Red Sea Aggressor IV · Egypt · 8D7N
Journey into the Southern Red Sea, exploring the remote offshore reefs of Daedalus, St. John's, and Elphinstone. This itinerary promises encounters with pelagic species drawn to nutrient-rich currents, including hammerhead sharks and oceanic whitetips, alongside vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish. Expect strong currents at these exposed sites, offering exhilarating drift dives. The route emphasizes these iconic, current-swept pinnacles and extensive reef systems, departing and returning from Marsa Alam.
Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam, Egypt
Arrive at the marina for boarding. After checking in and settling into your cabin, the crew conducts a welcome briefing, covering boat safety and the plan for the week's diving adventure. The evening is spent in port, with dinner served on board.
Good to know: Boarding begins from 3:00 pm | Welcome briefing | Dinner on board
Marsa Alam Coastal Reefs, Egypt
The day begins with check dives at a sheltered site near the coast of Marsa Alam. This is an opportunity to adjust weighting, test equipment, and acclimate to the Red Sea environment. Following the dives, the vessel starts its overnight crossing south towards the remote St. John's reef system.
Good to know: Check dives to ensure equipment is in order | Overnight sailing to the Deep South
St. John's Reef System, Deep South Red Sea
The first full day of diving is spent exploring the vast St. John's area. Dives often include the famous St. John's Caves (Sha'ab Claudia), a shallow maze of swim-throughs and caverns where shafts of sunlight create breathtaking scenes. Other dives target sites like Gota Soraya, a deep pinnacle known for its dense fish life and beautiful coral formations.
Dive sites: St. John's Caves (Sha'ab Claudia), Gota Soraya
Good to know: Exploring tunnels and caverns | Dramatic light effects for photography | Diverse reef topography
St. John's & Fury Shoals, Deep South Red Sea
Diving continues in the Deep South, visiting more of the area's highlights. Sites like Habili Ali feature sheer walls plunging into the deep, attracting grey reef sharks and schools of pelagic fish. Depending on the route, the boat may also visit Fury Shoals, where a resident pod of spinner dolphins is often found at Sha'ab Sataya, offering a chance for a memorable snorkeling encounter.
Dive sites: Habili Ali, Sha'ab Sataya (Fury Shoals)
Good to know: Potential for dolphin snorkeling | Wall dives and pinnacles | Overnight sailing to Daedalus
Daedalus Reef, Red Sea Marine Parks
After an overnight crossing, the yacht arrives at Daedalus, a large, remote offshore reef. This is a prime location for pelagic action, and divers spend the day exploring its dramatic walls. The focus is on the north point, where hanging in the blue offers the best chance to witness schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
Good to know: Remote offshore reef diving | Strong currents possible | Focus on pelagic encounters
Daedalus Reef, Red Sea Marine Parks
A second day at Daedalus provides more opportunities to encounter its famous residents. Besides hammerheads, look out for thresher sharks, manta rays, and oceanic whitetip sharks in the open water. The reef itself is a stunning spectacle, with pristine hard corals and enormous fan corals decorating the steep walls, and an abundance of reef fish living among them.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
Good to know: Night diving is prohibited in marine parks | Early morning dives for best shark sightings | The reef is topped by a historic lighthouse
Elphinstone Reef, Southern Red Sea
The vessel travels north to make its final dives at the legendary Elphinstone Reef. This long, narrow reef is famous for its exhilarating drift dives along sheer walls covered in soft corals. Divers explore the north and south plateaus, key places for encountering curious oceanic whitetip sharks, especially during the autumn months. After the last dive, the boat makes its way back to port.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
Good to know: Typically 1-2 dives are offered on the final day | Strong currents make for excellent drift dives | Return to Port Ghalib in the evening
Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam, Egypt
Enjoy a final breakfast on board with fellow guests and the crew. After settling any outstanding bills, disembarkation takes place by 8:00 am. Staff will be on hand to assist with airport transfers.
Good to know: Final breakfast on board | Guests disembark | Transfers to the airport