Elba (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib)

AVO · Egypt · 7 nights

Duration
7 nights
Embarkation
Port Ghalib, Egypt
Disembarkation
Port Ghalib, Egypt
Dives
Approximately 18 dives in total

About this route

Explore the untouched beauty of the Red Sea's southern region on this thrilling dive cruise. The itinerary focuses on the magnificent Elba Reef, a diver's paradise boasting vibrant marine life and the historic SS 'Isola di Levanzo' wreck. Dive conditions from March to November offer clear waters and abundant sea life, making this an ideal journey for memorable underwater adventures.

Regions on this route

St. JohnsAbu DababRockyElphinstoneZabargad

Highlights

Abu Dabab

Abu Dabab is a renowned diving area celebrated for its rich biodiversity and resident marine life. The sites here feature healthy coral reefs and sandy bottoms, making it a prime location to encounter various reef fish, sea turtles, and sometimes dugongs. It offers relaxed diving with plenty of photographic opportunities.

  • Rich biodiversity
  • Healthy coral reefs
  • Sea turtle sightings
  • Potential for dugong encounters

Elphinstone

Elphinstone Reef is one of the Red Sea's most legendary dive sites, known for its dramatic drop-offs and exhilarating drift dives. It is a magnet for pelagic species, most notably oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads, especially at its northern and southern plateaus. The reef is adorned with impressive hard and soft corals, creating a truly majestic underwater landscape.

  • Iconic deep reef
  • Oceanic whitetip sharks
  • Hammerhead encounters
  • Stunning coral formations

Rocky Island

Rocky Island is a small, isolated outcrop in the Red Sea, famous for its deep walls and strong currents. These conditions attract an abundance of pelagic life, including various shark species and large schooling fish. The island's remote location ensures pristine reef health and thrilling drift dives along its vibrant coral slopes.

  • Deep wall dives
  • Strong pelagic currents
  • Shark encounters
  • Pristine reef environment

St. Johns

Located in the remote southern Red Sea, St. Johns is a collection of spectacular reefs known for their pristine condition and diverse topography. Divers can explore dramatic walls, vibrant coral gardens, and small caves, often experiencing strong currents that attract large schools of fish and various pelagic species. It's a true wilderness experience for advanced divers.

  • Pristine southern reefs
  • Dramatic wall diving
  • Vibrant coral gardens
  • Pelagic encounters

Zabargad

Zabargad Island offers a unique diving experience with its diverse topography, including a shallow lagoon, steep drop-offs, and pristine coral gardens. The area is known for its healthy reefs and a chance to spot various reef fish, turtles, and occasional pelagic visitors. It provides a peaceful and richly biodiverse diving environment.

  • Diverse topography
  • Healthy coral gardens
  • Reef fish and turtle sightings
  • Peaceful dive atmosphere

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives50
  • ExperienceDivers require Advanced Open Water certification with a minimum of 50 logged dives.

Good to know

  • It is recommended that divers wait 24 hours before flying after their last dive.
  • The exact route and sites may vary based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics at the Captain's discretion.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Port Ghalib

    Guests will embark at Port Ghalib in the afternoon, with check-in available from 5:00 PM. This day is dedicated to settling into cabins, attending the welcome briefing, and preparing for the week of diving ahead.

  2. Day 2: Abu Dabab – Shaab Marsa Alam

    Today's diving focuses on the Abu Dabab region and Shaab Marsa Alam. These areas are known for their vibrant reef systems and diverse marine ecosystems, offering opportunities for both reef exploration and encounters with iconic Red Sea species. Divers can expect to discover lively coral gardens and potentially encounter sea turtles.

    Dive sites: Abu Dabab, Shaab Marsa Alam

  3. Day 3: Rocky Island – Zabargad Island

    The expedition continues to the remote Rocky Island and Zabargad Island, offering exceptional diving experiences. These islands are renowned for their pristine reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and strong currents that attract pelagic species. Divers often encounter schooling fish and a variety of sharks in these nutrient-rich waters.

    Dive sites: Rocky Island, Zabargad Island

  4. Day 4: Elba Wreck – Shaab el Shaaka – Abu Tees

    Today's dives explore the famous Elba Wreck, offering a glimpse into history alongside vibrant marine life. The route also includes Shaab el Shaaka and Abu Tees, areas known for their diverse reef structures and potential for thrilling drift dives. Expect rich biodiversity and dynamic underwater topography.

    Dive sites: Elba Wreck, Shaab el Shaaka, Abu Tees

  5. Day 5: Shaab Shalal – The Plane Wreck

    The itinerary continues with dives at Shaab Shalal, an area known for its healthy coral formations and a variety of reef fish. A highlight of the day includes exploring The Plane Wreck, an intriguing artificial reef that attracts a concentration of marine life, providing unique photographic opportunities and diverse encounters.

    Dive sites: Shaab Shalal, Wreck Dive (The Plane)

  6. Day 6: St. Johns Reefs (Habili Ali, Small Gota, Caves)

    Today is dedicated to exploring the renowned St. Johns Reefs, including famous sites like Habili Ali, Small Gota, and the Caves. This remote southern region is celebrated for its pristine conditions, stunning wall dives, and vibrant coral gardens. The area is known for strong currents that attract large schools of fish and various shark species patrolling the deeper blue.

    Dive sites: St. Johns Reefs (Habili Ali), St. Johns Reefs (Small Gota), St. Johns Reefs (Caves), St. Johns Reefs

  7. Day 7: Elphinstone Reef

    The penultimate day features dives at the iconic Elphinstone Reef, famous for its dramatic walls, strong currents, and consistent sightings of oceanic pelagics. This site is known for its resident oceanic whitetip sharks and various other shark species, making it a thrilling dive experience. The reef boasts healthy hard and soft corals, creating a breathtaking underwater landscape.

    Dive sites: Elphinstone Reef

  8. Day 8: Disembarkation – Port Ghalib

    Guests will enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at Port Ghalib by 10:00 AM, concluding an unforgettable dive adventure in the Red Sea. Transfers to the airport or onward travel arrangements will be facilitated.

Upcoming departures

No departures scheduled for this route right now.

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About the vessel

AVOAVOEgypt
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