Oceansource.net

Stuff you might like to know

Oceansource El Tur is known as the ultimate windsurfing playground for the wide range of conditions and reliable winds. It has something to offer every level of windsurfer. However, there’s one caveat. It’s the sort of location that appeals more to the serious windsurfer rather than someone looking to do a couple of hours windsurfing on a holiday that is really dedicated to sunbathing and trawling the shops looking for stuffed camels. You don’t have to be an expert windsurfer to be serious, just keen.

There are loads of other things you can do such as swimming, snorkelling, table tennis, diving trips, trekking in the mountains, sunbathing around the pool or on the sundeck, volleyball or just lying around in hammocks enjoying your time off – but most of the time it’s too windy to be ideal for these. You get itchy feet every time you see someone blasting down the speed strip and busting out a freestyle move or cranking round a gybe. You know what we mean?

What is the town like?

El Tur is the administrative capital of Egypt’s Sinai district. All the government buildings, banks and hospitals which run the thriving tourist metropolis of Sharm El Sheikh are located there. It’s a bustling, busy and modern Egyptian town where people work during the day and then hit the town in the evenings to eat, smoke shisha pipes, shop and chat. It’s perfectly safe to walk around and the vibe is very friendly. You’ll never be hassled by locals, although children may run up to you to practice their English. However, Egypt is a ‘third world’ destination so some poverty and chaos is evident. Apart from Oceansource and the Moses Natural Spa Baths it doesn’t have much of a tourist industry but we kind of like that as it gives the place an edge of excitement. You don’t feel like a tourist in El Tur.

There are a couple of decent restaurants in town, including the Golden Fish where they serve the best calamari this side of, well, just about anywhere. You can bring your own drinks and it’s incredibly cheap. Alternatively you can get kebabs cooked on the BBQ with pitta bread, and there’s even a fresh fruit smoothie bar.

The Moses Bay Hotel and Oceansource El Tur are located about a 15 minute walk from town around the bay, or a five minute taxi ride which costs about a pound each way.

How do I get there?

El Tur is about an hour by taxi from the modern Sharm El Sheikh international airport. When you land you need to buy a Visa which costs $20 US or £15 GB. Go straight to the little booths at the back of the arrivals hall marked BANK and buy them there – you don’t have to queue!

Tell us when you are arriving when you book and we can arrange for a taxi to pick you (and any equipment you have) and take you straight to the hotel. Don’t forget you will need a visa in order to leave Sharm El Sheikh.