Freedom IV · Egypt · 8D7N
Embark on a classic Red Sea adventure exploring the best of the northern region's wrecks and reefs. This itinerary offers a superb mix of world-famous wreck diving and breathtaking coral walls, ideal for all certified divers. You will delve into history on the legendary SS Thistlegorm and the wrecks of Abu Nuhas, then drift along the vibrant walls of Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran. Expect dramatic drop-offs, rich coral gardens, and encounters with large schools of fish, turtles, and dolphins, with short crossings between dive areas maximizing your time in the water.
Sharks Bay Jetty, Sharm El Sheikh
Arrive and board the vessel in Sharks Bay Jetty. After a welcome briefing from the crew and guides, you will check into your cabin and assemble your dive gear. The evening is for relaxing and dinner on board as you prepare for the adventure ahead. The boat may stay in port overnight or move to a nearby mooring.
Good to know: Embarkation | Welcome briefing | Cabin check-in | Dinner on board
Sharm El Sheikh area
The morning begins with one or two check dives at a local site. This is an opportunity to fine-tune your buoyancy for the Red Sea's high salinity and familiarize yourself with the boat's dive procedures. These initial dives often take place on pretty coral gardens, offering a gentle introduction to the region's vibrant marine life before the journey north.
Good to know: First dives of the trip are typically check dives
Straits of Tiran, Sinai Peninsula
A full day is spent exploring the legendary Straits of Tiran, which form a narrow channel at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba. You will dive on some of the four famous reefs—Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon. These sites are known for their dramatic walls, strong currents perfect for drift diving, and pristine coral gardens teeming with fish.
Dive sites: Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, Thomas Reef, Gordon Reef
Good to know: Diving in this area is often characterized by drift dives along steep walls.
Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, Gulf of Suez
The vessel crosses the Gulf of Suez to Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, a submerged reef notorious for claiming ships. Here, you'll dive several historic wrecks, including the tile-carrying Giannis D and the 19th-century steamer Carnatic. These wrecks have transformed into spectacular artificial reefs, encrusted with corals and sheltering a high diversity of marine life.
Dive sites: Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K
Good to know: This area is known as the 'ship graveyard' due to the numerous wrecks.
Sha'ab Ali & Gubal Island, Gulf of Suez
Today is dedicated to one of the most famous wrecks in the world, the SS Thistlegorm. This British WWII vessel was sunk in 1941, and its cargo holds are an underwater museum of military vehicles, motorcycles, and supplies. Multiple dives allow for thorough exploration of the exterior and interior. The day often ends with a memorable night dive on a nearby barge at Gubal Island.
Dive sites: SS Thistlegorm, The Barge at Gubal Island
Good to know: Penetration of the SS Thistlegorm is possible for certified and experienced divers. | A night dive is often offered.
Ras Mohammed National Park, Sinai Peninsula
The journey continues to Ras Mohammed, Egypt's first national park, at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The highlight is the iconic Shark and Yolanda Reef dive site, where two reef pinnacles are joined by a saddle. Divers drift along vertical walls, past huge schools of barracuda and snapper, before exploring the scattered remains of the Yolanda's cargo of toilets.
Dive sites: Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef
Good to know: Ras Mohammed is a protected marine park known for its pristine reefs and prolific fish life.
Sharm El Sheikh area
The last day of diving typically includes one or two morning dives, often back in the Straits of Tiran or at another scenic local site. This is a final chance to soak in the beauty of the Red Sea's coral gardens. After the last dive, the boat starts its journey back to Sharks Bay Jetty, giving you time to rinse gear and relax.
Good to know: Typically one to two dives are offered on the final full day of the trip. | The vessel returns to port in the afternoon.
Sharks Bay Jetty, Sharm El Sheikh
Enjoy a final breakfast on board with your fellow divers. After saying goodbye to the crew, you will disembark in Sharks Bay Jetty. Transfers to the local airport or hotels can be arranged.
Good to know: Breakfast is served on board | Disembarkation | Transfers to airport or local hotels