Depending on the time of year you want to travel, you have a choice of cheap charter flights or package holidays to all major Red Sea destinations.

Those of you travelling with your diving equipment, please check your baggage allowance when booking your trip. For details of your departure or flight confirmation please contact your tour leader.

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (L.E.) the Orca Dive Club accepts most major currencies (Euro, US$, GBP Sterling, Swiss Franc.), as well as VISA,MASTERCARD, and traveller cheques.

The climate enjoyed throughout the Red Sea allows for year round diving. The best times of the year for a visit are either spring or autumn. In the summer the temperature will go into the high 40's (degrees celsius). In the winter the temperature does not usually fall below 20 degrees celsius.
Water temperatures range from 29 degrees celsius in the summer to not usually below 20 degrees celsius in the winter.

In the summer months (May until October) a shorty,3-5mm overall, or Long John are adequate. Gloves are not required and are prohibited at most dive sites.

In the winter months (November until April) you will be looking at using a 5-7mm overall with hood or a semi-dry. In the months of December upto Febuary some guests are now opting to using drysuits as the prevailing north winds are very cold making getting changed unpleasent onboard the dive boat.

The offical language is Arabic. Most locals understand and speak English, German and French depending on the destination.

The electrical power supply is usually 220v at 50Hz. For electrical devices you will require a two pin adaptor (standard european).

Tipping also known as "bakshish" is standard practice especially in Egypt. On all hotel and restaurant bills there is a 12% service charge included. 5-10% on top of this is an acceptable tip.
Note: Keep plenty of small notes for tipping purposes as "bakshish" is generally expected by anyone who offers you any kind of service or assistance.

The official day of rest is friday where all official and governmental offices will be closed.
Banks: 9.30am-12.30pm
Shops: 9am-10pm
Museem's: 8am-1pm (in the winter 9am-4pm)

For a complete list of Egyptian Embassies please click on

www.touregypt.net/usconsulates.htm

GMT add 2 hours in winter.
GMT add 3 hours in summer.