FAQs
There are no vaccinations needed to visit Egypt unless you are arriving from an infected area. Hepatitis A, Rabies and Tetanus vaccinations are recommended as a precautionary measure.
We recommend you buy something to deal with diarrhoea and digestive problems here in Egypt for a better effect.
Due to the high air temperatures, it is very important to take care of sufficient fluid intake to avoid dehydration. A minimum of 4 litres of fluid (ideally water) per day is advisable and only use bottled water for drinking.
Avoid long exposure to the sun, use high factor sun cream to avoid sunburns and heat strokes.
It is a good idea to have rehydrating salts with you.
We recommend you buy something to deal with diarrhoea and digestive problems here in Egypt for a better effect.
Due to the high air temperatures, it is very important to take care of sufficient fluid intake to avoid dehydration. A minimum of 4 litres of fluid (ideally water) per day is advisable and only use bottled water for drinking.
Avoid long exposure to the sun, use high factor sun cream to avoid sunburns and heat strokes.
It is a good idea to have rehydrating salts with you.
There are several weekly direct flights from most European countries.
And there are daily flights from any European country with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus over Istanbul and with Egypt Air over Cairo.
The flight time from Europe to Sharm el Sheikh is between 3 and 7 hours depending on the country of departure.
And there are daily flights from any European country with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus over Istanbul and with Egypt Air over Cairo.
The flight time from Europe to Sharm el Sheikh is between 3 and 7 hours depending on the country of departure.
We will pick you up from your hotel.
If you prebook the diving, the transfer will be arranged by email. If you don’t prebook, all you have to do is send us a WhatsApp message or call the diving center and we will organise the transfer together.
The transfers to and from the dive sites and harbours will be arranged by us day by day.
If you prebook the diving, the transfer will be arranged by email. If you don’t prebook, all you have to do is send us a WhatsApp message or call the diving center and we will organise the transfer together.
The transfers to and from the dive sites and harbours will be arranged by us day by day.
If you booked a package holiday with a tour operator your transfer to the hotel is included.
If you booked a flight and hotel separately, we can help to arrange transfers to and from the airport to your hotel for you.
The transfer from the airport to Ras Umm el Sid area takes about 20 minutes.
If you booked a flight and hotel separately, we can help to arrange transfers to and from the airport to your hotel for you.
The transfer from the airport to Ras Umm el Sid area takes about 20 minutes.
Our diving center is located in the heart of Ras Umm el Sid area, also known as Hadaba, at El Ferouseya St.
We have lots of different 3* to 5* resorts around us and the shopping area, Il Mercato with nice restaurants and coffee shops in the next street.
The famous Old Market is only 5 minutes by car and Naama Bay is only 10 minutes by car.
We have lots of different 3* to 5* resorts around us and the shopping area, Il Mercato with nice restaurants and coffee shops in the next street.
The famous Old Market is only 5 minutes by car and Naama Bay is only 10 minutes by car.
We recommend that all travellers take out insurance to cover cancellation, lost or stolen luggage and medical/hospital costs.
Divers can get insured by Aquamed, DAN or a similar organisation.
Divers can get insured by Aquamed, DAN or a similar organisation.
The CDWS (Chamber of diving and water sports) is implementing the World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC) standards for recreational diving.
The maximum depth for diving with compressed air is 40 meters, if the training qualifications and the experience of the divers allow it.
The CDWS recommends not wearing gloves, if not needed as thermal protection.
Carrying of dive knives as a tool, to cut lines and to free entanglements is allowed.
And CDWS strongly forbids scuba divers and photographers to use the Muck Stick, Pointer Stick or Lobster Tickle Stick (is usually made of solid stainless steel or aluminium and is 12 to 18 inches long) in an attempt to promote an eco-friendly marine environment in the Red Sea. The penalty list for environmental violations will apply.
The maximum depth for diving with compressed air is 40 meters, if the training qualifications and the experience of the divers allow it.
The CDWS recommends not wearing gloves, if not needed as thermal protection.
Carrying of dive knives as a tool, to cut lines and to free entanglements is allowed.
And CDWS strongly forbids scuba divers and photographers to use the Muck Stick, Pointer Stick or Lobster Tickle Stick (is usually made of solid stainless steel or aluminium and is 12 to 18 inches long) in an attempt to promote an eco-friendly marine environment in the Red Sea. The penalty list for environmental violations will apply.
In general, the standards of some organization allows you to dive without.
At Circle Divers, we have a strong focus on the safety of our guests. Therefore, we highly recommend you to dive with a dive computer.
At Circle Divers, we have a strong focus on the safety of our guests. Therefore, we highly recommend you to dive with a dive computer.
After 2 or 3 dives a day, you will probably just want to go back to your hotel and relax - ready for the next day's diving.
But for guests who like to go out and explore Sharm, there is plenty to do. Check out our activities guide for the different areas of Sharm.
Cafes & Bars
If you would like to relax in the evening with a drink and maybe try a Shisha, you will find many coffee shops, but you cannot miss out on visiting Farsha. Farsha is located in the Ras Umm el Sid area and is built into the cliff with an amazing view of the dive site, Temple.
If you prefer going to a pub, there are pubs in every area that organise karaoke nights, quiz nights, and party nights.
For clubbers, depending on your taste in music and the day of the week, you can choose between going to Pacha, Hard Rock Café, Space, and Taj Mahal/La Dolce Vita.
Eating Out
If you would like to go out for dinner, you will find many restaurants with different cuisines. There’s Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Thai, Fast Food, Grill & Seafood restaurants, and of course Egyptian cuisine.
You will find the widest choice of international restaurants either in Naama Bay or the recently developed El Salam Rd promenade, which connects Naama Bay to Hadaba, Ras Um Sid (where our centre is), and the Old Market.
For Egyptian cuisine, you can’t go wrong in the Old Market with various cheap but cheerful Egyptian cafe/restaurants.
Delta Sharm, a complex near to our centre in Sharm, has a range of decent Italian, Lebanese, Sushi, and Thai restaurants in addition to the usual fast food offerings of pizza and burgers.
Ask any of our staff for recommendations.
Further afield, many of the 5* hotels have international restaurants which can be visited by non-guests, such as the Thai at the Park Regency. Soho Square near the Savoy complex in the airport area offers many different options for eating out or just socialising.
Or try a Bedouin dinner under the stars in the desert or while camping in Ras Mohammed National Park!
Shopping
And of course, you cannot forget about your loved ones at home and might need some souvenirs. You will find shops in your hotel, but also have a look in Il Mercato, Old Market, Naama Bay or Soho Square for more choices.
But for guests who like to go out and explore Sharm, there is plenty to do. Check out our activities guide for the different areas of Sharm.
Cafes & Bars
If you would like to relax in the evening with a drink and maybe try a Shisha, you will find many coffee shops, but you cannot miss out on visiting Farsha. Farsha is located in the Ras Umm el Sid area and is built into the cliff with an amazing view of the dive site, Temple.
If you prefer going to a pub, there are pubs in every area that organise karaoke nights, quiz nights, and party nights.
For clubbers, depending on your taste in music and the day of the week, you can choose between going to Pacha, Hard Rock Café, Space, and Taj Mahal/La Dolce Vita.
Eating Out
If you would like to go out for dinner, you will find many restaurants with different cuisines. There’s Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Thai, Fast Food, Grill & Seafood restaurants, and of course Egyptian cuisine.
You will find the widest choice of international restaurants either in Naama Bay or the recently developed El Salam Rd promenade, which connects Naama Bay to Hadaba, Ras Um Sid (where our centre is), and the Old Market.
For Egyptian cuisine, you can’t go wrong in the Old Market with various cheap but cheerful Egyptian cafe/restaurants.
Delta Sharm, a complex near to our centre in Sharm, has a range of decent Italian, Lebanese, Sushi, and Thai restaurants in addition to the usual fast food offerings of pizza and burgers.
Ask any of our staff for recommendations.
Further afield, many of the 5* hotels have international restaurants which can be visited by non-guests, such as the Thai at the Park Regency. Soho Square near the Savoy complex in the airport area offers many different options for eating out or just socialising.
Or try a Bedouin dinner under the stars in the desert or while camping in Ras Mohammed National Park!
Shopping
And of course, you cannot forget about your loved ones at home and might need some souvenirs. You will find shops in your hotel, but also have a look in Il Mercato, Old Market, Naama Bay or Soho Square for more choices.
No, all the dive sites in Dahab are classed as local dives and don’t need a visa to dive.
As long as you are staying less than 14 days in the Sinai and don’t plan travelling to any other parts of the country such as Cairo, Luxor or Hurghada, you won’t need a visa. The Sinai only stamp, which is stamped in your passport when entering via Sharm el Sheikh International Airport, allows you to travel freely between Ras Mohammed Park, Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, and even along the coast to Nuweiba, St Catherine's, or Taba.
The only time you may need a visa for diving is SS Thistlegorm, where the port authorities often ask for a 30-day visa, which can be purchased on arrival for $30. (Ask at the dive centre when booking for more details.)
Or if you plan to stay more than 14 days!
As long as you are staying less than 14 days in the Sinai and don’t plan travelling to any other parts of the country such as Cairo, Luxor or Hurghada, you won’t need a visa. The Sinai only stamp, which is stamped in your passport when entering via Sharm el Sheikh International Airport, allows you to travel freely between Ras Mohammed Park, Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, and even along the coast to Nuweiba, St Catherine's, or Taba.
The only time you may need a visa for diving is SS Thistlegorm, where the port authorities often ask for a 30-day visa, which can be purchased on arrival for $30. (Ask at the dive centre when booking for more details.)
Or if you plan to stay more than 14 days!
Yes, the Sinai-only stamp is only given out at Sinai points of entry to Egypt including Sharm el Sheikh, Taba or Nuweiba. If you are flying with Egyptair or any other carrier via Cairo you will need to buy a visa at Cairo Airport.
Online visas are available but can vary depending on your country of origin. Check with your local Government travel advice for more information.
Online visas are available but can vary depending on your country of origin. Check with your local Government travel advice for more information.
If you are planning to complete your PADI Divemaster training and stay 4 to 6 weeks, you may want to look into a 6-month Extended Stay Visa, especially if you plan to follow up with a PADI Instructor Development Course at our dive centre in Dahab.
As long as you originally purchased the 28-day visa ($30) on arrival in Egypt you can visit the local passport office, currently the nearest is Sharm el Sheikh, where you can apply for a 6-month extension (depending on your nationality) with relative ease. Our booking department or Dahab dive centre office will be able to advise you on this.
Many European nations now offer e-visas, which can often run for longer periods, up to 6 months in one stay, and be multi-entry if you decide on multiple dive trips to Dahab. Find out more at your Government’s travel advice website pages.
As long as you originally purchased the 28-day visa ($30) on arrival in Egypt you can visit the local passport office, currently the nearest is Sharm el Sheikh, where you can apply for a 6-month extension (depending on your nationality) with relative ease. Our booking department or Dahab dive centre office will be able to advise you on this.
Many European nations now offer e-visas, which can often run for longer periods, up to 6 months in one stay, and be multi-entry if you decide on multiple dive trips to Dahab. Find out more at your Government’s travel advice website pages.
Egypt's national currency is the Egyptian pound (LE), which is widely used in Dahab and the surrounding areas. Currently, the largest denomination note is the 200 Egyptian pound note – other commonly used notes include 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 pound notes. Single one-pound notes or coins are very rarely seen.
Many businesses accept Euros, dollars, pound sterling and Swiss francs but beware of the exchange rate you may be offered. (Current exchange rates can be found at www.xe.com)
Egyptian banks, independent exchange bureaus and often your hotel reception is the best way to exchange foreign notes. International coins can not be exchanged or used in the resort.
ATMs are widely available in Dahab, where you can use international cards to withdraw local currency or even exchange foreign notes for Egyptian notes. Credit cards and payment cards are accepted by many local businesses, including our diving centre in Dahab.
Many businesses accept Euros, dollars, pound sterling and Swiss francs but beware of the exchange rate you may be offered. (Current exchange rates can be found at www.xe.com)
Egyptian banks, independent exchange bureaus and often your hotel reception is the best way to exchange foreign notes. International coins can not be exchanged or used in the resort.
ATMs are widely available in Dahab, where you can use international cards to withdraw local currency or even exchange foreign notes for Egyptian notes. Credit cards and payment cards are accepted by many local businesses, including our diving centre in Dahab.
Most of the year, Egypt Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2) or 1 hour ahead of Central European Time (CET +1).
Egypt does observe Daylight Saving Time, but the dates the clocks change are different from Europe. Check with our dive centre if in doubt.
Egypt does observe Daylight Saving Time, but the dates the clocks change are different from Europe. Check with our dive centre if in doubt.
