SS Glorious Miss Nouran · Egypt · 7 nights
Explore the vibrant offshore reefs and stunning coastal areas of the Red Sea on this liveaboard adventure. The itinerary takes you to legendary dive sites like Elphinstone Reef, Rocky Islands, Zabargad Island, and the St. John's reef system. Divers can expect to encounter schooling hammerheads, grey reef sharks, manta rays, and a variety of other pelagic species. Prepare for dramatic walls, pristine coral gardens, and clear waters throughout this dive safari.
Guests are welcomed aboard in Port Ghalib, with check-in available after 5 pm. Settle into your cabin and prepare for the exciting week of diving ahead. The evening includes a welcome briefing from the crew and dive guides.
Today's dives focus on the majestic Elphinstone Reef, an offshore pinnacle known for its sheer walls that plunge into the deep blue. These walls are adorned with soft and fan corals, providing a vibrant backdrop for encounters with schooling hammerhead sharks and grey reef sharks. The north plateau is particularly renowned for sightings of oceanic white-tip sharks.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
The day is dedicated to exploring the Rocky and Zabargad Islands, situated southeast of Ras Banas. Rocky features impressive shear walls covered in soft and fan corals, where juvenile white-tip sharks are often seen resting in overhangs. Divers may also encounter manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and grey reef sharks around these islands.
Dive sites: Rocky Islands, Zabargad Islands
Further exploration of Zabargad Island reveals its unique underwater topography, including a shallow southern shelf adorned with numerous coral pinnacles. These formations are blanketed in soft corals and teeming with anthias, creating a spectacular sight. The island's drop-offs are known for hammerhead, grey reef shark, and manta ray sightings, and a small, shallow wreck on the northeastern side offers an additional point of interest.
Dive sites: Zabargad Island
The St. John's reef system, a collection of smaller reefs, offers some of the Red Sea's finest diving experiences. Renowned for its vast fan and black coral forests, these walls host an incredible diversity of marine life. At the western end, divers can observe grey reef and silver-tip sharks, along with large schools of hammerhead sharks.
Dive sites: St. John's Reef System, Habili Ali
Continue exploring the spectacular St. John's reef system, famous for its extensive coral formations and diverse marine ecosystem. Divers will have more opportunities to marvel at the abundant fan and black corals that adorn the reef walls. The area remains excellent for spotting various shark species, including grey reef and hammerheads, alongside resident hump-head parrotfish and other vibrant reef inhabitants.
Dive sites: St. John's Reef System
Following morning dives, the vessel begins its journey back to Port Ghalib. Enjoy relaxing on deck, reviewing your underwater photos, and sharing experiences with fellow divers. The final evening aboard provides an opportunity for a farewell dinner and to reflect on the week's incredible diving adventures.
After breakfast, guests will disembark in Port Ghalib. Check-out is scheduled for no later than noon, allowing time for transfers to the airport or onward travel arrangements.