A favorite of European divers,
the Red Sea is considered one of the best scuba destinations in the world. Thousands of kilometres of coastline are blessed with extensive reef formations and islands. The underwater scenery is rich with coral-covered walls and beautiful "gardens". Over 400 varieties of coral and 1500 species of fish, turtles and sharks inhabit the Red Sea.
Jacques Cousteau once said "The Red Sea is a corridor of marvels. The happiest hours of my diving experience have been spent there". That statement is as true today as it was when Jacques Cousteau explored here. Surrounded by desert, there is no runoff to cloud the crystal-clear waters.
Join trip host Greg Hamman to travel by liveaboard and dive a unique far southern Egyptian Red Sea itinerary that takes you nearly to the border with Sudan.
Planned Itinerary:
Deep South
including St. Johns and Fury Shoals
Note: 30 logged dives required
Attention: At some dive sites, zodiac dives are offered, requiring a backward roll to enter the water, and a re-entry without a ladder. You will hand your gear up to the zodiac driver and then kick your way back into the zodiac with his assistance. You must be physically fit enough for this type of diving.
This itinerary takes you further south than ever before in the Egyptian Red Sea!
Travelling south of St. Johns reef, this itinerary offers the opportunity to explore the quiet and pristine dive sites on the Egypt/Sudan border. Liveaboards rarely visit this region and with no day boats you will be left to explore the area in virtual solitude.
Sample Itinerary:
**PLEASE NOTE** the itinerary below is just an example of the route taken and the order and dive sites are not guaranteed. All dives sites are subject to weather conditions and the final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and dive guides.
Day 1 - Shona or Abu Dabab and Shaab Sharm - overnight sailing
Day 2 - St Johns Reefs (Gota Kebir, Gota Soraya, Habili Ali, Habili Jaffa, Umm Aruk & Dangerous)
Day 3 - St Johns Reefs (Gota Kebir, Gota Soraya, Habili Ali, Habili Jaffa, Umm Aruk & Dangerous)
Day 4 - St Johns Reefs (Gota Kebir, Gota Soraya, Habili Ali, Habili Jaffa, Umm Aruk & Dangerous), St Johns Caves and Sataya
Day 5 - Fury Shoal reefs (Shaab Claudio, Abu Galawa Soraya, Shaab Maksour, Malahi, Abu Galawa Kebir) and Wadi Gamal - overnight sailing
Day 6 - Elphinstone and/or Shona, Marsa Mubarak
Itinerary highlights:
Elphinstone Reef: A Red Sea legend. One of the most beautiful reefs, with north and south plateau's covered in hard and soft corals. This is a truly awesome reef.
Fury Shoal: An immense chain of reefs creating a host of outstanding dive sites including Abu Galawa in the north to Sataya in the south. Have fun exploring wrecks, caves, tunnels, coral gardens, plateaus and drop offs! Abu Galawa is located within Fury Shoal - have fun exploring the wreck of 'Tug Boat'. The reef also has good coral dives on the west side.
St. John's Reef: Exciting drop-offs overgrown with huge gorgonians and colourful soft corals, stunning coral gardens and safe anchorages for night diving. Barracudas, Tuna and Mackerel are often sighted here and on rarer occasions Manta Rays and Dolphins. Hammerheads, Grey sharks, Silvertip Sharks and White tip Reef Sharks can often be spotted out in the blue.
St. John's Reef North: Located one hour north of the main St.John's area. Have fun finding your way through tunnels and around pinnacles
Package includes:
Not included: airfare to Hurghada (see air info below), visa on arrival (currently US$15), Egyptian Marine Conservation fees ($35), equipment rental if needed, beer and wine, crew gratuity, trip insurance (required for this vacation), and departure tax.
Air Connections:
European divers have air connections directly to Hurghada (HRG) from multiple gateways. Please arrive in Hurghada on the morning of June 28 or earlier.
North American divers can fly to Cairo (CAI) non-stop from JFK or via connections in Europe. Plan to arrive in Cairo on June 22 to join our Nile Cruise and Land Tour, or June 27 for liveaboard only. We are happy to assist with arrangements in Cairo and flights on to Hurghada.
Deposit: $700; second payment of $500 due 180 days prior to departure;
final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
How to reserve your space:
-
-
We'll place a space on courtesy hold for you and send you a confirmation e-mail.
-
Complete and return the trip application and waiver from the letter with your deposit by check or credit card.
-
Make your airline reservations. We're happy to help you find the best flights.
