Swimmers as young as 10 can learn to dive in Egypt with Regaldive, if accompanied by a parent. Sharm-el-Sheik has safe, shallow water, good visibility and interesting sites reached by boat; at Hurghada the islets and reefs attract sharks, and manta and eagle rays; the palm-fringed beaches at Nuweiba provide access to sites for learners, who can see razorfish, shrimpfish and a resident wild dolphin.
Padi (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water courses start from pound;155pp (from 10 years and up), including five days’
equipment hire (excluding log book, learning materials and certification).
Pool courses such as Supplied Air Snorkelling for Youth, use a miniature cylinder and flotation device for children from five upwards; Padi Seal Team for eights and up; and Padi Bubblemaker for eight to 11-year-olds, which introduces them to real diving in a training pool.
Red Sea accommodation packages start from pound;299pp (based on two sharing) for July departures, and include flights, seven nights’ Bamp;B accommodation and transfers. Details: 0870 2201 777; www.regaldive.co.uk.
