Red Sea Diving Safari - Marsa Nakari

Situated 18km south of Marsa Alam, Marsa Nakari is a quiet, self-contained village designed around a model of sustainable tourism. The development is intentionally limited to respect the capacity of the local reef, ensuring a natural atmosphere far from the crowded resorts of the northern Red Sea. It is a place where the landscape of the Wadi el Gemal National Park meets the ancient history of the Nechesia port.

As the first PADI IDC centre in the region, the operation is geared towards both recreational divers and professionals. An on-site PADI Course Director manages the training programmes, which include everything from initial certifications to the full Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) pathways.

The team is multilingual, providing instruction and guidance in English, French, Italian, German, and Arabic. This allows for a seamless experience for international divers seeking advanced training or professional career progression.

For those looking to move into the professional ranks, the centre offers structured packages including IDC Silver, Gold, and Platinum options, as well as specific programmes like the 'Zero to Hero' and 'Step to the Pro' packages.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Bubble Maker and Seal Team programmes for younger divers. The progression continues through Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water, with specialised branches like Peak Performance Buoyancy and Deep Diver Specialty.

Technical diving is a significant focus here, with courses including PADI Tec 40, Tec 45, and Tec 50, alongside PADI Tec Gas Blender and PADI Tec Sidemount. For those interested in the professional side, the centre facilitates the entire journey from Divemaster to Specialty Instructor and the IDC.

Other specialised training includes Night Diver, Drift Diver, and the PADI Digital Underwater Photography Diver course. The centre also offers AIDA freediving courses, ranging from AIDA1 Introduction to AIDA3 Advanced Freediver.

The centre provides access to offshore sites via fast boats, including a 20-minute transit to the Shaab Samadai marine protected area. These trips allow you to reach the famous Dolphin House and other key reef systems quickly, maximising your time in the water.

The centre is fully equipped for both recreational and technical diving. For those following advanced or technical routes, Nitrox and Trimix are available on-site. The facility also supports rebreather diving, catering to the needs of the technical community.

Full equipment hire is available for divers who prefer not to travel with their own kit. This includes regulators, wetsuits, fins, and torches for night dives. For your peace of mind, a mandatory decompression insurance is included for 21 days, covering hyperbaric chamber treatments, medical fees, and necessary diagnostics.

The house reef is a thriving ecosystem where you can encounter a wide variety of reef fish, including parrotfish (Calotomus), damselfish (Pomacentridae), and various snappers (Lutjanus). Schools of Indian mackerel patrol the bay, and you may see jacks (Carangidae) or barracudas moving through the water.

For macro enthusiasts, the reefs host a wealth of smaller life. You can find nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), various species of shrimp (Caridea), ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), seamoths, and velvetfish. Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) and various species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris) also inhabit the crevices of the reef.

Larger pelagics and iconic species are frequently seen in the area. Spinner dolphins (Delphinidae) are a regular presence, alongside green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). You may also spot eagle rays (Aetobatus), reef sharks (Carcharhinus), and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus).

Diving is primarily conducted via beach entry at the house reef or via fast boat for offshore sites. The house reef is accessible through a wide and practical entry point, making it suitable for various diver profiles.