Liveaboards · Egypt
Dive Liveaboards Egypt
An Egypt liveaboard gives you a week on the Red Sea, with three or four dives a day and access to reefs beyond the reach of day boats. Departures leave mainly from Hurghada, Port Ghalib and Sharm el-Sheikh, with some from Hamata or Safaga. Choose from 90 liveaboards, from £534$714€638, on the northern, Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone, or southern route.
Egypt liveaboard routes
The table counts departures on sale over the next twelve months, route by route, using each itinerary's name. It shows the lowest price at the most common length and is refreshed every night.
| Route | Departure ports | Most common length | From | Departures | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern route | Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh | 7 nights | £534$714€638 | 2037 | Open Water on most boats |
| Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone | Hurghada or Port Ghalib | 7 nights | £605$809€723 | 1581 | Advanced Open Water and 30 or 50 dives |
| Southern route | Port Ghalib or Hamata | 7 nights | £589$788€704 | 409 | Open Water or Advanced Open Water |
Prices are per person, excluding flights and costs on board.
Wrecks, walls and the Strait of Tiran
The northern route leaves mainly from Hurghada, and also from Sharm el-Sheikh. It takes in the Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk in 1941, with holds full of motorbikes and lorries, then the reef of Abu Nuhas, including the Carnatic, sunk in 1869, and the Giannis D, sunk in 1983. Add the walls of Ras Mohammed and the Strait of Tiran. This is the route with the most departures, and most boats accept Open Water divers. Three or four-night trips are also available.
Remote reefs and pelagic encounters
This route runs from Hurghada or Port Ghalib to the two islets of the Brothers, Daedalus reef and Elphinstone. Divers come for the sharks, including hammerheads and oceanic whitetips, mostly in late spring. Thresher sharks are seen at the Brothers in winter. Currents can be strong and the walls are very deep, so most boats ask for Advanced Open Water and a minimum of 30 or 50 logged dives. The boat's page sets the exact requirement.
St John's, Fury Shoals and Sataya
The southern route leaves from Port Ghalib or Hamata and runs down to the reefs of St John's, beyond the Tropic of Cancer. Maze-like reefs, arches and caves make up the diving, with the way back passing the Fury Shoals and Sataya reef. Dolphins are often seen at Sataya. There are fewer departures than on the other routes, so book early. Open Water or Advanced Open Water is accepted, depending on the boat.
Egypt liveaboard special offers
−£1,421−$1,898−€1,696Red Sea Aggressor V
Egypt
Red Sea★ 9.1/10 (37 reviews)
Departs 19 Dec7 nights
−68%per person
£671 £2,092$898 $2,796€802 €2,498
and 7 more departures on offer
−£1,317−$1,761−€1,573Red Sea Aggressor II
Egypt
Red Sea★ 9.1/10 (211 reviews)
Departs 28 Nov7 nights
−64%per person
£747 £2,064$998 $2,759€892 €2,465
and 14 more departures on offer
−£1,270−$1,698−€1,517Red Sea Aggressor IV
Egypt
Red Sea★ 9.2/10 (179 reviews)
Departs 28 Nov7 nights
−63%per person
£747 £2,017$998 $2,696€892 €2,409
and 7 more departures on offer
The boats
Where these boats go
Questions about an Egypt liveaboard
When is the best time for an Egypt liveaboard?
Water is around 21 °C in February and March, and around 28 °C in September. Winter winds are stronger in the north, while the south stays milder. For hammerheads, late spring is the key period.
Which route is best for a first liveaboard?
The northern route is the usual starting point, and most boats take Open Water divers. The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone route usually requires Advanced Open Water and 30 or 50 logged dives, while the southern route accepts Open Water or Advanced Open Water depending on the boat.
How do you get to the liveaboard?
Use Hurghada airport for Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh airport for Sharm el-Sheikh, and Marsa Alam airport for Port Ghalib or Hamata. Check whether the transfer is included before you travel.
Is a liveaboard better than a hotel dive holiday?
The Brothers, Daedalus and St John's are too far offshore for day boats, so a liveaboard is the way to dive them. You can usually make three or four dives a day, often including a night dive.
What is not included in the liveaboard price?
Marine park fees, nitrox, rental equipment, crew tips and transfers are often charged separately. Check the boat's booking details before you pay.
How long is an Egypt liveaboard?
Most trips last seven nights, with departures all year round. The northern route also has three or four-night trips.
Egypt liveaboard FAQ
How much does an Egypt liveaboard cost?
Prices start from £534$714€638 per person for the most common length. Flights and some costs on board are separate.
What is the best season for a Red Sea liveaboard?
Water is around 21 °C in February and March, and around 28 °C in September. Late spring is the time to look at for hammerheads, while winter brings stronger winds in the north.
What certification do I need for an Egypt liveaboard?
Open Water is accepted on most northern-route boats. Depending on the route and boat, you may need Advanced Open Water and 30 or 50 logged dives.
Where do Egypt liveaboards depart from?
Departures are mainly from Hurghada, Port Ghalib and Sharm el-Sheikh, with some from Hamata or Safaga.
How many dives a day do you do on a liveaboard?
Expect three or four dives a day, often with one night dive. There is a briefing before each dive.
What is a typical day like on an Egypt liveaboard?
You follow the dive schedule, with briefings, meals and time on the dive deck between dives. Most days include three or four dives.
Can you see sharks on an Egypt liveaboard?
The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone route is known for hammerheads and oceanic whitetips. Thresher sharks are seen at the Brothers in winter.
Can you see dolphins on a Red Sea liveaboard?
Dolphins are often seen at Sataya reef on the southern route.
How long should I wait before flying home after a liveaboard?
Allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and take-off. There is no diving on the last day.
Do I need dive insurance for an Egypt liveaboard?
Dive insurance is strongly recommended, and many boats ask for it when you board. Make sure it covers diving accidents and the recompression chamber.
