Red Sea Divers Ltd

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

20 BERTH M/Y CYCLONE 

Goes to Djibouti for the Whale Shark Season

Cyclone has long been a favourite with UK divers, the first real luxury liveaboard operated by Tornado Marine, she was voted “Liveaboard of the Year” in 2003. After a complete rebuild at the end of 2007 she has now returned to work on our Northern Red Sea routes out of Sharm and also Djibouti for the Whale Shark season of 2008-09. Whilst she has retained her revolutionary sleek lines and distinctive appearance from the outside, regular guests would be hard pressed to recognise anything once onboard. In line with the latest boats in the fleet she now boasts an upstairs saloon complete with bar and plasma screen, a totally refitted restaurant with individual dining chairs, and an extensive sun deck complete with sun beds and Jacuzzi. The work was not confined just to the interior layout. She has been fitted with new more powerful engines, giving her better cruising speed and comfort, and also new generators. In order to accommodate the changes her hull length has been increased and she now measures an impressive 34 metres overall. A true Red Sea classic liveaboard brought totally up to today’s high standards! Why Cyclone? A popular boat before her refit, Cyclone is back and better than ever! Whale Sharks Between the months of October and January Djibouti is home to resting whale sharks. These amazing species are the largest fish found in the sea and are renowned for aggregating in certain areas around the world at certain time of the year. The reasons for these seemingly mystical congregation is slowly being revealed as scientists discover more about these unique creatures. Djibouti’s Gulf of Tadjourah seems to host a safe confined nursery for juvenile whale sharks with its rich plankton filled waters making the perfect feeding ground. In season sightings are almost a certainty and in these waters you may even be luck enough to see them ‘ram-feeding’, a sight rarely seen elsewhere. The whale sharks are generally observed whilst snorkeling making this trip ideal for both divers and non divers alike. Seven Brothers Seven isolated islands sit off the cost of Djibouti offering a hub for an abundance of life. The coral life, that lies on gently sloping plateaus surrounding the islands has been said to be the single richest area for coral in the whole Arabian Peninsula. The visibility can reach 40 meters though at times plankton blooms can reduce the vis to 10 meters. These rich waters attract a mixture of both Red Sea and Indian Ocean species from Red Sea anemone fish to oriental sweet lips and honeycomb morays. Large numbers of fish congregate here and because these areas are relatively undived the fish are fairly inquisitive, letting you get up close and personal. Friendly pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphin hang out in the waters between the islands and there is always a good chance of seeing Mobulas rays feeding in the plankton rich water. Reef Sharks have also been spotted in the area. Strong currents are common so this trip is recommended for advanced divers.

The CYCLONE has 10 twin cabins all with en-suite facilities plus 1 bathroom above deck and is air-conditioned throughout. Diving is from it's huge aft dive platform or by zodiac. This motor yacht is specially built for diving. A massive 35 square meter dive deck offers easy access to the water. Multi-point re-charge facilities and underwater photography storage and desalination are amongst a few of the important features. This is a hotel like luxury at a realistic price. 

Prices include flights from UK to the Djibouti and transfers to the boat.

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 Cyclone 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 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. All these can be visited if you take the excursion to the Salt Lake at Assal. 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.

Trip cost includes the following: 
Scheduled flights onboard Daallo Airlines from London Gatwick. Departing on Wednesday evening flying to Djibouti via Paris (you do not get off the plane ).
The flight is 8 hours and arrives the following morning. 
On arrival in Djibouti you are met by Cyclone  representatives and taken to the boat. You start diving on Thursday which will begin as a check dive. 
You will spend  6 nights onboard the boat coming back into port on Tuesday night. Divers will do up to 3 dives a day, as well as snorkelling.

You will depart from the boat on Wednesday morning and will be transferred to the Sheraton Hotel in Djibouti City where you will spend your last night on a bed and breakfast basis.  That evening you will be invited by the crew of Cyclone to have dinner in a typical Ethiopian Restaurant.  

The following day you have the option of doing a Salt Lake Excursion for 100 Euros. This takes you through rural Djibouti to Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa and the saltiest lake in the world!! 

The salt lake is 150m below sea level, the lowest point of Africa and is the worlds "saltiest lake" Locals mine salt here and the salt is transported to Ethiopia. The lake is surrounded by dormant volcanoes and lava fields which add to the beauty of this natural wonder. On your way to Lake Assal you will pass huge canyons, volcano's and and hot springs. The guides will stop so that you have opportunity to see lots of the surrounding countryside of Djibouti which is fascinating and take photos. Lunch is included in the trip and guests will arrive back in Djibouti in the evening in time for their flight.

This excursion is approx 100 euro per person with a minimum number of 4, for bigger groups the price may be reduced.

 Alternatively relax by the pool at the hotel or explore Djibouti City.  Flights depart from Djibouti on Thursday evening and arrive into Gatwick early Friday morning.

All meals and soft drinks on the boat plus tanks and weights are included in the cost. Nitrox and 15 litre tanks are available and are paid for locally.

Availability for Groups and individuals

Check our constantly updated list of availabilities on the Liveaboards

by clicking Datelist

Flights to Djibouti depart Gatwick on Wednesday afternoon and return 9 days later on Friday morning

Prices include flights as above, airport to boat transfers, all food and some drinks, extras are entry visa. All divers must have travel insurance with medical cover for diving - Travel Insurance is available from 25 UK pounds  with medical cover for diving, for UK Residents only - Click insurance for cover details.

• Good travel insurance  for Worldwide for 9 days with diving cover to 40mts only 43 pounds or annual insurance for under 54 pounds

Click Here for insurance quotes or to book your insurance on line - anyone can book!

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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