What are the diving conditions like?

Scuba diving the Red Sea’s Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone Reef, is simply unequaled. Part of the Marine Park, these dive locales show you the best of the best. Explore breathtaking underwater scenery, walls boasting huge pristine hard coral formations, sheer drop-offs covered with soft corals, and experience a frequent rush hour of pelagics. Sightings of thresher sharks, whale sharks, schooling tuna, mantas, grey reef sharks, oceanic whitetips, and schooling hammerheads are common. The vessel’s experienced captain and dive guides will escort you to these remote reefs, where your senses will be happily overwhelmed.

In the Northern part of the Red Sea, the Ras Mohammed National Park is situated at the confluence of waters from the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. This mix results in a wide range of diversity in terms of coral and fish life. Its best known dive sites include Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, 2 big pinnacles rising up from the depths and home to grey reef sharks, tunas, barracudas, snappers and even hammerhead sharks. You’ll also see many sting rays, moray eels and scorpionfish, as well as dozens of toilets which were the cargo of the Yolanda wreck.

The SS Thistlegorm wreck is certainly the most famous wreck in Egypt, with its WWII motorcycles and jeeps still in the same position they were when this ship was bombed by German airplanes. This beautiful wreck can be dived several times, to discover all its compartments and cargo.

Abu Nuhas is a shallow reef that has caused the sinking of more boats than anywhere else in the Red Sea. There are currently several wrecks beneath the surface: the Giannis D, the Chrisoula K, the Kimon K and some leftovers of the Carnatic which sank in September 1869. All of them are now part of the marine world and covered by soft corals, sponges and hydroids.

In the Red Sea, when at sea, temperatures peak at 82-90°F (28-32°C) between July and September. After these months the temperatures drop slightly to 80-82°F (27-28°C) in October and November. They continue to fall through February to 73-79°F (23-26°C). Temperatures then begin to warm up again to 75-80°F (24-27°C) between March and June. Water temperatures vary from a low of 73°F (23°C) during the winter to a high of 86°F (30°C) during the summer. A 3 mm – 5 mm wet suit should be comfortable for most divers. Current found on most dives (especially in Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone) is one of the many reasons for the variety of soft corals and pelagics that call the Red Sea home.

Important information: Please note that all dives are made with semi-inflatable tenders. Negative entries can be required, depending on the sea conditions. Diving in the Red Sea can be sometimes challenging, especially in the Brothers islands, Daedalus and Elphinstone (B-D-E). This specific itinerary involves more physically demanding diving and are best suited to fit individuals who can manage challenging conditions like swimming into strong currents, negative descents, group pace, and climbing in and out of a Zodiac safely. Please make sure you are experienced enough (Advanced Open Water certification and a minimum of 50 logged dives is highly recommended).