Swimming With Dolphins in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- There are basic requirements for travelers getting ready to see dolphins in the Red Sea. Adventurers must be over age 10, with no history of chronic respiratory problems such as asthma. For beginners, scuba diving lessons with an instructor certified with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is a priority.
The process of learning how to dive is not long. Learning how to dive with a PADI certified instructor can cost as little as $1,000 in some areas, and includes scuba rentals and the purchase of basic scuba equipment. PADI instructors can train the average person in the basics of scuba diving in a month. In two months, a student could be ready for their Advanced Deep Water Diving Certification.
Taking the advanced courses for diving is recommended for anyone visiting Sharm-el-Sheikh, because divers will be trained in underwater navigation along with the following types of dives: wreck, night and deep sea. The Sharm el-Sheikh area offers divers a chance to view underwater wrecks in addition to dolphin encounters. By taking the advanced courses, new divers will be able to enjoy all the diving sites where dolphins live as well as all the other area sites. - Sharm el-Sheikh is popular place for diving because of the surrounding natural marine reserves and the wrecks. There are a number of diving centers in Sharm el-Sheikh. Two of the highest-rated are Divers International and Aquarius Dive Club, both affiliated with major resorts. If new to scuba diving, contact them early in the planning stages of the trip to find out exactly the certifications needed. The standards and laws change, and it is important to verify needed certifications.
Divers International has its headquarters at the Sofitel resort, but offers services at the Crowne Plaza Resort. Divers International is PADI certified and offers certification training and reviews prior to dives. Aquarius Dive Club, also PADI certified, is based at the Sheraton Sharm Hotel. The dive center is off the beach and has access to a diver training pool. Both diving companies have extensive experience in the area and follow all international diving standards. - Once there, expect to pass a dive check. According to Egyptian law, all divers must have a dive check to ensure the diver is experienced with all basic diving skills. Divers should also expect dives to be at a maximum depth of 30 meters (98.4 feet) according to the law.
There are a number of dives sites around Sharm el-Sheikh. To find the best sites for viewing dolphins, ask the dive center to arrange dives in areas where dolphins like to feed and congregate; both diving centers will have knowledge of where divers are most likely to see wild dolphins. The Aquarius Dive Club offers divers the option of having a digital recording of their dives, but divers should make sure to bring an underwater camera to take pictures. - Sharm-el-Sheikh also boasts a manmade dolphin experience called the Dolphinella Show, but the company operating the show does not adhere to the World Federation of Tour Operators Preferred Code of Practice for Captive Animal Attractions.
Both the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) have reported violations in the world standards for animals kept in captivity. Other conservation organizations have questioned safety standards for the swimmers and the welfare of the animals.
For Sharm el-Sheikh, the recommendation is to see dolphins is their natural habitat. This will give visitors their best experience, and is better for the welfare of the dolphins.
