Best Red Sea Liveaboard Reviews [2023 EDITION]
LAST UPDATED:
The best red sea liveaboard is the one that most closely matches your priorities. For example, your budget, how long you want to go for and what kind of dives you’d prefer to have.
It’s universally accepted among divers that the Red Sea has some of if not the best scuba diving in the world!
Many say that the hard coral there is healthier than anywhere else; much of the underwater landscape is comprised of vast, sprawling reefs with towering pinnacles and epic walls that drop hundreds of feet deep.
It’s home to a myriad of reef life including many colourful fish as well as turtles, blue spotted stingrays, giant clams, morays, nudibranch and octopus.
Combined with the incredible visibility – which can be up 131 feet and this makes for incredible viewing!
Generally, the north region of the Red Sea is seen as the most beginner friendly; currents are usually weaker and dives generally shallower. It is also slightly cheaper as more liveaboards go there.
The north region is home to virtually all of the famous shipwrecks for which the Red Sea is known – of which there are many; they make for fantastic wreck diving!
The south region is more off-the-beaten-track; less liveaboards venture there and this does make it slightly more expensive (although not by much and it’s totally worth it, trust us!).
Dive sites are usually deeper and currents may be stronger; so the south region is usually recommended for advanced open water divers with at least 50 logged dives.
However; for those few who do venture into the South Red Sea; this is where you’ll find the cream of the crop coral; in its most pristine and abundant condition.
In place of wrecks, the south has big marine animals such as oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and sometimes even whale sharks, dolphins and dugong!
In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know to book your own Red Sea liveaboard; no matter which region you want to explore, when you want to go and what your spending budget is.
We’ve reviewed the best Red Sea liveaboards of all time and included original movies and photos from our own Red Sea liveaboard trips – so you can see what it’s like!
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest option, the most expensive one or something slap bang in between – we’ve got you covered.
To keep things simple, this article is broken down into four bits:
First bit, the Best Liveaboards for Diving the South Red Sea where incredible coral and big pelagics like oceanic whitetip sharks and mantas await. The most off-the-beaten-track region.
Second, the Best Liveaboards for Diving the North Red Sea where incredible shipwrecks and awesome coral await. The most beginner friendly region and slightly cheaper.
Next we present all liveaboards in order of ascending price on a QUICK COMPARISON table.
Finally, you can check out our useful Info Section, which goes into detail on different routes and regions as well as dive season.
What are you waiting for?! Click the green text to dive down to a bit.
SOUTH REGION Red Sea Liveaboards - Sharks, Mantas & Incredible Reefs:
The very best coral reefs of the Red Sea tend to be found in the southern region where spectacular caverns, swim-throughs and epic walls await exploration by experienced divers who don’t mind scuba diving in strong currents.
This is also the best region in the Red Sea for heaps of pelagic action; divers can see oceanic whitetip, hammerhead and thresher sharks as well as manta rays and sometimes even dugong, dolphins and whales!
At the most “northern” point of the Red Sea’s southern region for diving you have ‘The Brother’s”; two islands that not only have excellent wall dives with grey and white tip reef sharks but also a few smaller wrecks to explore including Numidia; a wooden hulled British transport ship that sunk in 1901.
Further down south; the quality of the reefs and the frequency of pelagic species around them increases; notably so with Daedalus; a stunning reef frequented by hammerhead sharks and mantas as well as Elphinstone which is famous for it’s stunningly intricate hard coral formations and oceanic whitetip sharks.
Finally you have St.John’s; comprised of exciting caverns and tunnels coated with coral, this area is as far south as Red Sea diving usually takes place and is extremely exhilarating yet easy to explore.
Less liveaboards venture to the south red sea compared to the north, meaning you’re likely to see fewer other divers.
#1 OUR TOP PICK: Seawolf Dominator
“The Seawolf Dominator is a mid-priced liveaboard that feels like a luxury one; it is a beautiful and spacious vessel; measuring 42 meters long it features incredible staff, mouth-watering cuisine and truly exceptional dive itineraries.
Most trips last 7 nights and explore the South Red Sea which is famous for having the all-time best coral; with pristine reefs literally stretching off for as far as the eye can see and huge pelagic species like oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins and sometimes even dugong, humpback and minke whales.
In addition to three dives a day, there is also a night dive on most evenings and guests can complete diving courses throughout the trip. All cabins feature tranquil hardwood interiors and have ensuite bathrooms and aircon; upper-deck cabins offer some very nice ocean views.
My first time exploring the Red Sea was with Seawolf Dominator – it was a mind-blowing experience in the most awesome of ways”!
Alex
#2 Seven Seas
Seven Seas is another mid-pricer offering great service and a nearly 1:1 crew to guest ratio. As well as being modern and spacious, this stylish liveaboard features a swish indoor bar complete with barstools and a popular barbeque lounge with grill and outdoor area.
There is also a partially shaded outdoor lounge with sun-loungers as well as an air-conditioned indoor saloon and dining area (next to the bar)! On the lower deck there are 8 cabins with two single beds and on the upper deck are 4 cabins with double kingsize beds. All cabins feature aircon and ensuite bathrooms.
Exploring mainly the South Region of the Red Sea, trips by Seven Seas are usually 7 nights long although a few times a year mammoth 14 night trips are occasionally on offer!
Divers can look forward to incredible coral reefs as well as the chance to spot big pelagics such as sharks, manta rays and cetaceans.
#3 Odyssey
Odyssey is one of the all-time most expensive Red Sea liveaboards but makes up for it by being incredibly luxurious; featuring a spar, jacuzzi and massive cabins with their own private baths!
An elegant dining room and bar is located on the main deck; which is also the location of the huge dive deck. Heading to the upper deck, you’ll find an indoor bar/lounge area with a huge plasma TV and entertainment system which leads out to an outdoor lounge with beanbags and sofas. There is also a partially shaded upper deck with the jacuzzi.
On the booking page you’ll find are range of great itineraries to choose from; most routes travel through the South Red Sea but there are also trips to the North Region. Most trips last 7 nights but on certain months it is possible to go on 14 night long ones!
#4 JP Marine
JP Marine is a budget-friendly option and one of the few cheap Red Sea liveaboard to tour the south region where the best coral reef and big pelagics like sharks, mantas and dolphins await.
Despite being less expensive; JP Marine is only slightly smaller than her more expensive liveaboard cousins.
There is a partially shaded outdoor terrace with loungers and beanbags as well as an indoor lounge and dining area with aircon and bar area. Most diving takes place from the dive deck although there are also a couple of zodiacs handy to take you to a few of the dive sites.
Nitrox is available but unlike on most other liveaboards’ it’s not free – you have to pay a little extra; however you’ll still save more money with JP Marine than other most other South Region liveaboards.
#5 Tillis
Tillis is one of the other few budget-option liveaboards to explore the South Red Sea.
Despite this, among the 13 cabins, all of which feature ensuite bathrooms and ac; 3 are special “honeymoon cabins”; located on the upper deck they feature ocean views, double beds, mini-bars and entertainment systems.
Common zones include an indoor lounge with plasma TV and entertainment system, separate dining room and bar/lounge area and also 2 terraces, one of which features another bar. Diving takes place from the fully-equipped dive deck located at the back of the boat.
The staff are very friendly and helpful and the dive guides have an impressive knowledge of the Red Sea marine ecosystem.
#6 Heaven Saphir
Heaven Saphir is another luxury liveaboard; she is the second most expensive option after Odyssey. With a maximum group size of 19, this liveaboard takes slightly smaller groups than other options and has extremely spacious cabins with beautiful wooden interiors, minibars and ensuite bathrooms as well as executive suite and honeymoon options.
There is a huge terrace on the top deck, a partially shaded lounge with beanbags and furniture on the upper deck and an extremely stylish indoor lounge, bar and dining zone with sleek, modern lighting and numerous dining tables.
Guests can look forward to a beach bbq on most trips; something that is rarely provided on most other Red Sea liveaboards and cuisine is a mixture of European and middle eastern; lovingly and skillfully prepared by the chef.
Heaven Saphir runs a variety of trips; all run 7 nights and many explore the southern region whilst a few also venture up to the north region of the Red Sea.
#7 Blue Horizon
Blue Horizon is an award-winning mid-priced Red Sea liveaboard that operates 7 night long trips which usually explore the South Red Sea but also sometimes venture up to the North Region.
The most popular of these trips is the special “Project Shark” itinerary which aims to pack as much shark diving as possible into one week whilst also educating guests about shark conservation.
As well as two partially shaded sundecks, there’s also a Jacuzzi (!) which is a great place from which to take in the panoramic views of the Red Sea plus a spacious indoor saloon with ac and large plasma TV. Cabins are spacious and all feature ensuite bathrooms; they’re available as twin, double and premium options.
NORTH REGION Red Sea Liveaboards - Wrecks & Shallow Coral Gardens:
The North Region of the Red Sea is the most famous and frequented by divers – with relativley mild currents and many shallow dive sites it’s a great place for beginners. Also, because more dive boats come here prices of diving safaris are usually a little cheaper compared to the north.
The best thing about the Red Sea’s North Region is it’s huge abundance of epic shipwrecks.
Most notablea among these is the SS Thistlegorm; not only the most famous wreck in the Red Sea but perhaps in the entire world. A 420 foot long cargo ship carrying armoured vehicles, arms and military trucks; it was sunk by Germany bombers in 1941. Now the coral encrusted wreck and it’s military cargo lie on the seabed, making for superb diving.
Northern routes in the Red Sea usually feature a couple of dives around SS Thistlegorm whilst also visiting a number of the many smaller wrecks found in this region around Ras Mohammed National Park, Abu Nuhas and also Gordon Reef in the Strait of Tiran.
In addition to wrecks, the Red Sea’s northern region also holds a great variety of coral in the form of pinnacles, canyons and shallow coral gardens. There’s an immense variety of fish and other reef species here along with the possibility to see larger species such as pelagic fish like tuna and jackfish as well as turtles and sometimes reef sharks.
#8 Blue Force 2
One of the cheapest Red Sea liveaboards of all time in terms of daily cost, Blue Force 2 specialises in trips that explore the North Region of the Red Sea where many incredible shipwrecks and fantastic coral reefs await.
Whereas on most Red Sea liveaboards, trips last 7 nights, on Blue Force 2 the average trip length is 8 nights; which usually means an extra day of diving.
Despite being so affordable, this is still a nicely equipped boat; at 28 meters long she’s a little smaller than other options but takes a maximum of just 18 guests, which is less than other liveaboards.
There is ample space with a dive deck, partially shaded outdoor lounge, sundeck and indoor saloon with ac as well as all cabins featuring a private bathroom.
#9 Firebird
Another one of the all-time cheapest Red Sea liveaboards, Firebird is unique for running trips with a special themed known as the “Family Safari” which is aimed at parents with small adults.
There are also plenty of “regular trips” which can last from 7 – 11 nights and generally explore the North Region which is famous for incredible shipwrecks but some itineraries also explore the South Region to.
With a maximum group size of 16 guests; Firebird takes fewer divers than many other Red Sea liveaboards and her experienced dive guides have an impressive knowledge of the Red Sea marine ecosystem whilst all of the staff are friendly and helpful.
This is also one of the very cheap Red Sea liveaboards where Nitrox is Free; on most other budget-options there’s an extra charge for this.
#10 Amelie
Taking a maximum of just 12 guests, Amelie has by far the smallest group size of any Red Sea liveaboard; making this a great option for anyone seeking a more personal and intimate experience.
The other great thing about Amelie is that this is hands down the cheapest Red Sea liveaboard of all time and offers Free Nitrox!
Trips usually last 7 nights – but there are also special 3 night trips available for guests on a short time-budget, which is something hardly any other Red Sea liveaboards offer. Virtually all routes explore the North Red sea which is famous for an abundance of incredible shipwrecks as well as some awesome coral reefs.
At 23 meters long, Amelie features 6 cabins with bunk beds and AC – bathrooms are shared. There are two partially shaded outdoor lounges, a dive deck and an indoor saloon and dining area.
#11 Red Sea Aggressor II
A mid-priced liveaboard that explores the Northern Region; famous for many epic shipwrecks and beautiful corals, Red Sea Aggressor II features a shaded outdoor terrace with jacuzzi, a large indoor dining area and an air-conditioned indoor saloon with massive plasma TV.
All cabins feature private bathrooms and ac as well as hardwood interior with ocean views available. The staff are extremely competent and experienced; going above and beyond to attend to guests every needs and the cuisine is said to be excellent.
For an extra fee, guests can also complete diving courses – such as their Nitrox certification throughout the trip and even hire a private dive guide. Nitrox is free for certified divers.
#12 Snefro Love
Snefro Love was the first member of the Green Fins Egypt Network which first rolled out in 2020 and is aimed at combining diving with sustainability and conservation.
This is a large, 37 meter long boat that takes just 20 guests; trips last 7 nights and always explore the North Region of the Red Sea which is legendary for shipwrecks and coral reef.
The indoor lounge and dining area is very spacious and features a classical interior decor outfitted with modern amenities such as the huge plasma TV and entertainment system as well as a rounded bar.
Outside guests will find two partially shaded zones complete with sun lounges and furniture. Cabins all feature private bathrooms and hardwood interiors.
#13 Seawolf Soul
Seawolf Soul is a member of the esteemed Seawolf Fleet – which includes our favourite Red Sea liveaboard of all time; Seawolf Dominator!
Like it’s cousin, Seawolf Soul is a modern and spacious yacht with an extremely professional and hardworking crew; whom go above and beyond in their level of attentiveness to guests. Also, the chefs cook amazing food and the dive guides are very experienced and knowledgeable.
The main difference is that whereas Seawolf Dominator primarily explores the South Red Sea Region, most routes operated by Seawolf Soul venture into the North Region which is famous for many incredible shipwrecks and some awesome coral reef.
There is a large partially shaded outdoor lounge as well as a sun terrace and loungers; inside guests will find the enormous indoor saloon and dining area with flatscreen TV. Cabins all feature ac, ensuite bathrooms and have hardwood interiors.
#14 Blue
A luxury liveaboard, Blue is a massive 43 long yacht that caters to 24 guests and offers a variety of 7 night trips that explore either the North or South Regions of Egypt’s Red Sea.
This is an especially beautiful boat, with stunning hardwood interiors and massive common areas including a huge outdoor terrace with partial shading and awesome nighttime lighting as well as a spacious interior living room and indoor dining area with ocean views. Cabins are spacious and all feature ensuite bathrooms and aircon.
Free nitrox is available for certified divers and for an extra charge guests can also complete diving courses or hire a private guide for the duration of the trip.
#15 Contessa
Another luxury option, Contessa (aka Sea Serpent Contessa) is extremely spacious, modern and comfortable.
There are three outdoor zones: a sundeck, a partially shaded terrace with beanbags and furniture and a shaded bar. Inside there’s a dining area with stunning 360 degree ocean views as well as a separate indoor living room with Plasma TV and entertainment system. Cabins all feature ocean view windows, private bathrooms and air conditioning.
Trips are 7 nights long and usually explore the North Region where next level shipwrecks and awesome reefs await – however sometimes itineraries to the South Region are also possible, where divers will discover the best of the Red Sea’s coral reefs as well as large pelagics like oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks.
QUICK COMPARISON - ALL Best Red Sea Liveaboards (in order of ascending price):
| Liveaboard Name: | Great for: | Max Group Size: | Go to Booking Page: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amelie | | Small Groups, Flexible Trips, Underwater Photographers | 12 | Click Here |
| Blue Force 2 | | Friends, Social Areas, Small Groups | 18 | Click Here |
| Firebird | | South Red Sea, Small Groups, Onboard Amenities | 16 | Click Here |
| JP Marine |  | South, Affordable, Hammerhead shark trips | 28 | Click Here |
| Blue Horizon |  | Shark Trips, Onboard Amenities, Luxury Cabins | 26 | Click Here |
| Seawolf Soul | | South Red Sea, Couples, Friends | 22 | Click Here |
| Tillis |  | South, Sharks, Small Groups, Honeymoon Cabin | 26 | Click Here |
| Red Sea Aggressor II |  | Hot tub, bar, luxury, north. | 22 | Click Here |
| Seawolf Dominator |  | Couples, Crew, Varied Dive Trips | 22 | Click Here |
| Snefro Love |  | Free nitrox, small groups, value for money | 20 | Click Here |
| Seven Seas | | Cabins w. TV’s, Advanced Divers, bbq lounge | 24 | Click Here |
| Contessa | | Friends, Staff, Onboard amenities | 22 | Click Here |
| Blue |  | Ocean cabin views, spacious, north, south | 24 | Click Here |
| Heaven Saphir |  | Free yoga, north, south, small groups | 19 | Click Here |
| Odyssey |  | Hot Tub, Cabins w. Baths, Couples | 26 | Click Here |
HANDY INFO: Routes, Regions, Season & more.
Different Routes:
Study the map below to get an idea of some of the key diving parts of the Red Sea. If you look along the left hand side of the green border (withe the labelled boats representing ports), you’ll see Marsa Alam about a about two thirds of the way down.
All of the red flags showing dive areas below Marsa Alam – as well as the two directly above, “Abu Dabab” and “Elphinstone” and sometimes “Brothers” fall within the South Region routes for liveaboards.
All other Red Flag dive site areas (from above the anchor marked “Salem Express”) fall within the North Region routes.
South Region:
(In this context we’re referring to the red sea straddling Egypt’s southern half, not the southern most half of the Red Sea itself which spans past Sudan).
The south region is sometimes prone to stronger currents and more challenging dive conditions. The reward is the absolute best coral in the country; with epic walls and massive reefs that literally stretch off for as far as the eye can see. Visibility is incredible and often reaches up to 40 meters!
This is also the region where divers have a good chance of seeing big marine life including oceanic white tip, hammerhead and thresher sharks as well as manta rays, dolphins and sometimes even humpback and minke whales!
Far fewer liveaboards tour the southern region compared to the north, which means you’re unlikely to see many other boats. Check out the movie I made of my experience diving the South Region below:
Brothers:
Because this is the least southerly of all the South Region areas, it’s not always included in routes; however this is ok because usually the furhter south you travel in the Red Sea, the better the diving becomes.
All the same let’s take a quick look. Both Brothers Islands provide ample opportunity to view large pelagic fish and stunning coral and gorgonian fans that comprise much of the reef and nearby walls; reef sharks are also sometimes spotted.
Big brother island is home to its fair share of wrecks, which include the Numidia and Aida, for those looking for a little intrigue. Finally, the area is awash in stunning fish schools, including dogtooth tuna, barracuda, sweepers, and anthias.
Daedalus:
This is a lonely reef located some 50 miles offshore that is lucky enough to boast marine park status.
The reef itself is defined by many beautiful corals, anemones, and gorgonian fans, through which Red Sea clownfish, moray eels, dottybacks, and wrasse can easily be spotted.
The prevalence of currents in the area, while making the diving a little more challenging, also creates the perfect environment to spot sizeable pelagic fish like reef sharks and sometimes mantas!
Abu Dabab:
Situated close to Marsa Alam; Abu Dabab is the starting point of many South Region liveaboards and features many incredible shallow coral gardens with reef fish, turtles and blue spotted stingrays. Because there are almost no currents here, this is a great place for beginners and practice dives.
Big Giota:
Some of the most impressive coral reefs of the Red Sea are found here with humungous wall dives that stretch down for over one hundred meters and where there is an abundance of reef fish life as well as large fish including tuna, trevally and giant barracuda.
Currents here can be strong, although when I went there were hardly any!
Elphinstone:
This is yet another one of the reefs for which the Red Sea is famous. The diving area is typically divided into the northern and southern plateaus; both offer stunning views of beautifully intricate corals, gorgonian fans, sea whips, and sponges – the colors of which are brilliantly complemented by huge schools of anthias and other reef fish.
But the most memorable thing about Elphinstone is that it’s an excellent place to spot Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, which are extremely brave and inquisitive often swimming right up to divers to inspect them!
St John's Reef:
This diving area is at the most southerly point of most South Region routes and is often claimed to be a highlight of any South Red Sea trip.
The entire area is comprised of shallow caverns and tunnels which can easily be explored and are filled with fish and colourful coral.
North Region:
This is the most well known region of Egypt’s Red Sea. It is the most beginner friendly in terms of overall diving conditions. I and is famous for having many incredible shipwrecks as well as some great coral reef, especially shallow coral gardens.
More liveaboards travel here compared to the south region; whilst this might mean you see more dive boats; the advantage is that trips to the north region are usually slightly cheaper.
Ras Mohammed:
Diving into the Ras Mohammed National Park also means you’re swimming through a piece of history; the park was Egypt’s very first national park established in 1983.
The area on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula is famous for impressive walls that seem to drop straight down into the ocean’s depths, along with beautifully healthy reefs and their accompanying entourage of wrasse, anthia, and jackfish that are always present.
Larger pelagic fish are also very common sights, as reef sharks, hammerheads, massive tuna, and barracuda make their way through the reefs looking for food.
The top dive site in this region is undoubtedly Shark and Yolanda reefs, where any liveaboard worth their salt will be sure to visit if they’re in the area!
Thistlegorm – The Thistlegorm is perhaps the most famous wreck dive in the world and is well worth a visit on your Egypt diving holiday! German bombs sank the WWII cargo ship in October of 1941, and its entire cargo of arms and supplies for the war effort went down with it.
Today, however, its cargo holds are a wreck diver’s dream; you can explore the trucks, armoured vehicles, weapons, and a plethora of other war supplies that are still waiting for delivery under the waves.
Shark and Yolanda Reefs – One of the most spectacular dives at Ras Mohammed National Park is undoubtedly Shark and Yolanda Reefs.
The reefs are marked by two massive peaks that rise from the ocean floor and are encrusted with a host of corals and gorgonian fans. As you drift between the two, you’ll spot large pelagic fish that inhabit the region, such as grey sharks, gigantic tuna, and hammerheads.
At Yolanda reef, you’ll be able to dive on the wreck that shares its name and features a 1970s British transport that was laden with toilets and bathtubs, which certainly make for some exciting diving photos!
Abu Nuhas Reef:
This reef, just off Shadwan Island, seems to have drawn more than its fair share of ships into a final watery embrace over the years.
There are five cargo shipwrecks strewn across this reef, making it a favorite destination for Egypt liveaboard dive boats looking for a wreck intensive trip.
The ships include the Greek Seastar, the Chrisoula K (also Greek, sank in 1981), the Kimon M (German ship, sank in 1978), the Ghiannis D (Japanese ship, sank in 1983), and the famous Carnatic, a British ship which sank in 1869 with a full load of gold and wine – quickly recovered after the wreck.
When is the Best Time to Dive the Red Sea?
Due to minimal rainfall, the red sea can be dived year round. That said different seasons offer considerably different experiences. Let’s take a closer look:
December – February: This marks the winter period in the Red Sea. During this time, the water is fairly cold at around 72 F (22 C). This is also the windy season, meaning surface conditions can become quite rough, particularly in northern Egypt. However, visibility is at it’s greatest during this time. It’s also the best time to spot an Oceanic Whitetip Shark.
March – May: These are the Red Sea’s spring months. Both air and water temperatures are fairly warm, resulting in an optimum balance. This is also the best time to see a Whale Shark, especially in the northern Red Sea. However, this is also diving high season so some dive sites, especially in the northern red sea, maybe crowded.
June – August: Diving Low Season. Air temperatures become stiflingly hot. However, these warmer temperatures do force Hammerhead sharks further north into Egyptian waters. June to September is the best time to swim with these incredibly shaped predators in the northern red sea. This is also the best time to snag discount liveaboard deals.
September – November: Autumn period in the Red Sea. Air and water temperatures balance for ideal comfort both above and below the water’s surface. This period is the best time to spot Thresher Sharks in the north red sea and manta rays in the south. This is also one of the more crowded times of year, however, less so than March – May.
Red Sea Diving - What's it like?
A seawater inlet within the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea straddles Egypt’s eastern coast, travelling down past Sudan and Eritrea; all the way to the north tip of Djibouti, separating North East Africa from the Middle East.
Roughly 2250km long and 355km at it’s widest point, it has a maximum depth of 3,040 m (9970 ft), but is also noted for it’s extensive shallow shelves, which are renowned for their spectacular coral reefs.
Made up of over 200 coral species, these reefs extend along the red sea coastline for 2000km; being made up largely of stoney Acropora and Porites coral that are up to 7000 years old.
These ancient coral reefs of the red sea are known for their remarkable heat tolerance and resilience to climate change.
As a result, much of the reef here is in spectacular condition. This gives way to epic marine biodiversity.
With over 1200 species of fish…10% of which are found nowhere else; the red sea is a truly unique place to go scuba diving.
Bluespotted stingrays and crocodile fish are everywhere, whilst lionfish float through the water in abundance. Plus, there’s many nudibranchs, flatworms and pipefish to thrill critter seekers.
It is also home to over ten shark species, including Hammerhead Sharks, Whale Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Leopard Sharks.
Manta Rays are frequently spotted by divers in addition to Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles as well as the rarer Leatherback Turtles and Olive-Ridley turtles.
Divers also have a good chance of spotting Dolphins, of which 8 species are regularly seen in a variety the sites described further below.
There is even a small population of Dugong in the Red Sea, of which a few individuals can be sighted off the coast off Abu Dabbab.
In addition to the deep water and coastal regions, other red sea habitats include salt pans, sea grasses, mangroves and salt marshes
There are many historical shipwrecks in Egypt’s red sea such as the SS Thistlegorm, a 128m long British transport ship that was sunk by German planes in 1941.
Voted the best wreck dive in the world, the SS Thistlegorm’s insane artefacts include 2 tanks, arm trucks, jeeps, motorcycles, boots and even stacks of rifles!
Other shipwrecks in Egypts’ red sea are even older such as Numidia, a wooden hulled British transport ship that sank in 1901 whilst carrying supplies to India…or the Ulysses which sunk in 1887!
Because the Red Sea experiences few storms, most of it’s sites are suitable for beginners. These calm water conditions also what allows the coral here to form beautifully intricate structures.
Due to the excellent visibility and easy access to excess depths, the red sea is also a popular location for technical diving and training.
The Red Sea offers the full scope of diving experiences – wall dives, drifts, wrecks, pinnacles, shore dives, deep dives and night dives are all to be had here in abundance.
Check out our other article for more information on Red Sea Diving.
Diving Squad Debriefing
Looks like you’ve dived all the way down to the deepest depths of the Diving Squad dive page on dives with a Red Sea Liveaboard. Great job!
Let’s quickly recap what this page was all about:
First we reviewed the Best Red Sea Liveaboards that explore the South Region…then we reviewed ones that explore the North Region….after that we grouped them all together and presented them in order of ascending price in a quick comparison table.
Finally we went into a bit more detail on different routes and regions that liveaboards in the Red Sea explore, followed by some handy info on how diving conditions change through the various seasons of the red sea.
We constantly update our content so you can rest assured that what you’ve read today reflects the very latest and up-to-date info regarding booking a Red Sea liveaboard in 2023. Check back for future updates!!!
Alex
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