RED SEA DIVERS⁺PLUS

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 individually-controlled, marine air-conditioning units. Ensuite bathrooms 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.

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 shortie: 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.

GROUP DISCOUNTS
11 Pay, 1 goes FREE

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: £50 pp

SUPPLEMENTS 
Optional Excursion
Optional excursion to Lake Assal:  €60 approx paid locally

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.  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.   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. 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. Typical Itinerary Tadjoura’s Bay & Whales Sharks First day : departure from the marina of Djibouti 1. dive: check dive around Moucha’s Island 2. dive: la Balise or the wreck le Faon Second day: 1. dive: Ras Eiro. Finger 1 or Finger 2 Search for Whales Sharks 2. dive: Ras Eiro: Finger 1 or Finger 2 Search for Whales Sharks 3. Night dive on Ras Eiro Third day: 1. dive: la Faille in Goubet’s Bay 2. dive : la Faille second part Search for whales sharks 3. Night dive in Red Virgin’s Bay or Star’s Bay Fourth day: 1. dive: the Red Virgin 2. dive: Star’s Bay Search for whales Sharks 3. dive: Red Virgin’s or Star’s Bay  Fifth day: 1. dive: Cecap or le Dome Search for whales sharks 2. dive: Cecap or le Dome search for whales sharks 3. dive: Ras Eiro Sixth day: 1. dive: Moucha’s Balise or White Sand near Tadjoura 2. dive: Moucha’s Balise or White Sand near Tadjoura Return to the marina of Djibouti. This program can change with the weather conditions, the time of the tide for the Goubet’s Bay passage, and the level of the divers. 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.

TRAVEL ITINERARY

Flights Daallo Airlines scheduled flights to Djibouti departs from Gatwick and go via Paris. You arrive in Djibouti the following morning. All flight times are in local times. Check in is 3 hours before departure at the indicated terminal. Please check in at least 3hrs prior to your departure. ( Check in staff are very slow!) Also request seats at the front of the plane there is no extra charge for this but the seats are considerably more comfortable.
Flight tickets Will be sent to you by special delivery post (this will arrive with your normal post but will need to be signed for) unless otherwise stated. If you have not received your tickets within the 7 days of travel then please call us.
Baggage allowance is 30 kg for hold baggage. Hand baggage is one small piece. It is recommended that all electrical goods (torches) and gauges (regulators) are taken in hand luggage. Dive knives go in the hold as do any cylinders. You must make sure that your cylinders are empty and open.
Arrival in Djibouti : you will be picked up from the airport by the reps and guides, they will assist you. Our representatives will take your passport when you arrive in Djibouti, they will be returned to you on Departure. This is due to the lengthy process involved in obtaining your VISA approx 4 days! Unlike in Egypt your bags will not automatically be loaded in to vans or on and off boats. Please point out your bags to our reps and staff to ensure your bags travel with you! You will then be transferred to the boat.

Clothes and Customs : Towels are provided but we recommend you pack a beach towel for after diving. Shoes are not worn on the boats, you will only need your shoes when on land. Shorts and T-shirts and swimwear are the norm. Women should dress modestly while ashore (covering their shoulders and legs) and respect local customs and sensitivities.

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.
Tax and Visas Entry visa’s are required by all nationals into Djibouti. Visa’s can be brought on arrival for 20 Euros

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Vaccinations You should refer to your GP or vaccination centre for the most up to date advise. We recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus. Also see www.dh.gov.uk

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.

What is included

Trip cost includes the following: 
Scheduled flights onboard Daallo Airlines from London Gatwick. Normally Departing on Wednesday evening flying to Djibouti via Paris (you do not get off the plane ). Departure dates can change Click Here to go to sailing dates
The flight is 8 hours and arrives the following morning. 
On arrival in Djibouti you are met by  representatives and taken to the boat for you liveaboard dive trip
Flights depart from Djibouti in the evening and arrive back into Gatwick early morning. 
Tanks and weights are included in the cost, and all food, tea, coffee and mineral water. 

Check our constantly updated list of availabilities for individuals on

ALL  Worldwide Liveaboards by clicking Worldwide DATELIST

Flights usually depart  Wednesday - return departure usually Wednesday to LHR  - check dates on Worldwide 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 is available - for UK Residents only - Click insurance for cover details

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

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