Are you torn between the allure of a liveaboard and the multiple possibilities offered by a land-based diving trip?
We think time spent on a liveaboard is the most amazing way to explore the waters and all the life within – but we understand it might not be for everyone.
Day diving offers incredible flexibility for those who seek more of a balance to their holiday.
And we have three Red Sea day diving centres which can provide everything you want – and more – from your time away from home.
Our amazing teams in Sharm el Sheikh, Port Ghalib and Wadi Sabarah know exactly how to give you the best experience possible and would love to welcome you to their centre.
But still not sure if day diving is for you? Well, here are a few pointers that might make you think a centre-based trip is the perfect one for you.
1 Flexibility
While there is nothing to quite match life on a liveaboard it can have its limitations for some. With day diving there are no restrictions.
Want to have a day off without feeling your missing out? No problem.
Want to dive a different area or type of site? No problem
Want to mix your diving with exploring? No problem
As Hamdy Mahmoud, our Wadi Sabarah centre manager, says: “You can mix your daily diving program between diving at sites where there are bays or a reef or caves. It means you can get the best for you as a diver.”
There is also the chance to change your plans while on the boat. “I don’t like crowds,” says Sharm el Sheikh guide Elise Watling, “which is what I love about dailies. If you’re savvy enough you can jump out of sync with other boats and that makes guests happy.”
2 Perfect for the less experienced
“The main reason for some guests choosing day diving is it might not as stressful for less experienced divers,” explains Sharm el Sheikh dive guide Dawn Jones.
For new or novice divers, the environment of a land-based centre is ideal for building confidence. There you can simply take things at your own pace, which can make all the difference in developing your skills and comfort in the water, while having greater access to courses and additional training if required.
And, as Hamdy adds: “Once you’ve had this new experience it can make you ready to join in more if you go on a liveaboard in the future.”
3 Holiday with non-divers
You want to dive but your friends or family don’t? I know, it’s hard to believe but it does happen!
If this is the case you can still all holiday together. While the family are reading their books, taking time out by the pool or whatever else it is they do to relax, you can be exploring the amazing underwater world, seeing sights and experiences to treasure.
Then, at the end of the day, you can all still meet up and have quality time together. It’s obviously their loss but at least everyone is happy!
Or, as Dawn suggests: “They can also try it for a day or two without committing to the cost or time of a whole liveaboard holiday.”
4 More to explore
To many the tranquility of time on a liveaboard is their idea of paradise. To some it might be limiting.
With a day-diving holiday you can get the best of both worlds. Spend one day in the water and the next on a land-based adventure.
Our Wadi Sabarah centre is the perfect example of this.
There are so many wonderful dive sites within close proximity but also much to do when not in the water.
You could, for example, take a Jeep safari and explore the local desert, and all the geological wonders it displays, or a trip to Wadi el Gemal (the Valley of the Camels) with its fantastic landscapes and spectacular archaeological sites.
5 Time
Committing to a week-long liveaboard might not fit with everyone’s schedule or preferences. Land-based diving offers the flexibility to dive for a few days but have the freedom to take time off in between to do other things. Or, perhaps, you could having the diving element at the beginning, middle or end of your holiday allowing you to do and see a range of other sights and experiences.
6 Variety of social life
If you want a bit more oomph to your nightlife when diving, a land-based holiday might be best.
Our liveaboards are renowned for their wonderful food, service and the great atmosphere created by our guides and crew.
But if you want restaurants and nightlife then a resort might offer you more. Joining us at our centre in Sharm el Sheikh will see you in a buzzing town that has so much happening when the sun goes down and the lights go on.
Likewise, our Port Ghalib boats are based in Marina City which provides a great assortment of places to eat, drink and generally enjoy yourself.
Although, obviously, don’t over-do it if you’re diving the next morning….
7 Alternative activities
We can do many things to make sure your liveaboard holiday is as good as it possibly can be – the food, the service, the accommodation, the crew, the know-how etc etc.
One thing we cannot control – no matter how hard we try! – is the weather. While it is rare, in any of our locations, for dive days to be totally disrupted by the conditions it is always possible.
While on a liveaboard this will leave you with a day to curl with a good book or a chance to edit all those pictures, when you’re on a day-diving holiday you obviously have far more options with which to fill your new-found spare time.
8 Your own space and time
We love a liveaboard cabin! Having a cosy compartment that’s your nest for the time you are on the water is our idea of bliss. But we also know it’s not everyone’s.
Somewhere like our Wadi Sabarah base offers the best of both worlds – a diving holiday with the amazing comfort of a top-quality hotel.
The facilities and services are amazing, the food is great, the rooms are incredible, there are evening activities for all and the diving is superb. What more could you want?
9 Convenience
This one’s a simple one.
If there’s anything you want, you can nip out and get it. That is not so easy when you’re on a liveaboard!
Also, if you have forgotten to pack something, you can just go and buy it rather than live without.
10 Soak up the culture
One of the most enriching aspects of choosing a land-based dive centre is the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. Unlike the seclusion of a liveaboard, staying on land allows you to explore the area, interact with locals, and experience the daily rhythms of life in a new place. This connection adds a depth to your travel experience and can turn a dive trip into a cultural adventure.
Day diving is not for everyone – but nor are liveaboards. That is why we have you covered for all preferences. If you would like more information on our day diving in Egypt, where we are based, what diving packages are on offer and the courses available – visit here. Also, please feel free to get in touch if you would like some advice or having any questions about any of our dive centres.