MDMA ~ Diving in Ecstasy

Turtle returning to the Sea Grass with Remoras

The MD Team are just back from diving in Marsa Alam. A quick few lines and some photos to set the 'dive report' ball rolling!  Phil, Heidi, Ross, Angela, Simon, Linda , Sue & I got back late last night after a week in Marsa Alam diving (again) with Emperor Divers based in the Marina Lodge Hotel. Most had booked the five day diving package of two boat dives for four days and two shore dives. A lovely warm contrast to home with air temperatures around 33 Deg C and water at around 27 Deg C.

The Dives sites were:-

1.  Marsa Morena (North Reef) : 58 mins at Max 23.8m

2.  Marsa Mornea (South Reef) : 61 mins at Max 17.1 m

3.  Marsa Shoni Kebir (North Reef) : 48mins at Max 26.5m

4.  Marsa Shoni Kebir (South Reef) : 48mins at Max 23.5m

5.  Marsa Shoni Soraya (North Reef) : 60mins at Max 21.0m

6.  Marsa Shoni Soraya (South Reef)  : 51mins at Max 21.0m

7.  Abu Dubab : 71mins at Max 15.6m

8.  Abu Dubab : 70 mins at Max 16.2m

9.  Torfet Ali (North Reef)  : 62mins at Max 25.3m

10. Torfet Ali (South Reef) : 70mins at Max 19.8m

Well Camouflaged Flat Fish (with Sea Grass-like eyes)

Giving an average dive time of just about an hour which seemed quite respectable. Underwater highlights of the trip (for me) were surface sightings of the Dugong, and some quality time with the Hawksbill Turtles at Abu Dubab, a reasonably shallow and now only a shore dive to help protect the marine life.

About time for a breath!

Above water, the Port Ghalib area continues to develop and the MD group made excursions to the more built-up North side of the Marina to extend our range of refreshment opportunities !
A Lebanese restaurant had lovely outdoor seating along side a water feature and TGI Friday's (well we enjoy local culture!) met our more Western needs!

Life is all Ups & Downs!

There were plenty of opportunities to debrief the dives over a Sakara in the evenings and to compare notes on the belly dancers moves!  Sadly (or may be not!) for the ladies , the Whirling Dervish dancer remained fully clothed , well give or take a whirling skirt or two , for the duration.

The Paparazzi and others hangers-on are such a drag!

The Emperor Team were excellent and our principle guide MSDT Hannah "Montana" knew the sites well gave detailed briefings and added  fun & smiles. She and colleague Chris presented a very professional but natural image .

Keeping a Low Profile

Thanks to all the MD buddies for making the visit so enjoyable , it was so good I nearly found myself staying another night ....but that's another story!

Hannah "Montana"