Vita Xplorer · Egypt · 7 nights
This liveaboard trip explores the renowned St. Johns area in the Red Sea, offering an exceptional underwater experience with a wide variety of dive sites. Guests will discover vibrant reefs, historical wrecks, and unique geological formations like cave systems. The region is particularly known for its diverse marine life, including large pelagics and schooling fish, set against stunning coral backdrops. The itinerary is designed to showcase the best of St. Johns, adapting to conditions and diver preferences for an optimal journey.
Guests will embark at Port Ghalib in the afternoon, settle into their cabins, and receive a welcome briefing. This day is dedicated to getting acquainted with the vessel and preparing for the diving adventure ahead.
The journey begins with diving in the St. Johns area, starting with the reef of Abu Galawa. This site often features a small wreck teeming with rich marine life, making it an excellent location for a check dive or a night dive. The area is known for its vibrant reef ecosystems and diverse fish populations.
Dive sites: Abu Galawa
Today focuses on Shaab Sataya, famously known as Dolphin Reef, a large reef frequently visited by dolphins. While historically significant for its Roman remains, the primary draw now is the opportunity for dolphin encounters. The reef's topography supports a rich variety of marine life, making it a lively diving destination.
Dive sites: Shaab Sataya (Dolphin Reef)
Diving today explores Shaab Claudio, known for its intricate maze of caves and large surface openings, which create dramatic light effects. These caves offer an exciting and scenic diving experience. The area's sheltered nature often provides calm conditions, enhancing the exploration of its unique underwater topography.
Dive sites: Shaab Claudio
The itinerary takes guests past the tip of the Ras Banas peninsula, near the Gulf of the ancient port of Berenice. The day includes dives around this historically rich area, with plans to spend the night near Sirnaka Island, where a wreck awaits exploration. This offers a blend of historical context with compelling wreck diving opportunities.
Dive sites: Sirnaka Island Wreck
Today focuses on the vast St. John's Reef, a 21 km by 13 km area below the Peninsula Berenice, famous for its numerous "Habili" reefs. These reefs rise from depths of 60-80 meters to form plateaus accessible only by liveaboard. The impressive drop-offs, adorned with gorgonians and black corals, attract large pelagics such as gray-tip, white-tip, thresher, and hammerhead sharks, as well as manta rays.
Dive sites: St Johns Woods, Habili St Johns Woods, Gotta Wasta, Habili Wasta, Abu Basala, Gotta Hemera, Fendira Hemara, Little Reef, The Nursery, Habili Omran, Erg Om Aruk, Habili Gafar, Habili el Radir
The final full day of diving continues to explore the diverse reefs of St. John's, focusing on the vibrant coral gardens covering the plateaus. Divers will enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors brought to life by the sun's rays. The last dive of the trip will be conducted today, allowing ample surface interval time before departure.
Dive sites: St Johns Woods, Habili St Johns Woods, Gotta Wasta, Habili Wasta, Abu Basala, Gotta Hemera, Fendira Hemara, Little Reef, The Nursery, Habili Omran, Erg Om Aruk, Habili Gafar, Habili el Radir
Guests will disembark at Port Ghalib by 10:00 am. After breakfast, it's time to check out, taking home memories of an exceptional diving adventure in the Red Sea.