14 MARCH 2020

Diving … and some more diving!

An illustration of the Northern reefs & wrecks. We will move towards Sharm El-Sheikh were most of the dives will take place

Finally it was time to start the yacht’s engine and get into the open water of the Red Sea. We left the harbour just after sunrise – the weather was much brighter than yesterday and we were hopeful of a smooth journey!

Leaving Hurghada harbour to spent a week on the Red Sea

The divers chatting about … well I presume diving

I was glad that there was less wind today – which meant less chance of getting seasick! The crew informed us that we would not experience perfect weather on our trip, but that the first three days would be perfectly fine with just a light breeze. On Tuesday, the wind will pick up and we may have a “bumpy ride”…

Hurghada disappearing in the distance

There will be 3 to 4 dives each day (one of which will be a night dive). Today there will be three dives, the first of which will be a “check dive”. On this dive the dive instructor will use the opportunity to assess the ability of all divers. At the same time, the divers will familiarise themselves with the environment and ensure that all their equipment is in working order.

On the way to the first dive site we gathered on deck to get emergency/safety briefings … it was good to know where the life jackets were!

Time for a safety briefing

When we anchored at the first dive site – Poseidon Reef – I looked over the yacht’s rail and was incredibly surprised at the colour of the water! It was such a bright turquoise blue and you could literally see the reef down below.

Stunning turquoise blue water at Poseidon Reef

Before each dive, everyone gathered together so that the dive instructor or dive master could provide them with information about the dive attractions. Although I did not dive, it was interesting to join these sessions and listen to what the divers might experience on their dives. I was also fascinated by the history of the wrecks on the occasion that they would dive these sites.

A dive briefing takes place before each dive

Poseidon Reef – Dive 1:

This reef lies just beneath the ocean’s surface. The depth is about 15m (which is therefore a great spot for a first dive on a dive holiday). The reef is covered with corals and these are home to a host of classic Red Sea marine wildlife.

Berto and the rest of the divers getting ready for their 1^st dive

Divers on their way to Poseidon Reef

While the divers were in the water, I had a chance to walk around the yacht and took some photos of the yacht and surroundings.

M/Y Blue Adventurer as seen from the bow

The different colours of the ocean were just mesmerising

Of course I can’t tell you how the dive was … but here is Berto’s dive log from his first dive in the Red Sea:

Poseidon Reef 14-03-2020

Berto loved the ‘warm’ water (in South Africa the water temperature is much colder) and the colourful reef is also something he doesn’t see much at home.

Now that the first dive was done, everyone was more relaxed and looking forward to the next dive of the day.

The M/Y Blue Adventurer raised its anchor to sail to the next dive site for the afternoon. After lunch most of us went to the deck to relax in the sun and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The contrast of colours between the water and sand formations on land was spectacular

Time to relax after the first dive

The captain of the yacht knew these waters like the palm of his hand

We were enjoying our first experience of a liveaboard holiday

Late in the afternoon we arrived at the second dive site for the day – Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. There are many wrecks here, but today the divers will first dive the reef before diving the wrecks tomorrow.

It was fascinating to see how the yacht’s crew took out the anchor lines with the small boats (or tenders as they are known). They are very skilled at anchoring this massive yacht in the sea.

The yacht’s crew anchoring the M/Y Blue Adventurer on the next diving spot

We could see some part of a wreck visible above the water, close to the reef.

The reef and a partially visible wreck at Sha’ab Abu Nuhas

Sha’ab Abu Nuhas – Dive 2:

As mentioned, this reef is surrounded by some wrecks. Today the divers will explore the reef. The northeast corner of this reef can often experience strong currents, but if conditions permit, Woodvalley Reef itself is a great dive.

Graphic illustration of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas:

Berto getting ready to jump off the yacht

Now it’s time to swim towards the reef

Berto’s dive log:

Sha’ab Abu Nuhas 14-03-2020

Berto did not take his camera with him on his first two dives, but starting tomorrow we will add some of his underwater photos to our posts.

After each dive the divers received hot drinks and something nice to eat (me too). The kitchen staff provided truly excellent service and we were excited to see what was on offer after each dive!

The night dive was scheduled at the same reef as on the second dive. Berto decided not to dive again today and we enjoyed a lovely evening on the deck of the M/Y Blue Adventurer. Another yacht anchored near us and we spent the night at Sha’ab Abu Nuhas.