When selecting a liveaboard for a week-long safari into the Egyptian Red Sea, the Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard immediately stands out for its high standard of appointment and specialisation in southern cruising. Departing from Hurghada or Port Ghalib, this classy yacht offers scuba divers a professional platform backed by the extensive Sea Serpent fleet experience. With only 24 passengers and 12 crew, the intimate 2:1 guest-to-crew ratio guarantees a personalised service level rarely matched, ensuring an uncrowded and relaxed atmosphere both above and below the water.
The vessel's southern focus means it routinely transports divers to the Red Sea’s most sought-after deep-water locations. Whether the itinerary calls for the iconic drop-offs of Elphinstone, the pelagic-rich waters of the Brother Islands, or the pristine coral gardens of Fury Shoals, the Sea Serpent Contessa is positioned for premium access. This specialised routing is a core selling point, offering experienced divers thrilling encounters and photographic opportunities on highly respected reefs.
The dive station is exceptionally well-equipped for serious, multi-dive schedules. The deck is intentionally large, structured with wooden bench seating and individual diver stations, alongside central hanging rails to provide ample space for kitting up without crowding. Free nitrox is a substantial benefit provided by the Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard for all EANx-certified guests, allowing them to safely maximise their bottom times on these famous, often deeper Red Sea sites. 2 fresh water hoses and a dedicated camera rinse tank ensure equipment is cared for post-dive.
Accommodation is designed to maximise comfort and views. All cabins are private and en-suite, available as twin or double share. Guests can choose from 8 quiet cabins on the lower deck, while 4 cabins on the main deck benefit from increased natural light and better views of the surrounding seas. The well-maintained interior spaces are finished in teak, creating a warm, nautical feel throughout the yacht.
The social life is balanced between air-conditioned comfort and open-air relaxation. The main deck saloon functions as a comfortable hub, complete with high-end audio-visual facilities and complimentary internet access. A second air-conditioned saloon on the upper deck also serves as the dining area, offering beautiful vistas during meals. Outdoors, the Sea Serpent Contessa features a large, shaded seating area on the upper deck and an expansive sun-exposed deck above, furnished with comfortable mats and sofa-benches for optimal off-gassing relaxation.
By combining an intimate operational approach with a high-calibre yacht and essential benefits like free nitrox, the Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard provides a confident approach for diving Egypt's best reefs and wrecks. Its reliable service and specialised focus on week-long cruises cements its standing as a premier option within the Sea Serpent fleet.
Brothers & 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: Ras Turombi, Big Brother, Little Brother, Aida II wreck, Numidia wreck, Elphinstone, Marsa Shoona, Abu Dabbab
Day 1
The Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard welcomes guests aboard in either Hurghada or Port Ghalib from the late afternoon onwards. Following a friendly introduction from the team and an essential vessel orientation, divers settle in and enjoy dinner, preparing for the start of the adventure when the yacht sails at first light on Day 2.
Core Days
This dive safari combines the sheer exhilaration of deep offshore pinnacles with visits to calmer coastal bays. The primary focus is on 2 of the Red Sea's most legendary marine parks: the Brother Islands (Big Brother and Little Brother) and the famous Elphinstone Reef. The exposed nature of these sites, swept by deep oceanic currents, attracts massive biomass and provides truly spectacular scuba diving.
At the Brother Islands, the vertical walls plunge into the abyss, creating breath-taking drift dives along coral-encrusted drop-offs. The walls themselves are a riot of soft corals, sponges, and huge gorgonian fans. Big Brother is home to 2 prominent wrecks: the Numidia, a cargo ship, and the Aida II, an Egyptian supply vessel. Both ships rest on the reef slope and are completely woven into the current ecosystem. Look out into the blue for chances to spot oceanic white-tip sharks, thresher sharks, and occasional schools of scalloped hammerheads.
The itinerary’s final deep offshore section concentrates on Elphinstone, a revered submerged pinnacle. The northern and southern plateaus are known hotspots for large pelagic action, including schools of jackfish and tuna, drawing in predators like grey reef sharks. To round out the core days, the Sea Serpent Contessa also visits sheltered sites like Abu Dabbab and Marsa Shoona, which provide welcome contrast with shallow, gentle dives perfect for searching for resident green turtles, marbled stingrays, and the often-elusive dugong. Additionally, coastal sites such as Ras Turombi offer intricate reef formations where you can find pipefish, moray eels, and colourful pufferfish hiding amongst the hard coral tables. The final full day is limited to 3 scheduled dives before the Sea Serpent Contessa makes its return transit.
Day 8
Following a final breakfast, disembarkation takes place at the arrival port of Hurghada or Port Ghalib.
Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 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, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone
Day 1
The Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard welcomes guests to board at Hurghada or Port Ghalib from the late afternoon onwards. Following a necessary safety orientation and a warm crew greeting, divers settle into their cabins and enjoy dinner before the Sea Serpent Contessa sets sail for the offshore sites on the morning of Day 2.
Core Days
This ultimate southern cruise is specifically tailored for scuba divers, focusing on the Red Sea's 3 most exposed and celebrated offshore pinnacles: the Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone. This route, accessible via the Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard, is renowned for dramatic vertical drop-offs, pristine coral life, and high-voltage pelagic action.
The expedition concentrates first on the remote Brother Islands (Big Brother and Little Brother). These 2 deep-sea mounts are entirely draped in a stunning tapestry of huge, multi-hued soft coral trees and sponges. Big Brother is further enhanced by two historical ships, the Numidia and the Aida II, which are now heavily colonised artificial reefs. While the wrecks shelter large moray eels and impressive groupers, the true thrill is often found along the current-swept walls, where divers look for oceanic white-tip sharks, manta rays, and seasonal sightings of thresher or scalloped hammerheads.
Further south lies the formidable Daedalus Reef, identifiable by its solitary lighthouse. This enormous, isolated platform features sheer vertical walls, plunging into the deep blue. The exceptional clarity of the water here provides superb conditions to observe schooling pelagic fish, including dense formations of jackfish and barracuda. The rich currents flowing over the reef corners frequently provide opportunities to spot manta rays and large oceanic predators.
The voyage culminates at the legendary Elphinstone. Known for its distinctive northern and southern plateaus, this site offers exhilarating drift dives along its sheer face. While the exposed corners are hotspots for oceanic white-tip sharks, the vibrant walls themselves reward close inspection, concealing camouflaged frogfish, delicate ornate ghost pipefish, and various nudibranch species. 2 final dives are scheduled on the last core day before the Sea Serpent Contessa begins its return to port.
Day 8
Following a farewell breakfast, guests disembark at the arrival port of Hurghada or Port Ghalib.
Fury Shoals & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 21 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: Wadi Fury Shoal: Gimal, Abu Galawa, Sha'ab Sharm, Elphinstone
Day 1
The Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard offers boarding in Port Ghalib from the late afternoon on Day 1. Upon arrival, guests receive a warm welcome and an essential boat and cruise briefing, followed by a chance to settle into their cabins and enjoy dinner. The yacht departs on the morning of Day 2.
Core Days
This southern safari is an excellent choice for certified divers who enjoy combining world-famous pelagic sites with the relaxed exploration of immense, pristine coral systems. The itinerary focuses on the exposed Elphinstone Reef before moving into the expansive, complex reef formations of the Fury Shoals.
Elphinstone is one of the Red Sea's most iconic dive sites, known for its steep walls that plunge into the deep blue. This submerged finger reef is swept by currents that draw in large pelagic life, offering the thrilling possibility of encountering oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerhead sharks, particularly around the northern and southern plateaus. The walls themselves are adorned with delicate, brightly hued soft corals and black coral trees, creating stunning photographic opportunities.
The majority of the trip is dedicated to the vast Fury Shoals reef system, a protected area celebrated for its exceptionally healthy and varied hard coral growth, as well as resident dolphins. Divers explore sites such as Sha'ab Claudio, where natural light pours through the famous, intricate swim-throughs formed by massive Porites coral heads. Nearby, El Malahi features a labyrinth of reef structures, often providing habitat for resident green and hawksbill turtles. Another highlight is Abu Galawa, a shallow site that boasts a fascinating coral garden alongside the photogenic wreck of a small sailing vessel, now densely encrusted and home to thick schools of glassfish.
The calmer, more protected sites within the Fury Shoals, such as Wadi Gimal, provide excellent contrast to the offshore diving. Here, divers can look for different species of reef fish, giant Napoleon wrasse, and various stingrays. The schedule allows for 3 final dives on the last core day before the Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard makes its return to the home port.
Day 8
Following a final breakfast, guests disembark the Sea Serpent Contessa at the arrival port of Port Ghalib.
Red Sea North & 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: Ras Mohamed, Thistlegorm, Dunraven. Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K), Rosalie Moeller. Hurghada reefs
Day 1
The Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard begins with boarding at the chosen port, Hurghada. Following a cordial welcome, a full boat briefing, and cabin assignment, guests enjoy dinner together. The yacht departs on the morning to commence the diving expedition.
Core Days
This classic northern dive route aboard the Sea Serpent Contessa is meticulously designed for certified divers passionate about maritime history, offering unparalleled access to the legendary shipwrecks of the Red Sea alongside the vibrant, current-swept reefs of the Ras Mohamed National Park.
The tour features an immersive experience at the SS Thistlegorm, the most famous Red Sea wreck. Sunk in 1941 during WWII, this British freighter rests intact, allowing scuba divers to explore its cavernous holds filled with preserved military vehicles, including motorbikes, trucks, and ammunition. Nearby, we visit the wreck of the Rosalie Moeller, a coal carrier that met a similar fate two days later, standing upright and often patrolled by large schooling jackfish and tuna in the mornings. Further wreck exploration includes the Victorian steamer Dunraven, resting near Shaab Mahmoud and now entirely draped in colourful soft corals.
A major focus is the notorious Abu Nuhas reef, often referred to as the ‘ships’ graveyard'. This shallow hazard has claimed numerous vessels, providing a concentrated wreck experience. Here, we descend upon the Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, and Chrisoula K. These wrecks are now stunning artificial reefs, attracting vast clouds of glassfish and various reef inhabitants like moray eels and large groupers, making them perfect subjects for underwater photography.
Complementing the wrecks is the spectacular reef diving within Ras Mohamed National Park. Sites like Shark and Yolanda Reefs boast superb hard coral gardens and vertical drop-offs, where nutrient-rich waters attract large pelagic species, including cruising grey reef sharks and schools of trevally. The local Hurghada reefs are included to balance the itinerary, offering sheltered, shallower dives perfect for spotting benthic species such as crocodilefish, blue-spotted stingrays, and turtles.
The final core diving day is limited to 3 scheduled dives before the Sea Serpent Contessa makes its final transit back to the port.
Day 8
Guests enjoy a final breakfast onboard before disembarkation at the return port of Hurghada.
Red Sea North, Wrecks & Brothers (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 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: Big Brother (Aida II, Numidia), Little Brother, Thistlegorm, Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K), Rosalie Moeller, Hurghada reefs
Day 1
The Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard cruise commences with guests boarding in Hurghada. Following a welcoming reception, an orientation briefing on the vessel, and cabin assignment, divers enjoy dinner before the Sea Serpent Contessa sets its course on the morning of Day 2.
Core Days
This comprehensive northern itinerary is tailor-made for divers who want to experience the Red Sea's finest mix of historical wrecks and spectacular offshore reefs. The voyage seamlessly combines deep wreck penetration with exhilarating drift diving along world-famous coral pinnacles.
The core of the trip includes diving the iconic Brother Islands. These isolated sea mounts are renowned for their powerful currents and extraordinary density of marine life. Divers here encounter large schools of pelagics, including silky, grey reef, and oceanic white-tip sharks, alongside giant barracudas and tuna. Big Brother also offers the submerged remains of 2 notable vessels, the Numidia and the Aida II, whose hulls are magnificently colonised by soft corals, sponges, and huge gorgonian fans.
The dive safari then delves into the Northern Red Sea's history by visiting the major wartime wrecks. We descend upon the SS Thistlegorm, a British WWII freighter famous for its intact cargo of vehicles and supplies, providing a unique look back in time. Nearby, the Rosalie Moeller, a deeper sister wreck, offers another challenging and rewarding dive. We also explore Abu Nuhas, home to 4 accessible wrecks, all serving as thriving artificial reefs blanketed in vibrant coral growth.
To round out the diving, the final stops often include the inner Hurghada reefs. These sites provide a calmer environment for close encounters with reef fish, hawkbill turtles, and numerous cryptic species such as moray eels and pipefish, offering excellent opportunities for macro photographers before the Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard returns to port.
Day 8
Following a final breakfast, guests disembark the Sea Serpent Contessa at the arrival port of 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: Ras Mohamed, Straits of Tiran, Thistlegorm, Dunraven. Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K), Rosalie Moeller, Hurghada reefs
Day 1
The Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard offers boarding at the designated port, either Hurghada. Once welcomed by the crew, guests receive an essential safety and cruise orientation, settle into their assigned cabins, and enjoy dinner. The vessel begins its journey on the morning of Day 2.
Core Days
This Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard route is a thrilling combination for certified divers, blending the historical exploration of famous shipwrecks with dynamic reef diving in the exposed Straits of Tiran and Ras Mohamed National Park.
A major part of the trip is dedicated to exploring the Red Sea’s celebrated wartime sunken vessels. The route includes the iconic SS Thistlegorm, a deep wreck renowned for its intact cargo holds containing preserved military equipment. We also dive the nearby Dunraven, a Victorian steamer resting on a sloping reef, now completely covered in intricate coral life. Further wreck exploration focuses on the Abu Nuhas reef, infamous for claiming 4 ships: the Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, and Chrisoula K. These sites are easily accessible, shallow, and provide exceptional photographic subjects due to the dense soft coral and sponges blanketing their structures.
The natural reef highlights include the dramatic coral walls of the Straits of Tiran, which are formed by 4 distinctive reefs: Jackson, Thomas, Gordon, and Woodhouse. These exposed formations sit in the deep channel, attracting powerful, nutrient-rich currents that draw in large pelagic life, including schooling jacks and barracudas, and the potential for sighting grey reef sharks.
The Sea Serpent Contessa also navigates to Ras Mohamed National Park, where the vibrant drop-offs are adorned with massive gorgonian fans and brightly coloured soft corals. Divers here encounter green turtles gliding along the wall, large pufferfish, and schools of snapper. The final core day of the cruise is limited to 3 scheduled dives before the vessel returns to port.
Day 8
A final breakfast is served before guests disembark the Sea Serpent Contessa at the return port of Hurghada.
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: Dahab, Ras Mohamed, Thistlegorm, Dunraven. Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K), Rosalie Moeller, Strait of Tiran, Hurghada reefs
Day 1
The Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard offers boarding in Hurghada. After settling into your cabins, enjoying a warm welcome and a vessel orientation, dinner is served. The Sea Serpent Contessa begins its journey early on the morning of Day 2.
Core Days
This ultimate northern circuit is an intensive diving experience that encompasses the Red Sea’s most famous historical wrecks, the current-swept walls of the Tiran Straits, and the unique geology of Dahab.
The cruise provides a deep dive exploration of the most iconic wrecks. We descend upon the SS Thistlegorm, the legendary WWII freighter, allowing divers to explore its fascinating cargo of military vehicles and supplies. The circuit also includes the Rosalie Moeller, a deeper sister wreck, and the Dunraven, a Victorian steamer whose frame is now completely overgrown with hard and soft corals. The infamous Abu Nuhas is a major focus, featuring the shallower remains of the Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, and Chrisoula K, all offering excellent penetration opportunities and rich marine growth.
Shifting focus from history to ecology, the Sea Serpent Contessa explores the exposed Straits of Tiran, where 4 large reefs are swept by nutrient-dense currents. These conditions attract massive schools of trevally and snapper, providing excellent chances to spot cruising hammerhead sharks or large tuna. The voyage culminates with 2 of the Northern Red Sea's most spectacular sites: the Ras Mohamed National Park and Dahab. Ras Mohamed is famed for its vertical walls, where colourful gorgonians and soft corals provide shelter for turtles, scorpionfish, and large pufferfish.
Finally, the route includes a visit to the celebrated Dahab region, providing the opportunity to dive the unique topography of the Blue Hole and the nearby Canyon. These sites offer a geological contrast, with deep trenches and chimneys that are renowned for their structure and clarity, attracting a variety of benthic life and providing exceptional photo opportunities before the return journey. The final core diving day involves 3 scheduled descents before the Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard returns to the home port.
Day 8
Guests enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking at the arrival port of Hurghada or Port Ghalib.
[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].
A highly organised schedule ensures that divers on the Sea Serpent Contessa liveaboard can complete up to 3 dives on most full days. The routine begins with a quick pre-breakfast bite, allowing for the 1st dive to take place early. A substantial hot breakfast is then served between the 1st and 2nd immersions. Following the second dive, there is a substantial surface interval before a full lunch. The 3rd dive is scheduled for the afternoon, marking the final immersion before dinner. The boat typically plans night dives when conditions allow.
The food service on the Sea Serpent Contessa is structured across 5 opportunities to eat each day - pre-breakfast, a full breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks - guaranteeing divers are consistently energised. Meals are presented buffet style in the air-conditioned restaurant on the upper deck, where staff provide waiter assistance.
The hot breakfast is a generous morning spread that features eggs, sausages, toast, cereal, pastries, fruit, juice, tea, and coffee.
For lunch and dinner, the fixed menus rotate, offering 3 to 4 different dishes per serving. The cuisine skilfully blends international fare with regional Egyptian and Arabic specialities. Main courses often include options like fresh fish (cooked or fried), roast chicken, and meat dishes, accompanied by staple starches and soups. Diners can enjoy traditional local salads and vegetable dips such as Tahina, Babaganoush, and the refreshing grain salad Tabbouleh.
Dessert features appealing local sweets like Basbusa, Baklava, and various cakes.
Snacks, including fresh sliced fruit, cookies, candy bars, biscuits, and even casual fare like pizza, are available throughout the day and are specifically provided after the 3rd dive.
Complimentary beverages include soft drinks, tea, coffee, and drinking water, with beer, wine, tonic, and soda water available for purchase.
The crew can accommodate vegetarian, halal, and other specific dietary requirements with prior notification.
