Best Dive Centre I Have Used

I've been diving with Elite for a few years now, without doubt the best dive centre that I’ve used, it is more like diving with another club rather than a centre. Over the years I have got to know both the dive team and office staff well and I am always treated exceptionally well. Nothing is too much trouble and on many occasions I have been the only guest just diving and not undertaking any courses, this has not affected the service offered and have been fortunate to dive with some of the most friendly and professional guides/instructors in the business. They are all a credit to the profession and each has their own passion be it underwater wildlife, photography, wrecks etc. They do not force their own likes/dislikes on you but tailor the dives to try to offer something to please all members of the group. Personally I just love diving and marine life so am happy to let the guide share their enthusiasm with me, so far I have never been disappointed and have never had a dive with Elite that has been anything less than impressive. 

I initially started diving with Elite as the owner, Alun, was the only instructor in Sharm who was willing to deliver a selection BSAC modules for me to complete my Sports Diver Qualification, others wanted to sell me a complete course which was unnecessary. This gave me an indication that they were more interested in delivering an exemplary customer service than just offering fixed packages. I loved my two days on the boat and was impressed with how everyone was treated, banter and the comradery between dive professionals and guests was something else. When it was time visit Sharm again, as a lone diver, the choice of centre was a no brainer. I have since returned many times, my last visit was in July 2018 and I have just booked to return in October. 

I am a fairly experienced diver that is more used to the UK than the warm waters of the Red Sea so I always look forward to visiting my friends in Sharm and leaving the bulky dry suit behind. To be honest I have not undertaken any further formal training in Sharm as most of my diving in the UK is either teaching, acting as a rescue diver or working towards advanced BSAC qualifications so I come to Sharm to chill out and just enjoy a few days of easy relaxed diving. I have observed G, Valeria, Mark, Jamie and Hassan teach and they all deliver training to the highest possible standard with great emphasis on safety. Having been lucky to dive with some of the most experienced instructors in the UK I can honestly say the team at Elite are up there at the top of their game, if I had children I would not hesitate in letting them learn with Elite. If, like me, you go on a diving holiday on your own don’t worry about being Billy no mates, guests and staff visit one or more local bars each night for a drink, food and some good banter.

They are one of the few centres in Sharm to own their own boat and it is a really impressive vessel. Alun has spared no expense, and used his years of experience, turning into one the best Day boats on the Red Sea. He has hand picked his crew to deliver the level of service he expects. The Captain can place the dive deck over the dive site with precision that puts many others to shame, the cook feeds us all very well and the crew constantly take care of all divers. My only gripe is that they can be to attentive at times, I know they are only trying to help but i like to set my kit up myself and have my own system for getting ready to dive. On the other hand if you are a new diver this assistance would be very much appreciated. 

Getting to Sharm from the UK can be a bit of a pain at the moment but I usually travel with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul as they fly from Birmingham and give a great luggage allowance, the included wine and beer on the flight is a bonus. The return layover in Istanbul seems a long time but if you get a visa you can have a city tour (free with Turkish) or make your own way into the city. Some guests from the South fly with Egypt Air from London via Cairo and the transfer time is less, but for me the flights from Birmingham are more convenient. Insurance can be arranged through Westfield and they are happy to put in writing that they cover travel via Sharm airport unlike some companies. Hotels are available to suit all tastes and pockets, me, having some Welsh blood in me, chooses a cheap but clean establishment. If you have any questions Moyra, Alun’s wife and Boss , or Angie in the office will give unbiased advice, just email them and you will receive a very prompt reply

Look forward to seeing you all again soon 

Dave ‘Dai’ Jones
​Telford U.K.