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Look at the photo gallery section and you will see the wonderful beach and photos of the reef.One of the mods,Pippy, has posted loads of photos on this forum,so perhaps someone can give you the link. I think its amongst the Conrad posts.The reef is just at the end of the jetty and the fish is amazing.I think you can see enough by just snorkeling here.

Hi Anthony

Snorkelling at the Conrad is amazing! I don't dive so can't offer a comparison but we saw so many different types of fish really up close and personal! HERE are my Conrad pics including several underwater pics.

Pippy

as the others say, the beach and snorkelling at Conrad is excellent. The water is very clear and you will see a whole gambit of fish and coral just snorkelling.
it may be a bit tight for you to do an open water course. you can do this in 4/5 days but given the break in your stay this may not be possible. you can learn at the centre at the Conrad itself.
if you find that it may be too intense for you given the timescale why not consider either a discover scuba try dive or the scuba diver course which can be done in two days and you can upgrade it at a later date.
Andy D

I agree with Pippy and altoman that the snorkelling at the Conrad is good! There is a jetty which takes you over the reef or you can even snorkle in the shallows and still see plenty of fish. Why not do your padi course on your next visit? Egypt is so addictive you are sure to go again!

Hi Anthony,

Go for the diving, the Conrad has a good house reef both for diving and snorkling, We have been to the Conrad 4 times now, me for the diving and my wife for the as she does not dive. Sinia divers who where at the Conrad have now moved next door to the Baron its worth the walk as they are a much better set up than the center that has taken over at the Conrad. Contact your local dive shop/center over here, you can do PADI courses in 2 parts (referal). Do the written/exam and pool work over here then you do the open water dives abroad, it is a little more expensive but it also saves you valuable holiday time.

Colin.

I'm with Colin. we use Sinai divers every year. once they get to know you they are very relaxed, less inclined to rush things and squeeeze more money out of you.
Andy D

given the time limitations ,if your flying between the 3 day and 4 day stopovers this would in reality give you 1 day out of the 3 day stop and 2 days out of the 4 day stop for safeties sake .under those circumstances and to avoid any problems i would go for the snorkelling ,which with the clarity of the water there is more than enough

Hi Anthony - I'm Maria, and I have just booked a split holiday for my husband and myself with 4 days at Conrad, 7 days nile cruise and 3 further days at Conrad. We went to Sonest Club last year and fell in love with Egypt but would not recommend the Sonesta. Like you I am interested in diving but have come to the conclusion it will have to wait till the next visit.

Can any one shed some light on what we can expect from the Nile Goddess cruise ship booked through First Choice as I cannot find any information and am getting worried?

Maria

I met some people at the Holiday Village that had been on a cruise with FC.I presume it is the same ship as they spent a few days before and after the cruise in Sharm.They said the ship they had been on was dated but the food was fine.

Thanks Jay Trip

I have since found that it seems Goddess cruise is an umbrella name The ships are called Orchid, Tulip and another which escapes me at the moment. Also found one review from last year confirmed boat dated but friendly crew and ok food. As we were given the opportunity of upgrading to a delux cabin at minimal cost I am hoping it will be at least equal to the standard cabin on the more superior ships.

Any way we are still looking forward to the hol. We have picked up lots of tips from this site and watchdog reviews site and will be arranging a number of excursions through local agents rather thean the tour operator.

FYI - anyone not been to Sharm / naama bay There is a road set back which runs along naama bay which is more like a duel carriage way. Try to make sure your hotel is on the beach side especially if you have children. It is difficult to cross and to wallk it in the summer heat is exhaustingt. Yes many hotels do provide a shuttle service but it is a hassle with children.

Re Sonesta club on far side of road - not to good. not a full AI service eg childrens ice cream and fruit juice have to be paid for, no crisps etc. Their sister hotel Sonest Beach much better in all aspects eg 3 pools, several eating places. Also Sonesta Club IA guests cannot acces Sonesta beach IA facilities including towels at the beach these have to be brought with you from Sonesta Club along with everything else you need from the beach.

Maria

The people we met who had been on the cruise had a fabulous time.They didnt know each other when they left the HV but came back firm friends.They all got dressed up on the last night at the HV in outfits they bought on the cruise for the Egyptian night.I would loved to have been on the cruise with them.The Conrad is a fantastic hotel with what must be the best beach and snorkeling in Sharm.

Thanks for all info. I'm off now to surf for more info on nile tours. By the way this site is addictive and the smilies are fun. My husband though I was going to stay up all night last night surfing this site.

mytime-maria wrote:

By the way this site is addictive

Another one bites the dust!