14 MARCH 2020

Diving … and some more diving!

Northern Wrecks and Reefs.jpg

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

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

We are leaving Hurghada harbour to spent a week on the Red Sea

The divers chatting about … well I presume diving 😅

I was happy that there was less wind today – which meant less chance of getting seasick! The crew informed us that we will not experience perfect weather on our trip, but that the first three days will be quite all right with just a light wind. On Tuesday the wind will get stronger and we might be in for a “bumpy ride” …

Hurghada disappearing in the distance

There will be about 3 to 4 dives every day (of which one will be a night dive). Today, there will be three dives of which the first one will be a “check dive”. On this dive, the dive instructor will use the opportunity to determine the capability of all divers. At the same time, the divers will get familiar with the environment and ensure that all their equipment is in working condition.

On our way to the first dive spot, we’ve assembled on the deck to get some emergency/safety briefing … it was good to know where the life jackets were!

Now we knew what to do in case of an emergency 👍🏻

As we’ve stopped at the first dive spot – Poseidon Reef – I’ve looked over the yacht’s handrail and were amazingly surprised with the color of the water! It was such a bright turquoise-blue color and you could literally see the reef below.

Stunning turquoise-blue color at Poseidon Reef

Before each dive, everybody gets together in order for the dive instructor or dive master to supply them with information about the dive sight. Although I was not diving, it was quite interesting to join these sessions and listen to what the divers might possibly experience on their dives. I was also fascinated by the history of the wrecks on the occasion that they were diving these.

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 on the yacht and took some photo’s of the yacht and surroundings.

M/Y Blue Adventurer as seen from the bow

The different colours of the ocean were just mesmerizing

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

Poseidon Reef 14-03-2020

Berto loved the hot water (in South Africa the water temperature is much colder) and the colorful reef is also something he does not see very often back home.

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

The M/Y Blue Adventurer lift its anchor to sail to the next dive spot 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 loving our first experience of a liveaboard holiday

Late afternoon, we’ve arrived at the second diving spot for the day – Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. There are a lot of wrecks around here, but today, the divers will only dive the reef before they dive some of the wrecks tomorrow.

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

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 a couple of wrecks. Today the divers will explore the reef. The northeast corner of this reef can often experience strong currents, but if conditions allows it, Woodvalley Reef itself is a lovely dive.

Graphic illustration of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas:

Saab Abu Nuhas

Berto is 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 took his camera with him on his first two dives, but from tomorrow, we will add some of his underwater photo’s to our posts.

After each dive, the divers received hot drinks and something sweet to eat (me too 😉). The kitchen staff really delivered excellent service and we were every time excited to see what was on offer after each dive!

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