Deep south expedition: Secrets of Zabargad

M/Y Queen Sherry · Egypt · 8D/7N

Duration
8D/7N
Embarkation
Marsa Alam
Disembarkation
Marsa Alam
Dives
21

About this route

A unique expedition and research route to the Far South of the Red Sea. The boat will be on the islands of Rocky and Zabargad for at least 2 days, instead of the usual 2 dives. A rare route – the islands are strategic objects, therefore obtaining a permit for a long-term parking is an extremely difficult process. The exploration part consists of diving in the West and North of the island, at this area no -one have performed scuba diving during last 10 years. We will go west and north to update the information. An alternative for those who don’t want to “experiment” is to dive on the coral steps in the south. An overnight stay at Zabargad will provide one of the best night dives in the Red Sea at Zabargad Island. Saturday: Transfer to the boat, accommodation, briefing Sunday: Start sailing from Marina Marsa Alam, 2 dives and night navigation to Rocky, Zabargad Monday: 4 dives Rocky, Zabargad included 1 night dive in case of good weather conditions Tuesday: 4 dives Rocky, Zabargad included 1 night dive in case of good weather conditions Wednesday: 4 dives, St Johns included 1 night dive Thursday: 4 dives Fury Shoal-Sataya included 1 night dive Friday: 2 dives Marsa Alam area and back to Marina Marsa Alam Saturday : Check-out 08:00 and transfer to the airport , group bus reaches Hurghada around 13:00

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation in Marsa Alam

    Marsa Alam

    Guests arrive and are transferred to the vessel docked in Marsa Alam. Following accommodation and a welcome briefing, the evening is spent settling in and preparing for the week's adventure.

  2. Day 2: Departure and Southern Navigation

    Marsa Alam Area

    The journey begins with two check dives at local reefs to ensure all divers are comfortable and equipment is functioning correctly. Afterwards, the boat starts its long overnight navigation towards the southern islands.

    Good to know: Sailing overnight to the Rocky and Zabargad area.

  3. Day 3: Exploring Rocky & Zabargad Islands

    Rocky Island & Zabargad Island

    The first of two days is spent at these legendary remote islands, known for pristine conditions. Dives at Rocky Island are often thrilling drifts along sheer walls with chances to see sharks, while Zabargad offers magnificent coral steps. The day may end with a night dive if weather permits.

    Dive sites: Rocky Island, Zabargad Island

    Good to know: Includes one night dive, subject to weather conditions.

  4. Day 4: Zabargad Expedition & Wreck Dive

    Zabargad Island & Rocky Island

    Today's exploration focuses on Zabargad, including opportunities to dive the western and northern sides, which have been restricted for years. A key highlight is the dive on the coral-covered wreck of the 'Hanka' within the island's lagoon. The day's diving concludes with a night dive in a sheltered bay.

    Dive sites: Zabargad Island, Hanka Wreck

    Good to know: Includes one night dive. This day features exploratory diving.

  5. Day 5: The Reefs of St. John's

    St. John's

    The itinerary moves to the vast St. John's reef system, celebrated for its healthy coral gardens and underwater topography. Divers will explore a selection of its premier sites, which offer a high chance of spotting reef sharks amidst beautiful hard coral formations and swim-throughs. The day includes a night dive.

    Good to know: Dive sites visited depend on conditions, but will be within the St. John's system. Includes one night dive.

  6. Day 6: Fury Shoal Caves and Dolphins

    Fury Shoal / Sataya Reef

    Sailing north, the boat reaches Fury Shoal, home to the famous Sataya Reef, also known as Dolphin House. Dives may include the intricate cavern systems of sites like Claudio and Malahi. There is a very high probability of encounters with the resident pod of spinner dolphins.

    Dive sites: Sataya Reef (Dolphin House), Claudio, Malahi

    Good to know: Includes a night dive and opportunities for snorkeling with dolphins.

  7. Day 7: Final Dives and Return to Port

    Marsa Alam Area

    Two final dives are conducted on reefs near Marsa Alam as the vessel makes its way back north. After the dives, guests can relax and wash their gear while the boat returns to the marina for the last evening on board.

    Good to know: The boat will be back in the marina by the end of the day.

  8. Day 8: Disembarkation

    Marsa Alam

    After a final breakfast on the liveaboard, guests check out in the morning. A transfer service is provided to the Hurghada or Marsa Alam airport for departure.

    Good to know: Check-out is at approximately 8:00 AM.

Upcoming departures

  • 2026-10-03 – 2026-10-10from 962 USDBook
  • 2027-03-13 – 2027-03-20from 1,083 USDBook
  • 2027-04-03 – 2027-04-10from 1,083 USDBook
  • 2027-04-24 – 2027-05-01from 1,083 USDBook
  • 2027-05-15 – 2027-05-22from 1,083 USDBook
  • 2027-07-10 – 2027-07-17from 1,083 USDBook
  • 2027-07-31 – 2027-08-07from 1,355 USDBook
  • 2027-09-11 – 2027-09-18from 1,083 USDBook
  • 2027-10-02 – 2027-10-09from 1,203 USDBook
  • 2027-10-30 – 2027-11-06from 1,203 USDBook
  • 2027-12-04 – 2027-12-11from 1,083 USDBook
  • 2027-12-18 – 2027-12-25from 1,083 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

Back to vessel: M/Y Queen Sherry