The two main routes used to reach Taba, are either via Sharm El Sheikh airport which then involves a three-hour transfer northward or via Ovda in Israel. The latter seemed the easier option at first as Ovda airport, located in the Negev mountains is only a forty-five minute journey from Eilat. This more popular resort lies on the opposite side of the border to Taba and meant crossing from Israel into Egypt. After what seemed like endless passport and security checks we eventually emerged sweaty and tired on the Egyptian side (you have to carry your dive kit and suitcases through the no-mans land section between the two countries as no trolleys are available). All hotels in the area are within twenty minutes by coach once across the border, fortunately we were staying at the Hilton hotel situated only metres away.
										The main reason for choosing the Hilton was that Aqua Sport the only dive centre in the area formed part of the resort. As in Eilat, Aqua Sport is a beach front dive centre with shore and boat diving options available. To our surprise Huw, who had been one of the instructors on our advanced course seven years
					ago back in Wales was the dive centre manager. He had moved from Nuweiba two years earlier when Aqua Sport shut down their operation there.
				Shores Dives
			New Reef
			This reef is not yet open to all divers due to the large amounts of fishing line that litter the reef, a legacy of building site workers and illegal fisherman. The site lies just past the Hilton resort's boundary fence and involves leaving the trolleys at the canyon and then walking a further 100 meters across the beach. This can be hard work during the hot afternoons and is therefore best dived as the first dive or as an additional dive later in the day when it relatively cooler.
			Other Attractions
							Whale sharks often find their way to this part of the Red Sea and Warren recently snorkelled with these magnificent creatures. A trip worth taking even if it is now very commercialised is across the border in Eilat where Dolphin Reef is situated. The best option is to book in as early as possible and dive or snorkel with the fourteen resident dolphins before the hordes arrive. The dolphins here, although kept in an enclosure have an exit out to the open sea if they so wish. One is currently in the Aaba region of Jordan and sadly another recently died when it became tangled in fishing nets.
				The shore dives here are very similar to Eilat with coral gardens being the norm, but with less damage and though the area is not blessed with masses of vibrant soft corals as expected further south, the quantity and unusual variety of fish life more than compensated. If I visit Taba again I would fly into Sharm El Sheikh airport due to the fiasco at the border crossing and also to avoid flying with Britannia Airlines. They do not have extra baggage allowances for diving equipment and charge £4.00 per kg for any baggage over the stated 20kg and enforce a standard charge of £30.00 to carry a pony bottle. Perhaps more divers could write to Brittania to express their disgust at this.
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