UMBI divers rock

Went diving in the redsea a few weeks ago with an outfit called Umbi divers, their a great bunch and would recommend the first two weeks in march as a damn good time as i rarely dived with more than 5 people, sometimes just me and the guide, only two days were on crowded reefs but that was because of the weather still it was to be enjoyed. the rest of the dives were awesome and very very relaxing.

My friend Judy learn't to dive with them as well, was learning back home but found it difficult.

She found Hussain to be a brillent teacher calming her nerves with his calm manner.

They allowed us to change things quite happily, and we're really flexible.

Alex the manger always greeted us with a smile and helped us out with everything.

Sharks bay is a great bay removed from the LAs Vegas style of Nema bay, i think we have about 6 - 10 years before the resorts get there but i get the impression umbi diving village will keep its divers paradise atmosphere, i hate to recommend them as don't want loads of people desending on the place but they do deserve a lot of praise their an excellent outfit, very professional, very safe and have a lot of knowledge that their willing to pass on.

x hope you enjoy the pics (my brand new ikelite strobe failed hmmm )

Hi Pilgrim

Thanks for the report. I have considered booking with Umbi (through Oonas) as I would like to spend some more time at Tiran and just can't stand the though of having to negotiate the zoo at Trevco each morning...

How are the guides with photographers? Do they cut us slack and let us 'do our thing' or do they expect us to keep up with everyone else hurtling around the reef at God speed? Any more info you can let us have about how Umbi look after photographers would be useful.

Thanks. Tim

Went diving in the redsea a few weeks ago with an outfit called Umbi divers, their a great bunch and would recommend the first two weeks in march as a damn good time as i rarely dived with more than 5 people, sometimes just me and the guide, only two days were on crowded reefs but that was because of the weather still it was to be enjoyed. the rest of the dives were awesome and very very relaxing.

My friend Judy learn't to dive with them as well, was learning back home but found it difficult.

She found Hussain to be a brillent teacher calming her nerves with his calm manner.

They allowed us to change things quite happily, and we're really flexible.

Alex the manger always greeted us with a smile and helped us out with everything.

Sharks bay is a great bay removed from the LAs Vegas style of Nema bay, i think we have about 6 - 10 years before the resorts get there but i get the impression umbi diving village will keep its divers paradise atmosphere, i hate to recommend them as don't want loads of people desending on the place but they do deserve a lot of praise their an excellent outfit, very professional, very safe and have a lot of knowledge that their willing to pass on.

x hope you enjoy the pics (my brand new ikelite strobe failed hmmm )

Agreed, they are a good operation and I'd add a recommendation as they are also photographer-friendly!

BTW, where are the pics?

R

Well i stayed at the hotel so basically i woke up got breakfast, met them on their little shaded table area chilled out for a few minutes then they took us to the boat, i never had to wait for the crowds that do appear a little later, which aren't that big as the pier is small. I always looked at the other organisations and thought phew glad i'm not with them.

To be honest they were really approachable about anything what-so-ever my friend a beginner strained her ears, so they moved the desert trek safari forward so we could do that instead while she had a little time off.

Two dives were crowded by other dive operaters because it was windy and jackson reef was the choice for the day. but the guides after lunch packed up and went closer inshore to less crowded reefs, in fact each time we we're the only boat that was there.

My final dive was amazing, seeing fan corals as big as trees and a feathertail ray, oh and a turtle with me and two other divers, one of them knew this dive and asked for it i'll get its name when i have my dive book.

The guide did frown and say "but the visability is no good here" yeah right okay for the redsea it was poor, but was ten meters easily, they also complained that it was cold, us brits just smiled and looked at each other ha ha

I've taken loads of pictures but their a little big at the moment and am sorting them out, If its photograpthy you want to do, tell them and i know for a fact that the guides will sort you out a treat, they were so so friendly not to meantion how helpful the guys on the boat were (they cook a tasty lunch as well awesome!!!).

Other people on the dive boat had their wishes met as well, a group that met on the boat decided they wanted to do a safari, " hey no problem it was organised for the next day"

As i left there were some big bookings coming in. Talking to alex the manager she had a party of 30 odd with a lot of beginners, bless her she was truely worried that they wouldn't have a good time.

I really felt like i was diving with friends it was great