Planet Snorkeling ExpeditionsReviews of planet-snorkeling.com

This was a mixed experience. The plus points: 1) Having so many snorkelling opportunities! As a group we wanted to be in the water early and after the first day we were usually in the sea by 7.30am. This was easily the best snorkel of the day in terms of creatures and visibility. Some snorkels, especially in the afternoons, were a little dull, but the sheer number of snorkels meant we saw a lot overall. 2) The food was terrific and abundant, more than I expected from a ship. A whole roast turkey was unveiled on the last night! 3) The crew were very friendly and helpful. 4) The hotel where we stayed for the first night had a great house reef with all the usual Red Sea fish, including a scorpion fish. 5) Guillaume was a genial host and gave an excellent short lecture on Red Sea fish. Less happy moments: 1) The guiding was not quite what I expected from other trips. In essence there was little difference between a guided group and an unguided one. Guides carried a safety ring which hampered them spotting and pointing out sea creatures. (Incidentally Guillaume was good at this, but he was one person amongst 24.) The groups became confused and spread out and appeared difficult to manage. 2) The crew were well prepared for sickness and diarrhoea with suitable Egyptian products - and they were necessary. I cannot say how many people were affected, but be alert to the possibility and take what's on offer. It works. Overall I am not convinced that a liveaboard is a better experience than a land-based holiday - but views differ! The Makadi Bay house reefs (we returned to a different hotel after the trip) were as good as any coral we explored from the boat, although without dolphins obviously. The movement of the boat when it was choppy and windy was off-putting, and of course there was not much space. But if you like boats, this trip would not disappoint.