2020 was a challenging year to say the least: stress filled, job uncertainty etc. all of which needed correcting and balancing. 10 days diving with Steve was all that was needed.Steve was kind enough to help with flight recommendations, boat logistics, cheap mobile internet access as well as accommodation. Just ask him for what you need – it’s that simple. Pre-arrival & during-travel communication was excellent – use Viber for calls and texts – voice on WhatsApp doesn’t seem to work. I strongly recommend using Steve’s airport pick service: reliable and stress free.I dive with a twinset (2 cylinders) not very common in Hurghada – Steve managed to secure the kit for me! With daily pick-up from the apartment to drop off, every day was well managed, including refreshments / lunch on board.I’m an experienced diver so had Steve as a guide rather than an instructor. I saw him teaching with students and was impressed not only by his attitude of patience but also by his aptitude and style of teaching. Steve’s diving is excellent: I enjoy wreck diving and he was able to create a 10 day package which included wrecks, reefs and associated fauna & flora, opening my eyes to the natural marine beauty that Hurghada offers. We discussed each dive in detail and I was impressed with his local knowledge of the dive sites, including those less frequented by the masses. The baby sharks were a delight to see and a lifelong memory, thank you Steve. For some of these more ‘hidden sites’ be prepared for a rib (zodiac) boat dive from the main vessel.The dive boat (The Shehab) was not only excellent; fair to say it was exceptional – I’ve dived many off boats many times in Egypt and this experience was by far the best. Lots of space, clean and with an inviting lower as well as upper sun deck. Friendly caring staff with professional attitudes that gives one confidence for what is after all a risky sport. They don’t pass round a tips-bucket, unlike other boats and I would suggest giving a tip to the deck-hands on your last day; it’s well-earned and much deserved.I selected the self-catering accommodation which Steve offers. Great choice on my part: I was free to come & go, it was clean with the basics provided and a great pool view balcony where I had breakfast and also dried my kit! The Florenza Khamsin Red Sea Residence – Apartments are based on a major road and local residence area. This provided me with access to the usual holiday eateries, but more importantly cafes and restaurants where the locals go. There are local shops within 2 min. walking distance which made for easy access to essentials from food & snacks to toiletries.Steve is a professional. I liked him from the moment I met him: he has that sort of personality. Nothing is too much for him and I would encourage future clients to have a full and open discussion of needs to see what’s doable in the available vacation time. I was there to dive 100% of my time; next time I’ll avail myself of the tours that Steve is able to organise: such as day visits to the archaeological valleys of Luxor or the Sphinx and Pyramids of Cairo.I thoroughly enjoyed this much needed break; the added bonus was meeting and diving with Steve. They say a true reflection of any review is would you go and do the same again? The simple answer is yes, absolutely. Thank you Steve @DiveUKHurgarda.
