Sunlight · Egypt · 8D7N
This itinerary explores some of the most renowned offshore reefs in the southern Egyptian Red Sea. The trip features diving at the legendary Daedalus Reef, known for its powerful currents and potential encounters with hammerhead sharks. It continues to Rocky Island for its dramatic drop-offs and pristine corals, before concluding at Zabargad Island, which offers calmer bays and vibrant, colorful reef systems for more relaxed diving. Max guests on this trip: 20.
Port Ghalib, Egypt
Board the vessel in Port Ghalib, where you'll be greeted by the crew. After settling into your cabin, there will be a comprehensive boat briefing and safety orientation. The evening is spent preparing for the adventure ahead as the boat sets sail south into the Red Sea overnight.
Good to know: Boarding and check-in | Welcome briefing and safety checks | Dinner served on board | Overnight sailing south
Daedalus Reef, Southern Red Sea
Arrive at Daedalus Reef, a huge, isolated table reef famous for its strong currents which attract an abundance of marine life. Dives here often focus on the northern plateau where schooling scalloped hammerheads are frequently seen, especially from May to October. The sheer walls are covered in pristine hard and soft corals and host a massive 'anemone city' on the western side.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
Good to know: Full day of diving | Zodiac-assisted drift dives | Look for pelagics in the blue
Daedalus Reef, Southern Red Sea
A final morning dive at Daedalus offers another opportunity to encounter its famous pelagic residents. Afterwards, the boat begins the crossing towards Zabargad Island. The afternoon is for relaxing on deck, sharing photos, and enjoying the open-sea journey.
Dive sites: Daedalus Reef
Good to know: One morning dive | Crossing to Zabargad Island | Afternoon relaxation
Zabargad Island, Southern Red Sea
Explore the diverse dive sites around Zabargad Island, a stunning geological formation with a turquoise lagoon. The diving here ranges from gentle coral gardens and pinnacles to steep drop-offs and a few interesting wrecks. The island's reefs are incredibly healthy, supporting a vast array of colorful reef fish and offering a different diving character to the exposed offshore locations.
Dive sites: Zabargad Island
Good to know: Diving varied topography | Possible wreck dive | Chance for a night dive
Rocky Island, Southern Red Sea
Today's dives are at nearby Rocky Island, a tiny islet renowned for its dramatic wall dives and breathtaking soft coral displays. The currents sweeping past the island attract pelagic visitors like grey reef sharks, barracuda, and tuna. The steep walls are adorned with a dense forest of gorgonian sea fans, creating a spectacular backdrop for drift diving in the crystal-clear water.
Dive sites: Rocky Island
Good to know: Thrilling drift dives | Sheer walls covered in corals | Exposed offshore reef
Fury Shoals, Southern Red Sea
The boat travels north, stopping to dive at the famous Fury Shoals reef system. This area is known for pristine hard coral gardens and unique topography. Dives may include sites like Sha'ab Sataya, home to a resident pod of spinner dolphins, or Sha'ab Claudia with its magical swim-throughs and cavern systems where light filters through the reef.
Dive sites: Sha'ab Sataya (Dolphin Reef), Sha'ab Claudia
Good to know: Diving hard coral gardens | Exploring reef swim-throughs | Potential dolphin encounters
Marsa Alam, Southern Red Sea
The last two dives of the trip are conducted at a coastal site near Port Ghalib, such as Marsa Mubarak. These calmer sites are known for their extensive seagrass beds, which provide a feeding ground for giant green sea turtles and the occasional, elusive dugong. After the dives, the boat returns to the marina for an afternoon of gear washing and a final celebratory dinner.
Dive sites: Marsa Mubarak
Good to know: Two morning dives | Return to Port Ghalib in the afternoon | Final dinner on board
Port Ghalib, Egypt
After a final breakfast on board, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and fellow divers. Disembarkation is typically in the morning.
Good to know: Final breakfast on board | Settle any outstanding bills | Disembarkation