Emperor Asmaa · Egypt · 8D7N
Embark on a one-way journey from Port Ghalib to Hurghada, hitting some of the most sought-after sites in the Red Sea. This itinerary blends deep, offshore marine parks with legendary WWII shipwrecks. You'll explore the thrilling walls and shark-laden plateaus of the Brother Islands before heading north to the poignant Salem Express. The adventure continues in the north with dives in the 'ship graveyard' of Abu Nuhas and on the world-famous SS Thistlegorm, a veritable underwater museum. The trip concludes with a vibrant reef dive in Ras Mohamed National Park, offering a comprehensive tour of the region's diverse underwater treasures.
Port Ghalib
Arrive and board the vessel in the late afternoon. After settling into your cabin, the crew will conduct a welcome briefing and boat orientation. Spend the evening setting up your dive gear and getting to know your fellow divers over dinner. The boat remains moored in Port Ghalib overnight.
Good to know: Cabin check-in | Welcome briefing and dinner | Overnight in port
Port Ghalib & Red Sea
The journey begins with a morning check dive at a local reef near Port Ghalib. This allows all divers to get comfortable with their equipment and weighting in a calm environment. Once everyone is ready, the vessel will begin the open-water crossing towards the world-renowned Brother Islands Marine Park.
Good to know: Morning check dive | Lunch on board | Afternoon and overnight crossing
Big Brother, Brother Islands Marine Park
The day is dedicated to exploring Big Brother, the larger of the two islands. Known for its stunning wall dives, the reef here is covered in a dense forest of gorgonians and colorful soft corals. The main attractions are the two wrecks that rest on its walls: the Numidia, a cargo ship, and the Aida II, an Egyptian supply vessel. Both are heavily encrusted and serve as homes for families of Napoleon wrasse and patrolling grey reef sharks.
Dive sites: Big Brother, Numidia Wreck, Aida II Wreck
Good to know: Diving the Aida II and Numidia wrecks | Wall diving
Little Brother, Brother Islands Marine Park
Attention turns to Little Brother, a pinnacle famous for its high-energy dives and frequent big animal encounters. The North and South plateaus are prime locations to spot pelagic species drawn in by the currents. Divers should keep an eye on the blue for oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, and the occasional, rare thresher shark, while big schools of tuna and barracuda patrol the reef edges.
Dive sites: Little Brother
Good to know: Early morning dive for shark action | Drift diving along deep walls
Safaga
After an overnight cruise north, the itinerary reaches the waters off Safaga. The focus of the day is a memorable dive on the Salem Express, a large roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry that sank in 1991. As a gravesite, this historic wreck is explored with respect and offers a poignant and thought-provoking experience. Depending on the schedule, an additional dive may be made at Panorama Reef, known for its massive coral formations.
Dive sites: Salem Express, Panorama Reef
Good to know: Wreck penetration is restricted on the Salem Express | Dive conducted with respect for the site's history
Abu Nuhas, Strait of Gubal
The journey enters the legendary Strait of Gubal, heading for Abu Nuhas, also known as the 'ship graveyard' of the Red Sea. This reef has claimed numerous vessels, four of which are now superb dive sites. The day's plan includes exploring wrecks like the Giannis D, with its impressive engine room, and the 19th-century British steamship Carnatic. These wrecks are now thriving artificial reefs, completely colonized by corals and teeming with fish.
Dive sites: Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K (Tile Wreck), Kimon M (Lentil Wreck)
Good to know: Multiple wreck dives | Possibility of strong currents in the area
Sha'ab Ali & Ras Mohamed
The grand finale of the wreck tour is an exploration of the SS Thistlegorm. This iconic WWII British vessel, sunk in 1941, is an underwater museum. Divers can explore its cargo holds filled with Bedford trucks, BSA motorcycles, weapons, and other military supplies. In the afternoon, the boat moves to Ras Mohamed National Park for a final spectacular dive at Shark and Yolanda reefs, famous for its sheer coral walls and incredible fish density. The boat then sails towards Hurghada.
Dive sites: SS Thistlegorm, Shark & Yolanda Reef
Good to know: Night diving on the Thistlegorm is sometimes possible, weather permitting | Park fees may apply for Ras Mohamed
Hurghada
Enjoy a final breakfast on board with your fellow divers. After saying goodbye to the crew, you will disembark in the morning. Transfers to the local airport or hotels will be arranged.
Good to know: Final breakfast on board | Disembarkation | Airport or hotel transfers