Sea Serpent Excellence

Location: Egypt

Rating: 4.8/5 (482 reviews)

Sea Serpent Excellence

About Sea Serpent Excellence

Egypt's Red Sea presents a geologically active marine environment, featuring extensive coral structures and notable pelagic pathways, explored aboard this 36-meter liveaboard.

The Red Sea exists as a world apart, a narrow marine corridor whose relative isolation has fostered a high degree of endemism. From the historic wrecks of the north to the remote offshore pinnacles of the south, its underwater landscape offers a complete spectrum of diving experiences. Strong currents funnel nutrients along deep walls, supporting prolific soft coral growth and attracting large aggregations of schooling fish. This is the dynamic environment where the Sea Serpent Excellence operates, a purpose-built vessel designed to access the full range of Egypt's subaquatic sites. The ship provides a stable and comfortable base for explorations that span from shallow coral gardens to challenging deep-water passages where pelagic predators patrol. All diving activities are conducted with efficiency and safety as priorities. The spacious dive deck includes individual gear stations, freshwater rinse tanks for equipment and cameras, and ample storage. For reaching specific drop-off points or navigating complex reef systems, two powerful tenders, each equipped with a 65 HP Yamaha engine, are deployed. A dedicated indoor camera station provides a dry, well-lit space for photographers to manage their equipment. A certified crew manages the onboard nitrox membrane system, offering enriched air to qualified divers looking to extend their bottom time on the Red Sea's vibrant reefs. Dives are led by experienced local guides who possess an intimate knowledge of the currents, topography, and resident marine life. Onboard life is structured around comfort and relaxation. The Sea Serpent Excellence accommodates a maximum of 24 guests in 12 air-conditioned cabins, each with its own private bathroom and shower. Accommodation options include twin and double cabins on both the upper and lower decks, providing choices for different preferences and budgets. When not diving, guests can gather in the main indoor salon for a movie or to review the day's images. Outside, multiple decks offer both sun-drenched and shaded areas for socializing or quiet contemplation. The upper sundeck is an ideal spot to enjoy the sea breeze and open-ocean views between destinations. The culinary experience is a central part of the journey. An onboard chef prepares a varied menu of international plates and Egyptian specialties, ensuring meals are fresh, flavorful, and plentiful. Main meals are typically served buffet-style in the main dining area, offering a wide selection to suit all appetites. The crew is attentive to special dietary needs, which can be accommodated when notified in advance of the trip. Between meals, a constant supply of snacks, fruit, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are available. In the evenings, the lounge and outdoor decks provide a relaxed setting for a post-dive beverage and conversation with fellow travelers. Constructed in 2008 and having undergone a comprehensive refurbishment in 2020, the Sea Serpent Excellence is a modern and well-maintained motor yacht. Its 36-meter length and 8-meter beam create a generously proportioned and stable platform at sea. The vessel is powered by twin 1100 HP Man engines, providing a reliable cruising speed of 10 knots and the power needed for longer open-water crossings to remote southern reefs. While not equipped with active stabilizers, the hull design and the vessel's substantial displacement contribute to a comfortable ride in most conditions. Onboard watermakers ensure a plentiful supply of fresh water, a critical component for comfort on week-long itineraries far from shore. Sea Serpent Excellence primarily operates two distinct types of itineraries, catering to different interests and experience levels. From the ports of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, the vessel runs northern routes focused on the world-class wrecks of Abu Nuhas and the SS Thistlegorm, combined with the vibrant reefs of Ras Mohamed National Park. From Port Ghalib, it ventures south on advanced deep-sea itineraries to the legendary offshore marine parks of the Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone. These southern trips, running through the warmer months, are best suited for experienced divers comfortable with deep profiles and strong currents, offering the highest chances of encountering oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, and other pelagic species.

Vessel Specifications

  • Length: 36m
  • Guest capacity: 24
  • Year built: 2008
  • Nitrox: Available
  • WiFi: Available

Cabins

  • Lower Deck Twin Cabin (sleeps 2) — Twin — Situated on the lower deck, these cabins are equipped with two single beds, perfect for friends or individual travelers. Each unit boasts air-conditioning and a private en-suite bathroom for a comfort
  • Upper Deck Double Cabin (sleeps 2) — Double — Located on the upper deck, these comfortable cabins feature a double bed and offer convenient access to the main deck facilities. Each cabin includes a private en-suite bathroom and is air-conditioned
  • Upper Deck Twin Cabin (sleeps 2) — Twin — This twin cabin on the upper deck provides two single beds and is fully air-conditioned. Guests will appreciate the convenience of an en-suite bathroom and easy access to the vessel's communal areas.

Itineraries

North & Brothers. (Port Ghalib → Hurghada)

Duration: 8D7N

Embarkation: Port Ghalib

Embark on a captivating journey through Egypt's Red Sea, exploring the renowned North and Brothers islands. This route promises encounters with a vibrant ecosystem, from graceful pelagics to colorful reef inhabitants. Expect a dynamic underwater landscape featuring dramatic coral formations and potentially large schooling fish, offering an immersive diving adventure.

Rocky - Zabargad - St. John's (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib)

Duration: 7 nights

Embarkation: Port Ghalib, Egypt

This diving cruise explores the Southern Red Sea, focusing on the pristine reefs and islands of St. John's, Elphinstone, Rocky, and Zabargad. Divers can expect to encounter a rich diversity of marine life, including various shark species, manta rays, and an abundance of vibrant coral formations. The itinerary offers a blend of offshore reef dives and coastal explorations, promising spectacular underwater experiences for all. Conditions may vary, and the captain's decisions will prioritize safety

Daedalus & Fury Shoal. (Port Ghalib → Port Ghalib)

Duration: 8D7N

Embarkation: Port Ghalib

This diving safari covers the coastal section of the southern Red Sea, offering stunning diving on a huge variety of reefs, walls, and hard coral gardens teeming with fish life. Some of the best dives are made in the early morning where you are most likely to find hammerhead and grey reef sharks. Dive sites include the famous reef of Elphinstone and Shaab Sataya, the largest reef system in Fury Shoal.

St. John's.

Duration: 7 nights

Embarkation: Port Ghalib

The St. John's reefs, located in Egypt's southern Red Sea, offer a stunning collection of vibrant coral gardens, impressive wall dives, and intricate cave systems. This itinerary explores these remote offshore reefs, known for their abundant and diverse marine life, including schooling jacks, barracuda, and frequent encounters with reef sharks. While exploring the numerous dive sites around St. John's, divers can expect exceptional visibility and often calm conditions, making it ideal for admiri

North Tour - Northern Wrecks & Reefs (Hurghada - Hurghada)

Duration: 7 nights

Embarkation: Hurghada, Egypt

This Red Sea diving itinerary combines the most famous wrecks in the northern Red Sea with stunning walls and vibrant hard coral garden reef diving. Explore the renowned wrecks of Abu Nuhas, often called the 'Ships' Graveyard' due to the numerous vessels it has claimed, offering scenic underwater photography opportunities, particularly the Carnatic. The journey also includes Ras Mohamed National Park, a protected area known for its breathtaking walls, rich soft and fan corals, and abundant fish

North Tour - Northern Wrecks & Reefs

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Hurghada

This itinerary offers a journey through the northern Red Sea, blending explorations of historic wrecks with dives on vibrant reefs. Guests will visit the Abu Nuhas reef, known as the 'Ships Graveyard,' to see its collection of sunken vessels like the Carnatic. The trip also includes Ras Mohamed National Park, celebrated for its dramatic walls, soft corals, and dense schools of fish. Key highlights are the dives on the iconic World War II wrecks, the SS Thistlegorm and the Rosalie Moeller. The to

Brothers - Daedalus - Elphinstone (Hurghada - Port Ghalib)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Hurghada

This advanced-level Red Sea safari travels from Hurghada to Port Ghalib, focusing on the region's most celebrated offshore marine parks. The itinerary is designed for experienced divers and highlights the Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone. These locations are renowned for their dramatic wall dives, vibrant coral ecosystems, and frequent encounters with large pelagic species, including various sharks, mantas, and tuna. The trip also offers the chance to explore the historic wrecks o

St. John s (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Port Ghalib

This southern Red Sea safari departs from Port Ghalib to explore the renowned St. John's reef system. The itinerary is packed with diverse diving opportunities, from sheer walls and coral gardens to encounters with sharks and dolphins. Key areas visited include the fish-rich reefs of St. John's, the playful dolphin pods of Fury Shoal, and the world-famous Elphinstone reef, offering a comprehensive tour of the region's underwater highlights. Max guests on this trip: 24.

Rocky - Zabargad - St. John s (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Port Ghalib

This offshore itinerary explores the southern Red Sea's most majestic reefs. Divers will visit the sheer walls of Elphinstone, known for frequent encounters with hammerheads, grey reef sharks, and oceanic whitetips. The journey continues to the remote islands of Rocky and Zabargad, which feature stunning soft coral forests, scenic overhangs, and potential sightings of mantas and various shark species. The trip culminates at the St. John's reef system, a collection of sites like Habili Ali famous

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