Sunlight · Egypt · 8D7N
This itinerary focuses on the legendary offshore reefs of the Southern Red Sea, combining the pelagic action of Daedalus with the vibrant, labyrinthine coral gardens of Fury Shoals. Divers can expect a thrilling mix of deep walls, strong currents, and sheltered reef systems. The trip is renowned for its big animal encounters, with opportunities to see schooling hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and thresher sharks at the exposed pinnacles of Daedalus and Elphinstone. The journey also includes extensive exploration of the Fury Shoals, famous for its incredible swim-throughs, pristine hard corals, and resident pods of spinner dolphins. This route is best suited for experienced divers comfortable with open-ocean conditions and drift diving.
Port Ghalib, Egypt
Guests board the vessel in the late afternoon at Port Ghalib. After a welcome drink, there is a full vessel and safety briefing before checking into cabins. Dinner is served in the evening as the boat prepares for its early morning departure.
Good to know: Embarkation | Welcome briefing | Cabin check-in
Marsa Alam Coast, Egypt
The trip begins with one or two check dives at a sheltered site near the coast, such as Marsa Shona. This offers a great opportunity to dial in weighting and gear in a calm environment. The seagrass beds here are feeding grounds for large green sea turtles and occasional dugongs, while the surrounding reefs host a variety of local fish life.
Dive sites: Marsa Shona, Abu Dabbab
Good to know: Check dives | Sailing south towards Fury Shoals
Fury Shoals, Southern Red Sea
The first full day is spent exploring the northern part of the Fury Shoals reef system. Dives focus on the area's most famous sites, including the swim-throughs and caverns of Sha'ab Claude. Divers navigate a sun-drenched coral labyrinth, emerging into gardens of huge porites corals. Another highlight is Malahi, often called 'The Playground', a maze of coral pinnacles and passages to explore.
Dive sites: Sha'ab Claude, Malahi
Good to know: Exploring the famous swim-throughs and coral mazes.
Fury Shoals, Southern Red Sea
The day is dedicated to Sataya Reef, a massive, horseshoe-shaped lagoon famous for its resident pod of spinner dolphins. Guests have the chance to snorkel with these playful creatures between dives. Underwater, the area offers fantastic diving, including a stop at Abu Galawa Soraya to explore its fantastic coral garden and a small wreck of a private sailing boat now covered in glassfish.
Dive sites: Sataya Reef, Abu Galawa Soraya
Good to know: Snorkeling with dolphins is a highlight of the day.
Daedalus Reef, Red Sea Marine Park
After an overnight sailing, the vessel arrives at Daedalus, a huge, remote reef marked by a lighthouse. The day's diving focuses on the deep walls and exposed northern point. An early morning dive offers the best chance to encounter schools of scalloped hammerheads cruising in the blue. The walls are covered in pristine hard corals and giant gorgonian fans, attracting a host of pelagic life.
Dive sites: Daedalus North
Good to know: Possible land visit to the lighthouse | Strong currents are common | Drift diving
Daedalus Reef, Red Sea Marine Park
A second day at Daedalus allows for further exploration of this world-class site. Dives may focus on the southern plateau, which features stunning coral formations and is a great place to spot the elusive thresher shark. Manta rays are also frequently seen here. The rich walls continue to offer spectacular drift dives with a high chance of pelagic encounters.
Dive sites: Daedalus South
Good to know: Continued exploration of the remote offshore reef.
Elphinstone Reef, Southern Red Sea
The vessel sails north to the legendary Elphinstone Reef for the final dives of the trip. This long, finger-like reef features sheer drop-offs and plateaus at both ends. The main attraction is the high probability of encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks, especially on the plateaus. The walls are covered in a kaleidoscope of colourful soft corals, making for a dramatic finale before the return journey to Port Ghalib.
Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef
Good to know: Usually one or two dives are offered before sailing back.
Port Ghalib, Egypt
The boat docks back in Port Ghalib in the morning. Guests enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking. Staff will be on hand to assist with airport transfers.
Good to know: Final breakfast | Disembarkation | Airport transfers arranged