Emperor Asmaa · Egypt · 7 nights
Journey through Egypt's Deep South, an expedition tailored for those seeking encounters with large pelagic species. This itinerary explores the remote atolls of Addu, Fuvahmulah, and Huvadhu, renowned for their strong currents and nutrient-rich waters. Expect exhilarating dives in shark channels and along exposed reefs, where oceanic manta rays, tiger sharks, and various reef sharks are frequently sighted. The focus is on action-packed drift dives and open ocean encounters, suitable for experienced divers comfortable with dynamic conditions.
Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam
Arrival and boarding in the afternoon at Port Ghalib. After a welcome briefing and equipment setup, the vessel departs harbor to begin the overnight journey south towards the remote offshore reefs.
Good to know: Afternoon embarkation | Welcome briefing & boat orientation | Gear setup | Sail south overnight
Southern Red Sea
The day begins with one or two check dives at a sheltered site to ensure all divers are comfortable and properly weighted. The afternoon is spent exploring the Fury Shoal reef system, known for its stunning hard coral formations and labyrinthine swim-throughs.
Good to know: Morning check dives | Afternoon dive at Fury Shoal | Potential night dive
St. John's, Deep South Red Sea
Welcome to St. John's. The day is spent exploring some of the larger reefs in the system, such as Gota Kebir and Gota Soghayr. These sites feature impressive walls, overhangs, and varied topography, offering the first chance to spot larger pelagic fish patrolling in the blue.
Dive sites: Gota Kebir, Gota Soghayr
Good to know: Full day diving the main St. John's reefs | Look for sharks in the blue | Steep walls and coral gardens
St. John's, Deep South Red Sea
Today's diving focuses on the legendary offshore 'habilis' or submerged reefs. Habili Ali is a highlight, with its steep drop-offs attracting schools of hammerheads in the summer months and resident grey reef sharks. The walls are covered in huge gorgonians and vibrant soft corals, with an anemone-covered pinnacle known as 'Anemone City'.
Dive sites: Habili Ali, Habili Gafar
Good to know: Early morning dives for best shark sightings | Experience strong currents | World-class pelagic action
St. John's, Deep South Red Sea
A day exploring the unique topography of the region. Dives may include Umm Arouk, known for its enchanting 'forest' of dozens of individual pinnacles, and Umm Khararim (St. John's Caves), a shallow and safe cavern system where shafts of sunlight create breathtaking photographic opportunities.
Dive sites: Umm Arouk, Umm Khararim (St. John's Caves)
Good to know: Navigate a maze of coral pinnacles | Explore light-filled caverns | Excellent photo opportunities
Fury Shoal, Southern Red Sea
The boat begins its journey north, returning to the Fury Shoal area. Dives are planned at sites like Sataya Reef, famously known as 'Dolphin Reef' for the resident pod of spinner dolphins that often interact with snorkelers and divers. The day often concludes with a night dive at a nearby site.
Dive sites: Sataya Reef (Dolphin Reef), Sha'ab Claudia, Malahi
Good to know: Chance to encounter spinner dolphins | Discover hard coral labyrinths | Night dive possibilities
Marsa Alam Area
The last two dives of the trip are conducted at a spectacular site closer to port, often the world-famous Elphinstone Reef. This is a final chance for thrilling drift diving along sheer walls and encounters with oceanic whitetips or hammerheads. After the dives, the boat returns to Port Ghalib for the final evening.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
Good to know: Two morning dives to allow for off-gassing | Final opportunity for big pelagic encounters | Cruise back to port
Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying farewell to the crew. Disembarkation usually takes place in the morning, with transfers arranged to local hotels or Hurghada International Airport.
Good to know: Final breakfast onboard | Morning disembarkation | Transfers to airport or hotels
No departures scheduled for this route right now.