick ascent, usually associated with airplane travel. Divers will experience this when then ascend rapidly from deeper depths
• Lung Expansion Injuries
  Again potentially very fatal, where it is caused by scuba divers holding their breath whilst ascending to the surface
• Decompression Sickness (a.k.a. “the bends”)
  Where nitrogen gases are released  from a solution within the tissues of your body (nitrogen embolism) which is a result of accelerated decompression
• Inner Ear Damage or Hearing Loss
  This is damage resulting from diving without equalising the air pressure within your Eustachian tubes. This can be extremely painful and is aggravated by water pressure and blocked sinuses
• Cerebral Embolism
  Is a result of gas seeping out of a solution within the brain. This can be potentially fatal.
• Alternobaric Vertigo
  This is explained by disorientation or dizziness caused by unbalanced pressures within the inner ear. Most commonly experienced by scuba divers diving with a cold (say influenza – commonly known as the flu)
• Pressure Arrhythmias
  External pressure resulting in abnormal heart rhythms
• Nitrogen Embolism
  Nitrogen gases which are released from a solution within the tissues of your body. This is generally caused by accelerated decompression
• Arterial Gas Embolism
  A potentially fatal situation, where gases are released from solutions in the arteries
• Barodontalgia
  This is commonly known as tooth squeeze. It is pain caused by a change in atmospheric pressure, where tiny bubbles of gasses are trapped in ones teeth
• Dysbaric Osteonecrosis
  Rare bone abrasions produced by long term exposure to high pressure environments. Again a form resulting from nitrogen embolism
• Pneumomediastinum
  From the Greek word ‘pneuma’ (meaning air), is a situation of ruptured bronchus or alveoli in the lungs from excessive pressure. This is caused by holding ones breath whilst scuba ascent

Non-Barotrauma as explained by Henry’s Laws and Dalton’s Laws, explains the risks associated with scuba diving:

• CO2 Toxicity (a.k.a. “hypercapnia”)
  This is caused by inadequate exhalation or air consumption during heavy exertion, resulting in too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body. General symptoms include headaches and/or confusion and shortness of breath
• Nitrogen Narcosis (a.k.a. “rapture of the deep”)
  Divers who breathe high pressure gas at depth can also suffer from nitrogen narcosis This is a result of a toxic effect of high pressure nitrogen on your body’s nervous system. Symptoms are comparable to the effects of alcohol drunkenness 
• O2 Toxicity
  This is a result of diving at deep depths, resulting in toxicity of absorbing too much oxygen. Symptoms can include a vomiting, twitching, dizziness or spasms

Other physical and health hazards associated with scuba diving:

• Loss of Air
  This is typically caused by negligent air management or failure of scuba equipment resulting in the diver running out of air 
• Drowning
  One of the most obvious is if a diver breathes in water instead of air or just simply running out of air 
• Dehydration
  In short, dehydration results when you body does not have an adequate amount of water or fluids. Simply, dehydration is cause by not drinking too much water. Diving while dehydrated aggravates other health risks including CO2 Toxicity and Nitrogen Narcosis 
• Hypothermia
  Is the condition where the body’s core temperature drops below the required temperature for normal metabolism and body functionality. Hypothermia can result in a loss of judgment and is simply a loss of body heat. Early symptoms include fatigue 
• Underwater Injury
  These injuries can include bumps, bruises, sprains, abrasions and cuts from sharp coral. Studies have shown that the more common and serious injuries actually occur when getting in and out of a dive boat than actually when in the water
• Dangerous Marine Life
  General rule of diving is not to disturb aquatic life. Injuries can result when divers touch poisonous animals such as sea urchins, jellyfish or stingrays. Fire coral can also cause injury and likewise attacks by larger fish, but these are extremely rare.

The Red Sea, most often a rivalling alternative, offers a wealth of diving experiences to suit all scuba diving enthusiasts. Whichever destination you choose within the red sea, your diving holiday can be a great combination of outstanding diving, beach relaxation and cultural discovery. With over seven centuries of history, there is so much more to do in Egypt than just dive!

Nevertheless, Egypt has over the last 10-15 years become a regular holiday destination for thousands of divers in Europe and the Rest of The World. Whether it is a liveaboard diving holiday in the Egyptian sea or a shore based holiday, scuba divers of all qualifications and know-how with be offered a wealth of diving experiences to match their credentials.

With numerous PADI certified dive centres scattered around Egyptian coastlines, scuba divers diving in Egypt will have a variety of diving courses and daily diving packages that will suit and are also available to be pre-booked.

At Oceans Divers we use an accredited dive centre with a reputation for great daily diving locations and fabulous onboard diving experiences for both certified and non-certified divers alike.

For divers new and unfamiliar to the Egyptian Red Sea, the choice of varied daily diving itineraries, the ample and varied sea life within the Red Sea, together with the historic landmarks Egypt has to offer, diving holidays in Egypt are a ‘must have’ experience!

Away from costal reefs, the red seas is inhabited by schools of barracuda and an array of shark species ranging from grey reef sharks and leopard sharks to hammerhead sharks. Not only filled with varied corals and pelagic sea life, the red sea is scattered with a variety of wrecks.

The wreck of the ‘Umbria’ (a big passenger and cargo ship) lies perfectly preserved in the red sea along with its cargo of 300,000 bombs. The ‘Blue Bell’ is another wreck which divers like to visit and this ship is still loaded with Japanese cars. The Thistlegorm, sunk by German bombers in World War Two, is an underwater museum, a war grave and a piece of military history, allowing all scuba divers to travel through time and experience the dictatorial regimes of modern times.

All red sea wrecks have become legendary with divers and photographers around the world.

For a red sea diving holiday to suit your needs, choose from a host of varied diving and holiday locations within Egypt. From Hurghada being the largest holiday resort by size, to El Gouna where the rich and famous tend to locate, to Marsa Alam (Egypt’s southernmost resort with its virgin coral reefs) to the more well known and renowned holiday resort destination of Sharm El Sheikh. The Red Sea has lots to offer to both holiday travellers and scuba diving enthusiasts alike.

Whether you are looking for a superb diving experience and/or a holiday diving combined with all the facilities a modern resort has to offer, Hurghada is populated with a host of outstanding hotels. Coupled with all the amenities you may require and being close enough to town, Hurghada provides the perfect base for all scuba divers.

For the holiday visitors, there is again everything that you would need. Pharmacies and chemists, international banks and various shopping outlets and markets stalls. For scuba divers there are two resorts complete with decompression chambers and a fully equipped hospital…just in case!

Scuba diving in Hurghada is surrounded by many reefs and wrecks. The local wreck of the Elmina (the Egyptian navy minesweeper sunk in 1970 by Israeli fighters) just 10 minutes from the Hurghada harbour, lies between 17 and 32 metres depth. Not only a captivating piece of history but also offers great drift diving due to its strong currents surrounding its location.

Giftun Island lies just off the Hurghada shoreline, providing excellent reefs and walls. Not only fascinating and unrivalled scuba diving for both experienced and non-experienced scuba divers but it is home to dolphins, which regularly play in its lagoons, and some other sought after pelagic creatures of the deep blue.

Oceans Divers Crash Pad Location

The Oceans Divers Crash Pad is located within a new and prime development within Hurghada. Hurghada Dreams is located in the Al Arabia area of Hurghada, just minutes away from the centre of Hurghada, and near to Sakkala and the Sheraton Road. Sheraton Road is home to a number shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Hurghada including Ministry of Sound and its sister club HedKandi.

Just minutes away from Hurghada Dreams in the opposite direction is Dahar, where you can experience the more traditional Egypt and also pick up some real bargains. Market stalls and true Egyptian locals operate the shopping experience available. Hurghada International Airport is only fifteen minutes away from Hurghada Dreams by car.

Our One bedroom apartment, offers great location (within easy travel distance to required amenities, without the problem headache of being located directly within such noisy locations. What also really makes Hurghada Dreams so special is its proximity to the public beach. Hurghada Dreams lies in front of a large and well maintained public beach.

Hurghada Dreams Crash Pad is located on the second floor and has no obstruction to views from its balcony. A first class view of the Red Sea is maintained at all times. With Hurghada Dreams being positioned right across the road from the public beach, there is no danger of more properties being built in the future that could block the sea view, which is a concern of many developments in Hurghada.

Oceans Divers Crash Pad Features

The main features of our One Bed Apartment are:

• Prime sea view at all times
• Access to a large public beach, directly in front of our development
• Good quality built building with European style finishing’s
• A host of commercial retail units in touching distance (supermarkets, coffee shops and restaurants)
• Panoramic sea views
• Swimming pool
• Health club (currently being built)
• Supermarket and Pharmacy nearby
• Lifts to all floors
• 24 hour security
• Pre-installed internet (available at request)
• Landscaped gardens
• On site management service

Oceans Divers Crash Pad Finishing’s

The finishing of all our One Bed Apartment includes:

• Polished ceramic tiles
• Tiling in bathrooms
• Stone skirting throughout
• Windows with aluminium surround and doors with wood finish.
• Digital televisions with hundreds of channels
• Fitted kitchen with stainless steel sinks and granite worktops
• All necessary cutlery and cooking utensils
• Linen and towels

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Underworld (Crustations)

Underworld (Dangerous)

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Underworld (Dolphins)

Underworld (Large Fish)

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Underworld (Tropical Fish)

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Underworld (Nemo The Clown Fish)

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Underworld (Sand Dollars)

Underworld (Sharks)

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Underworld (Shells & Clams)

Underworld (Starfish)

Underworld (Shipwrecks)

Underworld (Unique Wildlife)

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• Hurghada is located on the West Coast of the Red Sea, with a coastline that stretches for approximately 36 km
• Population of 55.000, which includes around 7.000 foreigners
• Plays host to approximately 200 hotels
• Attracts around 70.000 European tourists every week
• Benefits from 99% days of sun throughout the year
• The hottest months are July and August
• The coldest months are January and February

Location
Located on the West Coast of the Red Sea, Hurghada provides the perfect strategic location within the Red Sea, offering a coastline stretching 40km. Hurghada is un-commercialised and free from excessive scuba diving. The Hurghada sea front proves just that!

Tourism
Tourism is now a huge part of Hurghada and each year, many tourists choose to combine their holidays here with visits to other prominent locations along the Nile Valley. Hurghada is perfectly based to visit other famous cultural sites like Cairo, Luxor and Alexandria (approximately 4 hours by car). Sharm el Sheikh another ‘Sun & Sea’ resort is only a 2 hour boat ride from the new Hurghada Marina. Hurghada is an up and coming resort with transportation links to other major cities can be made either by boat or by road. Since June 2008 Hurghada Marina now offers the City of Hurghada a new look and a place where both tourist and residents alike can enjoy nights away from the hustle and bustle of Sakkala. Whenever you feel like having a rest on the sea side in a cosy restaurant admiring the splendour of luxurious yachts and enjoying live music every night, the new Marina is the place to be. With many of Egypt’s finest restaurants, unique cafes and stylish bars, Hurghada Marina Boulevard offers the best in food and beverage for all tastes. This traffic free waterfront setting is a must for all visitors into Hurghada. Hurghada also provides access to other attractions and activities such as desert camel rides, quad biking and trips to nearby Cities…………

……………Hurghada has it all!

Climate & Temperature
Hurghada has a subtropical-desert climate, with mild-warm winters and very hot summers. The summer season, pretty much, lasts all year round.

Temperatures in the period December, January and February are moderately warm, while November, March and April is comfortably warm. May to October is hot, whilst July and August give way to the hottest periods. In fact, sunshine hours are around 3,800 per year (one of the highest in the world); from an average of 9 hours sunshine per day in December to an average of 13 hours in July.

Average annual sea temperatures are approximately 24 °C (75 °F), from 21 °C (70 °F) in February and March to 28 °C (82 °F) in July and August.

Flight Time

• 5 hours direct from the UK
• 3-4 hours direct from European locations
• 6 hours direct from Scandinavia
• 11 hours direct from US (East coast)
• 14 hours direct from US (West coast)

Time

• GMT + 2 hour (Wintertime)
• BST + 2 hours (Summertime) *

(*From the end of March to the end of April it is BST + 1 hour due to Egyptian Summertime which starts later)

Passport and Visas

• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months
• All visitors must obtain a tourist visa upon arrival which allows them to stay in Egypt for 1 month
• Divers wish to dive in Conservation Areas must obtain a diving visa. Diving Visa can be purchased within Hurghada Airport on arrival

Language & Ethnicity

• Arabic Language
• Muslims and Christians

Currency

• The Egyptian Pound (LE)
• www.xe.com

Electricity

• European two-pin, 220V / 50Hz

Water and Sanitation

• Unfortunately, Hurghada is still not fully developed and water sanitation still has to be improved.
• We advise all to drink only from bottled water and likewise brush teeth with bottled water.
• Imodium tables are a must for holidays in Egypt so as to assist with potential Diarrhea

Telephone

• Egypt has a reasonably efficient telephony service and mobile network coverage (www.etisalat.ae)
• Country code for Egypt is +20 or 0020
• Hurghada code is 65
• Dial +44 or 0044 (remove the first 0 from the area code before the number required to direct dial UK)

Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century, and since the 1980s has been continuously developed becoming the largest and leading seaside resort on the Red Sea. Holiday sport facilities range from sail boarding, yachting, snorkelling and above all scuba diving.

Hurghada stretches for about 22 miles (36 km) along the seashore. This vast holiday resort is a destination for Egyptian tourists from Cairo, the Delta and Upper Egypt, as well as package holiday tourists from Europe, particularly Serbians, Italians, Russians, Poles, Czechs and Germans.

Initially a small fishing village, today Hurghada counts 248,000 inhabitants and is divided into three parts: Downtown (El Dahar) the old town; Sekalla the city centre, and El Memsha (Village road) the new town. Sakkala is the relatively modest hotel quarter. Dahar houses the town’s largest bazaar. Furthermore, the recent renovation of the Hurghada’s new marina has launched this town into the 21st century and has given it a real cosmopolitan feel.

With arguably some of the best diving and tourist sites in the World and a rich cultural history (Egyptian Pyramids in Cairo for example), Egypt is the perfect holiday destination for both divers and non-divers alike.

Beneath the crystal blue waters of the Red Sea lies a rich and diverse ecosystem, just waiting to be discovered. Located between the continents of Africa and Asia, these warm tropical waters are home to more than 200 species of corals and 1000 species of fish. This rich diversity is mainly due to the large expansion of coral reef that extends along Egypt’s coastline.

Famous for its superb diving opportunities, Hurghada is a unique marine paradise and is the perfect location from which to visit the most popular dive sites in the Red Sea. Hosting some of the most spectacular diving in the world, Hurghada is well positioned to facilitate all divers to experience an array of marine life.

With miles of beautiful coral reef, numerous wrecks and a vast array of aquatic life from brightly coloured starfish and minuscule Nudibranchs (sea slugs) to tropical fish, varying from graceful butterfly and angel fish, to large predators like Oceanic white tips and hammerheads (approximately 44 species of shark);

Exploring this fantastic marine paradise is a must for all oceanic lovers. Being home for a multitude of marine life, the Red Sea offers additional treasures like playing home to turtles and dolphins, mantas and moray eels, napoleons, tuna and even giant whale sharks.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced scuba diver your Oceans Divers Red Sea experience will be one that you will never forget!