Why would you want to dive with hammerhead sharks in Sudan?

Perhaps diving with sharks is not on your bucket list yet but now you can find out why it should be. One of the most exciting things about diving is the opportunity of meeting up with sharks!

Divers from many corners of the world visit Sudan mainly because of the unparalleled pristine marine life that promises a one-of-a-kind diving experience.

Hammerheads in Sudan
Many people cannot even imagine how fantastic the sight of dozens of scalloped hammerhead sharks can be until they dive in Sudan where the species is indigenous.

So then, if you are ready to step up to a higher dimension on your next diving safari, read on to learn more about hammerheads! Where you can meet up with them, how to dive among them safely and what you can expect when meeting them.

The scalloped hammerhead shark in Sudan

The hammerhead shark’s uniquely shaped skull is not designed to make swimming easier. It is shaped as a hammer with the eyes located at the two ends. Its nostrils are next to the eyes, spaced wide apart. The eyes are protected by a third, retractable eyelid from injuries during hunting. The wide-set round eyes ensure a 360-degree view onto the world.

Diving with Sharks in Sudan
They tend to grow to the length of about 3.6m or even to 4.3m and weigh around 152.4kg. The 2-3m specimens are considered adults. The large, flat hammer-shaped head thins out towards the eyes and bends a bit backwards. Its body on top is grey, grayish brown or olive brown in colour and white on the bottom. The bottom of the end of the pectoral fins is grey or black. The first dorsal fin sits high while the second dorsal fin and the other fins are placed lower on the body.

The hammerhead sharks give birth to live pups, usually 12-31 at a time. The pups are about 43-55cm in length.

The adults commonly live a solitary life or in pairs and the young ones in large schools. Their main source of food is bony fish and cephalopod (ie. octopus, squid, cuttlefish, etc.) but they also hunt for crabs, sharks and rays. Their life can span up to 35 years. Hammerhead sharks are the victim of commercial fishing, mainly for their skin and fins. Vitamins are made of their liver oils. The remaining parts of the fish are used as feed on fish farms.

Where can you meet hammerheads sharks in Sudan?

When talking about the Sudanese Red Sea, it is important to note that at most sites you will meet up with sharks. The real unique nature of the sea in Sudan is the chance to be surrounded by so many sharks that you can barely see beyond them which even amazes dive guides with extensive shark dives under their belt.

Scuba diving with sharks in Sudan
There is a good chance to see sharks at most coral reefs, especially in the early morning hours. They will usually appear in the deep blue, so it is best to move away from the reefs a bit. The biggest schools (with up to 60-80 individuals) can be found near Shaab Rumi, Sanganeb and Shaab Jibna.

It is always important for the dive guides to know the dive sites inside and out to be able to find the sharks quickly, so everybody can get a chance to marvel at their sight.

How to get the sharks to get close to you? You don’t have to. The presence of huge schools of sizeable groupers is reason enough for the large predators to appear. Thanks to the scalloped hammerheads’ peaceful nature, they can easily be approached.

Scuba diving with sharksWhat can you expect exactly?

Perhaps at first it may sound scary and even dangerous to a diver to swim among so many sharks in their natural habitat and be so exposed but in reality they are harmless and very curious creatures.

The schools of sharks are always on the move, they will not stop and start circling the divers. They keep their distance and they are not too fond of the bubbles.

How to stay safe while diving with hammerheads?

You can expect to see larger schools along the drop-offs and walls and in the deep waters. This means that with the deep below you and the surface 30-40m above you, it is important to have stable buoyancy and not end up with a sawtooth profile in your computer after the dive.

Hammerhead shark Red Sea
Even if the sight has you in its grasp, start ascending when your computer is signalling. Always stay with your group and keep your eye on your dive buddy and your diving mates, don’t get lost in the view of the sharks.

Always stay safe!

https://sudan-diving.com

All about Kite safari in Egypt!

How does a “Kite and Dive” safari begin?

Contact us -> Book the boat -> Book the flights -> Fly to Hurghada -> Enjoy your kite safari

The boat leaves Hurghada on Sundays. We may also be able to accommodate departures on other days but it requires special arrangements.

Kitesafari onboard Cassiopeia!In 2016…ARE YOU READY TO FLY?
>> http://bit.ly/1JFKGmy

Közzétette: Cassiopeiasafari – 2016. január 29.


How does a Kite safari work in Egypt?

We meet you at the Hurghada airport and transfer you by bus to the marina where you can accommodate your cabins and settle in right away. The boat sails out the following morning at about 9 o’clock. We choose the best spots based on the given day’s weather and wind conditions. During a kite safari we discover the islands north of Hurghada. The boat operates as a base. Every day we anchor near various islands and lagoons and the surfers are transferred to the beach by zodiacs (motor boats) where they can rip, take kiting lessons or sunbathe.

You can choose from among spots that vary from completely shallow and flat water to choppy with high surfs. Those who prefer to do the freestyle tricks, we take inside the lagoons onto totally flat waters and those who prefer to ride the waves, we drop off on the outer parts of the islands. No need to pump the kites here – we always go where the winds are. We inflate the kites and hand them to you. If you are not a surfer yet but would like to become one, you can do that too on a safari with a certified kite surfing instructor.

Kitesafari red seaThe all-inclusive (except for alcoholic beverages) main meals (breakfast, lunch, midday snacks, dinner) are served on the boat but there is a chance to have a BBQ on one of the islands as well. The scrumptious dinner is served by the bonfire on the beach.

Besides surfing, you can also scuba dive, snorkel, swim with dolphins, relax, listen to music, read, watch movies in the spacious air-conditioned salon, smoke shisha in our unique and authentic Arabic shisha room, sunbathe on the sun deck, enjoy the gorgeous view, the sunsets, the sky full of stars and of course, make new friends. The week is about kite surfing and relaxing!

You spend 7 days on the boat at sea. You can gather in the Egyptian-style shisha room at nights to share your day’s experiences. On the 7th day we return to the marina in Hurghada where you still have some time to visit the town. The following day we transfer you back to the airport for your flight home.

About our boats

Our uniquely designed 4-storey (deck) motor yachts Andromeda and Cassiopeia cater to our guests’ every needs. During the 1- and 2-week safaris spacious, en-suite, tastefully furnished cabins, large dining room, salon and sun deck make their stay comfortable. The heart of the boats is the shisha room that is shrouded in Oriental ambiance where fantastic stories and experiences are shared every night under the magical cloud of tasteful shisha. Our experienced and professional crew speak several languages and await the guests’ arrival. Each boat is equipped with 2 zodiacs that provide assistance in scuba diving, kite surfing and transfers between the islands.

Kitesurf egyptThe sun can be enjoyed all year round on our 100m2 sun deck. It’s well know those who like to eat, take “The One” on Valentine’s Day to a restaurant instead of the theatre or cinema. The same can apply on our boats. The daily three main meals served in a buffet style and the afternoon snacks and fruits cater a plentiful assortment to meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
See you onboard!

A Kite safari day by day

Day 1:
Arriving in Hurghada airport and a 10-minute bus ride to the marina. After boarding and a brief orientation, everybody can accommodate their cabins and set up their equipment. Throughout the entire week the same guides, captain, chef and crew will be at your service 24 hours a day.

Day 2:
Sailing out in the morning. You will spend the next 6 days at sea by the most perfect and undiscovered kiting spots, islands, sand bars and lagoons. You will have breakfast on the way out of the marina then arrive at the first huge shallow lagoon where you can start the warm-up rides. You will spend the night anchored by the island.

Day 3:
Moving on to the next spot in the morning which is pretty close to the shore. Huge waves pound the outer skirts of the coral reef but on the side closer to the shore the water is calm and shallow. After finishing the afternoon rides and while the dinner is being prepared, you can gather in the salon to watch on the large TV screen your shots made that day.

Day 4:
It’s time to visit one of the most extreme spots! During the north kite safari we mostly sail among the islands and chase the best winds. But it’s time to check under the boards, so to say, because something breathtaking is waiting for you there! We will visit a truly undiscovered spot where dolphins are usual visitors. Besides surfing, the lagoon is perfect for SUP-ping (stand-up paddling) and scuba diving too.

Day 5:
After a huge breakfast, a fantastic ride is waiting for you – a 6km kite ride in tail wind to the next spot. The boat and zodiacs will of course follow you all the way! You will start from a flat water and as you leave the protection of the island, you will have a taste of some bigger surfs. This is the best place for high jumps, flights and spins! The next spot will be a large bay which is perfect for any sort of water sports!

Day 6:
Sailing in the morning to the last spot of the week – an emerald green sheltered lagoon. You can choose between a shallow and flat water or a more choppy surface. You must, at least once, watch the sunset from the upper deck with aperitif in your hand!

Day 7: 
You will ride in the lagoon from early morning until noon. After a good-by-to-the-sea lunch, the boat will head back to Hurghada to the marina. After mooring, you will have a chance to rinse your equipment with fresh water. If you still have some energy left towards the end of the week, you can get a taste of the Hurghada night life.

The order and number of the spots we visit may change depending on the weather conditions. This is always the captain’s decision, keeping in mind the safety of the guests, the crew and the boat.

Our kite safari route in Egypt

Kitesafari Egypt mapThe itinerary is finalised before the start of the tour. The planned itinerary, the choice and the number of spots may change depending on the weather conditions. This is always the captain’s decision, keeping in mind the safety of the guests, the crew and the boat. The departure and arrival marinas may change due to the itineraries before and after the tour, fuelling locations, inspections by authorities, etc. But basically for these safaris we use Hurghada as the harbour.

About wind conditions in Egypt

The main wind direction in the region is from the north-northwest. Thanks to the local topography, the winds here are pretty steady and dense, to the great joy of riders! During the winter months the winds are predominantly from the northwest which is above or equal to the Beaufort scale of 4 in 65% of the time according to the wind stats. This is pretty optimal for this time of the year and is higher percentage wise because you can easily ride in steady 3Bft winds with large (12-14m2) kites. During this period the number of very or slightly windy days is higher and it is recommended to bring along 9-12m2 kites (for an 80kg rider) to be able to cover the most wind spectrum possible. In the summer months the percentage of 4Bft and above winds is 75-80%, mainly from the north, with an average speed of 15-20 knots. It is important to note that these winds are free of thrusts and gusts, so beginner and advanced surfers can equally use the momentum.

Winter and summer season for kitesurfers in Egypt:

Level: Beginner, advanced and pro alike.

Size of kite:
Varies (depends on the rider’s skills, weight, the wind speed, type of kite, etc.)
Example: for an 80kg rider a 12-19m2 is recommended (7-14m2 kites are used in the region).

Dominant wind:
In winter: from north-northwest, 65% above 4Bft
In summer: from northwest-north-northeast, 75-80% above 4Bft
Average wind speed: 15-20 knots (about 25-35 km/hr)

Spots:
Flat-water behind sand bars, speed-water, crystal clear turquoise water, free of rocks and corals, the choppy sides usually have coral reefs and rocks and is recommended for advanced riders only.

Neoprene:
In winter: 3-5mm, long neoprene suit
In summer: short, thin neoprene suit, board shorts

Average water temperature:
In winter: 21-24C
In summer: 25-29C

Average air temperature:
In winter: 18-25C (the nights are cool)
In summer: 28-32C
http://www.windfinder.com/windstatistics/el_gouna

Additional services:

  • Scuba diving
  • Introductory diving
  • SUP
  • Snorkeling
  • Yoga classes (can be arranged in advance)

kitesafari in egyptRates of the kite safari in Egyt:
Individual rate: EUR800 / person / week
Full-charter rate: EUR16,800 / 26 person / week

The rates include:

  • Bus transfers between Hurghada airport and the boat
  • 7 nights full-board accommodations onboard in double cabins (last night may be in a hotel if necessary because of the following tour)
  • Buffet-style meals 3 times a day, fruits and snacks
  • Unlimited mineral water, tea, coffee (Nescafe), soft drinks
  • 2 local guides
  • Kite surfing (excluding equipment)
  • Snorkeling (excluding equipment)
  • Boat permissions
  • Shisha onboard in the shisha room
  • Towel and bed linens
  • Free WIFI onboard (where there is appropriate coverage)

The rates do not include:

  • Flight tickets, entry visa to Egypt
  • Single-cabin surcharge
  • Upper-cabin (sea view) surcharge
  • Surcharge for arrival on other day than Sunday
  • Alcoholic beverages (may be purchased at the Duty-Free shops in Hurghada before the tour)
  • Equipment rental (upon request)
  • SUP rental: EUR20 / person / hour
  • Introductory scuba dive: EUR30 / person / dive
  • Nitrox (max. 32%): EUR5 / tank (for Nitrox-certified divers only)
  • Satellite phone use: EUR3 / minute
  • Personal expenses
  • Lost towel fee: EUR10 / towel, lost weight fee
  • Bakshish (tip) to the crew and guides (EUR30 / person / week is recommended)
  • Touristic programs
  • Travel and sports insurance
  • All others not listed above

Departures in 2016:

July 10 – 17.
September 25 – October 2.
November 20 – 27.
November 27 – December 4.
December 4 – 11.
December 11 – 18.

Contact us for more information HERE!

Red Sea kite surfing safari onboard Cassiopeia

The start

It all started with a phone call… There were 2 empty places left on a luxury liveaboard and they were wondering if were interested in some kite surfing during the safari. After some quick schedule organising along with my friend Gergely Benesch, we were able to free up the week. …And the next day we were already sitting on the plane and still couldn’t believe it… J

Kitesafari egypt red seaTravel

I will try to tell my story mostly from a kite surfer’s point of view. I was able to travel with a 31kg golf bag that was large enough to contain 2 kites, 2 booms, 1 board, the control bars, neoprene suits and lots of other stuff. A fatal mistake would be to leave behind a dive mask and snorkel pipe, so don’t forget to pack those either! J In addition I was able to take with me a hand luggage and a laptop bag or smaller backpack.

(There are non-stop flights between Hurghada and most large European cities as well as direct flights between Cairo and Hurghada.)

Kitesurf egypt hurghadaOnboard

A large and spacious 4-storey (deck) liveaboard has plenty of room for every equipment and bag, separate boxes, lots of air-drying facilities for wet suits and kites and the roomy cabins have their own private bathrooms with showers and toilets, and all this in a high-end packaging. The top deck provides a space for sunbathing, relaxing, doing some yoga and even bodyweight exercises if some people still had it in them after a day of kiting. J

Kitesurf holiday egyptNo need to worry about the food because the 3 times daily buffet-style meals were way more than we ever expected. It’s worth to note that every and each meal was delicious and everybody can find something to their taste… Just watch out for those extra kilos! J

Kitesafari holidayThe shisha room is where at night we could smoke as much shisha as we wanted to, talk about the day’s events and even analyse our videos.

Kite and snorkel

This region of the Red Sea has an abundance of wind and our main daily wind direction was from the northwest. The main characteristics of these winds are that they are steady, dense and compressed which are essential for kite surfers preferring especially great jumps. Since compressed winds are suitable for beginner and advanced riders alike, no need to be scared of stronger winds because they won’t be jerking and yanking us around due to their steady nature. This makes for easy riding and learning. The water temperature is around 22-24C even in the winter and the air temperature about 25C, providing ideal conditions. Sometimes the winds die down a bit for a day or two giving us a chance to mix things up and get out the snorkel and diving gear. You can also do some test or introductory diving from the boat after arranging everything with the guides onboard and experience some of the world’s most colourful and diverse coral and marine life.

Kiteboarding egypt red seaThe best spots pretty much for everybody were the shallow turquoise waters and the white sandy beaches in front of which we could surf on smooth water void of any choppy surfs. Whatever your experience, under such ideal conditions satisfaction and progress are guaranteed. The beauty of the sand bars and the uninhabited islands we visited was unparallel and immediately had become our favourites. Then the valid question comes – how do we get to these islands with such a large boat? Well, the crew, ready for everything, carried us and our gear between the boat and the beach by zodiacs (motorboats). There’s no fear of drifting far out or not being able to get back because the zodiacs are always ready to help out with any difficulties be it a lost board, untied kite, drifting away or anything else. The stretch along the shore is virtually free of coral and rock where we can glide as close as 10cm from the sand and jump up to 10m from where an amazing panoramic view opens up before our eyes. It’s a perfect place for photography as well.

Kite surfing egypt red seaEverybody should experience this sensation if at all possible… it would be a shame to miss it. Private kite surfing lessons can also be arranged at any level.

Kitesurf zoneKites and family

A great plus of such a safari is that it can be a holiday and kiting in one. On many kite tours where families also join the surfers, there is often a slight conflict within the families when one of them goes off to ride all day every day for a week while the others wait in a hotel for them to return. However here on the boat the rest of the families can also find activities suitable for them like snorkelling, discovering the islands, sunbathing and even acquiring some of the basic kite surfing moves and all this at a good visible distance. All this being said, you don’t have to be a kite surfer to enjoy some great experiences here.

Kitesurf familyLuck and dolphins

We can meet up with dolphins during and after kiting too. Some species especially like to swim with humans and to see them surfing or diving. This is how I was able to approach a young dolphin about 30cm from me and swim and play with him while the others were swimming around us, making their usual dolphin sounds. This was one of my life’s greatest moments, to be able to swim with dolphins living in the wild and I would like to share this feeling with more and more people in the future.

Kitesurfe scuba diving safari
In Summary

To live through so many new experiences during just one safari is unimaginable but it was true:

– kite surfing in gorgeous, unique and pristine spots
– snorkelling and scuba diving in one of the world’s most colourful seas
– meeting and swimming with dolphins
– all-inclusive accommodations
– weeklong liveaboard tour

Kitesurf best spotI hope to see you soon… Good winds to you all. J

Balázs Füredi
Pro kite surfer, IKO instructor/tour organiser

Kite safari or diving safari? Can I have both, please?

We were looking to answer the question above during the last week of 2015… in the Red Sea… We’ve always known that to dive in this place is one of the biggest dreams of divers. The abundant marine life, especially nearby the coral reefs, is really astounding. It is also a well-known fact that surfers and kite surfers are regulars here, especially during the winter months, when stable and infinitely steady winds can be expected with great certainty.

Kite safari or diving safari? Can I have both, please?Along with Balázs, an experienced kite surfer friend of mine, we were invited onboard a well-equipped diving liveaboard by the company’s management who have long been interested in the possibility of this “2 in 1” concept. Our 3-hour plane ride and an indescribably warm welcome was followed by some sightseeing in town. Let’s just say that land traffic here doesn’t resemble anything we’ve come to know. 🙂

The next day we sailed out early in the morning because diving comes first on a diving safari! The crew on the boat was very friendly and professional. I know a thing or two about maritime boating but as in the case of land traffic earlier, the same goes for sailing practices as well.

It’s obvious that you need to have comprehensive knowledge of and experience in the area for sailing in these waters. Large expansive coral reefs, which are often beneath the water surface, lie sporadically in the wide open sea, mostly without any markings. The diving boats moor near these reefs on the opposite side from where the winds blow, usually sideways, mostly perpendicular to the wind’s direction. Since the mooring spots are limited at each reef, after a while the art of “over-mooring” begins. Honestly, it’s amazing to see as they tie 4-6 ropes to the buoys that are secured to the bottom of the sea (as not to damage the corals when mooring).

The two of us didn’t dive that day and the winds were not substantial either, so we went snorkelling, which became a lasting experience in the 24C water right next to a huge coral reef stretching out wide.

The following morning we woke up to a brand new – to us anyway – place and the winds were promising. They were blowing steadily, calmly and getting stronger. Meanwhile the divers were doing their own thing and we began preparing for taking off from the boat since we were in the middle of the sea, with no islands in sight.

Kitesafari Red Sea EgyptAll of you familiar with kite surfing know that it’s no easy task to take off from a boat but we didn’t want to miss such an opportunity. Together with the crew’s enthusiastic support, finally we managed and we were ripping the waters until sundown.

The next day in the morning we found ourselves again at a new location with really strong and still steady winds, an all too common occurrence for the locals. We went for it again, this time with a little more know-how, and had a great day kiting.

Kite spot Red Sea EgyptWe stayed near a small uninhabited island for the next two days. The horseshoe-shaped place surrounded by the reef is called Dolphin Bay and with reason. It’s a place where divers and kite surfers alike can pay homage to their passion. It’s an amazing feeling to get out of the zodiac and step onto the white sandy beach. 🙂

The winds were exemplary as usual – stable and strong. The sun was shining. What else do you need? 🙂

Kitesurf spot HurghadaWe took off and we were loving it. Of course in case of any problems, one of the two zodiacs was always nearby to come and help us out. The other one was minding the divers. From the slowly descending snow-white sandy beach and in warm winds that would bring shame to any industrial-sized hairdryer, even a complete beginner can learn in great strides how to kite surf! And the more advanced surfers can attempt even gutsier moves than what they may be otherwise used to!

In the afternoon we went diving too and this time with tanks! It was great to descend beneath the surface of the water into a world of still calm after some action-packed kiting and jumping. There is truly a new wander everywhere – a wreck, moray eels, scorpion fish, eagle ray, etc.… Then at sundown the boat bell rang… It was still early for dinner and too late for a briefing. Then “it must be a DOLPHIN!!!”, said Balázs and he was already in the water. Such luck… A mother and her calf appeared in the bay for a little swim!

Such and similar experiences, spiked with an excellent chef and lovely shisha, can truly become rad experiences.

And through it all it became obvious that there is no need to choose between Kite Surfing or Scuba Diving. They can both live side by side and better yet, complement each other wonderfully!

I can hardly wait to return…

Gergely Benesch
Balázs Füredi