Sea Serpent Contessa · Egypt · 14 nights
A two-week Northern Red Sea expedition combining the legendary WWII wrecks of the Strait of Gubal with the offshore pinnacles of the Brothers Islands. Expect rare reef-shark encounters, dramatic walls covered in soft corals, and historic dives on SS Thistlegorm, Rosalie Moller and the Abu Nuhas wreck graveyard. Suited to experienced divers comfortable with current and depth.
Hurghada, Red Sea
Arrive in Hurghada and transfer to the marina to board the vessel. After settling into your cabin, you'll receive a full welcome briefing from the crew and guides, covering boat safety and the exciting plan for the upcoming two weeks. Enjoy dinner on board as you meet your fellow divers.
Good to know: Arrival and boarding | Welcome briefing and safety procedures | Dinner on board
Hurghada, Red Sea
The adventure begins with two check dives at a local reef near Hurghada. These initial dives allow everyone to fine-tune their buoyancy and gear in the Red Sea's high salinity. The calm, shallow reefs provide a gentle introduction to the region's vibrant coral gardens and abundant fish life.
Good to know: Morning check dives | Gear setup and weight checks | First taste of Red Sea coral reefs
Abu Nuhas, Northern Red Sea
Today is dedicated to exploring the legendary wreck graveyard of Abu Nuhas. This submerged reef has claimed numerous vessels, four of which are now fantastic dive sites. Dives will focus on wrecks like the tile-carrying Giannis D and the 19th-century steamship Carnatic, both now encrusted in coral and teeming with marine life.
Dive sites: Giannis D, Carnatic
Good to know: Multiple wreck dives | Explore historic cargo ships | Excellent coral growth
Sha'ab Ali, Northern Red Sea
A full day is devoted to one of the most famous wrecks in the world, the SS Thistlegorm. This British WWII vessel lies upright on the seabed, its cargo holds packed with military supplies like motorcycles, trucks, and rifles. Multiple dives, including a night dive, allow for a thorough exploration of both the exterior and the fascinating interior cargo holds.
Dive sites: SS Thistlegorm
Good to know: Iconic WWII wreck exploration | Day and night dives on the same wreck | Penetration of cargo holds
Ras Mohammed National Park, Sinai Peninsula
Dive into the protected waters of Ras Mohammed National Park, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The day's highlight is Shark and Yolanda Reefs, a world-class site where three reefs converge. Expect thrilling drift dives past sheer walls covered in corals, huge schools of fish, and the scattered remains of the Yolanda's cargo of toilets.
Dive sites: Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef
Good to know: Marine park diving | Strong currents and rich nutrients | Famous drift dives
Straits of Tiran, Northern Red Sea
Explore the four legendary reefs of the Straits of Tiran: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon. These reefs rise from great depths, and the nutrient-rich currents that sweep through the strait attract large pelagic species. Dives here often feature dramatic walls, deep canyons, and healthy hard coral plateaus with a chance of spotting hammerheads in the blue.
Dive sites: Jackson Reef, Thomas Reef, Gordon Reef, Woodhouse Reef
Good to know: Diving four famous reefs | Chance for large pelagics | Drift diving along coral walls
Northern Red Sea & At Sea
After a final morning dive in the northern region, the vessel begins the long overnight passage south toward the famed offshore marine parks. This is a day to relax, enjoy the sun, and anticipate the thrilling diving ahead as the boat travels into the open waters of the Red Sea.
Good to know: Two morning dives | Long-distance sailing | Preparation for offshore diving
The Brothers Islands, Red Sea Marine Park
Arrive at the legendary Brothers Islands. The first day here focuses on Little Brother, a conical pinnacle with breathtakingly sheer walls plunging into the abyss. The walls are covered in a dense forest of giant gorgonian fans and colorful soft corals. The currents attract oceanic predators, and the northern plateau is a prime spot for spotting various shark species.
Dive sites: Little Brother
Good to know: First dives at the marine park | Sheer walls and drop-offs | No night diving permitted
The Brothers Islands, Red Sea Marine Park
Today's dives are at Big Brother, famous for its iconic lighthouse and two spectacular wrecks. Explore the Numidia and the Aida, both resting on the reef's steep northern slope. In between wreck dives, keep an eye out in the blue for the Brothers' most famous residents: the inquisitive oceanic whitetip sharks that often cruise by.
Dive sites: Big Brother, Numidia Wreck, Aida Wreck
Good to know: Wreck diving on deep slopes | Chance for close encounters with oceanic whitetips | No night diving permitted
The Brothers Islands, Red Sea Marine Park
A final day is spent exploring the best of both islands, with the dive plan dictated by the day's conditions and recent sightings. This offers another chance to dive a favorite spot or explore a new profile, maximizing opportunities for thrilling encounters with hammerheads, thresher sharks, and oceanic whitetips in the deep blue.
Dive sites: Big Brother, Little Brother
Good to know: Flexible dive planning based on conditions | Seeking out big fish action | Final day at The Brothers
The Brothers & At Sea
Enjoy one last exhilarating morning dive at the Brothers Islands before the boat pulls anchor. The rest of the day is spent sailing further south towards the next offshore hotspot, Daedalus Reef. This is a perfect time to review photos, log dives, and relax on the sundeck.
Good to know: One final early morning dive | Sailing to Daedalus Reef | Rest and relaxation at sea
Daedalus Reef, Red Sea Marine Park
Explore the deep walls and cleaning stations of Daedalus, a huge, remote reef marked by a solitary lighthouse. This site is world-famous for its potential to deliver encounters with large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, which often patrol the northern point. The pristine walls are also decorated with impressive hard corals and anemones.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
Good to know: Remote offshore reef diving | Prime location for schooling hammerheads | No night diving permitted
Elphinstone Reef, Southern Red Sea
Dive one of the Red Sea's most legendary sites. Elphinstone is a long, finger-like reef with sheer, soft-coral-covered walls and two plateaus. Strong currents make for exciting drift dives, and the plateaus are magnets for pelagic life, including oceanic whitetip sharks, especially on the southern tip.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
Good to know: Classic Red Sea drift dive | Dramatic walls and plateaus | Frequent big shark sightings
Marsa Alam, Southern Red Sea
The final two dives of the safari explore the famous seagrass beds and shallow reefs near Marsa Alam. This area offers a different style of diving and a chance to spot resident green sea turtles feeding peacefully. With luck, you might even encounter the elusive and gentle dugong in its natural habitat.
Good to know: Shallow reef and seagrass diving | Search for turtles and dugongs | Relaxing final dives
Port Ghalib
After a final breakfast on board, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow divers. You will disembark at Port Ghalib (Marsa Ghalib), where arrangements will be made for your transfer to Marsa Alam airport or a local hotel.
Good to know: Final breakfast on board | Disembarkation | Airport transfers