Deep Down @ Divers Down
You would normally not want to hear the earth shattering scream of an alarm clock as it would usually mean another day at the office, but today is different! It is 6.30am and naturally the sun is already shining outside, one of many things it is easy to take for granted when living in Dubai.
I wake up with a spring in my step as today is Friday and therefore there is no commute to my workplace in Abu Dhabi. Instead, I am embarking on a full day of scuba diving in the east coast resort of Khorfakkan at the Divers Down 5 Star IDC PADI Dive Centre. Located on the beach within the grounds of the Oceanic Hotel, the setting is pretty good and there is always a slightly smug feeling when you look out to the open ocean knowing most of your friends and family are probably skidding around on ice back home in the UK. Although there are dive centers far more local to me in Dubai, the East coast has, in my opinion, better dive sites on offer, and in approximately an hour and a half, there is the opportunity of meeting a whale shark face to face (something not even the Atlantis Hotel can offer anymore!). Luckily I packed all of my diving gear the night before to ensure I get the maximum sleep time possible. After a quick brew, I grab my bag and set off on the scenic journey heading from The Greens in Dubai along the E44 (Al Khail Rd), finally heading east through Khalba arriving at the east coast and then traveling north through Fujairah, then finally arriving in Khorfakkan. There is an alternative route from Dubai past the Friday Market and through Masafi, which offers a different experience, especially for guests or new visitors. I just prefer the Kalba route, as the views from the top are amazing. I usually arrive at the dive centre between 8:00 – 8:30am, which gives me ample time to get my kit set up and ready for action. All of the staff working at the centre are extremely family friendly and helpful, and they always provide a great atmosphere. Phil and Carla work full-time at the centre and they are wellassisted by joint owners Steve and Paul, rounding off an all-English staff contingent. Paul offers a wealth of experience and as an ex-Royal Navy Marine with 9 years diving under his belt he ensures that you do things the right way, the first time. Safety is always on top of the agenda for all of the staff, which puts you at ease from the very first minute. They always start with a full dive brief, before we make our way down the beach to the two boats, one of which will transport me to my underwater destination. The first dive usually leaves the centre at 9:30am, and there are usually two additional dives during the day at 12:00 noon and 3:00pm. I have been fortunate enough to experience a night dive over on the East Coast, and to say it was spectacular would be a massive understatement. Divers Down is in an ideal position, making it the closest of all other dive centers to a range of top dive sites including Martini Rock, Inch Cape, Shark Island and Car Cemetery. Only recently a whale shark decided to venture into the waters surrounding Shark Island. Unfortunately, I was not diving on the day and missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, although I have been lucky enough to see Black Tip Reef Sharks, Dolphins, and Turtles up close. Before arriving in the UAE in early 2008, my diving experience had been short but varied, having obtained my Open Water Certificate in the warm waters of Mexico in 2002. I have also been privileged to have been fully submerged in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Next on the wish list is the far-east, starting with the Philippines and then on to the Great Barrier Reef. The East Coast offers a decent mixture of dives that can be experienced in one day, ranging from a shallow coral dive, to a deep purpose-sunk wreck dive. There is always plenty to see from corals to turtles (at Martini Rock) and the visibility is generally good. Since I’ve been living in the UAE, I have progressed onto Advanced Open Water Level and have plans to continue the upward progression. The warm waters of the Gulf of Oman make this progression a more enticing prospect. In addition, the pricing of dives on the East Coast is far more competitive than the West Coast, with prices starting from AED 110 for one dive based on providing all of your own equipment. This rises to AED 180 if you only require a tank and weights, and AED 250 including full equipment. Of course, the more dives you partake in, the cheaper each subsequent one becomes. Courses are also available, including Discover Scuba Diving at AED 450 and Open Water e-learning at AED 1,500. If you are feeling overly adventurous, you can always add in an overnight camping stay close to Shark Island, that way you can enjoy dives over an entire weekend… Ryan Banks
