When it comes to experiencing the legendary dive sites of Egypt’s Red Sea, few vessels offer the blend of space, comfort, and operational pedigree quite like the Dolce Vita liveaboard. Operated by an international dive company with over 30 years of experience navigating these waters, this 38-metre vessel strikes that essential balance: a homey, welcoming atmosphere paired with the logistical know-how required to take divers to the most remote reefs and world-class wrecks. Extensively renovated in 2018, the Dolce Vita provides a stable, spacious home from which to explore everything from the shark action at Daedalus to the historic holds of the Thistlegorm.
With a generous 8-metre beam, the Dolce Vita offers a level of personal space that is genuinely appreciated after a day of scuba diving. The 12 cabins are spread across the lower and upper decks, each fitted with modern en-suite facilities and individually controlled air-conditioning, a non-negotiable in the Egyptian climate. Whether you opt for a twin or a double, you will find thoughtful storage and a comfortable retreat. Above deck, the social areas are where this boat really shines. There is a large shaded lounge on the upper deck with bean bags and comfortable seating for relaxing between dives, while the sun deck invites you to stretch out on sun loungers, enjoy a cold drink from the open-air bar, or simply watch the coastline slip past as the crew sets a course for the next pinnacle.
The Dolce Vita liveaboard is set up to make the diving operations as efficient as it is exhilarating. The dedicated dive deck is well-organised with individual gear storage, fresh water rinse tanks for cameras and equipment, and dedicated charging points for your photography gear. Critically, nitrox is available free of charge for those certified to use it, allowing for extended bottom times on the deep walls and wrecks. Operations are conducted using 2 powerful motorised Zodiacs, giving the crew the flexibility to position you exactly where the action is, whether that is a sheltered bay for a night dive or a current-swept channel where pelagics cruise.
The true allure of this vessel lies in its range dive expeditions, which are the classic routes that define Red Sea liveaboard diving. For those chasing big pelagics, the Dolce Vita navigates the southern marine parks, reaching the fabled Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone. Here, the walls drop into the abyss, and the blue water frequently yields encounters with hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetips, and thresher sharks, alongside vibrant soft coral gardens that glow in the morning light. Alternatively, northern routes offer a different kind of magic, exploring the wrecks of Abu Nuhas and the legendary SS Thistlegorm, where history and marine life intertwine. Some trips even allow for sunset walks to historic lighthouses, a rare chance to stretch your legs on land.
A liveaboard is only as good as its crew and its galley, and on this front, the Dolce Vita consistently earns high praise. The food is frequently cited as a highlight; meals are served buffet-style in the air-conditioned main saloon, blending international dishes with local Egyptian flavours. After a full day of diving, the lounge offers a comfortable spot to review your day’s images, consult the fish books, or share stories with fellow divers. With a crew that has spent decades navigating these routes, you are in safe, experienced hands, allowing you to focus entirely on the diving.
Booking the Dolce Vita is about securing a dependable, high-quality diving safari experience that lets you access the very best of the Red Sea. With its combination of proven operational experience, comfortable accommodation, and a layout designed specifically with scuba divers in mind, this vessel offers genuine confidence for your next diving adventure. Whether you are looking to tick hammerheads off your bucket list in the south or explore the iconic wrecks of the north, the Dolce Vita liveaboard is ready to take you there.
Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 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, Aida II wreck, Numidia wreck, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone
Day 1
This premier liveaboard experience begins at the designated embarkation point of Port Ghalib or Hurghada marina. Once aboard the Dolce Vita liveaboard, you will be welcomed by the crew, shown to your quarters, and provided with a crucial boat safety and orientation brief. You will enjoy your first dinner in the air-conditioned saloon, settling in for the extensive diving programme that commences the following morning.
Core Days
This exceptional cruise focuses on the three legendary offshore dive hubs: the Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone. The Dolce Vita offers comfortable and professional access to these exposed pinnacles of the Red Sea.
The Brother Islands are renowned as 2 vast undersea mountains, perfectly positioned to act as magnets for pelagic life. Your dives here consist of exhilarating drifts along spectacular walls adorned with vibrant marine growth, including striking gorgonian seafans, black corals, and a dense layer of soft corals and sponges. Look for large schools of tuna, trevallies, and snapper cruising in the blue. The possibility of encountering grey reef sharks, silvertips, and hammerheads are among the highlights that attract experienced divers to this location.
History meets biology at Big Brother, where 2 captivating shipwrecks lie: the cargo ship Numidia and the Aida II, an Egyptian supply vessel. Resting in shallower depths, these historic hulls are now heavily encrusted with hard and soft corals. These phenomenal artificial reefs are densely populated with reef fish and represent unforgettable dives for their combination of heritage and marine life.
The colossal Daedalus Reef, identifiable by its iconic lighthouse, forms another key component of this classic route. Daedalus is celebrated for its sheer drops and intense marine activity, providing a habitat for abundant schools of colourful surgeonfish and fusiliers. Divers here have excellent opportunities to see larger species such as oceanic whitetips and thresher sharks, with manta rays often visiting during the summer season. The quality of the diving and the focused nature of the Dolce Vita liveaboard schedule ensure you get the most out of every Red Sea descent.
After a maximum of 2 final dives, the Dolce Vita returns to Port Ghalib or Hurghada marina.
Day 8
Disembarkation occurs following a final breakfast and the opportunity to bid farewell to your crew.
Daedalus, Rocky & Zabargad (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 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: Rocky Island, Zabargad, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone
Day 1
This elite Red Sea diving expedition commences with boarding at Port Ghalib, the established point of embarkation. The crew will welcome you aboard the Dolce Vita liveaboard, providing essential vessel and safety procedures before guiding you to your quarters. Following a relaxed dinner in the saloon, you will settle in for the night while the vessel remains at port, preparing for its early morning departure and the first check dive.
Core Days
This intense programme is tailored for experienced divers keen to experience the exposed, high-voltage sites of the Red Sea's deep south: Daedalus Reef, Rocky Island, Zabargad, and the renowned Elphinstone. The diving schedule is designed to capitalise on the best conditions at these legendary oceanic pinnacles.
The sites of Daedalus and Elphinstone demand respect for their strong currents and feature colossal walls that drop into the abyss. These sheer faces are lavishly cloaked in colourful soft corals, anemones, and massive gorgonian fans. The upwelling nutrients attract enormous schools of pelagic fish, including bigeye trevallies, surgeonfish, and fusiliers. These waters are famed for encounters with larger species, most notably oceanic whitetip sharks, thresher sharks, and transient hammerheads.
The remote, current-swept Rocky Island is a thriving magnet for marine megafauna. Its steep drop-offs promote the growth of dense gorgonian fans and black coral trees. Divers frequently observe grey reef sharks and silvertips patrolling the reef perimeter, alongside regular visits from green sea turtles and occasional dolphins. Zabargad Island offers a complex topography, featuring walls, drop-offs, and protected coral gardens. A highlight is the Khanka wreck, a historic vessel now colonised by corals, providing shelter to schools of snapper and inquisitive Napoleon wrasse.
Your time aboard the Dolce Vita is dedicated to accessing these far-flung, pristine reefs, offering unparalleled photographic and viewing opportunities in the southern Red Sea. The professionalism of the Dolce Vita team ensures you can approach these deep south dives with confidence. The final 2 dives of the safari take place in the morning, after which the vessel turns for its return to Port Ghalib.
Day 8
Disembarkation from the Dolce Vita liveaboard will follow breakfast on the final morning.
Fury Shoals (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 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: Fury Shoals: Sha'ab Claudio, Malahi, Abu Galawa, Sataya; Marsa Alam
Day 1
This Red Sea diving adventure begins at the Port Ghalib marina, the designated point of embarkation for the Dolce Vita liveaboard. You will be welcomed aboard by the crew, assigned your cabin, and receive a comprehensive safety and vessel orientation from the tour leader. Dinner is served in the air-conditioned saloon, providing a relaxing end to the day before the Dolce Vita departs early tomorrow morning to begin the diving schedule.
Core Days
This itinerary focuses on the sprawling Fury Shoals, an immense reef system near Marsa Alam celebrated for its variety of sheltered dives, stunning coral gardens, and remarkable opportunities for marine life encounters. The Dolce Vita is perfectly positioned to explore the distinct topography and highlights of this southern Red Sea location.
One of the most famous sites is Sha'ab Claudio, known for its intricate network of cathedral-like swim-throughs carved into the reef structure and colossal Porites coral heads. These well-lit, shallow coral formations offer an exceptional experience for divers. Nearby, Malahi presents a maze of pinnacles and crevices that provide shelter for smaller reef life and frequently host green and hawksbill turtles.
Further south, you will explore Abu Galawa Soraya, which features a vibrant coral garden alongside a picturesque wreck of a small private sailing boat. This photogenic site is now heavily encrusted with soft corals and serves as a haven for dense schools of glassfish. The variety of life, from friendly reef dwellers to the occasional oceanic visitor, makes every descent an engaging experience.
A key highlight of the Dolce Vita Fury Shoals route is Sataya, often referred to as 'Dolphin House.' This large, natural lagoon is home to a resident population of spinner dolphins, providing a unique opportunity for spectacular snorkelling encounters between dives. The area also boasts excellent underwater offerings, ensuring a complete aquatic adventure focusing on healthy, vibrant reefs.
To maintain a safe interval before flying, only 2 final dives are scheduled before the Dolce Vita liveaboard returns to Port Ghalib.
Day 8
Disembarkation takes place after a final breakfast on board.
Red Sea North & Wrecks (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 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: Shaab El Erg, Ras Mohamed: Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef; Thsitlegorm, Rosalie Moeller, Abu Nuhas: Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula
Day 1
Your historical dive safari begins at the Hurghada marina. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the Dolce Vita liveaboard crew, shown to your cabin, and receive a mandatory boat safety and itinerary briefing. You will enjoy a relaxed dinner in the saloon, socialising with your fellow divers before the vessel sets sail early in the morning for the initial dive sites.
Core Days
This exceptional tour is crafted for divers seeking the definitive Red Sea experience: combining world-class wartime shipwrecks with the vibrant biodiversity of the north's most spectacular reef systems. The Dolce Vita provides comfortable access to these bucket-list locations.
The heart of the wreck diving experience lies at the famous World War II sites. You will descend upon the legendary SS Thistlegorm, a British freighter bombed in 1941, which rests upright on the seabed at 32 metres. Penetrating its holds is an immersive historical experience, with its cargo of military equipment, including motorbikes, trucks, and vehicles, remarkably preserved. Not far away lies the Rosalie Moeller, which met the same fate just two days later, and offers an impressive deep wreck dive on its intact structure.
Further wreck exploration takes place at the notorious Shaab Abu Nuhas, often called the ‘Wreck Graveyard’. This sloping reef is home to four sunken vessels, including the Giannis D, the Carnatic, the Chrisoula K, and the Kimon M. These wrecks are now completely colonised by stunning coral growth and attract immense schools of fish, with thousands of glassfish often found within their interiors. The remains of the 19th-century steamer Carnatic offer a striking view of its iron frame, now adorned with colourful corals.
In contrast to the wrecks, the Dolce Vita itinerary includes pure reef diving at Ras Mohamed National Park, celebrated as one of Egypt's best-maintained protected areas. Sites like Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef feature breathtaking wall dives and nutrient-rich waters that attract a wide variety of pelagics. You will also visit Shaab El Erg, known for its healthy hard coral gardens and potential for memorable marine encounters. The comprehensive nature of the Dolce Vita liveaboard trip ensures a balanced and memorable week of diving, focusing on both history and marine life.
The diving schedule concludes with a maximum of 2 morning dives. Following this, the Dolce Vita returns to port.
Day 8
Disembarkation occurs in Hurghada marina after a final breakfast onboard.
Red Sea North, Tiran & Brothers (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 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, Little Brother, Aida II wreck, Numidia wreck, Shaab El Erg, Ras Mohamed: Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef; Thsitlegorm
Day 1
Your combined Red Sea expedition begins at the selected embarkation point, either Port Ghalib or Hurghada marina. After being welcomed aboard the Dolce Vita liveaboard, you will be guided to your cabin and receive an essential safety and boat orientation briefing. Following a relaxing dinner in the saloon, you will settle in, ready for the extensive diving programme that starts the next morning.
Core Days
This popular route is a demanding but deeply rewarding diving tour, combining the famed offshore pinnacles of the Brother Islands with the historic wrecks and classic reefs of the northern Red Sea, including Ras Mohamed and the SS Thistlegorm. The Dolce Vita offers the ideal base for this wide-ranging dive safari.
The early part of the trip is dedicated to the Brother Islands. These isolated, current-swept walls are celebrated for their pelagic encounters. Both Big Brother and Little Brother feature dramatic coral gardens, dense with soft corals, sponges, and gorgonian seafans. The exposure to deep water currents means frequent sightings of hammerheads, grey reef sharks, and silvertips. At Big Brother, you will dive two accessible wrecks: the Numidia, a cargo ship lying in the shallows, and the Aida II, an Egyptian supply vessel, both now thoroughly covered in beautiful coral formations.
Moving north, Dolce Vita moors overnight at the legendary SS Thistlegorm. This iconic World War II wreck, sunk in 1941, offers an incredible historical dive, with its cargo of military vehicles, trucks, and ammunition perfectly preserved within its holds. This site often requires multiple dives to fully appreciate its scale and historical significance.
Further spectacular reef diving is scheduled at Ras Mohamed. The walls of Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are exceptional, renowned for their strong currents and vast schools of fish. The sheer concentration of marine life here is striking, attracting larger species into the nutrient-rich waters. You will also visit Shaab El Erg, known for its healthy hard coral formations and opportunities for encounters with playful spinner dolphins. This itinerary ensures every descent with Dolce Vita liveaboard offers a new and exhilarating Red Sea experience.
Day 8
Disembarkation is scheduled after breakfast in either Port Ghalib or Hurghada marina, following farewells with the crew.
Red Sea North, Wrecks & Tiran Straits (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 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: Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Gubal Strait and Strait of Tiran, including Shaab El Erg, Ras Mohamed: Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef; Thistlegorm, Rosalie Moeller, Abu Nuhas: Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K, Jackson, Tomas, Woodhouse and Gordon Reefs
Day 1
This northern Red Sea dive tour begins at the Hurghada marina, the embarkation point. The crew will welcome you aboard, confirm your quarters, and provide a full safety and operational brief for the week. You will enjoy your first dinner in the air-conditioned saloon, settling in before the Dolce Vita liveaboard sets course for the initial dive sites.
Core Days
This itinerary is the ultimate selection for scuba divers, blending the historical exploration of world-class wrecks with the exhilarating action of the Red Sea's most vibrant coral pinnacles, all accessed via the professional services of the Dolce Vita.
Your diving begins in the Gubal Strait, a location famous for its maritime history. You will dedicate multiple descents to the legendary SS Thistlegorm, a British World War II freighter resting intact at 32 metres. Diving this site allows for a direct observation of history, with its cargo of military vehicles, motorcycles, and weaponry still visible in the holds. Nearby, the Rosalie Moeller, a deeper coal carrier that sank just 2 days after the Thistlegorm, offers a superb secondary wreck exploration opportunity for the qualified diver.
Further south in this zone lies Shaab Abu Nuhas, known as the 'Wreck Graveyard,' where 4 famous ships came to rest. You will explore the remains of the Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, and Chrisoula K. These wrecks are now completely cloaked in colourful hard and soft corals, providing a spectacular home to large schools of reef fish and offering great photographic subjects.
The Dolce Vita liveaboard progresses to the Strait of Tiran, known for its powerful currents and immense coral health. Here, you will experience thrilling drift dives over the 4 famous pinnacles: Jackson, Thomas, Woodhouse, and Gordon Reefs. The forces of the current attract large pelagic species, including impressive schools of barracuda and jacks, patrolling the deep walls. Ras Mohamed, including the dramatic drop-offs of Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, forms another crucial highlight, with nutrient-rich waters encouraging immense marine biodiversity. The Dolce Vita ensures comprehensive coverage of these iconic locations.
Day 8
Farewells and disembarkation occurs after breakfast on the final morning, before being transferred either to the airport or your local hotel.
Red Sea North, Wrecks, Tiran & Dahab (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 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: Shaab El Erg, Dunraven, Thistlegorm, Dahab: Blue Hole, The Canyon, Gabr El Bent; Gubal Strait, Strait of Tiran: Jackson Reef, Ras Umm Sid, Ras Mohamed: Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef; Abu Nuhas: Giannis D, Carnatic; Carless Reef, Police Station, Erg Somaya
Day 1
The starting point for this premium northern safari is the Hurghada marina, where you will embark upon the Dolce Vita liveaboard. You will be welcomed by the crew, receive a crucial safety and orientation briefing, and be shown to your accommodation. Dinner will be served in the saloon as you prepare for the extensive diving programme set to begin the following morning.
Core Days
This signature sinai expedition is designed for experienced divers, combining the ultimate historical wreck dives of the Gubal Strait and Abu Nuhas with the high-current pelagic action of the Strait of Tiran and the unique topography of Dahab. The Dolce Vita provides access to the finest sites the northern Red Sea offers.
Your wreck exploration includes 2 legendary World War II sites: the SS Thistlegorm and the Dunraven. The Thistlegorm, resting at 32 metres, is a world-famous dive due to its preserved cargo of military machinery, offering an unparalleled look into maritime history. The Dunraven, a Victorian steamship wreck, is found in shallower water and is now richly carpeted in soft corals, providing shelter for colourful reef fish. Further exploration takes place at Abu Nuhas, where you will descend upon the easily accessible Giannis D and the iron-framed Carnatic, both celebrated for their vibrant coral growth and resident glassfish schools.
The reef diving segment begins in the Gubal Strait and the Ras Mohamed, featuring sites like Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, known for strong currents and spectacular marine density. You will also experience sites like Carless Reef, Police Station, and Erg Somaya, which feature rich hard coral formations and attract schooling fish. Moving north, the Strait of Tiran features high-voltage drift dives at Jackson Reef, Ras Umm Sid, and other key pinnacles, where strong currents draw in large schools of jacks and barracuda, and offer potential sightings of sharks.
A distinct feature of this route is the visit to Dahab, offering a series of unique shore dives accessible by the liveaboard, including the famed Blue Hole and The Canyon. The Blue Hole is a spectacular vertical shaft plunging to 130 metres, offering experienced divers an exceptional perspective on the outer reef wall. Gabr El Bent offers a beautiful coral garden and is a testament to the diverse underwater landscape of the Sinai coast. The varied schedule offered by the Dolce Vita ensures a thrilling and well-rounded liveaboard dive safari.
After the final 2 dives of the trip, the Dolce Vita liveaboard begins its return to Hurghada marina.
Day 7
Disembarkation occurs after breakfast and final farewells to the crew.
[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 typical day on the Dolce Vita liveaboard begins before the sun has fully cleared the horizon. The first call for diving comes at 7 am, when the water is often at its calmest and the light first starts to cut through the surface. It is a morning dive in the truest sense, with kit set up the night before so the only thing required is a final check and a step off the stern. Once that dive is logged and the gear rinsed, breakfast waits in the air-conditioned dining room on the main deck. There is no rush. The table is laid with cereals, fresh fruit, bread for toast, pancakes, and jugs of fruit juice. If you want eggs prepared a certain way, you only have to ask. Coffee and tea are there to take the last edge off the early start.
By 10 am, the Dolce Vita is either repositioning to a new site or settling back in for the second dive of the day. This is the dive where things tend to open up, with more light and more activity on the reefs. After surfacing, lunch is ready at noon. The meals are buffet-style, and the range shifts between local Egyptian dishes and international staples. One day it might be a slow-cooked chicken tagine with rice and braised vegetables. Another day, grilled fish appears alongside pasta or noodles, with fresh salads and warm bread on the side. Dessert is always present, though after 2 dives you may find yourself reaching for fruit instead.
The third dive is scheduled for 2 pm. By this point in the day, you have settled into the pace. Tanks are swapped out without thinking. Your camera gear, if you have it, lives in its designated spot on the dive deck. The crew have a habit of appearing with fresh towels just when needed. When the third dive finishes, there is a gap that belongs to the boat itself. Snacks come out around 4 pm, but the bigger pause is the one where divers sit on the shaded deck with a drink, reviewing what they saw or simply watching the coastline drift past.
Dinner is served around 8 pm and, when the itinerary allows, there is a night dive before it. On those evenings, the order shifts: the dive takes place at 7 pm, with dinner following after. The meals remain generous regardless of the timing. Portions of meat and fish are balanced with fresh vegetables, rice, and soups that change each day. The kitchen does not repeat dishes carelessly; there is a noticeable effort to vary the menu across the week.
Throughout the week, the dining room stays open to anyone looking for coffee, tea, or a cold drink. Snacks are available around the clock on Dolce Vita, which matters more than you might expect when a night dive runs late or an early morning wake-up comes sooner than planned.
