Red Sea Diving Itineraries

Choose from over eight itineraries in the Red Sea! The Grand Sea Explorer departs every Thursday, while the Glory Sea Explorer departs every Saturday primarily from Hurghada and sometimes from Port Ghaleb, Egypt. Our unique itineraries offer 7 nights (5.5 days) of diving in several famous Red Sea regions. You will explore the revered Brothers Islands, the Ras Mohamed National park, plus famous wrecks such as SS Thistlegorm, Dunraven and Salem Express on the Brothers/North itinerary and on the B-D-E itinerary, you’ll visit the reknowned Daedelus and Elphinstone Reefs in addition to the Brothers Islands.

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). Strong currents, swell and several negative entries are pretty common in these specific areas. Please make sure you are experienced enough (Advanced Open Water certification and a minimum of 50 logged dives is highly recommended) and in good physical condition before considering these itineraries, especially B-D-E.

You’ll be met at the airport (or your hotel in Hurghada or Marsa Alam by our local representative and transferred to the Hurghada New Marina or Marsa Alam Main Marina, where The Grand Sea Explorer and Glory Sea Explorer are docked.  Both vessels are available for boarding after 5 pm. Should you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage aboard and enjoy the many restaurants, bars, and shops inside and outside the Marina.

Same-day transfers are included from the airport or your hotel. If you are staying overnight in Hurghada or Marsa Alam prior to boarding, please make sure that your application form has included your hotel information.  Two transfers are included in your package. If you need additional transfers, please let us know in advance and our crew can make the arrangements. Transfers inside Hurghada and Marsa Alam are approximately $30 USD/way for up to 3 people. 

To maximize the time guests will be able to explore these mesmerizing regions, up to 5 dives will be offered daily (depending on the season). From May through September, up to 5 dives a day are offered. From October through April, up to 4 dives a day are offered due to shorter days and less daylight. Please note that night dives are not permitted in the Marine Park. Dives are typically done from one of two tenders, however occasional dives may be done from the mother ship. The tenders accommodate up to 10 divers each and divers are divided into groups. Not all divers will be on the same site at the same time.

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Red Sea Sample Itineraries

Please note that these itineraries are examples only, and will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain’s discretion.

Sample North & Brothers Itinerary – Grand Sea Explorer

Please note that, depending on our schedule, cruise departure or arrival can sometimes be from/to Port Ghaleb (2h30 drive from Hurghada airport or 40mn drive from Marsa Alam airport). Corresponding airport transfers will be provided at no extra costs. Also depending on the schedule, the first or last night can be spent in a hotel in Hurghada or Port Ghaleb. All transfers, meals and corresponding services will be provided and the diving program will remain the same. For departure from Port Ghaleb, diving on Day 2 and Day 7 will be done in the Marsa Alam area, instead of Hurghada and Safaga.

Day 1: Hurghada

  • 1700: Guests board
  • 1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
  • 2000: Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc. First night on board in the Marina

Day 2: Sha’ab El Erg & Gubal Island

  • Departure around 8-10am, after port clearance; first dive in Hurghada area (Sha’ab El Erg) and 2 dives in the Gubal island.

Day 3: SS Thistlegorm, Dunraven & Ras Mohamed

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives on SS Thistlegorm, Dunraven and Ras Mohamed National Park. 

Day 4: Ras Mohamed

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Ras Mohamed National Park.

Day 5: Abu Nuhas

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Abu Nuhas area and sailing to Brothers overnight.

Day 6: Brothers Islands

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Big and Small Brother (Please note night dives are prohibited at all marine park islands!) then sailing to Hurghada overnight.

Day 7: Hurghada

  • Up to 2 or 3 dives in Hurghada area (Careless reef, Giftun islands). Return to Hurghada and last night onboard at the Marina.

Day 8: Hurghada

  • 0900: Breakfast
  • Up until 1200: Depart the vessel. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, you may leave your luggage aboard (or on the dock alongside) or at our local representative’s office (situated in the New Marina) for pickup later.

Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 12pm departure deadline.

Sample Brothers-Daedalus-Elphinstone Itinerary – Grand Sea / Glory Sea Explorer

Please note that, depending on our schedule, cruise departure or arrival can sometimes be from/to Port Ghaleb (2h30 drive from Hurghada airport or 40mn drive from Marsa Alam airport). Corresponding airport transfers will be provided at no extra costs. Also depending on the schedule, the first or last night can be spent in a hotel in Hurghada or Port Ghaleb. All transfers, meals and corresponding services will be provided and the diving program will remain the same. For departure from Port Ghaleb, diving on Friday and Wednesday will be done in the Marsa Alam area, instead of Hurghada and Safaga.

Thursday: Hurghada

  • 1700: Guests board
  • 1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
  • 2000: Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc. First night on board in the Marina

Friday: Hurghada area

  • Departure around 10am, after port clearance; diving in Hurghada area and possible night dive. Night crossing to Brother Islands.

Saturday: Big Brother

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives at the Big Brother. (Please note night dives are prohibited at all marine park islands!).

Sunday: Small Brother

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives at the small Brother and sailing to Daedalus overnight.

Monday: Daedalus

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives at the Daedalus and sailing to Elphinstone overnight.

Tuesday: Elphinstone – Marsa Alam

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Elphinstone, or possible night dive near the coast of Marsa Alam, sailing back to Safaga overnight.

Wednesday: Safaga

  • Up to 2 or 3 dives in Safaga, i.e. Panorama Reef, Abu Kefan. Return to Hurghada and last night onboard at the Marina.

Thursday: Hurghada

  • 0900: Breakfast
  • Up until 1200: Depart the vessel. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, you may leave your luggage aboard (or on the dock alongside) or at our local representative’s office (situated in the New Marina) for pickup later.

Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 12pm departure deadline.

Sample North Itinerary – Grand Sea Explorer

Please note that, depending on our schedule, cruise departure or arrival can sometimes be from/to Port Ghaleb (2h30 drive from Hurghada airport or 40mn drive from Marsa Alam airport). Corresponding airport transfers will be provided at no extra costs. Also depending on the schedule, the first or last night can be spent in a hotel in Hurghada or Port Ghaleb. All transfers, meals and corresponding services will be provided and the diving program will remain the same. For departure from Port Ghaleb, diving on Day 2 and Day 7 will be done in the Marsa Alam area, instead of Hurghada and Safaga.

Day 1: Hurghada

  • 1700: Guests board
  • 1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
  • 2000: Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc. First night on board in the Marina

Day 2: Sha’ab El Erg

  • Departure around 8-10am, after port clearance; first dive in Hurghada area (Sha’ab El Erg/Dolphin reef) and possible night dive in Abu Nuhas.

Day 3: Abu Nuhas

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in the Abu Nuhas area and sailing overnight to Ras Mohammed. 

Day 4: Ras Mohamed

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Ras Mohamed National Park (Shark Reef/Yolanda), including a possible night dive at the Thistlegorm wreck

Day 5: Thistlegorm

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives at Thistlegorm, Shag Rock, including a possible Gubal islands, possible night dive

Day 6: Rosalie Moller

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives at Rosalie Moller or the barge, including a possible night dive in the Hurghada area

Day 7: Hurghada

  • Up to 2 or 3 dives in Hurghada area (Um Gammar, Mina wreck, Carless Reef). Return to Hurghada and last night onboard at the Marina.

Day 8: Hurghada

  • 0900: Breakfast
  • Up until 1200: Depart the vessel. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, you may leave your luggage aboard (or on the dock alongside) or at our local representative’s office (situated in the New Marina) for pickup later.

Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 12pm departure deadline.

Sample North & Tiran Itinerary – Grand Sea Explorer

Please note that, depending on our schedule, cruise departure or arrival can sometimes be from/to Port Ghaleb (2h30 drive from Hurghada airport or 40mn drive from Marsa Alam airport). Corresponding airport transfers will be provided at no extra costs. Also depending on the schedule, the first or last night can be spent in a hotel in Hurghada or Port Ghaleb. All transfers, meals and corresponding services will be provided and the diving program will remain the same. For departure from Port Ghaleb, diving on Day 2 and Day 7 will be done in the Marsa Alam area, instead of Hurghada and Safaga.

Day 1: Hurghada

  • 1700: Guests board
  • 1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
  • 2000: Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc. First night on board in the Marina

Day 2: Sha’ab El Erg & Abu Nuhas

  • Departure around 8-10am, after port clearance; first dive in Hurghada area (Sha’ab El Erg/Dolphin reef) and possible night dive in Abu Nuhas.

Day 3: Abu Nuhas

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in the Abu Nuhas area and sailing overnight to Tiran. 

Day 4: Straits of Tiran

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in the straits of Tiran and sailing to Ras Mohammed.

Day 5: Ras Mohammed

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Ras Mohammed, including a possible night dive on Thistlegorm wreck.

Day 6: Thistlegorm & Gubal Islands

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives on Thistlegorm wreck, Shag Rock and Gubal Islands

Day 7: Hurghada

  • Up to 2 or 3 dives in Hurghada area (Um Gammar, Mina wreck, Carless Reef). Return to Hurghada and last night onboard at the Marina.

Day 8: Hurghada

  • 0900: Breakfast
  • Up until 1200: Depart the vessel. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, you may leave your luggage aboard (or on the dock alongside) or at our local representative’s office (situated in the New Marina) for pickup later.

Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 12pm departure deadline.

Sample North, Tiran & Dahab Itinerary – Grand Sea Explorer

Please note that, depending on our schedule, cruise departure or arrival can sometimes be from/to Port Ghaleb (2h30 drive from Hurghada airport or 40mn drive from Marsa Alam airport). Corresponding airport transfers will be provided at no extra costs. Also depending on the schedule, the first or last night can be spent in a hotel in Hurghada or Port Ghaleb. All transfers, meals and corresponding services will be provided and the diving program will remain the same. For departure from Port Ghaleb, diving on Day 2 and Day 7 will be done in the Marsa Alam area, instead of Hurghada and Safaga.

Day 1: Hurghada

  • 1700: Guests board
  • 1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
  • 2000: Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc. First night on board in the Marina

Day 2: Hurghada area and Sha’ab Mahmoud

  • Departure around 8-10am, after port clearance; first dive in Hurghada area (Sha’ab El Erg/Dolphin reef), sailing to the Sinaï area and diving in Sha’ab Mahmoud area (Dunraven).

Day 3: Ras Mohammed, Tiran & Dahab

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Ras Mohammed, Tiran Reefs and Gabr El Bint (Dahab). 

Day 4: Dahab & Straits of Tiran

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Blue Hole, Canyon, Gabr el Bint, including a possible night dive at Gordon (Tiran).

Day 5: Tiran, Ras Mohammed & Thistlegorm

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Thomas Reef (Tiran) Ras Mohammed (anemone city), including a possible night dive on Thistlegorm wreck.

Day 6: Thistlegorm & Abu Nuhas

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives on Thistlegorm wreck, Abu Nuhas and possible night dive in the Hughada area

Day 7: Hurghada

  • Up to 2 or 3 dives in Hurghada area (Um Gammar, Mina wreck, Carless Reef). Return to Hurghada and last night onboard at the Marina.

Day 8: Hurghada

  • 0900: Breakfast
  • Up until 1200: Depart the vessel. Should you be leaving on an afternoon flight, you may leave your luggage aboard (or on the dock alongside) or at our local representative’s office (situated in the New Marina) for pickup later.

Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 12pm departure deadline.

Sample Rocky, Zabargad & St John’s Itinerary – Glory Sea Explorer

Please note that, depending on our schedule, cruise departure or arrival can sometimes be from/to Port Ghaleb (2h30 drive from Hurghada airport or 40mn drive from Marsa Alam airport). Corresponding airport transfers will be provided at no extra costs. Also depending on the schedule, the first or last night can be spent in a hotel in Hurghada or Port Ghaleb. All transfers, meals and corresponding services will be provided and the diving program will remain the same. For departure from Port Ghaleb, diving on Day 2 and Day 7 will be done in the Marsa Alam area, instead of Hurghada and Safaga.

Day 1: Port Ghalib

  • 1700: Guests board
  • 1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
  • 2000: Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc. First night on board in the Marina

Day 2: Mara Alam

  • Departure around 8-10am, after port clearance; first dives in Marsa Alma area, sailing to Rocky Island area.

Day 3: Rocky Island & Zabargad

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Rocky Island and Zabargad and sailing to St John’s for a possible night dive there.

Day 4: St John’s

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in St John’s, then sailing to Fury Shoal for possible night dive.

Day 5: Fury Shoal

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Fury hoal area and sailing to Elphinstone.

Day 6: Elphinstone

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Elphinstone, including possible night dive in Abu Dabbab

Day 7: Marsa Alam

  • Up to 2 or 3 dives in the Marsa Alam area (Ras Shona, Mara Mubarak). Return to Port Ghalib and last night onboard at the Marina.

Day 8: Port Ghalib

  • 0900: Breakfast
  • Up until 1200: Depart the vessel and transfer back to the airport (Marsa Alam or Hurghada).

Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 12pm departure deadline.

Sample Daedalus, Rocky & Zabargad Itinerary – Glory Sea Explorer

Please note that, depending on our schedule, cruise departure or arrival can sometimes be from/to Port Ghaleb (2h30 drive from Hurghada airport or 40mn drive from Marsa Alam airport). Corresponding airport transfers will be provided at no extra costs. Also depending on the schedule, the first or last night can be spent in a hotel in Hurghada or Port Ghaleb. All transfers, meals and corresponding services will be provided and the diving program will remain the same. For departure from Port Ghaleb, diving on Day 2 and Day 7 will be done in the Marsa Alam area, instead of Hurghada and Safaga.

Day 1: Port Ghalib

  • 1700: Guests board
  • 1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
  • 2000: Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc. First night on board in the Marina

Day 2: Mara Alam

  • Departure around 8-10am, after port clearance; first dives in Marsa Alma area, night sailing to Daedalus .

Day 3: Daedalus & Zabargad

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Daedalus and sailing to Zabargad (Please note night dives are prohibited at all marine park islands!).

Day 4: Rocky & Zabargad

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives around Rocky and Zabargad islands. Sailing to Fury Shoal.

Day 5: Fury Shoal

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives in Fury shoal area: Possible sites: Malahi, Sha’ab Claudio, Sha’ab Maksur, Sataya/Dolphin reef, Abu Galawa Big, Abu Galawa Small. Sailing back to Wadi Gimal area after the night dive.

Day 6: Sha’ab Sharm Elphinstone

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives at Sha’ab Sharm depending on weather’s conditions. Then sailing to Elphinstone for a dive, possible night dive at Abu Dabbab.

Day 7: Abu Dabbab

  • Up to 2 or 3 dives in the Abu Dabbab area (Ras Shona, Mara Mubarak). Return to Port Ghalib and last night onboard at the Marina.

Day 8: Port Ghalib

  • 0900: Breakfast
  • Up until 1200: Depart the vessel and transfer back to the airport (Marsa Alam or Hurghada).

Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 12pm departure deadline.

Sample Fury Shoal Itinerary – Glory Sea Explorer

Please note that, depending on our schedule, cruise departure or arrival can sometimes be from/to Port Ghaleb (2h30 drive from Hurghada airport or 40mn drive from Marsa Alam airport). Corresponding airport transfers will be provided at no extra costs. Also depending on the schedule, the first or last night can be spent in a hotel in Hurghada or Port Ghaleb. All transfers, meals and corresponding services will be provided and the diving program will remain the same. For departure from Port Ghaleb, diving on Day 2 and Day 7 will be done in the Marsa Alam area, instead of Hurghada and Safaga.

Day 1: Port Ghalib

  • 1700: Guests board
  • 1830: Dinner (snacks or dinner available for those arriving on later flights)
  • 2000: Captain’s Briefing, documents, etc. First night on board in the Marina

Day 2: Mara Alam

  • Departure around 8-10am, after port clearance; first dives in Marsa Alma area, night sailing to Fury Shoal .

Day 3 to Day 5: Fury Shoal

  • Up to 4 or 5 dives per day in Fury Shoal area: Possible dive sites: Malahi, Sha’ab Claudio, Sha’ab Maksur, Sataya/Dolphin Reef, Small + Big Abu Galawa…

Day 6: Elphinstone & Marsa Alam

  • Starting to sail back to Port Ghalib. Up to 4 or 5 dives in Elphinstone and the Marsa Alam area.

Day 7: Marsa Alam

  • Up to 2 or 3 dives in the Mara Alam area. Return to Port Ghalib and last night onboard at the Marina.

Day 8: Port Ghalib

  • 0900: Breakfast
  • Up until 1200: Depart the vessel and transfer back to the airport (Marsa Alam or Hurghada).

Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce the 12pm departure deadline.

Custom Full Charter Itineraries

For Full charter requests (and even individuals, depending on the availability), we can offer other itineraries with beautiful reefs, pelagics, lots of fish and less challenging diving:

  • Fury Shoal: this area is famous for his easy dives, his numerous dolphins and his colorful reefs. This itinerary also includes diving in Elphinstone (can be challenging) and Marsa Alam.  
  • North: To discover the wrecks of the Gubal Strait, the SS Thistlegorm wreck, the Ras Mohammed National Park
  • North & Tiran; Same as above, plus the islands of the Tiran Strait (Gordon, Thomas and Jackson Reefs)
  • North, Tiran & Dahab: Same as above plus the famous Blue Hole & Canyon dive sites in Dahab.
  • Rocky, Zabargad & St John’s: a southern route to discover colorful outer reefs, encounter some dolphins and pelagics and dive the Marsa Alam area.
  • Daedalus, Rocky & Zabargad: Another southern route combining the mentioned areas with Elphinstone & Fury Shoal (Diving can be challenging on this itinerary)