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Dive Review of Katerina Maha in
Red Sea/Yemen

Katerina Maha, May, 2003,

by Kaz Kotlow, VA, USA . Report 494.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 3 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 5 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments The diving was just fabulous. The water was extremely clear on most dives and temperatures very comfortable. Captain Maurizio Pazelli is the owner/operator of the Katerina Maha. You can contact him directly on his website info@captainmaurzio.com or call at Country Code 967- 7159-7054.
This is the only live-aboard opportunity out of Yemen, and the Yemeni islands in the Red Sea offer a unique and unparalleled dive opportunity. Captain Maurizio is highly knowledgable of the various dive spots, having spent the last four years focusing on this area. With limited tourism, the Yemen islands provide pristine conditions with no other divers to distract from the experience. We saw magnificent coral formations, and wide varieties of fish. Dolphins appeared on several occasions. At the last spot we saw a huge grouper that was approximately 7 feet long and perhaps three feet wide. We also did some lobster hunting.
Captain Maurizio has a professional crew that will courteously attend to the needs of the visitor. Conditions on the boat are comfortable but not luxurious. Food quality is generally excellent, with fresh seafood often provided via the hunting skills of the first mate. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. The boat can accomodate about 12 but there is only enough SCUBA gear for 5. The equipment provided is servicable but not fancy. I suggest arriving with as much of your own gear as possible as there are no shops to buy last minute dive items.
According to the captain, the only bad times for diving in this area are late November thru January. My previous trip in February, we were not able to get to the best dive sites due to wind conditions. Late September into October provides an opportunity to see whale sharks.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 26-50 dives
Where else diving Thailand, Australia, The Red Sea (off Jeddah), and Key Largo.
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 80-85°F / 27-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 0
Water Visibility 80-100 Ft/ 24-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile ?
Enforced diving restrictions We used our computers to ensure that we stayed within the no decompression limits. Max depth for any of the dives was 115 feet
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 5 stars
Large Pelagics 3 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities 1 stars
UW Photo Comments Yemen provides little to no support for underwater photography. The Katerina M. has a basic underwater camera for use. The clear water and variety of sea life make for unforgettable photos.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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