Discovery I · Egypt · 8D7N
This advanced, one-way itinerary from Port Ghalib to Hurghada is designed for experienced divers seeking the Red Sea's most legendary offshore sites. The route focuses on the deep walls and challenging currents of the marine parks: Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone Reef. This is a trip for pelagic-lovers, with a very high chance of encountering sharks, including oceanic whitetips, hammerheads, and threshers. Due to the deep profiles and potentially strong currents, an Advanced Open Water certification with drift and deep diving experience is highly recommended to fully appreciate this thrilling deep south adventure.
Guests board the vessel in the afternoon at Port Ghalib. After a welcome briefing and cabin allocation, you can settle in as the boat prepares for departure. The vessel will set sail in the evening, beginning the overnight journey to the first of the remote offshore reefs.
The first full day of diving is spent at Daedalus Reef, a massive offshore platform topped by a lighthouse. Divers explore the pristine hard coral formations and sheer deep walls. The northern point is a prime area to look for schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks cruising in the blue. The currents here attract an abundance of marine life, from large tuna to smaller reef dwellers.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
After a final morning dive at Daedalus, the journey continues north to the world-renowned Brother Islands. Depending on the crossing time, the afternoon may allow for the first dive at Little Brother. This smaller pinnacle is famous for its incredible density of soft corals in every color, creating a breathtaking underwater spectacle along its steep walls.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef, Little Brother
A full day is dedicated to exploring both Big and Little Brother islands. Big Brother is home to two impressive wrecks: the cargo ship Numidia and the supply vessel Aida, both completely covered in corals and serving as artificial reefs. The islands are magnets for pelagic life, offering encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks, silky sharks, and threshers.
Dive sites: Big Brother, Little Brother, Numidia Wreck, Aida Wreck
The day begins with a final dive at the Brother Islands before the boat navigates towards the legendary Elphinstone Reef. Arriving in the afternoon, divers get their first taste of this long, finger-shaped reef. The initial dives introduce the thrilling drift conditions and the vibrant walls, with a chance to spot the resident oceanic whitetip sharks that patrol the area.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
An entire day is spent at Elphinstone, allowing for in-depth exploration of its famous plateaus and walls. Drift dives carry divers along walls blanketed in colorful soft corals and gorgonian fans. The northern and southern plateaus are where the action concentrates, offering encounters with oceanic whitetips and other large pelagics hunting in the currents.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
Sailing north, the liveaboard reaches the waters near Hurghada for the last two dives of the safari. Sites like Gota Abu Ramada or Small Giftun provide a relaxed end to the trip, featuring beautiful coral gardens, numerous reef fish, and potential sightings of eagle rays or turtles. In the afternoon, the vessel docks at the marina in Hurghada for the final night.
Dive sites: Gota Abu Ramada, Small Giftun
Following a final breakfast on board, guests check out and disembark at the Hurghada marina. Transfers to the airport or local hotels can be arranged.