Grand Discovery · Egypt · 8 Days / 7 Nights
Embark on an 8-day liveaboard journey through Egypt's Red Sea, exploring iconic dive sites renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. This itinerary focuses on the legendary Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone, offering exhilarating wall dives, strong currents, and thrilling encounters with pelagic species. Experience the best of the Red Sea's diverse underwater ecosystems, from schooling fish to various shark species, ensuring a memorable diving adventure.
Guests board the vessel in Hurghada, Egypt with check-in Check-in at 4:00 PM. After a welcome briefing, cabin assignment and dive-equipment check, the crew prepares for departure. No diving is scheduled on the first day; the evening is spent settling in on board before the first dives the following morning.
The day begins with diving at the local site of Small Giftun, known for its reef formations and diverse marine inhabitants. Following the dives, the vessel will commence its journey towards the distant Brothers Islands, with a night dive scheduled before reaching this iconic destination.
Dive sites: Small Giftun
Today is dedicated to exploring the Brothers Islands, a pair of remote oceanic islands offering some of the Red Sea's most spectacular diving. Big Brother is famous for its lighthouses and wrecks, while Little Brother boasts stunning walls adorned with colorful soft corals. The area is known for strong currents and frequent pelagic sightings.
Dive sites: Big Brother, Little Brother
Today's dives are at Daedalus Reef, a large oval reef with a lighthouse in the central Red Sea. Its deep walls and drop-offs are famous for pelagic encounters, with a strong chance of sighting schooling hammerhead sharks. The reef also features pristine, hard coral formations and abundant reef fish life.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
The day's diving focuses on Elphinstone Reef, a legendary offshore reef known for its dramatic drop-offs and the presence of oceanic whitetip sharks. The plateau dives often feature grey reef sharks, while the walls are covered in vibrant soft corals. It's a prime location for encountering large pelagic species.
Dive sites: Elphinstone
This day explores a variety of Northern Red Sea sites, including the famous Salem Express wreck, Panorama Reef, and Ras Abo Soma. Divers can expect diverse topography, from vibrant reef walls to interesting wrecks. A night dive is planned at Gota Abu Ramada, offering a different perspective on the reef's nocturnal inhabitants.
Dive sites: Salem Express, Panorama Reef, Ras Abo Soma, Gota Abu Ramada
The penultimate day includes early dives at the El Mina Wreck and El Fanous, offering a final opportunity to explore the Red Sea's underwater wonders. Following the dives and a necessary diesel refuel, the vessel will return to the Sheraton Marina in Hurghada, preparing for disembarkation.
Dive sites: El Mina Wreck, El Fanous
After breakfast, guests will check out from the Grand Discovery by 10:00 AM, concluding their Red Sea liveaboard adventure. Divers are advised to observe the 24-hour no-fly period after their last dive.