EL GOUNA DIVING HOLIDAY

OVERVIEW

El Gouna is home to 14 spectacular hotels built along 10 kilometers of beachfront and spreads across islands interlinked by lagoons. Neighborhoods of attractive villas and apartments bustle with the activity of entrepreneurs, artists, environmentalists, sports enthusiasts and other individuals and families from all over the world who have made El Gouna their permanent or vacation home. The town is easily accessed from Europe via the nearby Hurghada International Airport and boasts a superb infrastructure and excellent services as well as natural beaches and year-round sunshine.

El Gouna is immaculately maintained and has a wide variety of activities and entertainment options, world-class cuisine and an exciting nightlife. It is also the perfect jumping-off point to experience the many historical, archeological and cultural treasures of Egypt. These aspects, as well as the stunning natural and architectural beauty of the resort, combine to make El Gouna the Red Sea’s premier leisure destination. Follow the links on the right hand side to learn more about El Gouna as a destination.

THE RESORT

El Gouna, in Egypt, is a man-made resort within a short transfer of Hurghada Airport on the Red Sea Coast. The town itself was developed with tourists in mind and offers a wide range of activities, restaurants and nightlife set in a relaxed and laid back atmosphere. Combined with a range of very good quality hotels El Gouna is an excellent choice for those travelling with families or non-sporting partners.

THE CLIMATE

During the winter months of November to March the Red Sea coastal resorts of Egypt offer a very comfortable 22 - 28 c, perfect for a bit of winter sun. As you head into the summer months the temperature rises steeply peaking to around 40c in August! However, the high temperatures are made more comfortable with very low humidity and a constant sea breeze.
During the winter months we would recommend between 5 and 7mm wetsuit but then only a 3mm shortie for the mid summer months. Please note that on some of the deeper dive sites you can encounter colder under currents.
Egypt can be visited year around with equally good diving.

THE DIVING

For new divers, the heated pools and calm local reefs provide an excellent environment to start to your diving experience. For more experienced divers there is a range of walls, reefs but the main attraction are the huge amount of wrecks otherwise only accessible by liveaboards. El Gouna is conveniently located if you to visit the world famous ship graveyard of Abu Nuhas, and the S.S. Thistlegorm. The lack of boats in the area is a real advantage: the sites are much quieter than neighbouring Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
El Gouna is excellent for single female travellers, beginner courses, wreck divers and /or technical divers - we really like El Gouna!!

THE ACCOMMODATION

There is a wide choice of hotels in El Gouna all of a high standard with excellent service throughout. We have visited all the hotels in the area and selected what we feel offer the best value and quality in their class.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

Despite being an awesome kite spot El Gouna is also an excellent holiday resort in general and non-kiters can enjoy a friendly secure environment with excellent resort facilities all within easy walking distance. Non-kiting activities include diving, snorkelling, golf, horse riding, go-kart racing, volleyball, snorkelling, water-skiing and wakeboarding, fishing, sailing, island trips and of course plain sunbathing

THE NIGHTLIFE IN EL GOUNA

In the evening there is an excellent choice of restaurants to choose from both around the Marine and 'Down Town' area. There are also a few good bars and a large club that kicks off a couple of times a week….but generally speaking the nightlife is quite ‘low key’.

THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

UK / EU passport holders should have a full 10 year passport valid until at least 6 months after date of return. Other passport holders please check with Egyptian Embassy (020 7235 9777 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 020 7235 9777 end_of_the_skype_highlighting). You will require a full Egypt visa for entry into Egypt. The easiest way to get it is on arrival where it will cost £12 or $17. It can also be obtained in advance from the Egyptian Embassy at a cost of £15 - £20.

THE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK although Hep A and Typhoid are recommended. Please check with your GP or local travel health clinic for the latest advice.

RESORT SUMMARY