Odyssey · Egypt · 11D/10N
The Premium Expedition is a unique 10-night liveaboard journey through the Red Sea, offering an immersive diving experience for enthusiasts. This meticulously crafted itinerary combines the historical wonders of northern sites like Abu Nuhas with the vibrant reefs of central and southern regions such as Daedalus and Elphinstone. Divers will encounter diverse marine life, from pelagic species to intricate reef ecosystems, amidst spectacular underwater landscapes. Embark on a journey designed for discovery, exploration, and the appreciation of the Red Sea's unparalleled biodiversity.
Guests are welcomed aboard the Odyssey in Hurghada between 17:00 and 00:00. After settling into cabins, there will be time to meet the crew and fellow divers, followed by a welcome briefing and dinner.
The first full day of diving often begins with local sites in the northern Red Sea, providing an opportunity for divers to get comfortable with the equipment and water conditions. These sites may feature vibrant coral gardens and a variety of reef fish, serving as an excellent warm-up for the adventures ahead. Visibility is generally good, and currents are typically mild, making for relaxed and enjoyable dives.
Today's dives focus on the renowned Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected area at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The site is famous for its dramatic wall dives and strong currents that bring nutrients, supporting abundant marine life. Divers can expect to see schooling fish like barracuda and jacks, as well as various pelagic species. The vibrant soft corals clinging to the walls are a highlight of these dives.
Dive sites: Ras Mohammed
Jackson Reef, located in the Straits of Tiran, is a celebrated dive site known for its rich biodiversity and pelagic encounters. Strong currents often characterize the area, making it ideal for drift dives where divers can observe a wide array of marine life. The reef features extensive hard and soft corals, attracting various reef fish and occasional large pelagics like sharks and schooling barracuda. It is a fantastic site for both macro and wide-angle photography.
Dive sites: Jackson Reef
Diving at Gordon Reef offers an extraordinary experience with its distinct topography, including a unique 'shark and turtle reef' formation. The site is known for its beautiful coral gardens and sandy patches where various macro life can be observed. Currents can be moderate, providing exciting drift opportunities. It's a prime location to spot resident turtles and, occasionally, different shark species, making every dive an engaging exploration.
Dive sites: Gordon Reef
The Blue Hole, a legendary dive site in the Sinai, offers one of the most famous and fascinating deep dives in the world. This natural sinkhole features a remarkable vertical drop-off and stunning cavern formations. While challenging, it provides an unparalleled experience for advanced divers. The area is known for its dramatic topography and unique geological features, often attracting unusual marine encounters in its deeper sections.
Dive sites: Blue Hole
The Canyon is a significant underwater geological formation that captivates divers with its intricate structure and unique environment. This dive site features a large natural fissure in the reef, creating walls and swim-throughs adorned with colourful corals. It is known for its calm conditions within the canyon itself, contrasting with potential currents outside, and offering a sanctuary for a variety of smaller reef fish and invertebrates. The play of light entering the canyon adds to its ethereal beauty.
Dive sites: The Canyon
Gabr El Bint is a spectacular dive site located near Dahab, offering a vibrant display of marine biodiversity. It is characterized by beautiful coral gardens, including both hard and soft corals, and a gentle slope that leads to a dramatic drop-off. The area is known for its excellent visibility and diverse population of reef fish, making it a favorite for underwater photography. Occasional pelagic sightings add to the excitement of diving here.
Dive sites: Gabr El Bint
Thomas Reef is one of the four famous reefs in the Straits of Tiran, celebrated for its extraordinary coral formations and diverse marine life. The reef features a steep wall adorned with soft corals, gorgonians, and abundant reef fish. It is particularly known for its unique 'cathedral' formation, offering an unforgettable experience for divers. Currents here can be strong, providing excellent drift diving opportunities and increasing the chances of pelagic encounters.
Dive sites: Thomas Reef
The Dunraven Wreck, an 1876 British steamship, provides an exciting penetration dive opportunity for certified divers. Located near Sha'ab Mahmud, the wreck lies upside down, with its hull split open, revealing cargo and providing shelter for marine life. The surrounding reef and the wreck itself are home to schools of glassfish, scorpionfish, and moray eels. It offers a fascinating blend of history and biology, making it a highly rewarding dive.
Dive sites: Dunraven Wreck
After enjoying breakfast, guests will disembark the Odyssey in Hurghada between 07:00 and 08:00. This concludes the Premium Expedition, leaving divers with lasting memories of Egypt's Red Sea wonders.
No departures scheduled for this route right now.