Egypt Blog – Roots Red Sea 2026
Another fantastic Dive Rutland trip is complete—this time in Egypt, where we stayed with our friends at Roots Red Sea in El Quseir.
The main aim of the trip was training, offering an alternative for anyone wanting to complete their SSI Open Water course without diving in UK waters.
The first few days focused on orientation and shakedown dives for the group, while our new diver, John C, completed his four open water dives. Thanks to the preparation completed in the UK, we were able to build the required skills naturally into each dive—just as we do at home. Good preparation makes diving much easier and allows divers to enjoy the experience rather than simply working through skills.
The trip began with shore diving for the first couple of days before settling into a routine of two morning shore dives, lunch back at camp, and then an afternoon dive on the house reef.
Diving Locations
- Marsa Waleed
- Abu Hamra
- Gasus Soraya
- Serib Kebir
- Green Hole
- El Makluf
- Roots Red Sea House Reef – North and South
As always, the house reef delivered. Throughout the week we encountered eagle rays, turtles, moray eels, octopus, Red Sea walkman, squid, blue-spotted rays, large puffer fish, sea moths, crocodile fish, and the ever-present Red Sea reef life. The red anemones full of baby clownfish were also a highlight for many.
What happens on tour usually stays on tour—but there are a few moments we can share.
So what happens when your wet boots do not arrive with the rest of your dive kit to a dive site? You borrow a pair from the support team. Unfortunately, if your feet are size 6 and the borrowed boots are size 10, it feels rather like diving in clown shoes. Every step risks your feet slipping out, and once they fill with water, it only gets worse. Everyone else found it hilarious; Tracey was initially less impressed, although she eventually saw the funny side. Thankfully, normal service resumed after two dives once the missing kit finally appeared.
As for Rose, the main thing to know is that she has a truly impressive appetite. Keep her well fed and everything is fine—ignore that at your peril. Anyone travelling with Rose should ensure emergency snacks are always within easy reach.
Justin decided he did not know if the Gekko early morning alarm or the smoke alarm constantly bleeping to say flat or low battery, was more annoying. But he could do something about the smoke alarm, so went for a walk about at 2 am to find someone to help. Could have done himself but decided standing on an Egyptian wooden side cabinet was probably not a good idea!
Then there is Neil. Anyone who dived with him in Bonaire will remember how strongly he insisted that wet boots were unnecessary for shore diving and that flip-flops were perfectly acceptable for entries and exits—so much so that we joked about creating a “Flip-Flop Specialty”. This trip, however, he finally admitted proper dive boots might actually be the better option.
After 20 dives, 8 YouTube videos, and approximately 60 minutes of safety stops, John M finally succeeded in blowing a water bubble.
John C was so well trained in monitoring his air that, during one swim back to shore, he clearly signalled 50 bar before tugging at Tracey’s fins again at 40 bar. Her response was a firm “just look up” signal, as we were already home and kneeling beneath a mass of jellyfish with our heads comfortably out of the water. You probably had to be there, but anyone familiar with “the Tracey look” can probably picture the moment perfectly.
Mark C eventually—after taking most of the week—put his iPhone into a new ProShotCase and finally took it diving. The good news is that the case worked perfectly and the phone survived. Whether it was actually as good as using a GoPro remains open for debate.
Crunchies are apparently Mark C’s chocolate of choice, and he arrived with a substantial personal stash of chocolate. Everything but the Crunchies were offered out and he saved the day a couple of times for Rose!
Not exactly a highlight, but we did witness what became known as “The Human Red Sea Walkman”. Buoyancy control was clearly not their strongest skill, as they were literally walking across the seabed. Credit to the guide or instructor with them, who quickly removed their GoPro, linked arms with them, and lifted them clear of the coral they were trampling. A buoyancy course should definitely be next on the list (not in our group!)
Another brilliant trip, plenty of laughs, excellent diving, and yet more memories made underwater. Thank you to everyone who joined us—and, as always, a huge thank you to the team at Roots Red Sea for looking after us throughout the week.
