Ghazala Explorer

Location: Egypt

Rating: 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Ghazala Explorer

About Ghazala Explorer

The 37-meter Ghazala Explorer, built in 2021, navigates Egypt's Red Sea at 11 knots, accommodating 24 guests in 4 cabins.

Egypt’s coastline presents a sharp division between two worlds. Above the waterline, the Sinai and Eastern Deserts offer a landscape of sun-scorched earth and rock, a monochrome palette of tan and brown. Below, the Red Sea unfolds as a vibrant, self-contained ecosystem, its warm, highly saline waters supporting thousands of kilometers of coral reef. This unique marine environment is home to dramatic walls, historic shipwrecks, and a high concentration of endemic species found nowhere else. It is a region of strong currents and deep offshore pinnacles that attract large pelagic animals. The Ghazala Explorer is a modern motor yacht designed specifically to navigate these waters, providing a stable and comfortable platform for accessing the full range of Egyptian dive sites. Diving operations are organized for efficiency and convenience. Two large tenders transport divers to and from the specific entry points of each site, allowing for precise drops on pinnacles and wreck superstructures. The main vessel's spacious dive deck is well-equipped for gear preparation and post-dive routines, featuring individual stations, freshwater rinse hoses, and dedicated rinse tanks for sensitive equipment. Photographers and videographers will find a purpose-built camera area with charging points and air guns, ensuring their systems are protected and ready for use. All dives are led by an experienced team, offering detailed briefings that cover site topography, potential currents, and notable marine life to observe. Life aboard the Ghazala Explorer centers on guest comfort and relaxation between dives. The vessel accommodates up to 24 guests in air-conditioned cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom and warm water shower. Accommodation options are available on both the lower and upper decks, and include twin cabins, a convertible twin suite, and a spacious lower deck suite, providing flexibility for different group and individual needs. For socializing, an air-conditioned indoor saloon provides a communal area with an audio-video system and a small library. Outside, multiple decks offer a choice of shaded lounge areas and open-air sun decks, giving everyone ample space to relax, read, or enjoy the sea views. Deck and cabin towels are provided for all guests. Onboard dining is designed to fuel active dive days and provide a social focal point of the trip. The vessel’s chef prepares a variety of dishes, with meals served in the main saloon's dining area. The menu is typically a mix of international and local flavors, using fresh ingredients to create satisfying and nutritious fare. Service is generally buffet-style, allowing for a casual atmosphere where divers can eat at their leisure. Snacks and fresh fruit are available throughout the day, along with tea, coffee, and soft drinks. While specific dietary requirements can often be accommodated with advance notification, guests should communicate their needs during the booking process to ensure the galley is prepared. The Ghazala Explorer is a 37-meter motor yacht with an 8.2-meter beam, a modern vessel constructed in 2021. It undergoes a comprehensive refurbishment annually to maintain its systems and guest facilities in excellent condition. The yacht is powered by two MAN 1100 Hp engines, giving it a cruising speed of 11 knots and a top speed of 13 knots. This power, combined with its substantial hull design, ensures efficient and stable travel between regions, minimizing transit times on longer itineraries. While the vessel is not fitted with active stabilizers, its size and modern engineering contribute to passenger comfort during open-water crossings. Onboard amenities are supported by reliable systems, including WiFi connectivity available to all guests. The vessel operates a variety of itineraries focused on the premier diving regions of the Egyptian Red Sea. Routes are planned to take advantage of seasonal conditions, targeting different areas throughout the year to maximize marine life encounters, from the famous wreck cemeteries of the north to the remote offshore reefs of the south. Trips typically depart from and return to major Red Sea ports, offering convenient travel logistics for international visitors. The Ghazala Explorer is well-suited for certified divers of all levels who are seeking a modern, efficient, and comfortable liveaboard experience. Its comprehensive facilities and organized dive program appeal to those who want a dedicated platform for serious diving, including underwater photographers and groups looking to explore the full spectrum of Egypt's underwater world.

Vessel Specifications

Cabins

Itineraries

Daedalus - Rocky & St Johns

Duration: 7 nights

Embarkation: Hurghada

Explore the remote southern Red Sea on an advanced dive expedition, venturing to iconic sites like Daedalus Reef, Rocky Island, and St. Johns. This itinerary promises dramatic wall dives adorned with pristine corals, frequented by schooling pelagics, oceanic whitetips, and hammerhead sharks. Expect strong currents at exposed sites, making this route best suited for experienced divers. The journey concludes back in Hurghada after a week of challenging and rewarding underwater encounters.

Deep South - St Johnes

Duration: 7 nights

Embarkation: Port Ghalib

Embark on a journey to the remote Egyptian Deep South, exploring the pristine reefs and vibrant marine life around St. Johns. This itinerary focuses on drift dives along dramatic walls, showcasing healthy coral gardens and the chance to encounter oceanic whitetips, hammerheads, and other sharks in the blue. Expect a rich diversity of reef fish, pelagic encounters, and varied topography including swim-throughs and caves, offering an authentic Red Sea experience from Port Ghalib.

North Including Tiran & Dahab (Hurghada - Hurghada)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Hurghada

A classic Northern Red Sea route extended to include the Strait of Tiran and the unique dive sites off Dahab. Highlights typically include the legendary SS Thistlegorm WWII wreck, the four-reef system of the Strait of Tiran (Gordon, Woodhouse, Thomas and Jackson), the Abu Nuhas ship graveyard (Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M), the Gubal Islands with the Ulysses and Barge wrecks, the Ras Mohammed Marine Park with Shark and Yolanda reefs, and Dahab's Blue Hole, Bells and The Canyon. T

Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib)

Duration: 7 nights

Embarkation: Port Ghalib, Egypt

Embark on a world-class diving adventure in the Red Sea, renowned for its pelagic fish and shark action. This itinerary focuses on remote sites exclusively accessible by liveaboard, ensuring an unparalleled underwater experience away from daily boat traffic. Divers will explore iconic reefs known for their vibrant marine life and thrilling encounters, making it an ideal choice for experienced enthusiasts seeking challenging and rewarding dives.

Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone (Hurghada - Port Ghalib)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Hurghada

This itinerary is tailored for experienced divers, offering a challenging journey to the Red Sea's most famous offshore reefs. The route focuses on the Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone, areas renowned for their thrilling pelagic and shark encounters. As these remote sites are almost exclusively visited by liveaboards, guests can expect world-class diving away from the crowds.

Daedalus Rocky & St. Johns (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Port Ghalib

This 8-day liveaboard cruise explores the legendary offshore marine parks of the southern Egyptian Red Sea. Departing from and returning to Port Ghalib, the trip is tailored for advanced divers with at least 50 logged dives. The itinerary focuses on the world-renowned sites of Daedalus, Rocky Island, and the St. Johns reef system. With around 20 dives planned, guests will experience stunning walls, vibrant coral gardens, and opportunities to see pelagic species in these remote, protected waters.

Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone (Port Ghalib - Hurghada)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Port Ghalib

This advanced itinerary is designed for experienced divers seeking thrilling encounters with sharks and large pelagic species. The route explores world-class, remote offshore reefs including the Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone, which are often exclusively accessible to liveaboards. Expect challenging dives in deep waters with potential for strong currents, offering a rewarding experience away from daily dive boat traffic. Max guests on this trip: 24.

North: Wrecks & Reefs (Hurghada - Hurghada)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Hurghada

Embark on a timeless Red Sea adventure, discovering its famed coral formations and several of the planet's most iconic sunken vessels. This journey delivers a thorough immersion into diving, featuring the legendary SS Thistlegorm, frequently hailed as the premier wreck dive internationally. Guests will additionally investigate other remarkable wrecks and flourishing reefs in locales such as Ras Mohamed and the Gubal Islands, making this an essential expedition for all diving aficionados.

Daedalus Rocky & St. Johns (Hurghada - Port Ghalib)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Hurghada

This 8-day liveaboard journey is tailored for advanced divers, starting in Hurghada and concluding in Port Ghalib. The itinerary focuses on the premier southern Red Sea marine parks, including Daedalus, St. Johns, and Rocky Island. With approximately 20 dives scheduled, guests will explore a variety of underwater landscapes, though the specific route is subject to the captain's discretion based on conditions.

North & Safaga (Hurghada - Hurghada)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Hurghada

This journey through the Red Sea provides a varied aquatic adventure, blending the lively coral formations of Ras Mohamed with several of the planet's most celebrated shipwrecks. Underwater explorers will get to investigate the iconic SS Thistlegorm, frequently hailed as the premier wreck dive anywhere. The path also extends to the Safaga region, recognized for its stunning reefs and the prominent Salem Express wreck, ensuring a thorough expedition for passionate divers. Max guests on this trip