C U Red Sea Liveaboard · Diving, Snorkeling and Private Charters
M/Y C U Red Sea Liveaboard in Egypt
The C U Red Sea liveaboard is a 37-metre safari boat carrying 26 guests in 13 cabins, sailing from Hurghada all year. Moreover, she runs diving safaris, snorkeling holidays and full private charters, which makes her unusually flexible for a boat of this size.
The vessel37 m · 10 m beam · four decks
The weekSaturday to Saturday
Who it is forDivers, snorkelers and charters
2026Major update
37 mLength
26Guests max.
4Decks
Originally launched in 2010, the vessel completed a full maintenance program and a major update in 2026. Therefore, guests travel on refreshed guest areas and renewed onboard systems while the proven hull stays underneath.
Furthermore, the 37-metre length and the 10-metre beam create generous interior and exterior areas without an overcrowded atmosphere. In addition, a maximum of 26 guests keeps the dive deck calm and the briefings personal.
Unlike a pure diving platform, the boat also works for snorkelers and for travelers who simply want a week at sea. Consequently, mixed groups of divers and non-divers can share the same itinerary comfortably.
Meanwhile, the layout follows the natural rhythm of a liveaboard holiday. Specifically, guests prepare for the next excursion, rest in the air-conditioned interior, eat together and then relax outside while the boat sails between remote reef systems.
Meanwhile, the vessel can be booked as a full private charter for up to 26 guests. As a result, dive centres, clubs, families and photography groups can request a preferred route and departure port.
Finally, the boat operates itineraries from Hurghada and other approved Egyptian ports. Naturally, the exact program depends on the selected route, the weather, official permissions and the weekly sailing plan.
13 private cabins
Firstly, every cabin is en-suite with a private bathroom. In addition, each one has individual air conditioning and practical storage.
Air-conditioned salon
A central indoor lounge hosts briefings, photo reviews and evening company. Meanwhile, it also works as a cool retreat during the afternoon.
Indoor restaurant
Naturally, fresh daily meals come from the onboard galley. Moreover, tea, coffee, water and soft drinks stay available all day.
Two sun decks
Above all, the main sun deck and the upper sun deck give two separate open-air zones. Consequently, you can find company or a quiet corner.
Diving and snorkeling
Naturally, the dive deck supports full scuba operations. In addition, suitable routes can include supervised snorkeling for non-divers.
Private charters
Furthermore, the whole boat can be chartered for up to 26 guests. Therefore, groups can request their own route and departure port.
C U Red Sea Liveaboard Specification
In short, M/Y C U is a 37-metre Egyptian Red Sea liveaboard with a 10-metre beam, built in 2010 and fully updated in 2026. Moreover, she sails seven-night safaris from Hurghada with a maximum of 26 guests in 13 private en-suite cabins across four decks, and she is operated by Red Sea Diving.
At a glance
Year Built / Update2010 / 2026
Number of Cabins13
Guest Capacity26
Gear RentalAvailable
Wi-FiAvailable
NitroxAvailable
Vessel and deck layout
Boat NameM/Y C U
Length37 m
Beam10 m
Cabins13 Private Cabins with En-Suite Bathroom
Capacity26 Guests
Guest Decks4
Lower DeckSix Twin Cabins and One Suite
Main DeckFour Twin Cabins, Restaurant, Salon and Dive Deck
Sun DeckTwo Double Cabins, Loungers and Shaded Seating
Upper Sun DeckOpen-Air Sunbathing Zone and Refreshment Bar
Power Plugs OnboardEU Style at 220V
Main ActivitiesDiving, Snorkeling and Private Charters
Departure PortHurghada, Egypt
Trip LengthSeven Nights and Six Activity Days
Dive Facilities
Professional dive deck
Individual gear stations
Tank racks and storage
Freshwater rinse tanks
Nitrox available on board
Rental equipment available
Camera preparation area
Navigation & Safety
Life rafts and life jackets
Fire alarm and firefighting systems
Emergency oxygen units
First aid kits
GPS and navigation systems
Radio communication systems
Emergency Action Plan
Food & Drinks
Fresh daily meals
International and Egyptian dishes
Buffet style
Dietary requirements on request
Tea, coffee, water and soft drinks
Snacks available all day
Onboard Facilities
Air-conditioned salon
Indoor restaurant
Main sun deck with loungers
Upper sun deck with bar
Shaded outdoor seating
Wi-Fi on board
Cabin Facilities
Private en-suite bathroom
Individual air conditioning
Two single beds in the twin cabins
Double beds in the sun deck cabins
Practical storage and reading lights
Towels, cabin linen and daily housekeeping
Life on board
Life on the C U Red Sea Liveaboard
Overall, life on board combines active days in the water with quiet evenings at sea. Therefore, nothing feels rushed during a busy week.
Because the boat carries only 26 guests, the atmosphere stays friendly rather than crowded. Furthermore, the shared areas give everyone room to attend briefings, meet other travelers, review underwater photographs or simply do nothing at all.
After the last activity of the day, guests can settle into the air-conditioned salon, take the shaded seating on the main sun deck or move up to the upper sun deck for the sunset. Meanwhile, the crew resets the dive deck for the following morning.
Consequently, the boat suits experienced divers, dive clubs, underwater photographers, snorkelers and travelers joining a Red Sea safari for the first time. In short, she works for a full charter and for individual bookings alike.
The layout
C U Red Sea Liveaboard Boat Map
Indeed, the deck plan below shows how the vessel is arranged across her four decks. Specifically, it runs from the twin cabins on the lower deck up to the open-air sunbathing zone on the upper sun deck.
Accommodation
Cabin Types on the C U Red Sea Liveaboard
Altogether, the vessel sleeps up to 26 guests in 13 private cabins across three levels. Because proper rest matters as much as time in the water, every cabin is a fully air-conditioned haven with its own bathroom.
Private en-suite bathroom
Individual air conditioning
Comfortable bedding
Practical storage space
Reading lights
Towels and cabin linen
Daily housekeeping
Twin Cabin
Ten twin cabins make up most of the accommodation: six on the lower deck and four on the main deck. In addition, each one has two single beds in a practical layout. Therefore, they work well for dive partners, friends travelling together and solo travelers sharing.
Suite
One suite sits on the lower deck in cabin number seven and forms the largest single cabin on board. Consequently, it suits couples or guests who want extra floor space. Moreover, the lower-deck position stays quiet and stable overnight.
Double Cabin
Finally, two double cabins sit on the sun deck, the highest accommodation level on the boat. Their elevated position brings natural daylight and easy access to the open-air areas. As a result, they suit guests who prefer to be close to the deck.
Amenities
Amenities on the C U Red Sea Liveaboard
Between dives, the vessel accordingly works as a floating base camp. In addition, every communal area is designed so surface intervals feel as good as the diving, whether you want company or a quiet corner.
Restaurant
Naturally, good food fuels the day. Meanwhile, the onboard kitchen serves fresh meals timed around the activity schedule: a hearty breakfast, a substantial lunch between sessions and a relaxed dinner afterwards.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
International and Egyptian dishes
Tea, coffee and drinking water
Soft drinks and juices
Snacks available all day
Above all, guests should report allergies or special dietary needs before arrival, so arrangements can be made with the boat team in advance.
Salon
To escape the midday sun, the climate-controlled salon offers comfortable seating and media facilities. Specifically, it works for briefings, photo reviews, chatting with the guides or simply sharing a quiet coffee.
General boat briefings
Daily dive-site presentations
Safety briefings
Underwater photography reviews
Relaxing between activities
Socializing with other guests
Consequently, the salon becomes the social core of the boat on warm Red Sea afternoons.
Sun Deck
Above all, the main sun deck blends open loungers with deep-shaded seating. In addition, the wide hull gives it real room, whether you want to dry off after a dive, socialize with friends or rest under a clear desert sky.
Upper Sun Deck
Similarly, the elevated upper sun deck holds a dedicated sunbathing zone with the refreshment bar close by. As a result, guests use it for reading, watching for dolphins and, after dark, stargazing over the Egyptian coastline.
Professional diving facilities
The C U Red Sea Liveaboard Dive Deck
The dive deck sits on the main deck and is arranged for safe, organized diving operations. Specifically, the layout provides practical space for:
Preparing scuba equipment at individual gear stations
Storing personal diving gear, weights and accessories
Putting on and removing equipment
Attending final dive instructions
Preparing underwater cameras
Rinsing masks, regulators and cameras in freshwater
Entering and leaving the zodiacs
Before each dive, the team gives a site briefing covering the dive plan, maximum depth, currents, entry and exit procedures, marine life, buddy procedures and emergency signals.
In practice, zodiacs are used whenever a site cannot be reached directly from the vessel. Therefore, they support drift dives, remote reefs, offshore walls and pickup operations.
However, the final diving program always depends on the itinerary, diver experience, sea conditions, weather, official permissions and the captain’s safety decision.
Not only diving
Snorkeling Holidays and Private Charters
Because the boat is not limited to scuba programs, she also supports snorkeling holidays and private group adventures in suitable Red Sea areas. Consequently, mixed groups of divers and non-divers can travel together.
Snorkeling guests may enjoy
Shallow coral gardens
Sheltered lagoons such as Sataya
Clear water and reef fish
Surface marine-life observation
Relaxed time on board between stops
Remote Red Sea scenery
A full charter suits
Dive centres and dive clubs
Tour operators and B2B partners
Families and groups of friends
Underwater photography groups
Snorkeling groups
Corporate and incentive groups
Charter organizers can request a preferred route, departure port and activity plan. Nevertheless, the final itinerary must still follow Egyptian regulations, port permissions, marine park rules, weather conditions and the captain’s safety decision.
Safety first
C U Red Sea Liveaboard Safety Standards
Above all, the vessel strictly follows modern Red Sea liveaboard safety criteria. For this reason, she carries current navigation, communication and emergency equipment alongside a trained crew and professional dive guides.
Emergency Equipment
Firstly, the boat carries a complete set of emergency equipment. Moreover, every item is checked and maintained before departure.
Life rafts
Life jackets
Fire alarm systems
Firefighting equipment
Emergency oxygen units
First aid kits
Navigation, Crew and Procedures
Of course, equipment alone is not enough. Therefore, the crew works to a documented plan and briefs every guest before the trip begins.
GPS and navigation systems
Radio communication systems
Emergency Action Plan
Trained boat crew
Professional dive guides
General boat safety briefing
Fire and evacuation procedures
Nitrox analysis and recording when Nitrox is used
All guests must attend the boat safety briefing and follow the instructions of the captain, cruise director, guides and crew. Furthermore, divers must carry the certification, experience and insurance required for their route.
What to expect
Impressions
Where to go
Routes Sailed by the C U Red Sea Liveaboard
Notably, the vessel can operate all eight of Egypt’s best-known itineraries. However, the precise route and sequence of dive sites may change according to the departure port, weather, wind, currents, guest experience, marine park regulations and official approval. Additionally, further background on Egyptian safari itineraries is available at redsealiveaboard.net.
North
Here, wrecks come paired with reefs. Therefore, possible highlights include Shaab El Erg, Abu Nuhas, SS Thistlegorm, Shag Rock, Beacon Rock and Ras Mohammed.
Northern wrecks combined with the Blue Hole and the Canyon. In particular, this route suits divers who want history plus dramatic underwater landscapes.
Caves, tunnels and remote reefs including Habili Ali, Dangerous Reef and Umm Khararim. Consequently, it is a favourite among coral lovers and photographers.
Above all, this is expedition diving in Egypt’s least-visited southern waters. Because the route involves long navigation, access depends on sea conditions and official authorization.
Typically, a standard safari runs seven nights on board with six activity days. In practice, the week follows this shape:
Saturday: boarding after the confirmed check-in time, cabin allocation, document checks, equipment setup and the safety briefing
Sunday: departure, a check dive and the first activities
Monday to Thursday: full program with multiple dives per day
Friday: two morning dives and the return toward the marina
Saturday: breakfast and check-out
Meanwhile, the number of dives varies with the route, sea conditions, arrival times and official regulations. Overall, a typical week offers:
Two or three dives on the first activity day
Three or four dives per day during the main program
Two dives on the final activity day
Night dives where permitted
Night diving is not available everywhere, since offshore marine parks and some protected areas do not permit it. Furthermore, wind strength, waves, currents, visibility and official sailing permissions may affect departure times and access to offshore locations.
Of course, no Red Sea itinerary should be treated as a fixed list of guaranteed dive sites. In addition, the captain and dive team may change the route because of wind, waves, current, visibility, marine regulations, port instructions, diver experience or safety considerations. Ultimately, safety takes priority over the planned itinerary.
Price, inclusions and local fees
In short, a seven-night safari aboard M/Y C U starts from €1,200 per person. In addition, two mandatory extras are paid on arrival: the marine park fee of €170 and the port fee of €25, so the compulsory local charges total €195 per person. Furthermore, the exact price depends on the route, the season and the cabin category, and Red Sea Diving confirms it for each departure.
Typically included
Seven nights accommodation on board
Six activity days from Sunday to Friday
Full-board meals and snacks
Tea, coffee, water and soft drinks
12-liter air tanks
Weights and weight belts
Professional Red Sea dive guides
Towels and cabin linen
Airport or hotel transfers according to the confirmed booking
Normally not included
Marine park fee (€170) and port fee (€25), paid locally
Nitrox and 15-liter tanks
Rental diving equipment and dive computers
Alcoholic drinks
Egyptian entry visa
Crew and guide tips
Hotel nights before or after the safari
Personal diving insurance
Flights
Because routes and offers vary, all inclusions, exclusions and prices must be confirmed for the selected departure.
Who it is for
Who Is This Liveaboard Suitable For?
Individual liveaboard guests
Couples
Friends traveling together
Dive centres and dive clubs
Underwater photographers
Snorkeling groups
Private charter groups
Wreck-diving enthusiasts
Experienced offshore divers
Travelers looking for a week at sea
A maximum of 26 guests creates a practical group size while keeping a friendly atmosphere onboard. For instance, northern itineraries suit a broader range of qualified divers, whereas offshore routes such as BDE, Brothers, Daedalus and Elba generally require more experience.
Before you book
Important Diving Requirements
Every guest should provide
A valid diving certification from PADI, BSAC or an equivalent training agency
A diving logbook or digital dive history
Valid diving or travel insurance covering scuba activities
A medical declaration when required
Passport details
Emergency contact information
Advanced and offshore routes may require
Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent
Recent diving experience
Experience with strong currents and drift diving
Experience with negative entries
The ability to deploy a surface marker buoy
Appropriate depth training
Above all, Red Sea Diving should confirm the final requirements before booking, because they vary by route and by current regulations.
Choosing a boat
How the C U Red Sea Liveaboard Compares
All of these vessels carry 26 guests in 13 cabins and sail the same eight Red Sea routes from Hurghada. However, they differ in length, age and cabin categories, so the table below sets them side by side.
Therefore, the choice usually comes down to cabin layout, activity mix and availability on your preferred dates rather than the diving itself. In addition, our team in Hurghada can check every boat for the same week before you decide.
Good to know
C U Red Sea Liveaboard: Frequently Asked Questions
The vessel
What is M/Y C U?
M/Y C U is a 37-metre Egyptian Red Sea liveaboard designed for diving safaris, snorkeling holidays and private charters for up to 26 guests.
How large is M/Y C U?
The boat is 37 metres long, 10 metres wide and has four guest decks.
When was M/Y C U built and updated?
The vessel was built in 2010 and completed a full maintenance program and major update in 2026.
How many guests can M/Y C U accommodate?
The vessel accommodates a maximum of 26 guests.
Cabins and comfort
How many cabins are onboard?
M/Y C U has 13 private, air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms.
What cabin types are available?
The vessel offers ten Twin cabins, one Suite on the lower deck and two Double cabins on the sun deck. Six twin cabins sit on the lower deck and four on the main deck.
Does the boat have air conditioning?
Yes. All guest cabins, the restaurant and the salon are air-conditioned.
Is Wi-Fi available on board?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available on board, although speed and coverage depend on the mobile network at each location.
Trips and routes
Where does M/Y C U operate?
The vessel operates across the Egyptian Red Sea and can depart from Hurghada or other approved ports depending on the selected route.
Which routes can M/Y C U operate?
Possible itineraries include North, North and Dahab, North and Brothers, BDE, Daedalus and Fury Shoals, Deep South St. John’s, Elba and Sataya.
Choosing a route
Which route is best for wreck diving?
For divers primarily interested in wrecks, the North Route is one of the strongest choices. Possible wrecks include SS Thistlegorm, Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Kingston and Dunraven, although the actual wrecks visited depend on the itinerary and conditions.
Which route is best for snorkelers?
Sataya and Fury Shoals suit snorkelers best, because they combine sheltered lagoons with shallow coral gardens. However, the snorkeling program depends on the route, the sea conditions and the availability of safe snorkeling locations.
Is M/Y C U suitable for advanced divers?
Yes. The vessel operates routes such as Brothers Islands, BDE, Daedalus, Elphinstone and Elba, which may involve strong currents, deep reef walls, open-ocean diving, negative entries and longer navigation.
How many dives are normally offered?
A standard seven-night safari usually includes six activity days, with approximately three to four dives on full days and fewer dives on the first and final days. The exact number depends on the route and conditions.
Are night dives available?
Night dives may be offered at suitable locations where marine park regulations and sea conditions allow them. However, night diving is not permitted at some offshore sites.
Prices, charters and booking
How much does a trip aboard M/Y C U cost?
A seven-night safari starts from 1,200 euros per person. In addition, the marine park fee of 170 euros and the port fee of 25 euros are paid locally. However, the final price depends on the route, the season and the cabin category, so contact Red Sea Diving for the confirmed price and availability of your selected week.
Does M/Y C U offer private charters?
Yes. The vessel can be booked as a full private charter for up to 26 guests, subject to availability and confirmed commercial terms.
Can non-divers join M/Y C U?
Snorkelers and leisure travelers may join suitable itineraries. However, the route should be confirmed before booking, because some advanced offshore itineraries are designed primarily for experienced divers.
Is Nitrox available on M/Y C U?
Yes. Nitrox is available on board and should be confirmed for the selected departure. Every diver using Nitrox must analyze and record the oxygen percentage before diving.
Who operates M/Y C U?
M/Y C U is operated by Red Sea Diving, a diving operator based in Hurghada, Egypt, running Red Sea liveaboard safaris and daily diving for more than twenty years.
Dive sites and marine life
Are the advertised dive sites guaranteed?
No. The captain and dive team may change the route or dive sites because of wind, waves, current, visibility, marine regulations, port instructions, diver experience or safety considerations.
Are dolphin or shark encounters guaranteed?
No. Sharks, dolphins and other marine animals are wild. Encounters depend on the season, location and natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Why book with us
Diving the Red Sea Since Day One
20+ years of experience
Red Sea Diving has been running liveaboard safaris and daily diving in Egypt for more than two decades. Consequently, we know these itineraries in detail.
Professional crew and guides
Experienced captains, trained boat crew and professional dive guides run every trip. Moreover, they know these reefs season by season.
Safety comes first
The boat carries life rafts, oxygen units and firefighting systems. In addition, an Emergency Action Plan and a briefing precede every dive.
Updated in 2026
M/Y C U completed a full maintenance program covering comfort, technical systems and safety equipment. As a result, the vessel feels current throughout.
Diving, snorkeling and charters
Notably, this vessel is not limited to scuba programs. Therefore, mixed groups and full charters can travel together on the same week.
Talk to us before you book
Above all, our team in Hurghada answers directly. Furthermore, we help you compare routes and confirm availability before any payment.
What are you waiting for?
Book Your Adventure
Tell us which experience you want to enjoy and leave the rest to us. Moreover, if you have questions or you are still choosing between routes, our team will talk it through with you before you commit to anything.