Ducks Diving

Located approximately 60 km from Hurghada near the port of Safaga, Ducks Diving has been a fixture of the local diving community since 1994. The centre operates with a focus on the diverse topography of the Red Sea, ranging from expansive coral gardens to dramatic drop-offs and significant wreck sites.

The centre is run by Lutz, who has been diving these waters for thirty years. This long-term presence ensures a deep local knowledge of the seasonal shifts and site-specific conditions that define the Safaga area.

The team consists of five instructors capable of guiding divers through a wide range of environments. They provide instruction in English, German, and French, catering to a diverse international clientele.

Training is structured for all ages, with specific programmes available for younger divers, including Bubblemaker and Junior Open Water Diver. The centre also supports adaptive diving through the HSA Dive-Buddy programme.

Safety is a primary focus on all excursions. All boats are equipped with radio communication, mobile phones, first aid kits, and Deman-System oxygen to ensure professional standards are met during every trip.

Ducks Diving provides a comprehensive curriculum through PADI, SSI, and CMAS affiliations. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course or the Open Water Referral, while children have access to the Bubblemaker and Junior Open Water Diver programmes.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre offers Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster training. Specialist courses are also available, including Nitrox, Wreck Diving, Night Diving, Deep Diving, Drift Diving, and Underwater Photography.

Safety and medical training are also integrated into the curriculum through the Emergency First Responder (EFR) and Medic First Aid courses.

The fleet includes four main vessels to suit different diving needs. The Phoenix is the largest at 28 metres, followed by the Onda at 26 metres, the Ghareb at 21 metres, and the Turbo Omar at 14 metres. Zodiacs are also utilised for site access.

For full-day excursions, snacks are provided on board. Boats are equipped with life jackets and essential safety equipment, ensuring comfort while travelling between the mainland and the various reef systems.

The centre offers a full range of rental kit, including masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits. Divers requiring more specialised equipment can hire dive computers, torches for night dives, and 15L cylinders.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre is well-equipped to handle the logistical needs of both recreational and advanced divers planning multi-day trips or safaris.

The reefs are home to a vast array of large pelagic species. You may encounter Tuna (Thunnus), Jack, and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) patrolling the currents. For those looking for larger predators, sightings of Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), Silky sharks, and even Oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) are possible.

In the coral gardens, the scenery is defined by a rich tapestry of life. You will see various species of Soft coral (Alcyonacea), Sea fan (Gorgoniidae), and gorgonians decorating the structures. Resident reef fish include Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), various species of Wrasse (Labridae), and abundant schools of Fusilier (Caesio).

Smaller inhabitants are equally diverse, with many species of Butterflyfish, Glassfish (Atherinidae), and Batfish found among the corals. Turtles and Eagle ray (Aetobatus) are also common visitors to the reef flats and sandy patches.

Macro life and smaller organisms add detail to the dive, including various species of Moray eel (Muraenidae), pufferfish, and several types of reef fish that inhabit the crevices of the hard coral gardens.

Diving conditions in Safaga can vary significantly depending on the weather. Some sites, such as Ras Um Hsewa, Shaab Saiman, and Shaab Hamdallah, offer no protection from the swell and are only accessible during calm sea conditions.

Currents are a regular feature at several locations, including Ras Abu Soma, Abu Kafan, and the 'One Way' route between Toubia Kebir and Toubia Soraya. These currents make these sites excellent for drift diving but require appropriate experience levels.