Diving safari is an option dedicated to the most passionate diving enthusiasts. During the week-long expedition, our focus revolves mainly around three things: diving, dining, and relaxation. We start the day with an early morning dive and end it with a night dive. Throughout the safari, you can indulge in delicious meals and snacks, relax on deck, take afternoon naps, and, most importantly, embark on approximately 20 dives in picturesque locations of the Red Sea. What more could one ask for?
During the diving safari, we cruise on a large and comfortable boat specially designed for week-long diving expeditions. On board, you will find air-conditioned cabins, a spacious lounge with a dining area, a generous sun deck, and a convenient dive platform. Additionally, the boat is equipped with a compressor for tank refills and 2 Zodiac boats. All of this ensures comfortable accommodation and efficient organization of dives while prioritizing safety.
There are many different diving safari routes in Egypt, most of which can be customized and combined in various ways. Below, we present the main diving expedition destinations:
In the Hurghada region, the so-called Northern Safari, also known as Wreck Safari, is organized. This diving route focuses on exploring the most significant wrecks of the Red Sea. Here are some of these notable wrecks:
Thistlegorm Wreck: This is one of the most famous wrecks in the world. Thistlegorm is a British cargo ship sunk in 1941 during World War II. It lies at a depth of about 30 meters and offers spectacular diving opportunities, with a wealth of valuable cargo such as motorcycles, cars, tanks, and weapons. Rosalie Moller Wreck: This is another British cargo ship sunk during World War II. It lies near Thistlegorm and also offers fascinating diving with an abundance of wreck structures and extensive coral reefs around it. Abu Nuhas Wreck: This is an area with several wrecks, including the wrecks of Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Giannis D. Abu Nuhas is a well-known diving site due to its beautiful wrecks and diverse underwater life. Salem Express Wreck: This wreck is a controversial diving site due to its tragic history. Salem Express is an Egyptian passenger ship that sank in 1991. It lies at a depth of about 30 meters and serves as a memorial site for many people. Diving around the wreck is both emotional and impressive due to the wealth of coral reefs and marine life around it.
In addition to wreck diving, the Hurghada region offers opportunities to explore beautiful reefs such as Abu Ramada and Giftun. There is also the possibility to expand the classic Northern Safari route to include several nearby areas. Here are a few of them:
Ras Mohamed: This is a highly renowned site in Sharm El-Sheikh, which is a nature reserve. You will find beautiful reefs, impressive walls, scenic canyons with stunning coral gardens, and the famous Yolanda wreck, known for its bathroom porcelain fixtures. Tiran: This is a reef area located near the island of the same name, belonging to Saudi Arabia. Tiran is famous for its stunning coral gardens, which are worth exploring during dives. Dahab Area: In recent years, some Northern Safari routes also include this region, giving divers the opportunity to explore several iconic spots in Dahab.
Furthermore, the “Top North” safari program is popular. It combines diving on the Northern wrecks with Brother’s Islands, which are described below.
The Northern Safari offers a wide range of diving opportunities, from wrecks to coral reefs, providing unforgettable experiences and a chance to discover the diversity of the Red Sea’s underwater world.
The Brothers Islands are two remote islands located 60 km off the coast in the open sea. Close to each other and almost rising straight from the water’s surface, they offer unforgettable diving experiences along majestic walls, where one can encounter impressive marine creatures – the “big animals” (which are abundant here!). Sharks are almost always present, representing various species such as reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, whitetip sharks, and even whale sharks. Barracudas, turtles, and even mantas are often encountered as well. Additionally, the wrecks of Aida and Numidia rest on the steep slopes of Big Brother, blending beautifully into the underwater landscape. Not to be forgotten are the picturesque reefs that adorn the walls and plateaus of the Brother’s Islands. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, providing unforgettable diving experiences.
The southernmost reefs of the Red Sea are located near the border with Sudan. St. John’s is a beloved destination for enthusiasts of colorful reefs and stunning underwater landscapes. The diving sites here are incredibly diverse, ranging from walls and picturesque gardens to tunnels, corridors, and caves. Sharks can be encountered, and the coral formations are truly beautiful. Night dives are unforgettable, offering the opportunity to observe Spanish dancers, angelfish, and moray eels. After the first dive at places like Gotta Kebir, Habili Ali, or Um el Khararim (Mother of Holes), one starts dreaming about returning. St. John’s is a place that can be admired multiple times without ever feeling bored.
Fury Shoal is an integral part of the diving program at St. John’s, with unforgettable sites such as Claudia Reef and Malahi located north of St. John’s. Often, the diving program concludes here, visiting the famous and beloved Elphinstone Reef – a meeting place for sharks.
At the height of Marsa Alam, there is an island that emerges from the depths of 500 meters and is part of the Marine Park. It is the perfect place to admire beautiful coral formations and diverse fish species, including reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and thresher sharks.
Daedalus is often combined with the “Brothers” during safaris. In some cases, the “Top South” program is also available, which includes diving at Daedalus, Rocky, Zabargad, and Fury Shoal, along with St. John’s.
The third option is the so-called “Golden Triangle,” which encompasses Daedalus, Brother’s Island, and Elphinstone Reef. It is a captivating combination of locations that are worth visiting.
It is a picturesque island renowned for its stunning coral gardens that surround it, with diverse ergs, passages, and lagoons. Labyrinth-like formations can often be found here, adding charm to the place. In addition, the island features a small wreck and a scenic wall for diving. However, it is primarily the enchanting shallow coral gardens that captivate the attention of divers. The island has a distinctive triangular shape, with its highest peak reaching an impressive height of 235 meters.
The island, located 2 km south of Zabargad, is renowned for its beautiful coral reefs and the great opportunities to encounter “big animals” such as various shark species, mantas, and dolphins, similar to Daedalus and Brothers. Its walls, covered in soft corals and gorgonians, are said to descend to depths of up to 1000 meters. Zabargad is often combined with Rocky and St. John’s or visited as part of the “Top South” safari.
It is a 6-kilometer stretch of untouched reefs located 4 hours south of St. John’s Reef, near the Sudanese border. Sometimes it is included as an additional part of the diving program in St. John’s.
