Frequently Asked Questions & Help

COVID-19

Do you have a safety protocol on board?

Yes, we have successfully passed audits and received health certificates to start operation. As there are many questions please check our COVID 19 Policy which is part of terms & conditions of any booking.

VISA

Do I need to get a Visa?

Yes, you will always need a visa with an entry stamp and your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months upon date of departure from Egypt. Only for arrival via Taba Border or Sharm El Sheikh Airport two different types of visa are available. The needed Visa is NOT ACCORDING TO YOUR PERIOD OF STAY but according to the visited sites during your liveaboard safari. Please follow this advise strictly and do not rely on false information given on social media.

What kind of Visa do I need?

You need the FULL EGYPTIAN VISA- (25 USD / 03.2023) - valid for 28 days for joining:

·       3 Nights Mini Safari Ras Mohamed - Thistlegorm

·       4 Nights Mini Safari Ras Mohamed - Thistlegorm - Tiran

·       7 Nights Safari Sinai Classic

·       7 Nights Safari Sinai Wreck & Reef

·       7 Nights Deep North - Ras Mohamed -  Dahab

·       7 Nights Sharm – Brothers

You need the AQABA COAST VISA called "Sinai Only" free of charge, valid for 14 days for joining:

·       3 Nights Mini Safari Tiran

·       3 Nights Mini Safari Ras Mohamed - Tiran

What happens if I arrive with a wrong visa or wrong entry stamp?

You will not be accepted on board as permit is denied by the marine police and coastguards! In this case you will miss your liveaboard safari. In the interest of other guest on board, it is not possible to delay departure till the time you have obtained the correct visa.

How do I get a Visa?

King Snefro Fleet does not take any liability for guests that are refused entry to the country due to failure to carry correct documentation. Guest must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the countries to or through which they are intending to travel. Guests are responsible for checking with an Egyptian Embassy that, for the passport they hold, a visa can be issued on arrival in Egypt. Please also check out the new e visa service: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Home

TRANSFERS

Are transfers included?

Yes, transfer to and from the liveaboard at the given embarkation/disembarkation times inside Sharm El Sheikh are complementary, either from Hotel or Airport.

Transfer from or to Taba / Dahab are not included. Transfers are shared transfers, not private transfers using a shuttle bus.

Will you pick me up at the airport?

We will arrange transfer from Sharm el Sheikh Airport to the liveaboard at the given embarkation time. Meeting point is in the front of the Arrival hall where we wait you with a welcome sign stating your name and the name of the liveaboard. If you arrive earlier than the embarkation time please arrange hotel.

Will you pick me up at the hotel?

We will arrange transfer from hotels in Sharm el Sheikh area to the liveaboard at the given embarkation time. Meeting point is at hotels reception. We cannot pick up from public places, restaurants, coffeeshops, places inside pedestrian areas, parking lots, private villas or so-called guest houses, you will make your own way to port.

What to do if the flight is delayed or I am not picked up?

If you missed your flight or your flight is delayed call or what’s app the emergency number (0020 – 0122 315 0612), during night time calls are preferred.

Transfers are shared transfers, if the pickup delay is greater than 30 minutes call or what’s app the emergency number (0020 – 0122 315 0612), during night time calls are preferred.

When is the check in / check out time of the liveaboard?

Check in time starts from 18:00 H (6 pm) onwards till late at night.

Check out for the week long safari is till 12:00 H noon time and for mini-safaris  at 16:00 H (4pm).

Is early check in or a late check out available?

Sorry, this service is not available. Your liveaboard needs to be cleaned and catered after check out and before new guest arrival. We are happy to assist with Day Use arrangements (extra charge).

My liveaboard departure is from which harbor?

All our liveaboard safaris are departing from harbor called New Marina (Army Port, El Watanaya). In Google search for Port Jerry.

When should I plan for return flight?

It is your responsibility to ensure to respect the 24-hour no-fly time or going to altitude (also to mountain areas in Sinai) after your last dive! Please arrange your return flights accordingly or dives will be missed!

DIVING & DIVING EXPIRIENCE

When is the best time for diving?

The diving season in the Red Sea is good all year round. You will find for example in the summer months lots of shoaling fish or barracudas as of the warm water temperature. In the other months you will also find lots of coral and marine life.

What is the water temperature at this time?

The water temperature is in the summer month from June till September between 26 and 29 °C. In the winter month the temperature drops down to 21 to 24 °C.

What is the required diving certification to join a trip?

To join diving activities, you need to be at least an Open Water certified diver and have 15 logged dives. Advanced Open Water diver or equivalent is needed for wreck penetration dives and some of the more advanced dive sites visited. You must have dived in the last year and recorded this in your log book; if needed a Scuba Review is available on board (extra charge, to be prebooked). Open Water certified divers are able to join the night dives if they have previous night dives logged.

Different routes and the visited sites require different level of experience:

Deep North, Mini Tiran, Mini Ras Mohamed - Tiran: OWD and at least 15 logged dives

Sinai Classic *): OWD and at least 15 logged dives  *) Thistlegorm mandatory minimum of 20 dives, AOWD level or proof of experience needed for wreck penetration

Wreck safaris, Mini Ras Mohamed- Thistlegorm: mandatory AOWD and minimum 20 logged dives

Beside the Egyptian governing body, the Chamber of Diving and Watersports, places regulations concerning diving, snorkeling and water sports, which must be adhered to.

How many dives are offered during the safari?

Mini Safaris 3 Nights: from 9 up to 11 dives

Mini Safaris 4 Nights: from 12 up to 15 dives

Week Safaris 7 Nights: 20 or more dives

(depends on your departure flight, 24 hours no flight time after your last dive to be respected)

I am still a beginner; can I join the trip?

Yes, you can join the trip, however you are not be able to dive every dive site according to your diving level. Your guide on board will advise if a site or the conditions are not suitable. The final decision will be with your dive guide on board.

Can a non-diver join the trip? Can I snorkel?

Yes, non-divers can join any of our liveaboard safaris. Snorkeling is possible when the liveaboard is moored but not while the boat is moving. Solo snorkeling is not possible as snorkeling will also be guided or/and supervised. Not all diving sites are allowed for snorkeling, your guide will advise which locations are safe from boat traffic.

Can I book a private dive or snorkeling guide?

Yes, it is possible to book a private guide at extra cost. To arrange this service booking must be arranged in advance.

Do you offer rebreather support or technical diving?

No, all diving is recreational diving. Decompression diving is not permitted on recreational diving safaris. Solo diving is strictly prohibited. Beside the Egyptian governing body, the Chamber of Diving and Watersports, places regulations concerning diving, snorkeling and water sports, which must be adhered to.

Do I need to do a Check dive?

Yes, every  diving guest will join the mandatory check dive. This is a warm up dive to adjust your dive gear and weights, know your -may be new – buddy. It is very important for the guide to know you too. You will be asked to demonstrate some basic, but very important skills as clear your mask, recover your regulator and the use of the SMB.

When do I need to do a Scuba Review?

It depends on your kind of diving level, when was your last dive and how many logged dives you have. Depending on your certifying organization or if you have not been diving for more than 1 year you should complete a scuba review signed in your logbook. Best to arrange prior to arrival to the liveaboard. If you wish to do your refresher course on board you have to book in advance.

Do I need to get a diving insurance before the trip?

Yes, a diving insurance is mandatory to participate in any diving activities and has to be presented at check in.

Do I need to fill a medical self-declaration ?

Yes, this is mandatory to participate in any diving or snorkeling activities

I will answer “yes” on mandatory medical self-declaration – what do I need to do?

You will need to provide a “fit to dive” certificate using the RSTC forms, preferable in English, signed and stamped by a doctor. This cannot be older than 1 year. It has to be arranged prior to check-in. Visiting a doctor after check in ist not  possible as it will result in delay of departure. If a fit to dive is not provided, you will not be allowed to join any diving activities.

DIVING GEAR

What kind of diving equipment is on board?

You will find on all our boats 12 L aluminum tanks with DIN/INT valve, weights and belts for each diver.

Can I hire diving equipment?

Yes, any requested diving gear should be pre-booked to ensure availability. We will need your body measures with height, weight and shoe size to provide the diving gear.

Do I need a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)?

Yes, it is mandatory for each diver to use a SMB. A SMB is an important for your safe in case you get separated from your group and/or your buddy,

Do I need a torch?

Yes, it is mandatory to use a Torch at any night dive and recommended for wreck diving.

Do I need a diving computer?

Yes, it is mandatory for each diver to use a diving computer or dive watch.

Do I need to use a wet suit?

Yes, we strongly recommend that you wear a wet suit for all dives. In summer, it can be a shorty or 3mm wet suit. For the winter, in special from January to March, you will need at least a 5mm wet suit. If you feel cold quickly ask for a hood too.

Can I rent a 15 L Tank?

Yes, to balance air consumption in the dive group, tank is available at extra charge, please pre-book.

Is Nitrox available on board?

Yes, Nitrox (28 to 32%) is free of charge for Nitrox certified divers.

ACCOMODATION, FOOD & BEVERAGES

What kind of food and beverage are served on board?

We serve full board, that means 3 tasty meals and 2 snacks during the day. All meals are served in buffet style. Soft drinks, tea, coffee and water are available throughout the day. Espresso, local alcoholic beverages are available at an extra cost.

I have food allergy, can you cater for me? I have special dietary requirements, is it ok ?

We do our best to cater any special food request e.g. Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal or other diets. Please inform us in advance. Please keep in mind that ready-made, special products (e.g. Lactose free, gluten free products are not as common and rarely available in supermarkets). If you have a servere allergy you must bring your emergency medication ( eg EPI Pen)

What is the electricity supply?

220 V with European 2 pin plugs, please bring an adapter if needed.

How often cabin towels will be changed?

Each guest will have 2 towels, on week-long safaris they will be changed in the middle of the week.

SAFETY

What kind of safety equipment do you have on board?

All our boats have safety equipment such as medical oxygen (Demand & Free Flow), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire alarm system, life jackets, EPIRB & Life Raft on board.

Is there an emergency exit?

Yes, each boat has an emergency exit from cabin deck, located in the front of the boat. You will be briefed in detail upon arrival.

Is there any medical supply on board?

Yes, we do have medic first aid boxes on each of our boats with the most common basic medical supplies.

TRAVEL

What do I have to bring with me?

- Passport (valid minimum 6 months on departure date)

- Your diving certification card and a copy of it to hand over on check in

- Your logbook

- Travel, Health and/or mandatory Diving Insurance

- Dive Equipment including Computer, Torch & SMB (unless renting)

- Personal Clothing & Toiletries, please use reef safe products

- Small Medical first aid box & prescription medicines

- Money to pay for extras (small notes for change)

How can I pay for extras on board?

The boat does not take credit cards, make sure you bring enough cash in smaller bills in Euro, Dollar (from 2009 onward), British Pound Sterling or Egyptian Pound to pay for your extras, as there is no ATM near the port.

Is there a recommendation for tips for the crew?

On board our liveaboards we do not separate tips for crew and guide, we believe all are one team. We recommend per guest 10 €/day which is shared equally by the team on board.

Is there WIFI on board?

Yes, Wi-Fi is free of charge and shared with all guest on board. This service is available only when a mobile signal is present. We ask guests to refrain from transferring large files. In case you wish to have your private internet access, please buy your personal Data Sim Card from any of the local providers (Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange) they do have outlets in all airports, available 24 hours.

It is not possible to for us to arrange SIM Cards in advance as passport must be presented on purchase.

Last Update 01.04.2023