Ocean Lovers · Egypt · 8D7N
Embark on an advanced diving adventure to the legendary offshore reefs of the Egyptian Red Sea: the Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone. This classic itinerary targets the most sought-after pelagic encounters in the region's marine parks. The diving is characterized by deep walls, pristine coral formations, and strong currents, attracting a high concentration of large marine life. Expect thrilling drift dives along exposed pinnacles, hoping for encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks, schooling hammerheads, and the elusive thresher shark. This trip is designed for experienced divers comfortable with challenging open-ocean conditions and deep diving profiles.
Board the vessel in the afternoon in Hurghada. After a welcome briefing from the crew and guides, you will check into your cabin and assemble your dive gear. The evening is for settling in and enjoying dinner aboard as the boat remains in the marina overnight, preparing for an early morning departure.
The trip begins with one or two 'check dives' at a local site near Hurghada. These initial dives allow everyone to confirm their weighting, test equipment, and acclimate to the Red Sea's warm waters. Following the dives, the boat starts the long overnight crossing south towards the first of the legendary offshore marine parks.
Dive sites: Gota Abu Ramada
The first full day of offshore diving is at Big Brother Island, marked by its Victorian-era stone lighthouse. Dives here focus on the sheer walls covered in vibrant soft corals and the two famous shipwrecks that rest on its northern side. Explore the steamship Numidia and the troop transport Aida, both now encrusted with coral and teeming with life. Between dives, keep an eye out for oceanic whitetip and grey reef sharks patrolling the blue.
Dive sites: Big Brother, Numidia Wreck, Aida Wreck
A short hop brings the boat to Little Brother. This smaller island is a diver's paradise, with pristine walls plunging into the abyss, completely covered in a dense forest of giant gorgonian sea fans and colourful soft corals. The currents sweeping past the island's promontories attract pelagic predators, and it is considered one of the best places in Egypt to encounter the elusive thresher shark, often seen in the early morning.
Dive sites: Little Brother
Arrive at Daedalus, a huge, isolated reef located far offshore. The main attraction is the chance to see schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, which congregate off the northern point, especially in the summer months. Dives involve dropping into the blue and searching for these iconic predators. The reef's walls are also exceptionally healthy, with pristine hard coral gardens and frequent sightings of other pelagics like grey reef sharks and oceanic whitetips.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
After an overnight journey north, the day is spent at the legendary Elphinstone Reef. This long, finger-like reef is famous for its exhilarating drift dives along sheer walls. The north and south plateaus are key areas for action, dropping off into the deep and attracting sharks and other large fish. The southern plateau, in particular, is a hotspot for encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks, especially during the autumn season.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
For the last day of diving, the boat will visit one or two sites closer to the mainland, such as those near Safaga. This may include a stunning wall dive at Panorama Reef or, conditions permitting, a dive on a famous wreck. After the final dives, the crew will wash down the equipment as the boat cruises back to the marina in Hurghada, where it will dock for the final night.
Dive sites: Panorama Reef, Middle Reef
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking in Hurghada. The crew will assist with your luggage and arranging transfers to the airport or local hotels.