Frequently asked questions
Boat
- Is there rental scuba diving equipment on board?
You can rent scuba diving equipment on board, but for the proper size, you need to dispose in advance,
- How many people are there in the crew?
The crew includes 12 people (1 p. the captain, 2 ps. dive guides, 2ps. cooks, 2 ps. mechanics, 3 ps. sailors, 1 p. saloon-tender, 1 p. cleaning p.).
- Can I have a shower or bath in fresh water on board?
Absolutely. There is 12000 liter fresh water on board which is constantly re-supplied by our de-salting water cleaning system.
- Is there air-conditioning on the boat?
In the cabins and the saloon there are fully-adjustable A.C. devices.
- What kind of sockets can be found on the boat?
European standard sockets: 220V/50Hz AC
- How much money is reasonable for tipping the crew?
In Egypt it is customary to tip the crew at the end of a safari (baksheesh). The tip is around 50 EUR for a guest. The tip is usually collected by the dive guide who hands it over to the captain, who distributes it among crew members.
- What food and drinks are served on board?
All-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch and supper is served. Our cook has been working for us for 9 years, and has a good idea on how to season and spice up your food. For breakfast the menu is yogurt, marmalade, toast, pancake, salami, boiled or scrambled eggs and fruits. For lunch it’s soup, beef or poultry, served with side dishes, vegetables and salads. In between dives our crew lures you with fruit and desserts. There is an unlimited amount of free drinks for you, including mineral water, coffee, tea and soft drinks (Coke products). In the evening hours it is possible to drink wine or draught beer (only after dives). Beer costs 2.5 EUR/glass, wine costs 12 EUR/bottle. It is allowed to bring alcoholic beverages from home or from the airport and to consume them on board.
- What language do members of the crew speak?
Most of our crew are Egyptian and can speak Arabic or English. Dive Guieds speak: English, Hungarian and Arabic
- Are there blow-driers on the boat?
There is one blow-drier. You can ask for it from the dive guide.
- Should I bring my own towels?
All customers will get a big towel for drying after taking a shower and a hand towel as well. These will be changed to a clean one 2-3 times a week. All customers will get a bathrobe for the sake of higher comfort.
- Is there Internet-access on board?
We have a WiFi Internet port on board Lighthouse Miracle-1 available for our customers. It isn’t a problem any more to connect with your loved ones or to confer with someone online about work or business. In locations though, where 3G connection in unavailable, we can not provide access to the Internet. In case you opt for private mobile-Internet, you can buy a subscription card at the airport, in the Vodafone store for about 100 EGP (5 EUR)
- Is it possible to rent underwater scooters on the boat?
It is, but you need to let us know about such demand in advance.
- Is there a safe to store my valuables on board?
For each cabin there is a safe on board, serving our customers’ need. For properties stored outside the safe, we can not take responsibility.
- Can I wear shoes on board?
The deck is divided into “dry” and “wet” areas. On the diving deck swimming suits and scuba boots are allowed. In the cabins, in the saloon and the indoor corridors, you must walk barefooted (with dry feet to avoid slipping). The sunbathing deck can only be used after you dried yourself with a towel.
Before traveling
- Why is a safari the best choice?
Our boat can reach remote destinations and dive sites and can take you to places where you can encounter the most unique marine life forms. You don’t need to carry heavy tanks and equipments as you do with shore dives. All equipment is just an arm-length away in a ready-to-be-used state for your utmost convenience.
- Can you help me with my flight?
You can book our safari in our office in Hungary and our agent will help you with all the bookings and traveling arrangements. We can also book your flights. Our office can be reached at travel@lighthouse-1.com.
- In what period of the year can boat-safaris not be recommended?
January and the first part of February is usually very windy and unsuitable for boat-safaris. From March to the end of December we run safaris on a steady weekly basis.
- Can I take part in a safari, if I am not a scuba diver?
Most certainly, yes. Anyone can take part, non-divers too. The naval experience itself is something you can enjoy in such a voyage. Those looking for company or preferring a very relaxing holiday can also have a great time aboard. And if you are bitten by the bug and take a scuba diving course, you can even return home as a certified scuba diver.
- Are single- or group-bookings possible?
In case you plan to book for a group or book the whole boat, it is advisable to start organizing your trip months before the actual date. Boat safaris are ideal for team-building corporate events for companies to lift the spirit of their employees. Single booking is also possible, we have dates when there are open spots and you can join smaller groups. Our website features a season schedule in spreadsheet format where you can check for open spots and available dates.
Safari routes
- Which safari is recommended for beginner scuba divers?
For inexperienced divers the northern and southern routes can be both recommended. After the first scuba diving course it is always advisable to take advanced courses, because most safaris require some experience for the sake of safety.
- Which safari offers a real chance to meet dolphins?
In fact, all of them do, but on the northern and southern routes we always try to include a site where there is a fair chance to see dolphins.
- How many dives can I have a week?
During our week-long safaris you can complete as many as 20-22 dives, because you can dive at dawn or at night beside the daily three-schedule
- Can I get ashore during safaris?
During our safaris we dive around reefs and islands which are sometimes way off shore, sometimes very close. Usually it is not possible to get ashore, only in exceptional cases (depending on the characteristics of the location). On certain routes it is totally impossible to leave the boat.
- Which location offers the best chance to dive with sharks?
You may dive with sharks at most any locations we offer, but the Brothers-Daedalus-Elphinstone Safari might be your best bet.
- Which safari is for me, if I’m into wreck diving?
The Northern Safari and the Safaga – Marsa Alam Safari offer several wrecks for diving, and the Brothers Islands Safari is also a good option.
- Which location is the best to see dugongs?
Our southern routes usually include sites where dugongs live in the red Sea.