Red Sea Liveaboard Diving: All You Need to Know

First time Red Sea divers often have many questions when planning their trip. To ease this process, we’ve compiled a list of quick facts and frequently asked questions. Outside of what’s listed here, please contact our team. They can provide assistance with logistical and dive related questions that may not be answered below.

Egyptian Red Sea reefs are vibrant oases of sea life.

Where is the Red Sea?

The Red Sea is a deep-sea volcanic rift that lies mainly between Egypt, Northeastern Africa and Saudi Arabia, Asia. A natural boundary between two tectonic plates, the seawater inlet connects the Gulf of Aden (Indian Ocean) through the famous Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea. Due to the joining of these two large seas through a narrow passage, there is a high exchange of seawater. This provides copious amounts of nutrients for marine life and corals to flourish. It is one of the planet’s most captivating and exciting natural environments – it’s little wonder why diving in the Red Sea is often described as legendary.

Where do I fly into?

Two of the most popular airports to fly into Egypt are Hurghada and Cairo. For Grand Sea Explorer, flying into Hurghada provides the easiest transfer to the vessel. This airport is within a 5-hour direct flight from cities Istanbul, Paris, London, Frankfurt, Zurich, and many more. Flights from North America range 12-15 hours and may fly through Cairo with a connection to Hurghada. Upon entry, visitors to Egypt will be required to purchase a visa unless they come from a visa exempt country. Depending on the airport, we include the visa in the onboard charges which guests will pay once they arrive on the vessel.

Luxury Liveaboard Grand Sea Explorer, Red Sea

Is Egypt safe?

Traveling in Egypt is often misunderstood. Some areas are deemed as a no-go for tourists while many others are classified as safe. To clarify, when joining Grand Sea Explorer, divers will only be traveling in areas deemed ‘safe’ so threats to security are negligible. Not a safety concern, however important to mention, female travelers should cover shoulders and knees when visiting outside of popular tourist areas. This is to show respect for the sensibilities of the local culture.

When is the best time of year to dive?

The Red Sea is a dry desert climate. Unwavering sunshine and crystal blue waters embody the region. Consequently, diving is year-round and always spectacular. High season (July to November) tends to be the hottest, with temperatures reaching 35˚ C (95˚ F). Sea temperatures during this time can reach an agreeable 30˚ C (86˚ F). The cooler weather months are between January and April, with waters also at their coldest. The Southern diving regions can drop as low as 22˚ (72˚ F).

What to expect liveaboard diving in the Red Sea?

The Grand Sea Explorer cruises the most remote and spectacular regions of the Red Sea – Brother’s Islands, Daedelus and Elphinstone Reefs. These areas are some of the best sites in the Red Sea due to deep rich walls, currents, wrecks, and protected marine designations. These exciting offshore areas are only accessible by liveaboard, visited aboard a 7-night/8-days itinerary.

Service expectations will, of course, vary between dive operators. Our modern Grand Sea Explorer sets a high standard and is intended for pampering. From the included alcoholic dinner beverages, to the experienced captains and mandatory three dive guides per vessel, guests can expect a level of service found nowhere else in the Red Sea. On Grand Sea Explorer’s itinerary, guests can also expect maximized dive time to explore these mesmerizing regions with up to 4 dives daily (depending on season). Most diving is done from tenders. There is no need to carry around heavy tanks and equipment like on daily diving excursions. Divers’ equipment will always be ready and waiting.

What will I see underwater?

In one word – technicolor! The Egyptian Red Sea has often been described as vibrant oases of sea life. It is home to more than 200 different species of coral, and over 800 species of fish including 16 different of shark species that can be seen regularly by divers. Some dive destinations are great for macro life, while others are best for larger pelagics, and the Red Sea in Egypt has them all! Clear blue waters allow sunlight to reach its depths making the plentiful coral and fish effervescent, dazzling with all the colors of the rainbow.

Sharks, dolphins, manta rays and more sharks! Diving on Grand Sea Explorer’s offshore itinerary provides access to the deepest and most remote sites where these large pelagics frequent. Depending on the time of year, divers can see whale sharks, white and black tip reef sharks, tiger sharks, and thresher sharks. Most regularly, divers report spotting scalloped hammerheads and oceanic white tips. Dolphins are a common occurrence, and the brightly-colored Numidia and Aida wrecks will amaze even the most discerning of divers. The spectacular array of marine life in the Red Sea is endless. See our underwater gallery here.

What can I see on land?

Egypt is also famous for its ancient wonders that date back to antiquity – temples and ancestral heritage founded on the Nile’s banks. Needless to say, trip extensions are a must-do and are available add-ons pre and post trip. These typically include luxury hotels, airport and hotel transfers, and 1-3 days of tours in Cairo to explore the Pyramids. Always ask about trip extensions to get the most out of your holiday!

To learn more about this magical destination or book a trip today, contact us:

Email: info@explorerventures.com
Inquiries: 1-307-235-0683

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