Discovery II · Egypt · 8D7N
This advanced itinerary explores three of the most renowned offshore sites in the Egyptian Red Sea. Divers will visit the Brother Islands, which are the tips of two submerged mountains featuring stunning wall dives, vibrant soft corals, and the famous Aida II and Numidia wrecks. The trip also includes Daedalus Reef, the most remote reef, known for its pristine hard coral formations and chances to see schooling hammerheads. The final highlight is Elphinstone, a reef with dramatic sheer walls where encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks are common. Max guests on this trip: 22.
Hurghada
Board the vessel in Hurghada, where you will be greeted by the crew. After settling into your cabin, you'll attend a comprehensive boat and safety briefing. The evening is for gear setup and enjoying dinner as the boat prepares for its overnight departure to the southern dive sites.
Good to know: Embarkation and welcome briefing | Dinner on board | Overnight sailing
Hurghada area
The day begins with one or two check dives at a local site near Hurghada, such as Small Giftun. This allows everyone to fine-tune their weighting and gear in calm conditions. Following the dives, the boat commences the long overnight cruise south towards the remote Brothers Islands.
Dive sites: Small Giftun
Good to know: Check dives to ensure diver comfort and equipment function | Long sailing to the Brothers Islands
Brothers Islands Marine Park
Arrive at the world-famous Brothers Islands, two isolated volcanic cones rising from the abyss. Dives are split between Big Brother and Little Brother. At Big Brother, you can explore the wrecks of the Numidia and Aida, which are encrusted with corals. Little Brother is celebrated for its pristine fan corals, vibrant soft corals, and the chance to see thresher and grey reef sharks.
Dive sites: Big Brother, Little Brother, Numidia Wreck, Aida Wreck
Daedalus Reef Marine Park
An overnight sail brings you to Daedalus Reef, another isolated offshore platform famous for its pristine condition and pelagic encounters. The main attraction is the northern point, where divers hope for sightings of schooling scalloped hammerheads. The walls are covered with impressive hard coral formations and patrolled by large tuna and jacks.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
Elphinstone Reef
Today's diving centers on the legendary Elphinstone Reef, a finger-like reef renowned for its thrilling drift dives along sheer walls. The north and south plateaus are hotspots for shark activity, especially oceanic whitetips. The walls are adorned with purple and red soft corals, creating a stunning backdrop for encounters with barracuda and dogtooth tuna.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef, Ras Tromby
Good to know: Dive site selection depends on current conditions
Safaga
The journey north continues towards Safaga. The plan includes a dive on the Salem Express, a large passenger ferry that is now a somber but fascinating artificial reef. Further dives may take place at Panorama Reef, known for its dramatic walls and gorgonian fans, or a night dive at Ras Abu Soma to search for nocturnal creatures.
Dive sites: Salem Express, Panorama Reef, Ras Abu Soma, Gotta Abu Ramada
Good to know: The Salem Express is a sensitive dive site and is explored with respect.
Hurghada
The final two dives of the trip are conducted at sites closer to Hurghada. This often includes the El Mina wreck, an Egyptian minesweeper, and a final reef dive at a site like El Fanous. After the dives, the boat returns to the marina in Hurghada for the last evening, a chance to share memories with your new dive buddies.
Dive sites: El Mina Wreck, El Fanous
Good to know: Equipment washing and packing | Final dinner on board
Hurghada
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before bidding farewell to the crew and fellow guests. Disembarkation is in the morning, with transfers arranged to the airport or local hotels.
Good to know: Final breakfast | Guest disembarkation