Marselia Star

The stark desert landscape of Egypt provides a dramatic contrast to the vibrant marine world just offshore. The Red Sea's enclosed nature, high evaporation rates, and lack of significant river runoff create exceptionally clear, saline waters—ideal conditions for extensive coral growth along its coastline. This environment supports a high degree of endemism, with many fish and invertebrate species found nowhere else on the planet. From shallow gardens of hard coral to sheer walls dropping into the blue, the underwater topography is as varied as the life it holds. It is within this rich biological setting that the Marselia Star operates, offering a dedicated platform for exploring the region's diverse underwater ecosystems. The dive program is structured for efficiency and access to a wide range of sites. Two tenders, each powered by a 40HP Yamaha outboard, are used to transport divers directly to the drop-off points, ensuring precise entries on reefs and wrecks. The main vessel features a well-organized dive deck, providing individual stations for gear setup and storage. After each dive, crew members are on hand to assist divers with their equipment and with rinsing their gear in freshwater tanks. All underwater excursions are led by experienced local guides who are familiar with the currents, topography, and marine life behavior of the Red Sea's distinct dive zones. Onboard, the living arrangements are designed for comfort and relaxation between dives. The vessel accommodates up to 24 guests in 12 air-conditioned cabins, available in both twin and double bed configurations. Every stateroom includes a private en-suite bathroom, providing personal space and convenience. Social life is centered around the indoor salon and lounge area, a climate-controlled space for meals, briefings, and leisure. Outside, shaded decks and an open-air sundeck offer ample room to relax, read, or enjoy the expansive sea views and distant desert coastline. WiFi is available, allowing guests to stay connected while at sea. The culinary experience aboard is an integral part of the daily routine. The onboard chef prepares a varied menu that combines international flavors with local Egyptian influences, ensuring fresh and satisfying meals throughout the trip. Dining is typically served buffet-style in the main salon, creating a communal and relaxed atmosphere. A selection of snacks, biscuits, and fruits are available between dives to maintain energy levels. Special dietary requests, such as vegetarian or specific food allergies, can be accommodated with prior notification. A range of soft drinks, tea, and coffee is available all day. The Marselia Star is a modern, 40-meter motor yacht with a 6-meter beam, providing a stable and spacious platform for Red Sea diving. Constructed in 2015 and undergoing a full refurbishment in 2025, the vessel is maintained to contemporary technical and safety standards. Power is supplied by a pair of 12-cylinder, 1360-horsepower Marine Man engines. This robust propulsion system ensures reliable navigation between dive regions, from the sheltered reefs of the north to the more exposed offshore sites in the south. The vessel's size and powerful engines contribute directly to guest comfort, especially during longer open-water crossings. The vessel operates year-round on classic Red Sea itineraries, exploring both the northern and southern regions. Trips often focus on the famous wreck sites and vibrant reef systems north of Hurghada, including the SS Thistlegorm and the Ras Mohamed National Park. Other schedules venture south to the remote offshore pinnacles and deep walls of the Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone, areas known for their strong currents and encounters with pelagic species. Departures are typically from Hurghada or Port Ghalib, depending on the specific route. Marselia Star is well-suited for divers of all levels on its northern routes, while the southern itineraries are better for experienced divers comfortable with deep and drift diving conditions.