For scuba divers seeking a Red Sea liveaboard at exceptional value, the Discovery I has earned its reputation as a trusted favourite. This 32-meter wooden-hulled motor yacht, operated by the experienced Discovery Divers team, takes you away from crowded day-boat dive sites and places you right above the region’s most celebrated wrecks and pristine marine parks. Waking up to the stillness of dawn at a site like the Brothers or Daedalus, with the day’s first dive awaiting below, is the essence of a proper Red Sea diving safari.
The Discovery I (ex-Amelia) is designed with scuba divers in mind, accommodating just 20 guests in 10 air-conditioned cabins, each with a private ensuite bathroom. There are 4 cabins on the upper deck, offering a choice of twin or double configurations, while 6 twin cabins sit on the lower deck. After a morning of diving, you can retreat to the spacious, air-conditioned saloon where the lounge and dining areas are kept separate-a small but appreciated detail that lets you relax or socialise without feeling on top of one another. The food onboard receives consistent praise from guests, with meals served buffet-style and options available for vegetarians and vegans .
Above deck, the Discovery I provides ample room to unwind. 2 large sundecks give you options depending on your mood: one offers shaded seating with tables and a bar, perfect for a midday break, while the other is fitted with mattresses for soaking up the sun between dives. The social heart of the boat is often the upper deck as the sun begins to set, a natural gathering spot to review the day’s highlights with a cold drink in hand.
Practical details matter on a diving safari, and the setup on the Discovery I liveaboard reflects years of operational experience. The dive deck is well-organised with a dedicated camera table and charging stations, a feature that underwater photographers will appreciate. 2 large Zodiacs (over 5 meters each with 40 HP engines) serve as tenders, allowing for efficient transfers to the reefs. For enriched air users, the onboard membrane system supplies nitrox free of charge, giving you more time to explore walls and wrecks. Freshwater showers and dedicated rinse tanks for cameras and gear round out a dive platform designed for ease and efficiency.
Cruises aboard the Discovery I cover the full spectrum of Red Sea scuba highlights. Northern routes take you to the SS Thistlegorm and the Abu Nuhas wreck graveyard, while southern expeditions target the offshore marine parks: the Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone. These are sites known for dramatic walls, schooling hammerheads, oceanic whitetip sharks, and healthy soft coral gardens. With 3 to 4 dives scheduled each day, including night dives where permitted, you are guided by a professional English-speaking crew whose local knowledge ensures you hit the right spots at the right times.
What ultimately sets the Discovery I liveaboard apart is the consistency of its operation. It strikes a rare balance: a vessel that is comfortable and well-maintained without the premium price tag, crewed by a team that has built a loyal following for their friendly, hardworking approach. For certified divers who want to experience the Red Sea’s most iconic dive sites with a group of like-minded people, in a setting that prioritises safety and straightforward value, this liveaboard delivers a trip that feels both adventurous and reassuringly reliable.
There are 10 cabins on Discovery I. 4 cabins are on the upper deck, 2 with double beds and 2 with twin beds. 6 cabins are the lower deck, all with twin beds. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms.
All the cabins have:
- Air-conditioning
- En-suite bathroom with hot-water shower and hand basin
- Portholes on lower deck, windows on upper deck
- Towels & bathrobes
- Reading lights
- Bedside cabinet
- Fridge (upper deck cabins only)
- Cabinet, mirror and shelves
- Bedding
- 24-hour, 220v electricity supply
- European-style 2-pin plugs
- Fire alarm, life jackets and fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 10 / 10 - hot water
Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Hurghada, Big Brother, Little Brother, Aida II wreck, Numidia wreck, Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone, Safaga, Salem Express
Day 1
Your diving week commences as you board the Discovery I at the designated marina (Hurghada or Port Ghalib). You will be introduced to the crew, receive a comprehensive boat and safety briefing, and settle into your cabin. The evening concludes with dinner, providing the first opportunity to meet your fellow certified divers before the Discovery I liveaboard departs overnight.
Core Days
This classic Red Sea route is built for experienced divers, focusing on the nutrient-rich, current-swept offshore pinnacles of the Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone. The sheer magnitude of the marine life concentration at these exposed sites is legendary. We dedicate ample time to Big Brother and Little Brother Islands, exploring dramatic walls that plunge into the blue. These faces are densely covered in enormous gorgonian fans and a rich tapestry of brightly coloured soft corals, providing a haven for macro life like nudibranchs and frogfish. The Brothers are also renowned for pelagic encounters. Divers regularly report sightings of scalloped hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, and the impressive oceanic whitetip shark, particularly near the current-exposed points. Big Brother offers the added dimension of wreck diving, with the historical steamer Numidia and the Aida II resting on the reef slope. These wrecks are completely colonised by vibrant coral formations, creating stunning artificial habitats that swarm with reef fish.
Continuing south, the isolated Daedalus Reef stands as a prominent offshore feature, reliably attracting large schools of fish, including trevallies, fusiliers, and surgeonfish. This site offers some of the best chances for close-range observation of large hammerhead shark schools, particularly during the warmer months. Next, the knife-edge walls of Elphinstone offer exhilarating drift dives where the goal is spotting the elusive thresher shark or observing large oceanic manta rays in season.
Rounding out the safari, the Discovery I liveaboard also visits key sites near Hurghada and Safaga, including the evocative wreck of the Salem Express. This massive passenger ferry provides a solemn and unique dive, its structure now a haven for blue-spotted stingrays and schools of angelfish, contrasting with the intense exposure of the oceanic pinnacles. The Discovery I crew ensures maximum bottom time at these iconic locations.
Following the final two dives on the penultimate day, the Discovery I returns to the marina.
Day 8
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before checking out and disembarking at the port (Hurghada or Port Ghalib).
Red Sea North, Wrecks & Brothers (8 Days / 7 Nights - 19 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Hurghada, Abu Nuhas wrecks (Carnatic, Giannis D, Chrisoula, Kimon M), Strait of Gubal, Rosalie Moeller, SS Thistlegorm, Shaab Ali, Ras Mohamed, Big Brother, Little Brother, Aida II wreck, Numidia wreck, Safaga
Day 1
Your dive exploration of the Northern Red Sea begins in Hurghada, the port of embarkation. Once you step aboard the Discovery I, you will be welcomed by the crew and given a full briefing on boat safety and the schedule for the week. After settling into your cabin, enjoy dinner with your fellow certified divers before the Discovery I liveaboard departs during the morning.
Core Days
This safari is specifically designed for experienced scuba divers who wish to combine the historical reverence of the most famous wrecks with the exhilarating pelagic action of the offshore Brother Islands. Discovery I spends extensive time exploring the pinnacles of Big Brother and Little Brother, which rise dramatically from the ocean floor. The sheer walls of these islands are densely adorned with impressive black coral trees and giant gorgonian sea fans, attracting a concentration of marine life unseen elsewhere. The Brother Islands are globally famous for regular sightings of large oceanic species, including majestic thresher sharks, scalloped hammerheads, and the imposing oceanic whitetip shark, especially when currents are running. Big Brother also offers the opportunity to dive 2 major historical shipwrecks: the Numidia and the Aida II, whose structures are beautifully enveloped by vibrant corals.
Discovery I also dedicates time to the world-renowned wrecks of the northern Red Sea. At Shaab Ali, you will descend upon the massive SS Thistlegorm. This World War II supply ship, sunk in 1941, remains intact with its historical cargo of motorbikes, trucks, and armoured vehicles visible inside the holds, making it a truly evocative dive. Nearby, the deeper Rosalie Moeller, a coal carrier that met a similar fate, provides a unique, atmospheric penetration dive.
The wreck exploration continues at Abu Nuhas, where 4 significant vessels rest on the seabed. You will dive the Carnatic, Giannis D, Chrisoula, and Kimon M, each offering a distinct wreck experience now thoroughly integrated into the reef ecosystem and home to vast schools of glassfish. Throughout the trip, the skilled crew of the Discovery I will guide you through the rich reefs of Ras Mohamed and the Strait of Gubal, where encounters with schools of snapper, barracuda, and playful dolphins are common.
Following the final 2 dives on the penultimate day, the Discovery I liveaboard sails back to Hurghada harbour for the night.
Day 8
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before checking out and disembarking in Hurghada.
Red Sea North, Wrecks & Tiran Straits (8 Days / 7 Nights - 21 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House), Abu Nuhas (Carnatic, Giannis D), Shaab Mahmoud: Dunraven, Straits of Tiran: Jackson Reef, Gordon Reef, Woodhouse Reef, Thomas Reef; SS Thistlegorm, Gubal Island, Ras Mohamed: Yolanda Reef, Shark Reef
Day 1
Your northern Red Sea dive expedition begins in Hurghada, the port of embarkation. Once aboard the magnificent Discovery I, you will be welcomed by the crew, receive a full orientation, and prepare your dive equipment. Enjoy your first dinner, a relaxed start before the vessel departs for the open sea overnight.
Core Days
This classic Red Sea North diving itinerary is a must for divers who appreciate a mix of challenging wreck dives and exhilarating reef exploration. The Discovery I liveaboard offers a reliable and spacious base from which to thoroughly experience the region's underwater topography, which ranges from wartime relics to exposed oceanic plateaus.
A key part of the experience is dedicated tank time on the legendary SS Thistlegorm, a British wartime vessel lying upright at 32 metres. Diving this monumental site allows you to peer into history, with the preserved cargo of World War II vehicles-including BSA motorcycles and military trucks-readily visible within her spacious holds. The Straits of Gubal, a famous shipping route, hosts more submerged history near Gubal Island. The ship's graveyard of Abu Nuhas presents other compelling underwater history, where the submerged remains of the Carnatic and the Giannis D have been transformed into stunning artificial reef systems, their structural elements draped with vibrant soft corals and housing dense shoals of glassfish. For a shallower exploration, the Dunraven wreck at Shaab Mahmoud, a Victorian steamer, is a favourite site for photographers due to its soft-coral encrustation.
The focus shifts to pure reef adrenaline at the exposed Straits of Tiran. The strong currents here make Jackson Reef, Gordon Reef, Woodhouse Reef, and Thomas Reef magnets for schooling pelagic species. Keep your eyes trained in the blue for tuna, barracuda, and jacks patrolling the precipitous drop-offs.
In the Ras Mohamed National Park, a mandatory stop for any serious Red Sea diver, the celebrated Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef showcase magnificent hard coral gardens and a staggering concentration of reef fish. We also ensure an opportunity to visit Shaab El Erg, known locally as Dolphin House, for a potential chance to encounter the resident pod of spinner dolphins. The exceptional capabilities of the Discovery I ensure you get comprehensive coverage of these iconic northern Red Sea diving highlights.
Following the final 2 dives on the penultimate day, the Discovery I returns to Hurghada harbour.
Day 8
Disembarkation occurs after a final breakfast on board.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
Life aboard the Discovery I liveaboard is simple and structured around the water, allowing you to do what you came for: dive the world-class reefs of the Egyptian Red Sea. On a typical cruise, you can expect 3 dives a day in the marine parks, with a night dive when conditions and park regulations permit.
Your morning starts early, but with purpose. The first dive is usually scheduled for 7 am, a quiet time on the water when the light is soft and the reef fish are at their most active. You will roll from your bunk to the dive deck, check your gear (which stays set up for you the entire trip), and step into the water before breakfast. It is a refreshing, invigorating way to begin the day.
By 8 am, you will have hung your kit and dried off, and the saloon will be set for breakfast. The meal is a buffet, offering a solid spread to fuel a day of scuba diving. Expect hot eggs prepared to order or in the pan, stacks of pancakes, fresh toast, and local bread. There is always a selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, cereals with milk or yoghurt, plus cheeses and sausages for a heartier plate. Hot coffee and tea are always at the ready.
The second dive of the day follows at 10 am, allowing for a comfortable surface interval to rehydrate and review the site briefing. By noon, lunch is served. Again, it is buffet-style in the main dining area, and the food leans into local Egyptian fare. Lunch might feature fragrant rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables alongside grilled chicken, beef, or a fresh fish preparation. The variety ensures you never tire of the flavours, even after a week on board the Discovery I.
The afternoon brings the third dive at 2 pm, often the most relaxed of the day. Afterwards, you will find the crew setting out afternoon snacks around 4 pm. It is a simple but welcome touch: cookies, fresh juice, and seasonal fruit to tide you over until the evening meal.
For those who have the energy, a night dive is often offered at 7 pm where the schedule and park rules allow. It is a chance to see a different side of the reef, with nocturnal hunters and sleeping fish. Dinner follows at approximately 8 pm, a satisfying meal to close out the day. The menu rotates throughout the week, always featuring a balance of meat, fish, and vegetable options.
Beyond the scheduled meals, the Discovery I takes care of the small details. There is a self-service station with tea, coffee, soft drinks, and drinking water available 24 hours a day. If you have specific dietary requirements, including vegetarian or vegan preferences, the crew is accustomed to accommodating them; just provide advance notice before your trip. For those who enjoy a drink after a day in the salt, the yacht also carries a selection of beer and fine wines for purchase.
"
The guide was very friendly. Food is good. The room is not so clean. But considering the price, I still recommend this facility.
Dive The World gave clear information. The assistant was friendly. The price of diving equipment on arrival had changed though." -
Ta Chun Lin, Taiwan, 13 September 2025 ...
