Almonda

The untouched waters of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea beckon with a vibrant underwater world of pristine coral structures and transparent seas. This destination is rapidly gaining recognition among discerning divers for its healthy ecosystems, featuring everything from steep wall dives to lush shallow reefs. Visibility is often exceptional, allowing for encounters with diverse marine life, including schools of hammerheads, silky sharks, and an abundance of colorful reef fish and rays. The Almonda liveaboard provides the perfect platform to discover these hidden gems, offering a blend of comfort and adventure as you navigate these spectacular, largely untouched dive sites. Diving from the Almonda is designed for convenience and immersion, supported by a spacious dive deck and two robust Zodiac tenders for reaching secluded spots. Nitrox is freely available for certified divers to enhance bottom time, while individual equipment boxes keep gear organized. The experienced, multi-lingual dive guides lead groups through the region's incredible biodiversity, with night dives being a regular feature to witness nocturnal wonders. The vessel also offers scuba training programs for those looking to advance their skills while exploring the Red Sea. Life aboard the Almonda is characterized by comfort and thoughtful utility across its 12 independently air-conditioned staterooms. Each cabin features a private en-suite bathroom with warm water showers, a hairdryer, and a 32-inch TV for entertainment. Guests are supplied with full bedding sets and dedicated towels for staterooms, shore visits, and the dive platform. Beyond the cabins, the ship offers inviting social spaces including a large indoor saloon, a dedicated dining room, and two partially shaded sundecks with sun loungers and a hot tub. Modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the ship, laundry facilities, and stand-up paddleboards are also available for guest use. Culinary delights are a highlight of the experience, with an all-inclusive full-board meal plan served buffet-style. The menu features a delightful mix of Western and local cuisine, ensuring a varied and satisfying dining experience. Various light snacks are provided throughout the day to maintain stamina between dives. The drink selection is broad, encompassing clean water, tea, and coffee along with diverse sodas and alcohol-free beer. The crew is attentive to dietary needs, offering vegetarian and vegan options upon request to ensure every guest's preferences are catered to with hospitality. The Almonda, built in 2017, is a modern 39.9-meter vessel with an 8.57-meter beam, powered by two Man 1050 Hp engines for a comfortable 10-knot cruise. Operating under contemporary regulations, the ship incorporates the 15% Saudi VAT within its rates for financial clarity. With a capacity for 24 guests, she maintains a generous sense of space and self-sufficiency for extended voyages. Logistical travel is simplified with collective airport transfers from Jeddah included, typically following a Saturday-to-Saturday itinerary with boarding in the evening and disembarkation on Saturday morning after a 9:00 AM check-out.