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TEL 01334 656577

or ++44 1334 656577 from outside the UK

For late offers and a list of Liveaboards which connect with the flights from London see our internet site at http://www.redseadivers.com

 Diving Djibouti

onboard the

M/Y Deli

NOW AVAILABLE WITH NEW FLIGHTS ON ETHIOPIAN AIRWAYS FROM LHR

Flights

Flights are with Ethiopian Airlines.  You may travel earlier or later if you wish to explore Djibouti on land in greater depth.

Although Air France have a route to Djibouti, they do not allow UK tour operators access to trade air fares, so we are not able to offer this service.

Flight duration:  Approx. 12 hours incl. flight change.

Departure tax: $30 is levied on all passengers

Passports

Passengers travelling to Djibouti must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return travel from Djibouti.

Visas

An entry visa is required for Djibouti. This can be obtained on arrival at Djibouti airport. The current cost is €30.  The immigration office may keep your passport for up to 48 hours; the boat operator will take care of this.

Vaccinations

Protection against Malaria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid are strongly recommended. Contact your travel clinic or GP for the latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria and check the latest requirements for yellow fever.

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.  For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

 

The spectacular waters of Djibouti are best experienced by liveaboard.

 

 


MY Deli MY Deli

 

 

 

The spectacular waters of Djibouti are best experienced by liveaboard. The 7 night itineraries to the Goubet al - Kharab operate on a spacious twin mast motor yacht called MY Deli, which accommodates a maximum of 12 divers in 6 twin berth cabins. The width of the boat, combined with the overall amount of deck space, makes MY Deli a comfortable liveaboard.

 

 

ACCOMMODATION

All 6 cabins are equipped with ensuite bathrooms which have a separate stall shower and toilet. Beds are configured with a large lower double and a single upper bed. Each cabin has plenty of storage space.

 

MY Deli


OTHER FACILITIES

Internal spaces are tastefully decorated in mahogany and teak. The saloon leads out to a large shaded seating and dining area at the stern of the yacht. The fore deck offers comfortable cushioned seating. 

 

Full board, tea, coffee and water are included. Other soft drinks and alcohol are paid for locally.


DIVING

The number of dives varies between itineraries and is dependant on local conditions. MY Deli carries thirty 12 litre aluminium cylinders with both DIN/INT fittings and weights. If you wish to rent any equipment please pre-advise. Cylinders and weights are included in the cost. Any extra equipment rental should be paid for locally in € cash.

 

Equipment Rental - per week (approx)

3mm Shorty: Euro 30

BCD: Euro 50

Regulator with Octopus: Euro 50

Computer: Euro 70

Photo camera Sun & Sea (Batteries & films not included):
Euro 35.- / day

Digital camera (CD ROM for burning not included):
Euro 50.- / per day

 

SPECIFICATION

Length 26m, Beam 7m, Engines MAN 280hp, 33kva generator, 2 Bauer Mariner compressors, Electrics 220v, water capacity 6000 litres

 

NAVIGATION / SAFETY

GPS, Oxygen and First Aid Kit, VHF Marine Radio, Echo sounder, 9m Rib with outboard motor.


Price includes:
Flights, transfers, 7 nights MY Deli as per above itineraries, 6 days diving. 
Full board, tea, coffee and water.

Optional excursion on last day to Lake Assal paid locally Euro 60 per person, including transport, lunch and water.
 
Not included:
Alcoholic beverages and other soft drinks, dinner in Djibouti Town on Wednesday night, visa €20.- (can be purchased on arrival), airport departure tax €30.- and gratuities.


Non Diver Discount
Non diver discount: £25 pp



         Djibouti Liveaboards

ENCOUNTERS WITH WHALE SHARKS
From late September to December plankton ‘blooms’ develop in an enclosed bay near Djibouti town called the Goubet al – Kharab, (the Devils Cauldron). These plankton-rich waters attract many of the great pelagic species into the area surrounding Djibouti. Recent research has recognised the particular importance of the bay in the development of juvenile Whale Sharks, which stay within the safe confines of Djibouti’s coast through the autumn months. Although they can be seen throughout the year, encounters are especially common from September to December. We have a series of exclusive charters offered over this period that are timed to maximise the likelihood of diving and snorkelling with these gentle giants. Please see the Worldwide price panel for dates and prices.   

Djibouti Liveaboards           Djibouti Liveaboards

WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS
The rich feeding grounds that make up Djibouti’s coastal waters attract a range of different species. Alongside Whale Sharks, divers can encounter Manta Rays, Beaked and Pilot Whales. Most species of Dolphin are represented in numbers off Djibouti’s coast, and are often seen ‘running’ the bow wave of your liveaboard. Where there are Dolphins there are invariably Sharks. Grey and Nurse Sharks are the most commonly encountered species, whilst both Tiger and Blue Sharks have occasionally been seen.

 

 

Djibouti Liveaboards           Djibouti Liveaboards

 

SPECTACULAR CORALS AND REEFS

Djibouti itself is a dry, mountainous country, shaped by volcanic activity. The fascinating, arid landscape contrasts sharply with the incredible bio-diversity of the waters off Djibouti. There are over 200 recorded species of coral, some of which are endemic to the region. The lack of any rivers, combined with the volcanic base to many reefs, has prompted extremely healthy coral growth. Extensive reefs cover much of Djibouti’s coastline. Marine species that are regularly seen off Djibouti are largely similar to those found in the northern Red Sea. However, it is the sheer abundance of life that is so impressive, with dense shoals of fish being a feature of most dives. Large schools of Barracuda, Jacks and Snapper are often seen feeding off the reef and add excitement to many dives.

 


Itineraries
October - February The gathering of the whale sharks in the Bay of Tadjoura
February - June  The 7  Brothers Islands.

Whale shark city

Between the months of October - January

 Bay of Tadjoura

Djibouti is home to resting migrating whale sharks. Guests have the chance to dive and snorkel on a daily basis with these gentle giants in an area known as the "Devils Cauldron" It is common to see many whale sharks including juvenile's who stay within the safe confines of the Djibouti coast line. However its not just the whale sharks that the Djibouti waters bless divers with. During the same months sightings of Manta Rays, Pilot Whales, Dolphins and sharks have all been spotted. Grey Reef sharks and nurse sharks are the most common but its not unheard of to see tigers and hammerheads.

MY DELI 2009 – Liveaboard Options


1. RSD Special Boat Charters – Whaleshark Season


Sample Itinerary


Thursday:
Evening departure from London Heathrow on Ethiopian Airlines, changing in Addis Ababa.

Friday:
Morning arrival in Djibouti Town and process visa. Short transfer to MY Deli for welcome drink and briefing. Departure for Arta area. Diving commences in the afternoon.

Friday – Thursday:
During the whaleshark season, the itinerary will be flexible according to whaleshark sightings and will involve extensive surface / snorkelling as well and deeper exploration of the Goubet Al Kharab.

The Ghoubet al Kharab is a large bay that is connected to the Gulf of Tadjourah and the open sea by a narrow channel. Geologically it marks the start of the Great Rift Valley and the junction between the African and Arabian continental plates.

Other dive sites - The Obock's step, wreck of Le Boutre, Ghoubet El Kharab's strait, the wrecks of Musha, Arthur Rimbaud & Salem Wreck, the Dôme, the Shark Teeth, Red Sands and Ras Eiro.

Thursday:
Afternoon, disembark MY Deli and transfer to local hotel ‘Siesta’. Please note this is a local 2 star hotel**. Clients may opt to pay the upgrade to spend the last night in the 5 star Kempinski Palace hotel, currently the only other reasonable option in town.

Friday:
Optional excursion to Lake Asal (book and pay locally). Late evening - transfer to airport for overnight return flight to the UK.

Saturday:
Morning arrival at London Heathrow.

**The hotel - Nb. this local hotel is a very simple 1-2 star property. Upgrades for the last night are available in the Djibouti Palace Kempinski, a 5 star resort. Currently, no other alternatives are available.

2. MY Deli (non-RSD Special charters)


Tadjourah & Ghoubet / Lake Assal & Lake Abbe October to April - Sample Itinerary


Thursday:
Evening departure from London Heathrow on Ethiopian Airlines, changing in Addis Ababa.

Friday:
Morning arrival in Djibouti Town and process visa. Short transfer to MY Deli for welcome drink and briefing.

Friday – Wednesday:
During the whaleshark season, the itinerary will be flexible according to whaleshark sightings and will involve extensive surface / snorkelling as well and deeper exploration of the Goubet Al Kharab.

The Ghoubet al Kharab is a large bay that is connected to the Gulf of Tadjourah and the open sea by a narrow channel. Geologically it marks the start of the great rift valley and the junction between the African and Arabian continental plates. The bay attracts large numbers of whale sharks and manta rays from October to February.

Other dive sites - The Obock's step, wreck of Le Boutre, Ghoubet El Kharab's strait, the wrecks of Musha, Arthur Rimbaud & Salem Wreck, the Dôme, the Shark Teeth, Red Sands and Ras Eiro.

Wednesday:
Disembark MY Deli and transfer to local hotel ‘Siesta’. Please note this is a local 2 star hotel**. Clients may opt to pay the upgrade to spend the last 2 nights in the 5 star Kempinski Palace hotel, currently the only other reasonable option in Djibouti town.

Wednesday & Thursday:
2 nights hotel with optional excursions.  Join optional (book & pay locally) land excursions to discover the exciting sights of Lake Assal & Lake Abbe, staying in camps and guided by local nomads.  Alternatively, remain in the local hotel to discover Djibouti town or join day excursions. Day use is available in the hotel ’Siesta’ on Thursday before your transfer to the airport in the evening.

Friday:
Late evening - transfer to airport for overnight return flight to the UK.

Saturday: 
Morning arrival in London Heathrow.

**The hotel - Nb. this local hotel is a very simple 1-2 star property. Upgrades for the last night are available in the Djibouti Palace Kempinski, a 5 star resort. Currently, no other alternatives are available.

 

3. MY Deli non-RSD special charters

Seven Brothers / Lake Assal & Lake Abbe April to October - Sample Itinerary

February -June

 7 Brothers Islands

 is also a huge attraction to Djibouti waters. Further north than the Devils Cauldron this reef system (7 islands covering a vast area) is breathtaking. Monumental drop offs with stunning soft corals carpeting the walls, schooling fish and big pelagics can all be expected. Trips run to 7 Brothers from January-May.

Montage


Thursday:
Evening departure from London Heathrow on Ethiopian Airlines, changing in Addis Ababa.

Friday:
Morning arrival in Djibouti Town and process visa. Short transfer to MY Deli for welcome drink and briefing.

Friday – Tuesday:
The remote uninhabited islands lie in the narrow Bab El-Mandab straits, which marks the southern entrance to the Red Sea. A range of superb dive sites offers some of Djibouti's most bio-diverse diving. Strong currents and extremely fine corals are a feature of many of the dives around the Sept Freres (Seven Brothers).  Less time will be spent in the Tadjourah area to allow for cruising time to and from the Seven Brothers.

Nb: The Seven Brothers itineraries require a minimum level of experience for divers of PADI Advanced with 20 logged dives or equivalent. Experienced Open Water level divers are not excluded, but may find enjoyment of some of the sites reduced by not being able to go deeper that 18m and some challenging currents.

Wednesday:
Disembark MY Deli and transfer to local hotel ‘Siesta’. Please note this is a local 2 star hotel**. Clients may opt to pay the upgrade to spend the last 2 nights in the 5 star Kempinski Palace hotel, currently the only other reasonable option in Djibouti town.

Wednesday & Thursday:
2 nights hotel with optional excursions.  Join optional (book & pay locally) land excursions to discover the exciting sights of Lake Assal & Lake Abbe, staying in camps and guided by local nomads.  Alternatively, remain in the local hotel to discover Djibouti town or join day excursions. Day use is available in the hotel ’Siesta’ on Thursday before your transfer to the airport in the evening.

Friday:
Late evening - transfer to airport for overnight return flight to the UK.

Saturday: 
Morning arrival at London Heathrow.

M/Y Deli group charters:
This boat is available for group charter on request outside of Special charter dates.

**The hotel - Nb. this local hotel is a very simple 1-2 star property. Upgrades for the last night are available in the Djibouti Palace Kempinski, a 5 star resort. Currently, no other alternatives are available.

 

 

TRAVEL ALERT

ISSUED 10/09/2009

 DAALLO AIRLINES HAVE STOPPED FLYING TO DJIBOUTI FROM THE UK BUT  OTHER ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE SO TRIPS ARE NOW RE-SCHEDULED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WHALE SHARK SEASON OCT 09 - JAN 10

NEW TRAVEL ITINERARY

 

Price includes: Flights from London Heathrow on Ethiopian Airlines, transfers, 6 nights MY Deli FB, tea, coffee and water on boat, 1 night local hotel** BB, min. 12 dives & snorkelling, 2 sharing.

Package price may fluctuate according to flight price available at time of confirmation.

**The hotel - this local hotel is a very simple 2 star local property. Upgrades for the last night are available in the Djibouti hotel Kempinski, a 5 star resort. Currently, no other alternatives are available.

Not included: Alcoholic beverages and other soft drinks, dinner in Djibouti Town (no. of nights itinerary dependant), visa €30 (can be purchased on arrival, check your personal entry reqs.), airport departure tax €30 and gratuities.

Supplements

RSD  charters:
Single Supplement for boat cabin & local hotel: £725
Non-diver / snorkeller discount: £25

Other dates:
Single Supplement for boat cabin & local hotel: £825
Non Diver / snorkeller Discount: £90

Equipment

MY Deli carries thirty 12 litre aluminium cylinders with both DIN / INT fittings and weights. Cylinders and weights are included in the cost.  Any extra equipment rental should be paid for locally in € cash. If you wish to rent any equipment please advise us in advance so we may pass on your request.

Equipment Rental - per week


Money You will need a little cash. Euros are recommended. Credit cards are not accepted in Djibouti. Onboard drinks are done on an honesty basis and paid at the end by Euros or Dollars. Please be aware that Djibouti is a third world country. It has to import everything; this means that prices for drinks and food are not cheap. Approx £5 for a beer £15 for a pasta dish. Djibouti was a French colony and still has strong ties to France. The Euro and Djibouti Franc are the preferred currency. US Dollars you will need to exchange in Djibouti town and they will not give you a good rate of exchange, plus they will only accept US Dollars from 2003 or later.


Insurance Please make sure you have World wide insurance to cover travel arrangements and diving.  Insurance is available from £43. If you are making your own arrangements then please send us your insurance policy number.

Good worldwide travel insurance with diving cover to 40mts for 10 days from 43 UK pounds.

An entry visa is required for Djibouti. This can be obtained on arrival at Djibouti airport. The current cost is €30.  The immigration office may keep your passport for up to 48 hours; the boat operator will take care of this


Embassy: Any enquiries are handled by the French Embassy in London 0207 073 1000 Time Difference: GMT +3
Equipment You will need a full set of diving equipment. Tank, weights, and Belts are the only equipment provided by the boat. You will need mask, fins, and snorkel, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, towel, dive computer or the PADI wheel dive tables. Diving in Djibouti usually follows a multi level profile, square profile tables are therefore not appropriate. We recommend you take your own torch and SMB’s. A limited supply of equipment can be hired but must be requested before hand. Water Temp ranges from 26-32. It is important that you choose your suit accordingly. There are charging facilities available for lights and cameras, standard 220/240 volts. The sockets are continental 2 pin (round) so an adaptor will be required. 12L aluminium tanks are available, both international (A clamp) & din regulators can usually be accommodated.


Medicals and Certification: Please bring with you your diving certification card and logbook. Please ask your GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and Malaria. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver locally. There are very few tourists in Djibouti. The majority that go there are French, you will mainly be spoken to in French although some people can speak English the majority will not be able to. Djibouti is a third world country you will see a lot of poverty, rubbish and abandoned vehicles by the side of the road. The roads are not maintained so there are a lot of pot holes and the traffic tends to weave side to side to avoid them! There are some incredibly beautiful sites to see Salt Lakes, Volcanoes, plains and Mountains.  Djibouti is a very safe country with minimal crime. There is a strong military presence, 2000 French soldiers! Diving: The visibility can be as low as 4m or 5m in Whale Shark season but can reach up 20m. There are a large number of stinging cells in the water so if you react to these then a stinger suit is a good option. The water temp is between 26C – 32C


Hygiene: Drink only bottled water, wash hands before eating, clean teeth using bottled water, this will help to prevent stomach problems. But it is advisable to take appropriate medicine with you.

Check our constantly updated list of availabilities for individuals on

ALL  Worldwide Liveaboards by clicking Worldwide DATELIST

Check dates on Datelist  Prices include flights, airport to boat transfers -  extras - See Travel info above. All divers must have travel insurance with medical cover for diving -  Travel Insurance  - World wide with cover to 40 mts is available from 43 pounds for up to 10 days or 53 pounds for 11-17 days - for UK Residents only - Click insurance for cover details or to buy on line. Annual cover also available

Good travel insurance with diving cover to 40mts from 43 UK pounds.

Click Here for insurance quotes or to book your insurance on line


RED SEA DIVERS LTD, 4 BEECHGROVE RISE, CUPAR, UK, KY15 5DT

Booking Hotline - Telephone 01334 656577 from inside UK

  or ++44 1334 656577 from outside the UK

Ready to book or pay by telephone, post or on-line then call me 

or contact me by email - see below

Click Here - for full contact information or to Email Red Sea Divers

Alternatively call me during office hours 01334 656577 or mobile 07747 821 579