Sea Friend · Egypt · 8D7N
This advanced deep-south safari targets the Red Sea's most sought-after big fish encounters. The itinerary combines the legendary offshore marine parks of Daedalus, Zabargad, and Rocky Islands with the vibrant reef systems of St. John's. Expect challenging drift dives along deep walls in strong currents, with a high chance of spotting sharks like hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and threshers. Due to the remote locations and demanding conditions, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is necessary. The trip involves significant open-water cruising between these pristine and action-packed dive sites.
Hamata Port
Board the vessel in the afternoon at Hamata Port. After settling into your cabin, you'll attend a welcome briefing and boat orientation before setting up your dive gear. Dinner is served onboard as the boat prepares for the journey south.
Good to know: Embarkation | Welcome briefing | Cabin check-in
St. John's, Southern Red Sea
The adventure begins with check dives at the St. John's reef complex, a vast collection of sites near the Sudanese border. You'll explore famous locations known for their dramatic drop-offs and labyrinthine swim-throughs. The healthy coral gardens are teeming with life, while the deep blue off the walls offers a chance to spot passing reef sharks and other large fish.
Dive sites: Habili Ali, Gota Kebir
Zabargad & Rocky Islands Marine Park
Arrive at the remote and exposed marine park islands of Zabargad and Rocky. These legendary sites are magnets for pelagic species, and dives are typically thrilling drifts along sheer walls swept by strong currents. Keep your eyes on the blue for encounters with various shark species, schooling tuna, and barracuda. Rocky Island is particularly famous for close passes from oceanic whitetip sharks.
Dive sites: Rocky Island
Good to know: Night diving is not permitted at Rocky Island.
Zabargad Island, Marine Park
A full day dedicated to exploring the unique topography of Zabargad Island. Morning dives focus on the southern slopes, characterized by stunning coral pinnacles and sandy plateaus where green and hawksbill turtles are often found feeding. In the afternoon, you may explore the sheltered lagoon to dive the "Russian Wreck", a Cold War-era spy ship now encrusted in coral and home to schools of glassfish. A night dive in the calm lagoon may be offered.
Dive sites: Russian Wreck (Khanka), Zabargad South
Good to know: Includes a potential night dive, weather permitting.
Daedalus Reef Marine Park
After an overnight cruise north, the day is spent at the legendary Daedalus Reef. This isolated offshore reef, marked by a lonely lighthouse, is one of the best places in the Red Sea for reliable sightings of schooling Scalloped Hammerheads. Dives are conducted along the deep walls, especially at the northern point, where you can also spot solitary thresher sharks. The reef top is a pristine hard coral garden nicknamed 'Anemone City'.
Dive sites: Daedalus North Point, Daedalus West Wall, Anemone City
Good to know: Night diving is not permitted in the Daedalus marine park.
Fury Shoal, Southern Red Sea
Cruising south, the boat stops at the extensive Fury Shoal reef system. This area is known for more relaxed and playful diving, featuring beautiful hard coral gardens and intricate swim-throughs at sites like Claudio and Malahi. This area also includes Sataya Reef, or "Dolphin House," a large lagoon famous for its resident pod of spinner dolphins, where snorkeling opportunities are often possible.
Dive sites: Malahi, Claudio, Sataya (Dolphin Reef)
Local reefs near Hamata
Enjoy two final morning dives at one of the beautiful reefs closer to the mainland. These dives offer a last chance to soak in the calm, colorful coral gardens of the southern Red Sea before the boat begins its journey back to the marina. The afternoon is spent rinsing gear, packing, and enjoying a final sunset on the water.
Good to know: Boat returns to port in the late afternoon or evening.
Hamata Port
After a final breakfast on board, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and fellow divers. You will disembark in Hamata, from where transfers to local airports or hotels can be arranged.
Good to know: Breakfast is served onboard | Disembarkation by 08:00