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: Big Brother, Little Brother, Numidia Wreck, Aida Wreck, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone
Day 1
Departing from Port Ghalib, the Blue Storm awaits your arrival for the ultimate offshore safari. Whether you arrive via Marsa Alam or Hurghada Airport, you will be guided directly to the marina to board the vessel. Once aboard the dive yacht, you will store your equipment in your personal dive box and settle into your assigned cabin. Before dinner is served, your guide will conduct a detailed briefing, covering the vessel's features, safety procedures, and an overview of the legendary diving ahead. The evening is spent meeting your fellow guests, and the boat secures coastguard clearance before departing early the following morning for a sheltered check dive.
Core Days
This world-class itinerary focuses on the exposed, current-swept pinnacles of Big Brother, Little Brother, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone. This trio of sites is essential diving for experienced certified divers, offering dramatic vertical walls and guaranteed high-voltage marine life encounters.
Your scuba expedition includes the Brother Islands. These magnificent oceanic walls are entirely draped in huge gorgonian fans and a rich covering of colourful soft corals, creating an exceptional environment for smaller fish species, including numerous schools of snapper, anthias, and basslets. Big Brother is home to 2 historical wrecks: the Numidia Wreck and the Aida Wreck, both heavily encrusted and providing a complex habitat for stonefish, scorpionfish, and large pufferfish, alongside impressive pelagic activity on the current-facing corners.
Next, the Blue Storm visits Daedalus Reef, identifiable by its solitary lighthouse. This remote reef features thrilling drop-offs that extend into the deep oceanic blue, making it a reliable location for viewing large marine predators. Keep a lookout for schooling scalloped hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and even seasonal whale sharks or majestic manta rays passing in the distance.
The Blue Storm dive safari concludes with the internationally famous Elphinstone, known for its steep walls and the chance of spotting the elusive thresher shark on its north and south plateaus. You can regularly expect encounters with curious green sea turtles, immense Napoleon wrasse, and reef sharks, including whitetips. The combination of drop-offs, pinnacles, and intricate coral growth makes this entire area an underwater photographer’s dream.
Please note that to maintain safe flying intervals, only 2 dives are scheduled on the last full day of the cruise. The Blue Storm liveaboard will then make its return to Port Ghalib to anchor for the final night.
Day 8
After a calm night in the harbour, wake up and enjoy a light breakfast before checking out from this amazing dive cruise. Transfers will be arranged to take you back to your hotel or the airport.
Daedalus, Fury Shoals & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone and Dolphin Reef (Sataya), Sha'ab Sharm, Fury Shoals, Abu Galawa, Marsa Shouna
Day 1
Your southern Red Sea dive cruise begins in Port Ghalib. Once aboard the Blue Storm liveaboard, you can store your scuba gear in your designated dive box and move your baggage into your cabin. While dinner is being prepared, your trip director will conduct an essential briefing, detailing the yacht’s features, safety protocols, and the exciting dives to come. The evening is spent meeting fellow certified divers over dinner before the boat anchors overnight. Following coastguard clearance, the Blue Storm departs the next morning for a check dive at a nearby site.
Core Days
This diving itinerary combines the world-class pelagic action of the offshore pinnacles with the rich, protected inner reefs of the Fury Shoals, creating a rewarding experience for divers seeking variety.
The initial focus is on the famous offshore reefs: Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone. Daedalus is a remote, spectacular site known for its deep, current-swept walls, which regularly attract large marine predators. Divers are advised to watch the blue for schooling scalloped hammerheads, oceanic whitetip sharks, and occasional seasonal manta rays. Elphinstone is equally iconic, with its vertical drop-offs rich in immense gorgonians and vibrant soft corals, providing homes for octopus, lionfish, and a variety of large reef fish. Look out for the curious green sea turtles and Napoleon wrasse that frequent the shallower plateaus. Thresher sharks are also a possibility in the deeper sections.
The cruise then shifts to the extensive, shallow reef systems of Fury Shoals. This area is celebrated for its breathtaking hard-coral formations, caverns, and pinnacles. Key dive sites like Sha'ab Sharm feature pristine walls and vibrant life, while Abu Galawa is known for its shallow coral gardens and the wreck of a private sailing boat. A highlight here is the opportunity to visit Dolphin Reef (Sataya), a large, sheltered lagoon where a resident pod of spinner dolphins is often found, offering an unforgettable surface encounter. The area’s protected nature ensures clear conditions, perfect for underwater photographers capturing nudibranchs, frogfish, and large schools of bannerfish.
Diving concludes after 2 morning dives on the last full day, providing a necessary surface interval before flying. The Blue Storm then returns to Port Ghalib for the final night.
Day 8
Wake up to a light breakfast before checking out from this amazing dive cruise, where transfers will be arranged to take you back to your hotel or the airport.
Daedalus, Rocky & Zabargad (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Daedalus Reef, Zabargad, Rocky Island and Elphinstone
Day 1
This Red Sea Deep South diving expedition commences at Port Ghalib, with convenient access from both Marsa Alam and Hurghada Airports. Once on the Blue Storm liveaboard, you can store your gear in your personal dive box and settle into your cabin. While the crew prepares dinner, your guide will provide a detailed briefing covering the vessel's features, safety procedures, and an overview of the remote diving itinerary. The evening is spent meeting your fellow divers over dinner, before the vessel secures coastguard clearance and departs for a check dive site the following morning.
Core Days
This advanced safari is designed for experienced divers, focusing on the current-exposed, nutrient-rich, and rarely-visited oceanic pillars of the far south. The schedule includes Daedalus Reef, the unique topography of Zabargad, and the isolated Rocky Island.
The dive safari begins with the powerful walls of Daedalus Reef. This offshore tower is internationally recognised for its massive hard coral formations and the frequent presence of pelagic species drawn in by the deep currents. Divers should maintain sight of the blue for potential encounters with schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetips, and even seasonal manta rays.
Further south, Blue Storm visits the extraordinary Zabargad Island. This site features a dramatic seamount rising from the sea, surrounded by a pristine reef. Zabargad’s versatility includes the exploration of a ship wreck, offering a combination of historical interest and rich coral life. Close by, the small, exposed Rocky Island acts as a magnet for open-ocean activity. Its powerful currents encourage thriving gorgonian fans and sponges, attracting grey reef sharks and silvertips.
The cruise often concludes with a stop at Elphinstone, a legendary reef known for its dramatic north and south plateaus. Here, encounters are common with large, curious green sea turtles, immense Napoleon wrasse, and whitetip reef sharks. These dives showcase the full spectrum of Red Sea life, from colourful reef fish to iconic pelagics.
Please note that only 2 dives are scheduled on the last full day to allow for the required surface interval before flying, after which the yacht returns to Port Ghalib to anchor for the night.
Day 8
After a calm final night in port, a light breakfast is served. Check-out and disembark from the Blue Storm liveaboard before a transfer to the airport or your hotel.
Fury Shoals & St. John's (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Zabargad, Rocky Island, Abu Dabab, Elphinstone, Sha'ab Claudio, Dolphin Reef (Sataya), Sha'ab Sharm, St. John's (Habili Ali, Umm Kharalim & Gota Kebir), Fury Shoals, Abu Galawa, Marsa Shouna
Day 1
This Deep South diving expedition in the Red Sea commences at Port Ghalib, with convenient access from both Marsa Alam and Hurghada Airports for your transfer to the Blue Storm liveaboard. Once aboard the dive yacht, you will be directed to your personal dive station and cabin. As the crew prepares dinner, your guide will provide a detailed safety and trip briefing, outlining the exciting diving schedule to come on the Blue Storm liveaboard. Dinner is a relaxed affair, providing an opportunity to meet fellow certified divers before the vessel anchors overnight, awaiting coastguard clearance for an early morning departure to a check dive site.
Core Days
This comprehensive southern tour is perfect for experienced divers and photographers, combining the magnificent, healthy reef systems of St. John's and Fury Shoals with potential stops at other remote pinnacles. The focus is on low-traffic, pristine environments that showcase the Red Sea’s vibrant marine biodiversity.
The core of the safari is spent navigating the St. John’s Reefs, a cluster of remote, closely-grouped pinnacles in the deep south. Sites like Habili Ali, Umm Kharalim, and Gota Kebir boast sheer drop-offs and dramatic topography, absolutely covered in massive gorgonian fans and colourful soft corals. These sites attract an array of larger life: expect frequent encounters with whitetip reef sharks, large snapper, and the impressive Napoleon wrasse.
Blue Storm then explores the expansive, shallow reef systems of the Fury Shoals. This area is celebrated for its pristine conditions and diverse topography, including labyrinths and tunnels. At Sha'ab Claudio, scuba divers can navigate light-filled swim-throughs carved into the colossal coral blocks, a visual feast. Another highlight is the world-famous Dolphin Reef (Sataya), a large, sheltered lagoon where snorkelers can observe a resident pod of spinner dolphins. Look closely at the reef edges throughout the Fury Shoals, and you may spot cryptic creatures like frogfish, nudibranchs, and rays.
While the main focus is on St. John’s and Fury Shoals, the trip may also include opportunities to visit other renowned dive sites. This could involve exploring the pinnacles near Elphinstone for potential thresher shark sightings, or visiting sheltered bays like Abu Dabab and Marsa Shouna, known for their large green sea turtles and the chance of spotting the elusive dugong. The sheer variety across this route ensures a sensational dive experience throughout your time on the Blue Storm liveaboard.
Diving concludes after 2 morning dives on the last full day before the yacht returns to Port Ghalib to anchor for the final night.
Day 8
Wake up and enjoy a light breakfast before checking out from this amazing dive cruise in the Red Sea.
Red Sea North, Wrecks & Safaga (8 Days / 7 Nights - 21 Dives)
Trip highlights: dolphins, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Ras Mohamed, Thistlegorm, Dunraven, Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Kimon M), Safaga: Panorama Reef, Salem Express; and Shaab El Erg
Day 1
Board at Hurghada Marina in the late afternoon. Set up your dive gear, settle into your cabin, and enjoy dinner on deck. After the meal, the guide runs through a full briefing on the Blue Storm liveaboard, covering safety procedures, boat layout, and the schedule for the coming week. You will spend the night at the marina, with the first dive planned for the next morning.
Core Days
The northern Red Sea and Safaga circuit operated by the Blue Storm liveaboard takes in some of the most celebrated wrecks and reefs in Egyptian waters. The route begins in the sheltered channels of the Strait of Gubal, pushes south to the current-swept walls of Ras Mohamed, then drops further to Safaga for a change of pace and terrain.
The wrecks of Abu Nuhas lie along a single sloping reef: the Giannis D, the Carnatic, the Chrisoula K, and the Kimon M. The Giannis D rests upright and largely intact, with straightforward access to the bridge and engine room. The Carnatic is the oldest of the four, her hull broken but her distinctive counter-stern unmistakable. Each wreck has its own character, and each has been underwater long enough to become a reef in itself, with table corals and hydroids encrusting the steelwork. Lionfish and stonefish are common inhabitants, and hawksbill turtles are occasional visitors.
The SS Thistlegorm remains the centrepiece of the wreck diving here. She rests at 30 metres, her cargo of Bedford trucks, Norton motorbikes, and Lee-Enfield rifles still clearly visible inside the holds, while schools of batfish and glassfish hang in the shadows. The Blue Storm schedule includes 2 dives on this wreck, giving you the chance to explore both the forward hold and the stern without feeling rushed. The Dunraven lies nearby, shallower and more accessible, with her hull split open and canted across the reef. Her engine room remains open for swim-throughs, and the soft corals covering her upper decks attract dense shoals of anthias and damsels.
Ras Mohamed provides the reef diving that balances all this wreckage. The walls at Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef drop vertically into clear water, with barracuda and trevally patrolling the blue. The current can pick up here, which is exactly what brings the pelagic life in close. From Ras Mohamed, the Blue Storm heads south to Safaga. Panorama Reef is a sloping wall thick with gorgonians and black corals, where eagle rays are a regular sight along the cleaning stations. The Salem Express lies nearby, a 100-metre ferry resting on her side in 30 metres. The wreck is heavily encrusted with hard and soft corals, and her holds and cabins are accessible to divers. Blue-spotted stingrays are common, and schools of angelfish and butterflyfish drift through the wreckage. The dive is a sombre one, and the Blue Storm guide will brief you fully before you enter the water. Shaab El Erg, on the return leg to Hurghada, offers a lighter finish: a reef where a resident pod of spinner dolphins frequently rests, and where the diving is relaxed and straightforward.
Day 8
Wake to a calm morning at the marina. After breakfast, bid farewell to the Blue Storm crew and your fellow divers. Transfers are arranged to take you to Hurghada airport or your hotel, with time to spare for onward travel.
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: Ras Mohamed, Straits of Tiran (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon, Laguna reefs), Thistlegorm, Shaab Mahmoud, Shag Rock, Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K)
Day 1
Arrival at Hurghada Marina to board the Blue Storm liveaboard. You will be shown to your private cabin and can store your scuba gear in your personal dive box. Your guide will provide a full safety and vessel briefing before dinner, outlining the planned itinerary and what to expect from the diving. Dinner is a relaxed affair, providing a chance to meet fellow certified divers before the boat anchors overnight. The vessel departs the following morning for a nearby site to conduct your essential check dive.
Core Days
This premier northern safari is specifically tailored for divers keen to explore the Red Sea's most famous shipwrecks, combined with the unparalleled biodiversity of Ras Mohamed and the Tiran Straits.
The Blue Storm dive tour features extensive exploration of the sunken history along the northern route. The undisputed highlight is the SS Thistlegorm, a British WWII merchant vessel resting at 32 metres. This magnificent wreck is a thriving artificial reef, teeming with marine life, including large schools of jackfish, snapper, and the occasional moray eel hidden among the wartime cargo of trucks and motorcycles. We also visit the infamous Abu Nuhas reef to dive multiple wrecks on a sloping sandy seabed. You will explore the atmospheric engine room of the Giannis D, the beautiful remnants of the Carnatic, and the cargo of the Chrisoula K. These sites showcase incredible coral growth layered over historical artefacts.
The focus then shifts to the stunning reefs of the Sinai Peninsula. The Straits of Tiran are globally celebrated for 4 powerful, coral-encrusted reefs - Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon - where strong currents bring nutrient-rich waters. These conditions support huge coral formations and attract larger pelagic species. Jackson Reef, for example, is a known site for spotting hammerhead sharks and vast schools of fish moving along the walls. We also explore the dramatic wall dives of Ras Mohamed National Park, such as Shark and Yolanda reefs, famous for their steep drop-offs, massive schools of snapper, and curious whitetip reef sharks.
To ensure a safe surface interval before flying, diving concludes after 2 morning dives on the last full day. The Blue Storm liveaboard then returns to Hurghada to anchor for the final night.
Day 8
Following a light breakfast, you will check out from the cruise to the airport or your hotel.
Red Sea North, Wrecks, Tiran & Dahab (8 Days / 7 Nights - 21 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Ras Mohamed, Straits of Tiran (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon, Laguna reefs), Thistlegorm, Shaab Mahmoud, Shag Rock, Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K), Dahab: Blue Hole
Day 1
Board at Hurghada Marina in the late afternoon. Stow your dive bag in your personal crate and take the rest of your luggage to your assigned cabin. Over dinner, your guide delivers a thorough briefing on the Blue Storm liveaboard: safety protocols, boat layout, and the week ahead. You spend the night alongside the marina, with the first check dive scheduled for the following morning.
Core Days
The Blue Storm cuts a route up the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula. It is a loop that moves between sheltered lagoons and exposed drop-offs, with each site offering something distinctly different from the last. Ras Mohamed opens the diving. The reef walls here drop vertically, their faces coated in soft corals and black coral bushes, while schools of barracuda and trevally patrol the blue. From the national park, the Blue Storm pushes east into the Straits of Tiran. Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon, and the Laguna reef each have their own character. Jackson is known for the wreck of the Lara and a plateau where whitetip reef sharks sometimes rest. Woodhouse and Thomas are deeper, with strong currents that draw pelagic fish - tuna, barracuda, and the occasional hammerhead - close to the walls. Gordon has a sheltered lagoon for easy entries and a garden of staghorn and table corals that shelters anthias, butterflyfish, and the occasional turtle.
The Thistlegorm is an essential part of this trip. The wreck lies at 30 metres, its cargo of Bedford trucks, motorbikes, and ammunition still visible in the holds. It is a dive that rewards multiple visits, and on this itinerary you get 2, enough time to explore the bridge, the locomotive, and the scattered ordnance that makes this site so compelling. North of the wreck, Shaab Mahmoud and Shag Rock offer reef diving of a different kind. Shag Rock, in particular, is a plateau that drops into deep water, with a resident population of Napoleon wrasse and the occasional grey reef shark cruising the edge.
Abu Nuhas is a name that wreck divers know well. The reef sits at a shallow angle, and 4 wrecks rest along its slope. Each is a distinct piece of maritime history, the Carnatic being the oldest, its hull broken but recognisable, now encrusted with tubastraea and home to schools of sweepers and glassfish. The Giannis D lies upright and intact, with swim-throughs through its engine room and bridge; look for the lionfish and scorpionfish that have made the wreck their home.
And then there is Dahab. The Blue Hole sits within a short drive from the boat's anchorage. The dive here is the Bells and the saddle, with its walls and overhangs, plus the surrounding reef and its canyon. Eagle rays sometimes glide past, and the resident moray eels are notably bold. It is a site with a reputation, and a good guide makes all the difference. From the saddle, you drift along the reef edge, passing through schools of bannerfish and unicornfish before surfacing inside the lagoon, a dive that stays with you long after the bubbles clear.
Day 8
A light breakfast and an early checkout bring the Blue Storm dive trip to a close.
Red Sea Northern Wrecks (8 Days / 7 Nights - 21 Dives)
Trip highlights: dolphins, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Thistlegorm, Dunraven. Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Kimon M), Rosalie Moeller, Gubal
Day 1
Arrive at Hurghada Marina to board the Blue Storm liveaboard. Stow your scuba gear in your personal dive box and settle into your cabin. Your guide delivers a thorough briefing covering the vessel's layout, safety protocols, and an overview of the week's diving. Dinner is an informal occasion to meet fellow guests before the boat leaves port the next morning to start the trip with a check dive.
Core Days
This Blue Storm diving safari is dedicated to the unparalleled concentration of historical shipwrecks found in the northern Red Sea. The voyage is structured to explore the best-preserved and most fascinating sunken vessels, alongside reef sites that showcase the region's marine life. It begins by targeting the infamous Abu Nuhas reef, often referred to as the Red Sea's 'Ship Graveyard'. Here, 4 notable wrecks lie in close proximity on the sloping seafloor. Divers can explore the cargo holds of the Giannis D, often shadowed by schools of blacktip reef sharks, or descend upon the beautifully salvaged framework of the 19th-century steamer Carnatic, whose wooden structure has rotted away to leave a haunting iron skeleton draped in glassfish and soft corals. The Kimon M and Chrisoula K complete this cluster, each offering distinct environments for underwater exploration: the Kimon M is scattered across the reef, while the Chrisoula K sits upright, its holds open and inviting.
The Blue Storm continues through the Strait of Gubal, home to some of the world's most atmospheric submerged ships. The colossal WWII transport, the SS Thistlegorm, is a mandatory highlight, resting at 32 metres. Exploring its massive holds, which contain Bedford trucks, motorbikes, and military supplies, is an exercise in history, frequently shared with large schools of batfish and giant moray eels. For those seeking deeper exploration, the Rosalie Moeller lies intact and upright, its decks patrolled by large jackfish and oceanic triggerfish in the morning currents. The wreck sits at around 45 metres, so it is a dive for experienced divers with appropriate certification, and the guide will brief the group thoroughly before any descent.
Completing the Blue Storm dive safari are other significant wrecks and nearby reefs, including the Dunraven, an 1876 steamer resting upside down near Sha'ab Mahmoud. The Dunraven's hull is split, and divers can swim through the gap, passing schools of sweeper fish that gather in the shadows. Dives around Gubal Island offer quieter reef exploration, where the focus shifts to macro subjects like nudibranchs and stonefish amidst flourishing hard and soft coral gardens. There is also the option of a night dive here, where the reef comes alive with hunting lionfish, sleeping parrotfish, and the occasional Spanish dancer gliding through the dark.
Day 8
After a final night spent in Hurghada harbour, guests enjoy a light breakfast before disembarking the Blue Storm liveaboard.
Red Sea Northern Wrecks & Brothers (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 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: Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M), Thistlegorm or Rosalie Möller, Big Brother and Little Brother
Day 1
Your premium Northern Wrecks and Brothers safari begins upon arrival at Port Ghalib. Once aboard the Blue Storm liveaboard, you will leave your gear in your personal dive box and settle into your cabin. During preparation for dinner, your guide will conduct a comprehensive safety briefing covering the yacht’s features and the expected schedule. The evening allows you to relax and meet fellow certified divers before the boat anchors overnight, securing clearance for an early morning departure to a check dive site.
Core Days
This safari is perfectly designed for experienced divers, combining the historical exploration of the Red Sea's most famous wrecks with the exhilarating, current-swept walls of the isolated Brothers Islands. The initial segment of the trip focuses on wreck diving, featuring the colossal wartime wrecks of the northern Red Sea. The itinerary includes dives on the world-famous SS Thistlegorm, a British armed merchant navy vessel resting at 32 metres. Divers can explore its spacious cargo holds, which still contain a fascinating collection of World War II military vehicles and equipment, now beautifully encrusted with vibrant coral and surrounded by dense schools of fish. Depending on logistical requirements, the Blue Storm may also visit the deeper, upright wreck of the Rosalie Möller.
Additionally, you may spend time at Abu Nuhas, where multiple vessels have sunk on the sloping reef. You will descend upon the accessible wrecks of the Giannis D, the ancient steamer Carnatic, the Chrisoula K, and the Kimon M. These sites offer excellent penetration opportunities for qualified divers and are rich in coral growth and reef fish.
The second half of the safari is dedicated to the legendary Brothers Islands (Big Brother and Little Brother). These exposed offshore pinnacles are mandatory diving for serious enthusiasts, renowned for their incredible wall diving and pelagic encounters. The powerful currents circulating the islands feed enormous stands of gorgonian fans and a dense covering of soft corals, supporting abundant marine life. While diving these walls, keep your eyes on the blue for hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetips, and occasional sightings of thresher sharks or manta rays. The wrecks of the Numidia and Aida on Big Brother provide an extra dimension to these magnificent dives. Frequent encounters with curious green sea turtles and Napoleon wrasse are also common throughout the area.
Please note that only 2 morning dives are scheduled on the last full day. The Blue Storm then navigates back to Port Ghalib to anchor for the final night.
Day 8
After a light final breakfast, check-out from this amazing Red Sea dive cruise, with transfers provided to your onward airport or hotel connection.
Rocky, Zabargad & St. John's (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Zabargad, Rocky Island, Abu Dabbab, Elphinstone, Fury Shoals: Shaab Claudia, Dolphin Reef (Sataya); Shaab Sharm, St. John's Reefs (Habili Ali, Small, Gota), Marsa Shouna
Day 1
Board the Blue Storm liveaboard at Port Ghalib in the late afternoon. Assemble your dive gear, settle into your cabin, and join the other guests for dinner in the air-conditioned saloon on the main deck. Over the meal, you will likely discuss the reefs ahead and get a feel for the week to come. The Blue Storm remains moored overnight and departs early the next morning for a check dive at a sheltered site.
Core Days
This safari covers some of the Red Sea's most revered diving: the legendary offshore islands of Rocky and Zabargad, the southern reefs of St. John's, and the iconic walls of Elphinstone. The Blue Storm liveaboard takes you through a region defined by steep drop-offs, labyrinthine tunnels, and pristine hard-coral gardens. The waters here are clear, the currents manageable, and the marine life consistently impressive.
Zabargad and Rocky Island sit well offshore, surrounded by deep water that attracts pelagic species. Oceanic whitetip sharks are the headline act here. They often approach in the blue, curious and deliberate, circling the divers before gliding back into the depths. These encounters are the reason many divers book this trip. At Rocky, the underwater topography is equally dramatic, with sheer walls plunging to 80 metres, covered in huge gorgonian fans, black corals, and dense soft coral formations. Schools of trevally and barracuda patrol the drop-offs. The surrounding reef slopes offer cleaner sites for macro enthusiasts, with nudibranchs and ghost pipefish tucked into the crevices.
St. John's Reefs form a complex reef system of pinnacles, channels, and bommies. Habili Ali, the northernmost reef, features a dramatic drop-off with abundant hard corals and large schools of snapper. The current can run along the wall, making for an easy drift past table corals and anemone carpets. Small St. John's offers a shallower profile, with coral heads rising from sandy patches where whitetip reef sharks rest during daylight hours. Habili Gota, another standout in the system, is known for its tunnels and overhangs. Light filters through the ceiling openings, illuminating the gorgonians and whip corals that hang from the roof. Turtles are common here, often sleeping under ledges. Napoleon wrasse patrol the outer edges, and octopus and lionfish are regular sightings.
Fury Shoals, a vast reef system further south, brings a change of pace. The shallow reefs are healthy and vibrant, with immense stands of staghorn and table corals. This area is a nursery for juvenile fish, and the sheer abundance of life makes every dive rewarding. Dolphin Reef at Sataya is a sheltered lagoon where spinner dolphins regularly rest and socialise. The dives here are relaxed, with the focus on observing these animals in their natural environment without disturbing them.
Elphinstone, on the return leg, is another standout. This long, narrow reef runs parallel to the coast, with steep walls on both sides and a plateau at around 25 metres. The currents here bring nutrient-rich water, attracting manta rays that cruise along the edges. Whitetip reef sharks are frequently seen resting in the sandy gullies. The sheer density of anthias and damselfish creates a constant backdrop of movement. Shaab Sharm, in the southern sector, is particularly known for its pinnacle, a column that rises from 40 metres to within a few metres of the surface, covered in soft corals and teeming with reef fish. Abu Dabbab, a protected bay further north, provides a calm alternative with a sandy bottom that attracts eagle rays and the occasional dugong.
The final full day of the trip normally includes 2 dives. The Blue Storm then begins its return to Port Ghalib, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 8
You wake the following morning, enjoy breakfast, say farewell to the crew and fellow scuba divers, and disembark.
[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].
You wake to the quiet hum of the Blue Storm liveaboard finding its position over a new dive site. The first light of day brings with it the familiar sounds of scuba divers preparing, the soft clink of tanks being readied. It is a routine built for one purpose: to get you in the water during the prime early morning calm.
Hot coffee and a selection of cookies are set out to help you wake up before the first dive briefing. This is a quiet time, a chance to review the site map, listen to the Blue Storm dive guide’s notes on current and entry points, and ready your gear. The first dive of the day is typically around sunrise, offering the best chance for flat seas and active marine life before the wind picks up.
After the first dive, breakfast is served. This is a buffet-style meal, designed to fuel you for the morning ahead. You will find toast, pancakes, jam, and honey. There are eggs cooked to your preference, as well as yoghurt, fresh fruit, and more coffee and tea. It is a substantial spread, meant to be eaten at a relaxed pace while the crew moves the yacht to the next location.
The daily dive schedule depends on the itinerary. On cruises within the marine parks, the schedule allows for 3 dives per day, reflecting the protected areas' emphasis on preservation. Outside the parks, the pace picks up to four dives per day, typically including a night dive. The Blue Storm crew times the meals around these dives. Lunch is served before the third dive, providing a solid break in the middle of the day. Dinner follows the fourth or night dive, a well-earned meal after a day in the salt and sun.
The food on board the Blue Storm is consistent and made for hungry divers. The 3 main meals are served buffet-style, with a rotation of ingredients to keep things varied. For protein, the kitchen uses chicken, beef, or fresh fish. The healthy options are plentiful: rice, noodles, potatoes, and a selection of vegetables and salads. Dessert is always part of the meal, whether it is a simple pudding, a slice of cake, or a plate of fresh fruit.
Between dives, you find your own rhythm. Some divers spend their surface intervals reviewing photos on their laptops in the indoor salon, which offers a comfortable space to relax out of the sun. Others prefer the shaded outdoor seating on the dive deck, talking through the morning’s sightings while the crew handles tank refills and prepares for the next splash. There is no rigid schedule beyond the dive times; the atmosphere is one of easygoing efficiency.
