Liveaboards in Egypt

The Numidia is a 137-meter British steamer, considered one of the world's finest shipwrecks, located off the northern tip of Big Brother Island, Egypt. It is part of the Brothers Islands marine park, situated roughly 60 kilometers offshore and accessible almost exclusively by liveaboard. The vessel, which ran aground in July 1901 during its second voyage, lies dramatically against a vertical coral wall, with its bow at approximately 8 meters and its stern resting on a narrow ledge at 80 meters, creating a gravity-defying spectacle. The wreck's topography makes for a unique dive experience, starting shallow and descending deep along its length. Divers can explore various sections, including the superstructure, davits, engine room, and holds. A prominent feature is the mizzen mast, which stands upright at a 90-degree angle to the hull, now adorned with extensive coral growth. The famous train wheels, part of its original cargo, are also a major highlight, encrusted with marine life. The Numidia is heavily covered in a vibrant mix of soft corals and sponges. This rich habitat attracts diverse marine life, including schools of fish, barracuda, tuna, snappers, and groupers. Pelagic species like oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads are frequently observed around the Brothers Islands, especially during certain seasons, patrolling the deeper sections and the blue water nearby. Due to its exposed location and the significant depth range, diving the Numidia requires an Advanced certification with solid buoyancy control and typically a minimum of 50 logged dives. The site is known for strong currents that usually flow from north to south, necessitating careful dive planning. Liveaboards are the only practical way to access this remote site, often incorporating multiple dives on the wreck during an itinerary.

The Lara is the remnant of a 137-meter cargo vessel that became stranded on the northern edge of Jackson Reef in 1982. Initially, the ship rested intact on the reef, but it was later salvaged in the mid-1990s, causing large sections to sink. Today, its ghostly remains lie against the reef, just west of the exposed parts, marking a site considered one of the Red Sea's most challenging and exclusive wreck dives. Diving the Lara typically begins by descending near the surface wreckage. Divers follow the reef contour to the left, reaching approximately 45 meters where the deeper sections of the wreck begin to emerge. The mast and what were likely workshop areas are visible at 48 meters. With bulkheads removed during salvage operations, some sections allow for penetration. The wreck lies on its starboard side, with the stern and a large, intact propeller found around 55 meters. Other parts of the superstructure are scattered at even greater depths. While specific marine life directly on the wreck isn't detailed, Jackson Reef itself, where the Lara rests, is known for its healthy hard and soft corals, including large gorgonian fans, sea whips, and vibrant red anemones. The nutrient-rich currents often attract pelagic species such as barracuda, oceanic whitetip, and grey reef sharks. During the summer months, from June to September, schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks are frequently observed in the northern area of Jackson Reef, and whale sharks have also been sighted. This dive is highly dependent on weather conditions due to its exposed location on Jackson Reef's northern side. It is considered an advanced, deep wreck dive, often requiring extended range or technical diving certifications. Many divers find completing this challenging dive to be a significant accomplishment, experiencing a site few others have witnessed.

Gordon Reef is the southernmost of the four prominent coral formations situated in the narrow Straits of Tiran, which separate the Gulf of Aqaba from the main Red Sea. This strategic location ensures strong currents constantly sweep through the area, bringing nutrient-rich waters that sustain vibrant coral ecosystems and attract abundant marine life, making it a premier diving destination in the northern Red Sea. The reef is easily identifiable by the prominent wreck of the Panamanian cargo ship MV Louilla, which ran aground in 1981 and marks its northern edge. An unmanned lighthouse on the southwest and a ruin to the north also serve as landmarks. Diving at Gordon Reef typically focuses on its southern section, where the reef shelf drops from sandy moorings at 2-10 meters to a vertical wall plunging to 25-30 meters before descending further to 50 meters and eventually to 300 meters on the western side. A notable feature is the "Amphitheatre," a sandy depression at approximately 23 meters depth (75 feet) where divers often encounter sharks resting. Further west, a drift along the Drop-off at a maximum depth of 35 meters (115 feet) reveals a sheer vertical wall adorned with purple sea fans, fire corals, and black corals, attracting pelagic species. Northward, large metal drums form an artificial reef known as "Barrels" between 10 and 20 meters, housing various eels and numerous reef fish. While species like scalloped hammerhead sharks and whitetip reef sharks are known to visit the Amphitheatre, the site is rich in diverse reef inhabitants year-round. Expect to see large schools of bannerfish, triggerfish, surgeonfish, and crown butterflyfish, alongside well-camouflaged scorpionfish and resident Red Sea clownfish. Giant moray eels, snowflake eels, gold-edged eels, humphead wrasse, angelfish, parrotfish, and sabre squirrelfish are also common. Green sea turtles are often seen feeding on seagrass and algae on the northern sandy plateau. Dives at Gordon Reef are typically conducted by boat, often as drift dives due to the prevailing currents. A permanent mooring near a southern light beacon offers a sheltered entry point for liveaboards. The Red Sea overall offers excellent visibility, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet), and diving is possible year-round, with liveaboards frequently incorporating Gordon Reef into northern Red Sea itineraries.

Far Garden is a prominent dive site located in Sharm El Sheikh, serving as the northern headland of the adjacent Middle Garden site. It is often referred to as an "underwater hanging garden" due to its abundant coral formations and unique topography. The site is characterized by a series of large coral pinnacles situated between a reef ledge and a gradually steepening drop-off, particularly towards the east. Divers typically begin their descent in a shallow area near coral crowns, which then transitions into a narrow plateau. The dive unfolds along this sloping wall, with opportunities to explore a deeper "cathedral end" featuring a crack. This section, along with any swim-throughs, should be treated as an overhead environment. Throughout the site, various hard and soft corals thrive, including delicate gorgonian fans. Marine life sightings are diverse, with notable pelagic encounters. Manta rays are frequently spotted, and eagle rays, barracuda, snappers, porcupinefish, and moray eels are common. While generally not a high-traffic site, it offers exceptional aquatic variety. The site can be enjoyed as a mooring, semi-drift, or full drift dive, catering to different preferences and current conditions. The typical dive experience involves a boat-oriented entry, progressing from the shallower plateau towards the deeper wall and cathedral crack. Snorkeling is feasible in the calmer, shallower sections, but the full drift dive across the pinnacles to the wall offers the best experience for scuba divers. The site is considered suitable for all levels, though awareness of potential currents is advised.