Red Sea Liveaboard • Egypt
Red Sea Liveaboard
What You Need to Know
Firstly, everything you need to know before your Red Sea liveaboard: arrival and boarding information, payment and cancellation terms, what is included, additional costs, routes, diving programs, ports, sailing times and important weather and safety information.
Our Red Sea Liveaboard Routes
Firstly, choose the water rather than the boat. Whereas the northern itineraries are built around wrecks and sheltered reefs, the offshore and Deep South routes trade shelter for pelagic encounters. Consequently each Red Sea liveaboard below suits a different level of experience.
North
Initially, famous northern wrecks, coral reefs, the Strait of Gubal and Ras Mohammed. Consequently it is the easiest week for a first Red Sea liveaboard. Moreover the sheltered reefs make it the safest choice in windy months.
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North &
Dahab
Similarly, northern wrecks combined with Ras Mohammed, Tiran and the famous dive sites of Dahab. In other words, two diving regions inside one week. Similarly, the Tiran reefs add a third character to the same trip.
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North &
Brothers
Likewise, northern wrecks and reefs combined with the legendary Brothers Islands. Meanwhile the offshore crossing is where the week changes character. Notably, the Brothers carry two wrecks on the same wall.
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BDE
Specifically, Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone in one offshore itinerary. Above all, this is the classic blue-water week. Therefore drift experience matters more here than anywhere else.
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Daedalus &
Fury Shoals
Meanwhile, offshore diving at Daedalus Reef combines with Fury Shoals and the southern coral reefs. Therefore it balances exposed walls against sheltered gardens. In addition, the caves at Claudia break up the offshore days.
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Deep South
St. John’s
Above all, remote southern reefs, coral gardens, pinnacles, caves and spectacular walls. Notably, these reefs see very few boats. Accordingly the sailing distances are the longest we run.
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Deep South
Elba
Indeed, a remote Deep South expedition for adventurous divers looking beyond the classic routes. Accordingly it sails only in settled weather. Indeed, Elba sits further south than any other route on this page.
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Sataya
Besides Fury Shoals and the southern reefs, this week reaches the famous Sataya Dolphin Reef lagoon. As a result it is the gentlest of the southern weeks. Furthermore the lagoon stays calm even when the open sea does not.
Explore Route →Red Sea Liveaboard Route Maps
Above all, a map explains a route faster than a paragraph does. Therefore each Red Sea liveaboard itinerary is drawn below, so that you can see the distances before you choose.
Northern Red Sea liveaboard route maps
Firstly, the North Red Sea liveaboard route from Hurghada, featuring Sha’ab El Erg, Abu Nuhas wrecks, Big Gubal, SS Thistlegorm, Dunraven and surrounding northern reefs.
North and Dahab liveaboard route from Hurghada, combining the Northern Red Sea with Ras Mohammed, Shark and Yolanda Reef and the spectacular diving sites of Dahab.
Similarly, the North and Brothers liveaboard route combines Hurghada, Abu Nuhas wrecks, Ras Mohammed, the Northern Red Sea reefs, Safaga and the legendary Brothers Islands.
Above all, the BDE liveaboard route explores the legendary Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone Reef, three of the Egyptian Red Sea’s premier offshore diving destinations.
Southern Red Sea liveaboard route maps
Red Sea liveaboard route combining Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone Reef, Abu Dabab and the spectacular Fury Shoals, including Satayah, Claudio, Malahi and Abu Galawa.
Deep South Red Sea liveaboard route exploring Elphinstone, Wadi Gimal, Sha’ab Maksur, Sha’ab Claudio, Dolphin Reef and the spectacular southern reefs near the Sudanese border.
Notably, this Ultra Deep South Red Sea liveaboard route runs from Hamata to the remote Elba Reef region, featuring Sha’ab Sorya, Bodkin Reef, Big and Small Gotta and the historic Levanzo Wreck.
Southern Red Sea diving map featuring the Brothers Islands, Elphinstone, Daedalus Reef, Fury Shoals, St. John’s Reef, Zabargad and Rocky Island.
Red Sea Liveaboard Arrival, Boarding & Departure
Saturday – Arrival
Initially, guests are welcome onboard from approximately 3:00 PM on Saturday.
- Check-in
- Cabin allocation
- Certification check
- Diving insurance check
- Equipment preparation
- Welcome & safety briefing
Sunday – Departure
Subsequently the liveaboard departs the marina Sunday morning.
Initially the first dive is a check dive. In practice Sunday includes approximately 2–3 dives. Consequently the day builds up slowly.
Friday – Return
Similarly, Friday is the final diving day with approximately 2 dives.
Afterwards the vessel returns to the scheduled marina. In practice the crossing runs through the afternoon.
Saturday – Check-Out
Finally, breakfast is served onboard. Afterwards the crew helps with luggage.
Check-out: 09:00–10:00 AM
Meanwhile the scheduled group transfer runs to the airport or hotel, which closes the Red Sea liveaboard week. Finally, luggage comes off the boat before the transfer leaves.
Red Sea Liveaboard Payment & Cancellation
Payment Terms
- A €5,000 deposit is required to secure and confirm a full-boat charter.
- The deposit is paid after final agreement and booking confirmation.
- The remaining balance may be paid on arrival at the boat before the trip starts.
- Or by bank transfer at least 2 months before departure.
However, individual cabin reservations may follow different payment arrangements, as stated in the booking confirmation. Therefore read that document carefully.
Cancellation Policy
More than 3 months before departure
Firstly, 25% of the deposit will be retained.
Between 3 months and 1 month before departure
Subsequently, 50% of the deposit will be retained.
Less than 1 month before departure or No-Show
Finally, 100% of the deposit will be retained.
In addition, all cancellations must be submitted in writing. Consequently a dated email protects both sides.
What’s Included in Your Red Sea Liveaboard
Transfers
- One scheduled group airport → liveaboard transfer
- One scheduled group liveaboard → airport/hotel transfer
Accommodation
- 7 nights onboard
- Booked cabin category
- Bed linen
- Towels
- Cabin service
Food & Drinks
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Snacks between dives
- Drinking water
- Soft drinks & juices
- Tea & coffee
Diving Services
- Professional dive guides
- Daily dive briefings
- 12L tanks
- Weights
- Zodiac support where required
What’s Not Included
Transfers
- Individual airport transfers
- Private taxis
- Additional hotel transfers
- Transfers outside scheduled group service
Fees & Tips
- Marine park fees
- Port fees
- Environmental/governmental fees
- Crew tips
Diving Extras
- 15L Tank: €60/week
- Nitrox 12L: €85/week
- Nitrox 15L: €100/week
Equipment Rental
- Regulator: €65
- BCD: €65
- Wetsuit: €60
- Dive Computer: €65
- Full Equipment: €160
- Full Equipment + Computer: €220
Red Sea Liveaboard Departure Ports
In practice, departure and return ports depend on the scheduled route. Therefore they are confirmed with the individual booking rather than fixed in advance. Naturally, a southern port shortens the run to the Deep South considerably.
Hurghada Marina
Hurghada
Specifically, North Red Sea, North & Dahab, North & Brothers and selected BDE departures. Moreover it is the base for our daily diving boats.
Port Ghalib
Port Ghalib
Similarly, Daedalus, Elphinstone, Fury Shoals, St. John’s, Deep South and Marine Park routes. Consequently it sits closest to the offshore reefs.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam
Likewise, selected southern and Deep South liveaboard itineraries, depending on the scheduled program. Therefore it shortens the run to the far south.
Sample Red Sea Liveaboard Dive Programs
Naturally, these programs show the typical structure of each Red Sea liveaboard route. However, the exact sites and dive order always depend on weather, currents, sea conditions, permissions and safety. Therefore treat every day below as a plan rather than a promise. Moreover, current departure dates are published on redsealiveaboard.net.
North Red Sea
Red Sea liveaboard • Hurghada • Wrecks • Strait of Gubal • Ras Mohammed
Firstly, this is the sheltered week, so it suits divers on a first liveaboard.
North & Dahab
North Wrecks • Ras Mohammed • Tiran • Dahab
Meanwhile the overnight crossing to Dahab splits the week into two very different halves.
North & Brothers
Northern Wrecks • Ras Mohammed • Brothers Islands
Consequently the first half stays sheltered, whereas the second half turns fully offshore.
BDE – Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone
Red Sea liveaboard • Classic offshore Marine Park safari
Above all, this week demands current experience, because every reef sits in open water.
Daedalus & Fury Shoals
Daedalus • Fury Shoals • Sataya • Southern Reefs
Therefore the route balances one exposed offshore reef against sheltered coral gardens.
Deep South – St. John’s
Red Sea liveaboard • Sataya • Fury Shoals • Elphinstone
Notably, these southern reefs sit close to the Sudanese border and see very few boats.
Deep South – Elba
Remote Deep South Expedition
Accordingly this expedition sails only when the weather window genuinely allows it.
Sataya & Fury Shoals
Red Sea liveaboard • Dolphin Reef • Coral gardens • Caves
As a result it is the gentlest southern week, and snorkellers travel comfortably alongside divers.
Approximate Sailing Times
Therefore every Red Sea liveaboard schedules long crossings overnight whenever possible. Nevertheless the figures below remain planning estimates, because actual passage times depend on sea state and wind. In practice a strong headwind adds an hour or two.
Weather, Wind & Sailing Conditions
Liveaboard departures and offshore crossings are subject to wind, waves, sea conditions and authorization from the relevant Egyptian maritime authorities. In other words, the decision to sail on a Red Sea liveaboard is never ours alone. Consequently no operator can promise otherwise.
Consequently sailing may be permitted, depending on actual sea conditions and authorization from the relevant authorities. Meanwhile the captain watches the forecast hour by hour.
However, departure may not be permitted. Instead the vessel may be required to remain in the marina or port until conditions improve and permission to sail is given. Naturally, nobody enjoys that, although safety leaves no choice.
Red Sea Liveaboard: Frequently Asked Questions
What time does boarding start on a Red Sea liveaboard?
Initially, guests are welcome onboard from approximately 3:00 PM on Saturday. Afterwards check-in, cabin allocation, certification and diving insurance checks, equipment preparation and the welcome and safety briefing all take place on the arrival day. Naturally, dinner follows.
How long is a Red Sea liveaboard trip?
Every Red Sea liveaboard runs for 7 nights with 6 diving days. Generally diving starts on Sunday and finishes on Friday, and check-out is between 09:00 and 10:00 AM on the following Saturday. Consequently the week is always Saturday to Saturday.
Which ports do the liveaboards depart from?
Departures are from Hurghada, Port Ghalib or Marsa Alam. However, the exact port depends on the scheduled route and is confirmed with the individual booking. Therefore we confirm it in writing before you travel.
What is included in the liveaboard price?
Specifically, the price covers one scheduled group transfer in each direction, 7 nights in the booked cabin category with linen and towels, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks between dives, drinking water, soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee, professional dive guides, daily briefings, 12L tanks and weights.
What is not included in the liveaboard price?
Marine park fees, port fees, environmental and governmental fees and crew tips are paid separately. In addition, nitrox, 15L tanks, equipment rental and any transfer outside the scheduled group service are charged as extras. Therefore bring cash for the fees collected on board.
Booking, payment and sailing conditions
How much is the deposit for a full-boat charter?
A deposit of 5,000 euro secures and confirms a full-boat charter. Afterwards the balance can be settled on arrival at the boat before the trip starts, or by bank transfer at least 2 months before departure. Meanwhile the dates stay held for you.
What happens if I cancel my booking?
Cancelling more than 3 months before departure retains 25% of the deposit. Similarly, between 3 months and 1 month retains 50%, and less than 1 month before departure or a no-show retains 100%. Finally, all cancellations must be submitted in writing. Consequently an email is enough.
Can strong wind stop the liveaboard from sailing?
Between 15 and 24 knots sailing may be permitted, depending on actual sea conditions and authorization from the relevant authorities. However, at 25 knots and above departure may not be permitted, and the vessel may have to remain in port until conditions improve. Ultimately the captain decides.
Important Route & Safety Information
Accordingly the captain and dive team may change the route, dive sites, order of dives, number of dives, departure time, overnight location or return time because of weather, wind, waves, currents, sea conditions, sailing distances, diver experience, Marine Park regulations, Coastguard requirements or instructions from the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile long offshore crossings are completed overnight whenever possible. Accordingly the diving day stays intact.
Ultimately, safety of guests, crew and vessel always takes priority over the planned itinerary. Therefore we would rather explain that before you book than at sea.
What are you waiting for?
Book Your Adventure
Simply tell us your dates and which route you have in mind, then leave the rest to us. Afterwards our team will confirm availability, the departure port and the vessel assigned to your Red Sea liveaboard, and will talk the itinerary through with you before you commit to anything.
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