Ashrafi
Location: Egypt
Rating: 4.8/5 (44 reviews)
About Ashrafi
The Ashrafi offers focused dive expeditions across Egypt's Red Sea, providing access to diverse marine environments from its modern, purpose-built platform.
The Red Sea is an oceanographic outlier, a narrow gulf where high temperatures and evaporation create some of the world's saltiest and warmest seawater. These conditions have fostered a unique marine ecosystem, home to resilient coral species and a high percentage of endemic life. From sheer drop-offs and current-swept plateaus to protected coral gardens, the underwater landscape is exceptionally varied. Built to navigate this environment, the Ashrafi serves as a modern and efficient base for week-long expeditions, providing direct access to the region's diverse underwater habitats.
Diving operations are organized for efficiency and safety. The spacious dive deck offers individual gear stations and storage, while a dedicated camera table provides a workspace for photographers. Two 5.5-meter Zodiacs, powered by 40 HP engines, act as support boats, transporting divers to precise drop-off points and ensuring quick pickups. This system allows for flexible dive planning, targeting the best conditions at sites inaccessible to larger vessels. All dives are led by experienced local guides who are experts in the region’s topography and marine life, interpreting the underwater world and maximizing every submersion.
Life aboard is designed for comfort and relaxation between dives. The vessel accommodates 24 guests in 13 air-conditioned cabins across the upper and lower decks. Options range from Upper Deck Deluxe Twin cabins to Lower Deck cabins and Upper Deck Double cabins that utilize shared facilities, offering choices for different preferences. Social life centers around the indoor, air-conditioned salon, a perfect spot for photo sharing or relaxing. For those preferring the open air, a shaded outdoor lounge and a large sundeck provide plenty of space to enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Egyptian coastline.
The onboard chef prepares a mix of international and local Egyptian cuisine, ensuring meals are fresh and plentiful. Served buffet-style in the main salon, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are designed to refuel divers after their time in the water. The menu is varied throughout the week, offering a wide selection of dishes. Snacks, water, tea, and coffee are available all day to keep guests hydrated and energized. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notification, ensuring all guests are well-catered for during their journey.
Ashrafi is a modern, 30-meter motor yacht with a 7.6-meter beam, providing a stable platform for Red Sea crossings. Built in 2021 and updated in 2023, the vessel incorporates contemporary marine design and safety standards. Power is supplied by two reliable Daewoo engines, each generating 720 horsepower. This propulsion system enables a cruising speed of 12 knots, allowing the boat to efficiently cover the distances required for comprehensive northern or southern itineraries. The vessel's recent construction ensures a smooth ride and timely arrivals at each new dive location.
Ashrafi operates itineraries that cover the Egyptian Red Sea, from the famous wreck-diving circuits of the north to the remote offshore reefs of the south. Depending on the season, trips may depart from Hurghada or Port Ghalib to explore iconic locations like Ras Mohamed National Park, the Straits of Tiran, or the Brother Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone reefs. These trips are well-suited for certified divers looking for a dedicated and well-organized dive holiday. The vessel's modern amenities, experienced crew, and efficient operation make it an excellent choice for divers wanting to experience the best of the Red Sea from a comfortable, purpose-built liveaboard.
Vessel Specifications
- Length: 30m
- Guest capacity: 24
- Year built: 2021
- Nitrox: Available
- WiFi: Available
Cabins
- Upper Deck Double Cabins (Shared Bathroom) — Double — These double cabins on the upper deck offer a cozy space with air conditioning. Guests in these cabins share bathroom facilities, providing a comfortable yet communal liveaboard experience.
- Lower Deck Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin — These comfortable cabins are located on the lower deck, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of diving. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning and a private en-suite bathroom for your conveni
- Upper Deck Deluxe Twin Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin — Situated on the upper deck, these deluxe twin cabins provide comfortable accommodation with individual air conditioning and a private en-suite bathroom. Enjoy enhanced comfort and privacy during your