Deep South, Elba (Hurghada - Hurghada)

About this route

This unique expedition journeys to the isolated Elba Reef, representing one of the most southerly accessible diving regions in the Egyptian Red Sea. The voyage traverses a variety of pristine environments, from the seagrass meadows of Abu Dabab to the dramatic drop-offs of Elphinstone. Guests can expect a mix of vibrant coral gardens, historic wrecks, and high-energy drift dives in areas rarely frequented by other vessels. The route is specifically designed to offer encounters with iconic marine life including dolphins, dugongs, and pelagic sharks in their natural habitats.

Regions on this route

Highlights

Requirements

• CertificationAdvanced Open Water
• Minimum logged dives30
• ExperienceMinimum of 30 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification are required.

Good to know

• Diver safety requires a 24-hour surface interval between the final dive and flying.
• The remote Elba Reef route is subject to weather conditions and captain's discretion.
• Night dives offer sightings of nocturnal species like octopus and Spanish dancers.
• Advanced Open Water and 30 logged dives are mandatory for this itinerary.

Day-by-day plan

1. Day 1: Embarkation – Hurghada Arrival

   Upon arrival in Hurghada, guests will board the vessel and settle into their cabins. The evening includes a welcome briefing and an introduction to the crew and safety procedures before the journey south begins.

   Dive sites: Gota Abu Ramada

2. Day 2: Abu Dabab – Coastal Reefs

   The expedition moves towards the coastal reefs of Abu Dabab, known for its shallow coral systems and expansive seagrass plains. These areas often feature calm conditions and excellent light for underwater photography. Divers will explore sheltered sites that serve as important grazing grounds for specialized marine species.

   Dive sites: Abu Dabab 2, Abu Dabab 3

3. Day 3: Fury Shoals – Habitats and Habili

   Today is dedicated to the Fury Shoal region, characterized by its intricate reef structures and 'habili'—submerged coral pinnacles that do not reach the surface. The underwater topography often includes tunnels, cracks, and swim-throughs formed by ancient coral growth. Visibility in this area is typically exceptional, allowing for panoramic views of the hard coral formations.

   Dive sites: Gota Kebir, Umm Khararim, Habili Ali

4. Day 4: Elba Reef – Northern Frontiers

   Diving commences at the remote Elba Reef system, where the northern plateau offers a wild and untouched marine environment. The area is known for its sheer drop-offs and healthy coral gardens that see very little diver traffic. Stronger currents often bring pelagic activity to the reef edges, while the lagoons provide a tranquil setting for evening dives.

   Dive sites: Elba North Plateau, Elba Drop-off, Coral Garden / Lagoon

5. Day 5: Elba South – Seagrass and Slopes

   The exploration continues to the southern sections of Elba, focusing on reef slopes and specialized seagrass areas. This region is famous for its resident populations of large marine mammals that feed in the nutrient-rich shallows. Drift dives along the open reef sections offer the chance to see schooling fish and passing predators in the blue.

   Dive sites: Elba South Reef, Seagrass Area

6. Day 6: Sataya – The Dolphin Sanctuary

   Sataya, also known as the Dolphin House, features a massive horseshoe-shaped reef that creates a protected turquoise lagoon. The area is renowned for its resident pods of dolphins that frequently interact with visitors in the sheltered waters. Dives outside the lagoon wall offer dramatic coral vistas and diverse reef fish populations.

   Dive sites: Sataya South, Sataya Dolphin Reef, Claudia Reef

7. Day 7: Elphinstone – The Long Reef

   Elphinstone is a legendary finger-shaped reef that rises from the depths, offering world-class wall diving on both its eastern and western flanks. The site is famous for its steep drop-offs covered in soft corals and gorgonian fans. Currents can be significant here, making it an ideal location for observing large pelagic species cruising the reef edges.

   Dive sites: Elphinstone, Marsa Shouna

8. Day 8: Salem Express – Historic Wreckage

   Today's dives focus on the Salem Express, a significant wreck located near Safaga that has become a poignant artificial reef. The structure is now home to vast quantities of glassfish and resident predators, providing a unique combination of history and biology. Nearby reefs like Gota Sgeir offer vibrant coral heads and diverse macro life.

   Dive sites: Salem Express, Gota Sgeir

9. Day 9: Safaga – Panoramic Plateaus

   The final full diving day explores the reefs around Safaga, including the massive Panorama Reef. This site features a large plateau and vertical walls that are often swept by currents, attracting barracuda and jacks. The day concludes with dives at shallower sites like Ras Abu Soma, perfect for off-gassing while enjoying the reef's biodiversity.

   Dive sites: Panorama Reef, Abu Khufan, Ras Abu Soma

10. Day 10: Disembarkation – Hurghada Return

    The trip concludes with morning dives at Small Giftun before returning to Hurghada. Guests will enjoy a final breakfast on board and prepare for check-out and transfers to the airport or local hotels.

    Dive sites: Small Giftun

Upcoming departures

• 2027-01-28 – 2027-02-06from 1,864 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

• North Reefs, Dahab (Hurghada - Hurghada) · 7 nights
• North Reef, Ras Mohamed, Wrecks, Brothers Island (Hurghada - Hurghada) · 7 nights
• North Reef, Ras Mohamed, Tiran, Brothers Island (Hurghada - Hurghada) · 7 nights
• North Reef, Wrecks, Tiran (Hurghada - Hurghada) · 7 nights
• Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone (Hurghada - Hurghada) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Daedalus, Rocky, Zabargad, St. Johns, Fury Shoal & Elphinstone (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Daedulus, Fury Shoal, Elphinstone (Port Ghalib - Hurghada) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Daedalus, St. Johns, Fury Shoal (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib) · 7 nights
• Total Solar Eclipse Expedition: Elphinstone, Fury Shoal & St. John's (Port Ghalib - Port Ghalib) · 7 nights

About the vessel

SindalahsEgypt