The Red Sea in Egypt is one of the world’s top destinations for dive liveaboards.
From Marsa Alam’s crystal clear waters which have dive sites like Daedalus and Elphinstone to the fascinating shipwrecks, and abundance of marine life it’s easy to understand why a liveaboard in Egypt is on the top of most scuba divers’ bucket lists.
Not only is the diving here incredible, but liveaboard diving in Egypt is surprisingly affordable compared to many of the other top scuba diving locations. With so many different dive liveaboards/ dive safaris cruising the marine parks of the Red Sea, you have no idea which one is the best for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best dive liveaboards in Egypt.
Table of Contents
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
Egypt Liveaboard Routes
Before we get into the different options and dive trips, we first want to cover the diving landscape of Egypt and the different routes liveaboards will take.
Egypt borders the Red Sea to the east, giving it tons of dive sites across its coast. Most diving destinations with coasts typically don’t require a liveaboard as day trips can be taken to hit all of the spots.
This is not the case in Egypt, as 94% of the country is desert, and getting around is not always the easiest. While you can get day charters from Port Ghalib or Safaga if you want to see the Straits of Tiran and St. Johns you will have a liveaboard to enjoy your red sea diving trip. Not all diving areas can be reached from shore especially if you go to the deep south.
Best Egypt Liveaboards
JP Marine
- Spacious lounge areas
- Experienced dive guides
- Extremely affordable
- Free WiFi
- Nitrox not included
- Little outdated interior
JP Marine is the best liveaboard in Egypt for those on a tight budget. This extremely affordable yacht provides fantastic diving, great service and comfortable facilities.
The JP Marine liveaboard can accommodate up to 28 guests across 14 comfortable cabins. Each featuring air conditioning, plenty of storage and a private ensuite with hot water showers. The individual reading lights on each bed are a great touch.
You’ll never feel cramped on this spacious liveaboard. The communal areas provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation when you’re not underwater. In addition to the dining room, there’s an indoor saloon complete with cosy couches and an entertainment system. Outside you’ll find a large shaded lounge area and an additional sundeck.
It only gets better on the huge dive deck. The platform boasts everything you need to have the best possible dive experience. A highly competent and professional crew are always on hand to help.
Let’s not forget about the fantastic food. The onboard chefs prepare an abundance of mouthwatering dishes 3 times a day. Plus self serve coffee, tea and snacks are available throughout the day to make sure that you’ll never go hungry on this liveaboard.
Offering great service, spacious facilities and cheap rates, the JP Marine is definitely one of the best dive liveaboards in Egypt.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 22 guests/divers
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day, including night dives
- Number of cabins: 11 air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms
- Trip Length: 7 or 10-night trips available
- Wifi: Available for an additional charge
- Nitrox: Available for an additional charge
- Drinks: Water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks included. Beer and wine available for an additional charge.
- Port: Departing from and returning to Port Ghalib or Hurghada
- Onshore Excursions: Tours to Luxor and Cairo available for an additional charge
- Route/ Itinerary: The itinerary varies based on the length of the trip, but it typically includes dive sites in the Red Sea, such as St. John’s, Fury Shoals, and Brothers Islands.
- Camera Station: Dedicated camera table and rinse tank available.
MY Blue
- Dedicated camera room
- Very spacious cabins
- Luxury facilities
- Highly experienced team
- Free Nitrox & WiFi
- Alcohol not included
- Limited non-diving activities
The beautiful MY Blue offers an unparalleled scuba diving experience. If you’re looking to explore the very best dive spots in the Red Sea in ultimate comfort then look no further than this elegant, yet affordable, liveaboard.
This spacious 43m yacht welcomes a maximum of 24 divers across 12 lavish cabins. Each of the cabins come complete with en-suite bathrooms, TV/DVD, air conditioning and ample storage space. Choose either the large master cabin, a sea view cabin (twin or double available) or a standard twin cabins.
As one of the largest liveaboards in Egypt, the MY Blue liveaboard provides plenty of space for relaxation. You’ll find a cosy TV room with a media library and facilities to review your underwater footage. Plus an indoor lounge complete with beanbags and couches.
Outside you can enjoy the shaded open-air dining and lounge area, where you can eat, play board games, enjoy a drink and chat with your fellow divers. There’s also a sundeck where you can top up your tan during your surface intervals or stargaze after the sun has set.
The spacious dive deck is well equipped and organised. So even at full capacity, you’ll be comfortable moving around even with your gear. Plus, the large dive platform and ergonomic zodiac make entries and exits effortless. Most noteworthy is that nitrox is free on the MY Blue!
The unbeatable facilities and spaciousness of the MY Blue, in addition to the delicious food and high-end customer service, make it our top dive liveaboard in Egypt.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 24 guests /divers
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 12 cabins
- Trip Length: 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional charge
- Nitrox: Available for an additional charge
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine are offered with dinner
- Port: Departure from Hurghada Onshore
- Excursions: No
- Route/ Itinerary: The itinerary includes dives sites in the Northern Red Sea, such as the Straits of Tiran, Ras Mohammed, and the wrecks of the Thistlegorm and the Rosalie Moller
- Camera Station: Available on board
Tillis
- Highly experienced dive team
- Free Nitrox & WiFi
- Comfortable Cabins
- Great food
- Lower deck cabins a little cramped
- Alcohol not included
The MY Tillis is a great all-round dive liveaboard. With experienced staff, great food and top-notch facilities you can always expect a spectacular trip.
This elegant yacht welcomes a maximum of 26 guests. You can choose a twin cabin on the lower deck, a twin cabin on the upper deck with mesmerising ocean views, or treat yourself to one of the 3 lavish honeymoon suites. All cabins feature TVs, private bathrooms and individually controlled airconditioning.
Outside of your cabin, you can hang out with your fellow divers in the spacious air-conditioned indoor saloon, featuring a modern entertainment system. There’s also a beautiful outdoor bar, shaded lounge area and a separate sundeck to enjoy.
Chefs prepare a delicious fusion of Egyptian and international food, always served buffet style so you have the freedom to try a little bit of everything. There’s also a seemingly unlimited supply of freshly made snacks, fresh fruits and beverages available throughout the day.
The dive deck is well equipped with plenty of storage space and large rinse tanks. MY Tillis features 2 zodiacs for easy drop-offs and pickups.
What makes the MY Tillis really stand out is the highly experienced dive crew. This team of professionals carefully plan itineraries to ensure you’re diving the very best sites at the optimal time. Plus their dive briefings are seriously impressive!
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 26
- Number of Dives: 3-4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 13 Trip Length: 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase
- Port: Hurghada
- Onshore Excursions: Visit to the Pyramids and Sphinx in Giza and local bazaars can be arranged for an additional fee
- Route/ Itinerary: Northern Red Sea
- Camera Station: Camera table and rinse tank are available
Samira Discovery
- Friendly staff
- Luxurious cabins
- Free Nitrox & WiFi
- Suitable for non-divers
- Snorkel gear not included
- Alcohol not included
Samira Discovery boasts luxurious cabins, delicious food and impeccable diving facilities. Designed by divers for divers, this elegant liveaboard surpasses all expectations.
The Samira Discovery liveaboard hosts up to 22 guests onboard across 11 beautifully designed cabins. Choose between the 8 twin bed cabins on the lower and upper decks, the 2 honeymoon suites on the upper deck and a lavish master suite on the lower deck. The suites are equipped with huge beds, minibars and unique entertainment systems. Perfect for couples looking for a more private experience.
The spacious dining area provides a warm and friendly atmosphere. Here you’ll enjoy freshly prepared meals buffet style. Just next to the dining area you’ll find a stylishly decorated indoor lounge equipped with a complete audio-visual entertainment system. Ideal for reviewing underwater footage or indulging in a movie in the evenings.
The part shaded outdoor lounge located on the upper deck offers plenty of space to soak the endless ocean views, top up your tan or snooze in the shade. There’s also a well-stocked bar with a large selection of local and imported drinks. You can also head up to the top deck where you’ll find more space for sunbathing or stargazing.
Samira’s crew create a balanced schedule that maximises your bottom time whilst also allowing you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the superior onboard facilities. With personalised dive briefings, professional guides and a highly organised, well-equipped dive deck you feel well prepared and looked after before, during and after every dive.
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort onboard and a dive team dedicated to making your experience as epic as possible then look no further than the Samira Discovery liveaboard.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 22
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day, including night dives
- Number of cabins: 11 cabins
- Trip Length: 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an extra fee Nitrox: Available for an extra fee
- Drinks: Complimentary tea, coffee, and water. Soft drinks, beer, and wine available for purchase
- Port: Hurghada, Egypt Onshore Excursions: Possible to arrange upon request
- Route/ Itinerary: Offers various routes in the Red Sea, including North and South itineraries, with the possibility of visiting the world-famous wrecks such as the Thistlegorm, as well as pristine reefs.
- Camera Station: Camera table and charging station available.
Red Sea Aggressor
- Onboard jacuzzi
- Separate lounge & dining area
- Dedicated camera room
- First-class service
- Beautiful rooms
- Complimentary local beer & wine
- Wifi not included
- Nitrox not included
The Red Sea Aggressor II is a pristine 5-star luxury liveaboard with luxury facilities and incredible diving. If you’re looking for first-class service and supreme comfort then this is the liveaboard for you.
The elegant yacht can accommodate up to 22 guests across 2 master suites and 8 deluxe staterooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, hot water bathrooms, bathrobes, hairdryer and a 32-inch flatscreen entertainment system. The endless ocean views from the master suites are seriously worth the upgrade!
When you’re not diving you can chill out in the spacious saloon equipped with comfy couches and a photo and video editing suite. Or head up to the gorgeous sundeck and relax in the onboard jacuzzi, top up your tan on the sunbeds or unwind in the shaded outdoor bar area. In the evenings you can enjoy a variety of entertainment including marine life presentations, games and the latest movies. There’s also a well-stocked library onboard.
Mealtimes aboard the Red Sea Aggressor II are a delicious feast of freshly prepared local and international dishes that satisfy even the most ravenous of divers. Special dietary requirements are always well accommodated. Plus soft drinks, fresh fruit juices, tea, coffee and local beer and wine are all complimentary throughout the trip.
The dive deck is specifically designed to maximise space and comfort with plentiful storage, gear rinse tanks and dedicated camera set up areas.
In addition to the top-notch facilities, it’s the unbeatable level of service that makes The Red Sea Aggressor II liveaboard stand out, The dedicated crew really do go above and beyond to make sure that every detail of your trip is as incredible as it can possibly be.
Although the luxurious Red Sea Aggressor II is one of the most expensive liveaboards in Egypt, the price is akin to budget liveaboards in most of the world’s other top diving destinations. So if you’re looking to treat yourself without breaking the bank then this is the perfect liveaboard for you.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 22 guests / 2 dive guides
- Number of Dives: up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 11 Trip
- Length: 7 nights
- Wifi: available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine with dinner Port: Hurghada
- Onshore Excursions: Yes
- Route/ Itinerary: Offers several routes in the Red Sea including St. Johns, Fury Shoals, and the Brothers
- Camera Station: Available on board
Why Go On A Dive Liveaboard In Egypt?
The Red Sea is consistently listed as one of the top 3 locations for scuba diving around the world. The spectacular coral gardens, insane visibility, pelagics, sightings of reef sharks, and stunning wrecks make Egypt a must-visit destination for divers of all levels.
Although you can dive in Egypt on day trips, the truly mind-blowing dive sites in the Red Sea can only be accessed by liveaboard. Egypt is a huge country and from Cairo, you are still far away from most diving. The Red Sea is roughly 1400 miles long and 220 miles at the widest point. The distances between dive sites combined with the lack of scuba diving infrastructure in remote sections of Egypt means that day-trip diving is very limited.
So not only is a dive liveaboard in Egypt more comfortable and convenient, but it’s also the only way to dive into the best spots. Some world-class spots you don’t want to miss on a liveaboard itinerary include dive sights the Brothers, to the world-famous Thistlegorm. This shipwreck is considered one of the best dive sites on the planet and certainly shouldn’t be missed when diving in the Red Sea.
And if that’s not enough, Egypt is actually one of the most affordable destinations for diving liveaboards. With a wide range of options to suit all budgets, world-class diving, and some amazing last-minute deals, liveaboards here are surprisingly accessible!
When Is The Best Time For A Dive Liveaboard In Egypt?
Due to minimal rainfall, diving in Egypt is great all year round. The visibility almost never drops below 15m and the can reach up to 70m!
However, water temperatures will vary significantly throughout the year from 70 F (21 C) to 85 F (30 C) plus. And different seasons will offer considerably different diving experiences.
So let’s take a closer look.
WINTER SEASON: DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY
During the winter season in Egypt, the days are still reasonably warm but as a dessert region, the evenings will be cold. The winter is also the windy season. So surface conditions can be quite rough, especially in the north.
The water temperatures are also their coldest (around 72 F) during these months. But this means that the visibility is at it’s best. With over 120ft (40m) most days! And this is the best time of the year to spot oceanic whitetip sharks diving in Egypt.
SPRING SEASON: MARCH TO MAY
The Spring season offers the perfect balance between the air and water temperatures so your whole trip is much more comfortable.
Visibility is still incredible and surface conditions much smoother than during the winter months. You’ve also got the highest chance of encountering a whale shark in the Red Sea during the Spring. However, this is also considered the peak season so popular sites can get very crowded.
SUMMER SEASON: JUNE TO AUGUST
The Summer months are the diving low season in Egypt. With stiflingly hot air temperatures it can feel almost unbearable during the middle of the day.
However, the water temperature is also it’s warmest. So if you really feel the cold when diving these months could be the best time for you to dive in Egypt. Plus you’ll find some insanely good deals on liveaboards.
The warmer water also drives the hammerhead sharks up from Sudan and into the Egyptian Red Sea. If you’re able to withstand the heat on land diving in Egypt in the low season can be really rewarding.
AUTUMN SEASON: SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER
Similar to spring, the air and water temperatures are more balanced, offering comfort both in and out the water. Diving in Egypt can get busy during the autumn but less than in spring. These months are the best time to see manta rays in the south of Egypt and thresher sharks in the north.
As you can see a dive liveaboard in Egypt is incredible whatever season you visit. The best time for a Red Sea liveaboard really depends on what conditions you feel best in and what creatures you’re dying to see.
What Is Diving In Egypt Like?
With over 800 species of coral and 1200 species of fish (10% of which can only be found here) the Red Sea in Egpyt is an incredible destination for scuba diving.
The coral reefs here are some of the oldest and healthiest in the world. Expect an explosion of vibrant colors and textures when you descend. The Red Sea reefs are famous for their remarkable heat tolerance and seem to be more resilience to climate change than corals elsewhere.
In addition to the abundance of reef fish, you’ll also find an impressive array of macro critters including pipefish, nudibranchs, frogfish and flatworms. Scorpionfish, crocodile fish, blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels and lionfish are everywhere.
The Red Sea is also home to more than 10 different species of sharks, including nurse sharks, leopard sharks, tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks. Sea turtles, manta rays and dolphins are frequently spotted by divers. And there’s even a population of dugongs!
And if that’s not enough, Egypt boasts some of the world’s most intact, fascinating and varied shipwrecks. A highlight has to be the SS Thistlegorm. This 128m British transport ship, sunk by German planes during WW2, was voted one of the best wreck dives in the world. Here you can discover tanks, arms trucks, motorcycles, jeeps and even rifles!
Egypt offers an impressive variety of diving experiences; from wall dives, drift dives, wrecks, pinnacles, deep dives, night dives, and even technical diving. You name it, diving in Egypt has it!
What Routes Do Dive Liveaboards In Egypt Offer?
When choosing a dive liveaboard in Egypt you’ll usually have the opportunity to choose from either a northern or southern itinerary in the Red Sea. Most liveaboards will offer these at different times of the year based on the optimal dive conditions.
It’s worth noting that you can also find central itineraries that will take you to the lower northern and upper southern dive sites.
Northern Red Sea Liveaboards In Egypt
The north of the Red Sea is the most popular area for dive liveaboards in Egypt. On a northern liveaboard trip, you’ll visit some of Egypt’s, and even the world’s, best dive spots.
Northern liveaboard routes include Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran, famous for their pristine and abundant coral reefs. As well as the SS Thistlegorm and other many other world-class shipwrecks.
Northern dive liveaboards in Egypt will typically start from Sharm El Sheikh. The overall dive conditions in the north are also the most beginner-friendly. A dive liveaboard in the north of Egypt is a great first liveaboard for every level of scuba diver!
Southern Red Sea Liveaboards In Egypt
Although the bottom part of Red Sea stretches south past Sudan, we’re referring to dive liveaboards in the southern part of the Egyptian Red Sea.
This area is much less crowded than Egypt’s northern Red Sea. However, this area tends to have stronger currents and much less predictable diving conditions. So it’s great for experienced divers who are looking for a challenge. Because the south is much less visited the reefs here are truly spectacular and you’ll probably have the dive sites all to yourself.
Most of the dive liveaboards in the south of Egypt will start from Hurghada and head down to Al Ikhwan.
Conclusion
We’ve covered the best dive liveaboards in Egypt and some extras to make sure you have the best liveaboard experience.
Dive liveaboards in Egypt offer world-class diving and impeccable service at a low rate that just can’t be matched anywhere else around the world.
So whether you’re completely new to dive liveaboards or a liveaboard addict you won’t be disappointed by a liveaboard in Egypt.
And once you’ve selected your dive liveaboard it’s time to get packing, why not check out our packing list!
