Divng in Alexandria

DIVING WITH CLEOPATRA: Diving is one of the major tourist attractions of the modern age. In Egypt, many travellers head directly for the Red Sea resorts because of the marvelous snorkelling and diving they offer. With its wealth of coral reefs, exotic fish species and unique marine life, the Red Sea is a true divers' paradise. Islands around Hurghada such as Giftun and Shedwan, and sites in south Sinai including Ras Mohamed and Tiran, should figure on any list of the top diving sites in the world.

But what if you want to essay a different approach to water? The Red Sea is not Egypt's only sea. So why not try a dive in the Mediterranean? Or, on a more modest level, a plunge in the hot and cold springs of Siwa?

These more inventive options are now possible through through Deluxe Travel in collaboration with Alexandra Dive, a diving centre based at the Eastern Harbour in Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh on Rommel Island, and in the Charm Life Alamein Resort on the north-west coast and Siwa.

In Alexandria, there are five diving spots in the Eastern Harbour. The first is called Qait Bey and is situated close to the Qait Bey fort at depths of between eight and 10 metres. It contains about 4,000 archaeological pieces that date from Pharaonic to Graeco-Roman times. The second spot is called Qait Bey 2 and is 200 metres north of Qait Bey Fort. In this area, you can see dozens of amphorae littered on the seabed around an ancient wreck.

Qait Bey 3 is the third spot, 650 metres north-west of Qait Bey Fort, at depths between 15 and 18 metres. Here divers can explore wrecks dating back to the third century BC. The fourth spot is known as East Harbour, Site One, and is located in the eastern harbour at a depth of up to eight metres. The site includes relics of the royal district from Ptolemaic and Roman times, including several columns, sphinxes and royal statues. The fifth and last dive is East Harbour, Site Two. Here the dramatic remains of an Italian fighter plane shot down in World War II loom out of the darkness, surreally surrounded by a forest of ancient columns and statuary.

You can take just a one-day safari, or book a package for three days/two nights, four days/three nights or seven days/six nights, which will allow you to mix diving with sightseeing and entertainment in Alexandria. Deluxe Travel Dive's trips start in the early morning, preceded by a lecture on the site, its historical importance, and details of the objects to be found there.

For more information you can contact Deluxe Travel

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