DUNE Titan · Egypt · 12 Days / 11 Nights
A long-range expedition into the rarely-visited deep south of the Egyptian Red Sea, reaching the legendary Elba Reef on the Sudanese border. This extended itinerary combines the offshore icons of Daedalus, Rocky and Zabargad with the remote pinnacles of Saint John's and the wild, untouched reefs around Elba. Expect schooling hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, grey reef sharks and pristine hard coral gardens far from the crowds. A bucket-list trip for experienced divers seeking true exploration.
Port Ghalib, Egypt
Board the vessel in the afternoon at Port Ghalib. You will be greeted by the crew, settle into your cabin, and attend a comprehensive boat and safety briefing. In the evening, the boat casts off, beginning the overnight cruise south into the remote waters of the Red Sea.
Good to know: Embarkation | Welcome briefing | Dinner on board | Evening departure
Marsa Alam Coast, Red Sea
The first day of diving begins with one or two check dives at sites near the Marsa Alam coast. This is an opportunity to fine-tune your weighting, check equipment, and re-acquaint yourself with the Red Sea's warm waters and vibrant reefs. After the dives, the boat continues its long overnight passage towards the Deep South.
Good to know: Check dives to ensure comfort and proper weighting | Continue sailing south overnight
St. John's, Southern Red Sea
Arrive in the remote St. John's reef system, an extensive collection of reefs near the Tropic of Cancer. The first full day here focuses on the offshore 'habilis' like Habili Ali, deep-water pinnacles that act as magnets for pelagics. Expect steep walls covered in huge gorgonian sea fans and black corals, with grey reef sharks and barracudas patrolling the blue.
Dive sites: Habili Ali, Gota Kebir
Good to know: First dives in the St. John's area | Exploration of deep pinnacles | Potential for strong currents
St. John's, Southern Red Sea
Today's diving explores the iconic St. John's Caves at Umm Arouk. This is a labyrinthine network of shallow swim-throughs, sunlit tunnels, and beautiful caverns. The unique topography provides shelter for clouds of glassfish and is a photographer's dream. Night dives here are exceptional, often revealing Spanish dancers and hunting morays.
Dive sites: St. John's Caves (Umm Arouk)
Good to know: Focus on cavern and swim-through diving | Excellent for underwater photography | Night dive option
St. John's, Southern Red Sea
Dive a different side of St. John's, visiting sites like Habili Gafaar, a smaller pinnacle famed for its dense soft coral coverage and regular shark sightings. The day may also include a dive at the ironically named Dangerous Reef, which offers a more relaxed profile with beautiful hard coral gardens and swim-throughs perfect for spotting octopus and cuttlefish.
Dive sites: Habili Gafaar, Dangerous Reef
Good to know: Mix of pelagic pinnacle dives and relaxed reef exploration | Look for cephalopods in the coral formations
At Sea, Southern Red Sea
After a final morning dive in the southern reaches of St. John's, the expedition truly begins. The vessel sets course for the rarely visited Elba Reef, located on the maritime border with Sudan. This is a significant offshore crossing, offering time to relax on deck, sort photos, and anticipate the pristine diving to come in this untouched region.
Good to know: One or two morning dives | Long sea crossing to Elba Reef | Special permits required for this area
Elba Reef, Egyptian-Sudanese Border
Arrive at the remote and pristine Elba Reef, an area visited by very few liveaboards. The day's highlight is the Levanzo Wreck, an Italian cargo ship that sank in 1923. Lying on a steep slope from 22 to 75 meters, the wreck is a fantastic advanced dive, heavily encrusted with corals and home to large groupers and jacks. The isolation offers a true sense of discovery.
Dive sites: Levanzo Wreck
Good to know: Advanced wreck dive | Depths can exceed 40m | Minimal diver traffic in the area
Elba Reef, Egyptian-Sudanese Border
Explore the dramatic underwater landscapes surrounding Elba Reef. The sites here feature vast plateaus that drop off into the deep, attracting pelagic species from the open ocean. Strong currents bring vital nutrients, supporting healthy populations of sharks, including grey reefs and scalloped hammerheads, which are often seen cruising the drop-offs.
Good to know: Diving on exposed offshore plateaus | High chance of pelagic encounters | Strong currents possible
Fury Shoals, Southern Red Sea
The journey north begins, with a full day of diving at the magnificent Fury Shoals. This extensive reef system is famous for its immaculate hard coral gardens and intricate swim-throughs. Sites like Malahi, often called 'The Playground', and Claudia offer a maze-like experience, with divers navigating through stunning coral canyons and passages.
Dive sites: Malahi, Claudia Reef
Good to know: Focus on high-quality hard coral reefs | Fun swim-throughs and canyons | Calmer conditions than offshore reefs
Elphinstone Reef, Red Sea
Continue the journey north to one of the Red Sea's most legendary sites: Elphinstone Reef. This long, finger-like reef is famous for its strong currents and thrilling drift dives along sheer, coral-draped walls. The north and south plateaus are hotspots for pelagic action, with a high probability of encountering oceanic whitetip sharks.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
Good to know: Famous for big pelagic encounters | Drift diving in potentially strong currents | Advanced dive site
Marsa Alam Coast, Red Sea
The final day of diving consists of two relaxed dives on beautiful local reefs near Port Ghalib, such as Marsa Shouna or Marsa Mubarak. These sites are known for their calm conditions, seagrass beds, and resident green turtles, with a chance to spot the elusive dugong. In the afternoon, the boat returns to the marina for the final evening and dinner on board.
Dive sites: Marsa Mubarak, Marsa Shouna
Good to know: Relaxed final dives | Opportunity to see turtles or dugongs | Return to Port Ghalib in the afternoon
Port Ghalib, Egypt
After a final breakfast on board, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and fellow divers. Disembarkation takes place in the morning in Port Ghalib, with assistance for onward transfers to the airport or local hotels.
Good to know: Final breakfast on board | Disembarkation | Airport transfers