Brothers - Daedalus - Elphinstone (Golden Triangle) (Hurghada - Hurghada)

AVO · Egypt · 7 nights

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

About this route

Navigate the legendary Golden Triangle of the Egyptian Red Sea, visiting the remote offshore reefs of Big Brother, Small Brother, and Daedalus. This route is famous for its vertical walls, deep drop-offs, and high-energy current dives that attract various shark species. Divers will also explore the iconic Elphinstone Reef, known for its vibrant coral plateaus and unique topography. It is a premier choice for those looking to see large pelagics in a truly oceanic environment.

Regions on this route

The BrothersElphinstoneDaedalusEgypt

Highlights

Daedalus

A remote offshore reef marked by a lighthouse, offering some of the most pristine coral walls in Egypt. It is widely considered the best place in the Red Sea to encounter schooling hammerheads.

  • Schooling hammerheads
  • Iconic lighthouse
  • Pristine hard corals

Elphinstone

A cigar-shaped reef with deep plateaus at each end and sheer walls along the sides. It is a legendary site for spotting oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads in high-current conditions.

  • North and South plateaus
  • Oceanic whitetip sharks
  • Vibrant soft corals

The Brothers

Two small islands, Big Brother and Small Brother, are iconic for their dramatic walls that drop into the abyss. They are famous for shipwrecks like the Aida and Numidia, and as a hotspot for shark sightings.

  • Steep vertical walls
  • Historical shipwrecks
  • Pelagic shark action

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives50
  • ExperienceDesigned for experienced divers seeking world-renowned drop-offs and pelagic encounters.

Good to know

  • Diving is only conducted on the penultimate day to allow for a 24-hour surface interval before flying.
  • A minimum of 50 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification are mandatory for this route.
  • The exact dive sites visited may vary based on weather, local regulations, and captain's discretion.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Hurghada Arrival

    Guests arrive in Hurghada to board the vessel starting in the late afternoon. The evening is dedicated to check-in procedures, equipment setup, and a safety briefing followed by dinner.

  2. Day 2: Hurghada Area – Initial Reef Exploration

    The journey begins with check-out dives at local reefs to ensure gear functionality and buoyancy. Gota Abu Ramada and Panorama Reef offer sheltered conditions with coral gardens and sandy plateaus. These sites serve as an introduction to the region's diverse fish life and typical Red Sea visibility.

    Dive sites: Gota Abu Ramada, Panorama Reef

  3. Day 3: The Brothers – Oceanic Wall Diving

    Today features the Brother Islands, two remote volcanic pinnacles rising from the depths. Dives at Big and Small Brother are characterized by dramatic vertical walls and strong currents that attract schooling predators. The area is highly regarded for its healthy soft coral growth and frequent sightings of large pelagic species cruising the drop-offs.

    Dive sites: Big Brother, Small Brother

  4. Day 4: Daedalus Reef – Remote Lighthouse Station

    The vessel reaches Daedalus Reef, a large isolated reef system centered around a historic lighthouse. Dives here focus on the steep walls where hammerhead sharks are often seen patrolling the blue. The currents here facilitate exciting drift dives along pristine coral formations and deep plateaus.

    Dive sites: Daedalus

  5. Day 5: Daedalus Reef – Pelagic Encounters

    A second day is spent exploring the vast perimeters of Daedalus Reef to maximize chances for shark encounters. The northern tip is particularly famous for schooling hammerheads, while the southern plateau often features sightings of large napoleons and rays. The reef provides excellent visibility and a high density of vibrant marine life.

    Dive sites: Daedalus

  6. Day 6: Marsa Alam – Elphinstone and Shouna

    The route moves toward the coast to dive the legendary Elphinstone Reef, famous for its long north and south plateaus covered in soft corals. After navigating these high-energy sites, the boat moves to more sheltered coastal areas like Marsa Shouna. These shallower sites often feature sea grass beds and are known for diverse reef fish and larger residents.

    Dive sites: Elphinstone, Marsa Shouna

  7. Day 7: Northern Red Sea – Wreck and Reef

    The final diving day includes a visit to Small Giftun and the El Minya Wreck near Hurghada. Small Giftun features impressive gorgonian fan forests and steep walls, while El Minya offers a look at local maritime history. These dives provide a mix of reef beauty and wreck exploration before the required surface interval.

    Dive sites: Small Giftun, El Minya Wreck

  8. Day 8: Disembarkation – Hurghada Departure

    After a final breakfast on board, guests check out and prepare for their transfer to the airport or local hotels. Disembarkation typically occurs in the morning hours.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-08-21 – 2027-08-28from 1,725 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

AVOAVOEgypt
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