Notes: Child policy: Young divers are welcome aboard Dune Longara, subject to meeting the required dive experience for the chosen itinerary. All children must be at least 6 years old and remain under the supervision of a responsible adult throughout the trip. Please note that no childcare services are provided onboard, and parents assume full responsibility for their minors at all times. For this reason, a standard diving expedition is not recommended for young children who are not certified to dive.
Dive experience: Scuba divers must have an advanced dive certification to dive in Egypt's marine parks with the Longara liveaboard. Divers who have at least 50 logged dives and are willing to take the advanced course onboard may join these expeditions too. For diving elsewhere in Egypt, a minimum of 20 logged dives and open water certification is required.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, water, soft drinks, hot drinks, round-trip transfers to the boat (see below), dives (as detailed in the trips above), nitrox fills for certified enriched air divers, experienced English- and French-speaking divemasters (max. 12 diver per guide), 12 litre tanks (DIN and yoke), weightbelt and weights, sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (USD 168 per week), dive computer (USD 78 per week), SMB, diving insurance (can purchase onboard), park fees (7 nights: USD 168 payable in advance), port fees (7 nights: USD 67 payable in advance), potential fuel surcharge USD 10 - USD 20 per night. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash - EUR/EGP/USD, or bank card).
Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, torch, 15 litre tank (USD 50 per week). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Dune Longara liveaboard expeditions in the Red Sea operate from 3 ports: Hurghada, Safaga, and Port Ghalib. For guests arriving at Hurghada or Marsa Alam airports from 2 pm onwards, a Dune representative will be waiting in the public arrivals area, holding a sign with the company name. You will find them after you have collected your luggage and cleared customs. Private transfers are included from the local airport to the marina. For those flying into Hurghada but departing from Port Ghalib, a shared minibus service covers the 200-kilometre journey, which takes roughly 3.5 hours. For further planning advice, including airlines, see our Egypt travel information section.
Boarding for Longara takes place after 2 pm on Day 1. The vessel remains moored in port for the first and last nights of every trip. The final dive of your expedition is scheduled for approximately 10 am on the penultimate day. Disembarkation takes place by 10 am on the final morning. Transfers to the airport are provided for all guests with return flights scheduled before 4 pm on the last day. A minimum surface interval of 18 hours is recommended before any flight after diving.
Non-diver rate: USD 56 discount.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - solo travellers may choose to share a cabin and pay the regular price, or pay a supplement of 70% for their own private-use cabin.
Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 9 guests and 1 extra person can join the cruise free of charge (10+ guests).
Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 27 guests and 3 extra persons can join free of charge (30 guests).
Add-on package: To transform your Red Sea diving holiday into a complete Egyptian adventure, we recommend pairing your liveaboard expedition with one of the country's renowned cultural tours. A visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, with its remarkable collection of royal mummies, the iconic Pyramids of Giza, and the enigmatic Great Sphinx can be arranged. For a more leisurely exploration, a river cruise along the Nile offers a different perspective, while the temples and tombs of the Valley of the Kings are within easy reach. For more details on these and other options, explore our dedicated page on antiquities tours in Egypt.
Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 15 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: Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone, Abu Dabbab
Day 1
This offshore safari begins at Port Ghalib, with Hurghada and Safaga used as alternate departure points depending on the schedule. Boarding the Longara takes place in the afternoon. Once the crew has welcomed you and shown you to your cabin, a detailed safety briefing follows. Dinner is served in the saloon, and the vessel remains in port overnight before departing early the following morning to begin the diving.
Core Days
This week is built around 3 of the Red Sea's most exposed marine parks: the Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone. All 3 rise from deep water far from the coast, and all three are known for the same thing - current-swept walls that concentrate pelagic life. The Longara liveaboard is set up for the crossings and full diving days this route requires, and the crew time each entry to make the most of the conditions.
The Brother Islands are 2 promontories rising from considerable depth, roughly 60 kilometres offshore. Both Big Brother and Little Brother carry dense marine growth along their walls: sponges, anemones, hard corals and wide fields of soft coral. That growth supports a high volume of predators. Grey reef sharks, silvertips and whitetip reef sharks are regular, with scalloped hammerheads and manta rays appearing depending on the season. Big Brother also holds a wreck in shallow water. The Numidia, a cargo ship lost in the early 20th century, sits at a depth that suits most certified divers and is now thickly covered in hard and soft corals and gorgonians. It makes for an easy, photogenic dive and shelters plenty of reef fish. The Aida, a steamer that went down in 1957, stands almost vertically on the reef edge nearby, its stern section well within reach.
Daedalus Reef is marked by its historic lighthouse and is best known for drift dives along its sheer walls. Currents here are strong, and that is precisely what brings in the fish. Large schools of surgeonfish and trevallies work the reef edge, and Daedalus is one of the most reliable sites in Egypt for hammerheads, oceanic whitetips and thresher sharks, particularly through the summer. The southern plateau offers a break from the current, with turtles resting on the coral and reef fish crowding the shallows.
Elphinstone rounds out the trio. Its long, finger-like profile runs north to south, with steep walls on both sides and submerged plateaus at either end. The coral here is healthy and varied, and oceanic whitetip sharks are the main draw, often encountered along the southern plateau. Manta rays also pass through in the warmer months.
Abu Dabbab is included where the schedule allows, offering a gentler contrast: shallow seagrass beds, coral gardens and a resident population of green turtles, with dugongs occasionally sighted in the area. 2 final dives are scheduled on the penultimate day to allow a sufficient surface interval, after which the Longara sails back towards port.
Day 8
Disembarkation begins after a final breakfast on board the Longara on the morning of the last day.
Daedalus, Rocky, Zabargad & St. John's (8 Days / 7 Nights - 15 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, 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: Daedalus Reef, Rocky, Zabargad, Fury Shoals: Sataya (Dolphin House), Sheliniyat; St John’s, Shaab Sharm, Gota Marsa Alam, Elphinstone
Day 1
This deep south dive safari begins with boarding the Longara at Port Ghalib. Following a warm welcome from the crew, you will be assigned your cabin and receive a full boat safety and itinerary briefing. After dinner in the saloon, you will settle in for the night before the early morning departure to the first remote dive sites.
Core Days
This cruise covers the Red Sea's wild southern frontier, taking in the exposed marine parks of Daedalus, Rocky and Zabargad before moving through the Fury Shoals and finishing in the St. John's reef system. The Longara liveaboard is set up well for the long crossings and full diving days this route requires. The trip opens with the offshore sites. Daedalus Reef is a standalone pinnacle rising from deep water, its walls carrying sponges and gorgonian sea fans. Schools of emperors, surgeonfish and trevallies work the reef edge, and the site is one of the best in Egypt for hammerhead sharks, with oceanic whitetips and thresher sharks also possible, particularly through the summer. Rocky Island is more exposed, its fringing reef scoured by current that feeds dense gorgonian fans and black coral trees. Turtles, grey reef sharks and silvertips are regular, and dolphins and manta rays pass through on occasion. Zabargad offers a mix of environments: walls, drop-offs and shallow coral gardens, with snapper schools and wrasses spread across the reef.
From the marine parks, the route moves into the Fury Shoals. Sataya, better known as Dolphin House, is the highlight for many guests. Spinner dolphins rest in the lagoon after feeding overnight, and snorkelling sessions between dives often bring close encounters with pods that can number in the dozens. The reef itself is worth diving too, with coral gardens and drop-offs along the outer edge. Sheliniyat offers a gentler change of pace, a shallow site where coral formations sit low to the seabed and damsels defend their territories in numbers. Gobies and crabs pair up on the sandy patches between the coral heads, and the site suits a slow, detailed dive or a night dive when conditions allow.
The final section of the trip covers St. John's, widely regarded as the healthiest reef system in the Egyptian Red Sea. The diving here is varied: hard coral gardens, submerged pinnacles, caverns and swim-throughs, all in clear water. Barracuda and reef sharks patrol the outer edges, Napoleon wrasse work the reef face, and dugongs and manta rays are both possible depending on conditions.
Shaab Sharm provides deeper wall diving on the route back north, with the drop-off running steeply down and pelagics passing in the blue. Gota Marsa Alam offers shallower coral gardens, a good choice for a relaxed final dive. Elphinstone Reef is included where the schedule allows, its vertical walls and southern plateau known for oceanic whitetip encounters and, in summer, manta rays.
After 2 final morning dives, the Longara turns for port.
Day 8
Disembarkation begins after a final breakfast on board the Longara.
Fury Shoals (Dolphin Adventure) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 6 Dives)
Trip highlights: dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Fury Shoals: Shaab Maksour, Shaab Claudio, Malahi, Sataya (Dolphin House); Sheliniyat, Shaab Sharm, Gota Marsa Alam
Day 1
This 8-day trip offers something genuinely different from a standard Red Sea safari. While the diving is excellent, the primary focus is the resident spinner dolphin population of Sataya, a lagoon within the Fury Shoals reef system. The Longara liveaboard serves as a comfortable base for this unique adventure, balancing structured dive time with extended opportunities for swimming and snorkelling alongside these graceful marine mammals. It is a trip designed for divers and non-divers alike, offering a rare chance to interact with wild dolphins in their natural environment.
The expedition begins with an afternoon boarding at Port Ghalib. After settling into your cabin and meeting the crew, you will receive a full safety and itinerary briefing. Dinner is served onboard, and the vessel remains in port overnight, departing early the following morning for the Fury Shoals. The first day's sailing sets the tone for the week: a relaxed pace that prioritises the encounters ahead.
Core Days
The core of this safari centres on Sataya, often referred to as Dolphin House. This large, protected lagoon is home to a resident population of spinner dolphins, and the schedule is adapted specifically to maximise time with them. Each day includes one dedicated dive, supplemented by multiple snorkelling sessions in the lagoon. The Longara crew monitor the dolphins' movements and behaviour, positioning the tenders to allow for respectful, close encounters without disturbing the animals. Snorkellers are frequently treated to acrobatic displays as the dolphins spin and leap through the air.
The diving around Fury Shoals offers excellent variety beyond the dolphin encounters. Shaab Maksour features a series of dramatic reef walls and pinnacles, home to schools of fusiliers and snapper. Shaab Claudio is known for its impressive porites coral formations and cathedral-like swim-throughs, where batfish and turtles are common. Malahi presents a fascinating maze of hard coral heads, often sheltering white-tip reef sharks and resting turtles. Further dives at Sheliniyat, Shaab Sharm, and Gota Marsa Alam reveal the region's healthy coral gardens, with sightings of napoleon wrasse, schooling barracuda, and the occasional eagle ray.
For non-divers, the trip offers a free introductory dive during the week, allowing them to experience the underwater world under the guidance of an instructor. The Longara liveaboard's facilities, including spacious lounges and a jacuzzi, provide ample relaxation between water activities. The crew are experienced in hosting mixed groups of divers and snorkellers, ensuring everyone enjoys the week.
Day 8
The trip concludes with a return sail to Port Ghalib, arriving on the final morning. Disembarkation takes place after breakfast, with transfers arranged for departing flights. This safari leaves guests with memories of close encounters with dolphins, vibrant coral reefs, and the relaxed atmosphere of a southern Red Sea safari.
Fury Shoals & St. John's (8 Days / 7 Nights - 15 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: Shaab Maksour, Shaab Claudio, Malahi, Sataya (Dolphin House); St John’s: Um Aruk, Habali Ali, Gota Soraya, Gota Kebir, Sheliniyat, Shaab Sharm, Gota Marsa Alam
Day 1
This 8-day itinerary explores 2 of the Red Sea's most celebrated southern reef systems: the sprawling Fury Shoals and the pristine St. John's reefs. Both are renowned for their exceptional coral health, dramatic underwater topography, and abundant marine life. The Longara liveaboard provides a comfortable and efficient base for accessing these remote locations, allowing divers to experience the best of the deep south without the crowds found on northern routes.
The expedition begins with an afternoon boarding at Port Ghalib. After settling into your cabin and meeting the crew, you will receive a comprehensive safety and itinerary briefing. Dinner is served onboard, and the vessel remains in port overnight, departing early the following morning for the sail south.
Core Days
The first full day at sea sets the course for St. John's, the most southerly destination on the route. The St. John's reef system is a complex of pinnacles, canyons, and walls that rank among the healthiest in the Red Sea. The diving here is characterised by exceptional hard coral coverage and an abundance of reef fish. Sites like Um Aruk and Habali Ali feature dramatic drop-offs and deep pinnacles, where schools of barracuda and snapper are common. Gota Soraya and Gota Kebir are known for their intricate cave systems and swim-throughs, often sheltering resting turtles and Napoleon wrasse. The clarity of the water and the density of marine life make each dive at St. John's a visual highlight.
The Longara then shifts to the Fury Shoals, a vast and varied reef system that offers a different diving experience. Shaab Maksour is a classic wall dive, with steep drop-offs covered in gorgonian fans and soft corals. Shaab Claudio is famous for its cathedral-like swim-throughs and enormous porites coral heads, which attract schools of batfish and bannerfish. Malahi presents a maze of pinnacles and channels, a favoured haunt of green sea turtles and white-tip reef sharks. Additional dives at Sheliniyat, Shaab Sharm, and Gota Marsa Alam reveal the diversity of the region, with sightings of eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, and schooling barracuda.
A key highlight of this cruise is a visit to Sataya, often referred to as Dolphin House. This large lagoon is home to a resident population of spinner dolphins, and the Longara liveaboard schedules extended snorkelling sessions here between dives. Observing these acrobatic animals in their natural habitat is a memorable counterpoint to the deeper wall dives. The crew adjust the schedule to maximise these encounters, ensuring guests have ample opportunity to swim with the dolphins.
Day 8
Disembarkation from Longara is scheduled after a final breakfast. For divers seeking a combination of pristine reefs, diverse marine life, and the chance to encounter dolphins, this itinerary delivers a comprehensive southern safari experience.
Red Sea North, Tiran Straits & Dahab (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 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: Hurghada: Police Station, Giftun Island, El Gouna; Straits of Tiran: Thomas, Gordon, Jackson reefs; Ras Abu Galum, Dahab: Blue Hole, The Canyon; The Island; Nabq: Gabr El Bent, Abu Syela, Gabr El Bent Al Shogayrat, Shaab El Erg, Gubal Island, maybe Safaga
Day 1
Boarding for this northern Red Sea safari takes place at Hurghada Marina. Once you are shown to your cabin and the safety and orientation brief is complete, dinner is served in the saloon. The Longara stays in port overnight, setting out early the next morning for the first dive sites.
Core Days
This route stretches across the northern Red Sea, taking in the sheltered reefs around Hurghada, the current-fed channels of the Tiran Straits, and the distinctive coastal diving of the Dahab and Nabq area. The Longara liveaboard works through these locations in sequence, adjusting the order to suit wind and tide. The trip opens with easier diving close to Hurghada. Police Station, Giftun Island and El Gouna offer coral gardens, seagrass beds and shallow reef structures that suit check-out dives and night dives. Shaab El Erg and Gubal Island follow, with broad coral gardens, resident reef fish and the occasional dolphin sighting. These sites give you time to find your rhythm before the pace picks up.
The Tiran Straits bring the drift diving. Thomas, Gordon and Jackson Reefs sit in strong flow, and that current is what draws the fish in. Schools of barracuda and jacks hang in the blue off the reef edges, and reef sharks work the drop-offs. Jackson's shallow plateaus offer a break from the push, and Thomas's canyon, with its rock bridges and gorgonian fields, rewards divers with the experience to handle the changing currents.
The Sinai coast then takes over. Ras Abu Galum and the Nabq protected area offer healthy fringing reefs, pinnacles and sheltered bays, with a mix of hard and soft corals and a good spread of reef fish. Gabr El Bent, sometimes called the Grave of the Girl, has two distinct sides: a steep wall on the right cut by ravines and overhangs, and a more colourful left side with gorgonian forests and dense shoals of anthias and glassfish. Trevallies hunt fusiliers in the blue above, and the sandy ledge on the return leg holds coral heads busy with parrotfish, triggerfish, stingrays and often a turtle. Abu Syela and Gabr El Bent Al Shogayrat add further options in the same area.
Dahab is the standout for many divers. The Blue Hole is a coral abyss dropping vertically to around 110 metres, and while the arch at 55 metres is for technical divers only, recreational divers can enter at The Bells and drift along the outer wall before ascending over the saddle into the calm water inside the hole. The Canyon, a narrow fissure cutting into the reef, offers a dramatic swim-through at depths between 25 and 50 metres, with light filtering down through the gap above. Both sites are shore entries, which gives the week a different texture from the boat diving elsewhere on the route.
A stop near Safaga may be included if conditions permit. Two final dives are scheduled to allow a safe surface interval before the Longara returns to Hurghada Marina.
Day 8
Disembarkation occurs after a final breakfast on board the Longara. The crew can arrange transport back to the airport or to a local hotel.
Red Sea North, 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: Shaab El Erg, Gubal Island, SS Thistlegorm, Ras Mohamed: Yolanda, Shark Reef; Abu Nuhas: Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Kimon M; Brother Islands
Day 1
This grand tour of the Red Sea begins with boarding at Hurghada Marina. Once on the Longara, the crew will welcome you, show you to your quarters, and deliver a detailed safety briefing covering the vessel and the week's itinerary. You will enjoy dinner in the saloon, preparing for the diving to commence the following morning.
Core Days
This expedition takes in a wide spread of Egypt's best diving, pairing the offshore drama of the Brother Islands with the historic wrecks and reef walls of the north. The Longara liveaboard handles the crossings and full diving days this route requires, and the crew adjust the order of sites to suit conditions.
The Brother Islands are 2 exposed mounts rising from deep water in the middle of the sea. Drift dives along their walls reveal dense coverings of sponges, anemones and soft corals, and the current that sweeps these faces is what draws the bigger animals in. Grey reef sharks and silvertips are common, with scalloped hammerheads and oceanic whitetips both possible depending on season and conditions. Tuna, jacks and barracuda work the open water off the reef edge. On Big Brother, the Numidia sits in shallow water, now heavily colonised by hard and soft corals and gorgonians, while the Aida stands almost vertically on the reef slope nearby.
The northern leg covers the wrecks of the Gubal Strait and Abu Nuhas. The SS Thistlegorm is the headline: a British supply ship sunk in 1941, lying upright at around 32 metres with her cargo of military equipment still in the holds. Lorries, motorcycles, rifles, a railway carriage and two locomotives remain in place, and the wreck now carries a healthy covering of coral with batfish, snappers and barracuda circulating around it. Other losses in the area include the Rosalie Moeller, the Ulysses, the Kingston and the Dunraven, each offering a different depth and character. At Abu Nuhas, 4 vessels share the same reef - the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M - all now functioning as artificial reefs layered with corals and packed with glassfish, lionfish and groupers.
The route also includes the protected waters of Ras Mohamed. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are best dived as a drift, with nutrient-rich current attracting tuna and trevallies, and the scattered remains of the Yolanda - toilets, bathtubs and all - now absorbed into the reef. Shaab El Erg and Gubal Island round out this Longara diving itinerary, with dolphins occasionally sighted at the former and reef and wreck diving at the latter.
Day 8
Disembarkation starts after a final breakfast on the yacht. You can arrange with the crew to be transported back to the airport or to a local hotel.
Red Sea North, Wrecks & Safaga (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 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: Hurghada: Police Station, Giftun Island; Shaab El Erg, Gubal Island, Rosalie Moller, Ulysses, Kingston, SS Thistlegorm, Ras Mohamed: Yolanda, Shark Reef; Abu Nuhas: Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Kimon M; Straits of Tiran: Gordon, Jackson reefs, Safaga, Salem Express
Day 1
This combined wreck and reef adventure begins with boarding the Longara at Hurghada Marina. After a warm welcome from the crew, you will receive a detailed safety and vessel orientation brief before being shown to your quarters. Dinner is served in the saloon, allowing you to settle in for the night before the early morning departure to the first dive sites.
Core Days
This route covers the definitive northern experience, pairing the region's historic wrecks with the drift diving of the Tiran Straits and the reef systems of Ras Mohamed and Safaga. The Longara liveaboard works through these sites at a steady pace, adjusting the order to suit conditions.
Wreck diving takes up a good portion of the week. The SS Thistlegorm is the centrepiece: a British supply ship sunk in 1941 and now lying upright at around 32 metres, her holds still packed with wartime equipment. Lorries, motorcycles, rifles and a railway carriage remain in place, and the wreck carries a healthy covering of coral with batfish, snappers and barracuda circulating around it. The nearby Rosalie Moller offers a deeper, quieter alternative at around 50 metres, while the Ulysses, Kingston and Dunraven add further options depending on the schedule. At Abu Nuhas, 4 vessels share the same reef - the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M. Each sits within recreational depths and each has become an artificial reef, with glassfish packed into the interior spaces, lionfish and scorpionfish camouflaged against the metal, and groupers and snappers working the surrounding reef.
The Tiran Straits provide the drift diving of the trip. Gordon and Jackson Reefs sit in strong current that draws in jacks, barracuda and reef sharks, with Jackson's triangular profile and its shallow plateaus giving the site a distinctive shape above and below the water. Thomas and Woodhouse Reefs are also included where the itinerary allows, offering steep walls, gorgonian fields and the chance of hammerheads and grey reef sharks in the blue.
Ras Mohamed follows, with Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef among the most celebrated sites in the region. The walls here are rich in gorgonians and soft corals, and the nutrient-heavy current brings in turtles, snappers, trevallies and tuna. The scattered remains of the Yolanda - toilets, bathtubs and all - lie across the shallow plateau, now fully absorbed into the reef.
Closer to Hurghada, the Longara uses Shaab El Erg, Gubal Island, Police Station, Giftun Island and Turtle Reef for check-out dives and sheltered night dives. These sites offer a gentler introduction to the week, with coral gardens, seagrass beds and a resident turtle population at the more sheltered locations. Further south, the Salem Express near Safaga provides a different kind of dive. The ferry sank in 1991 and now rests on its starboard side between 11 and 32 metres. It has been declared a grave, so dives are conducted on the exterior only, with the structure now sheltering blue-spotted stingrays and schools of butterflyfish.
2 final dives are scheduled to allow a safe surface interval before the Longara returns to Hurghada Marina.
Day 8
Disembarkation occurs after a final breakfast on board the Longara.
Red Sea of Egypt (15 Days / 14 Nights - 37 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 area, Straits of Tiran, Ras Abu Gallum, Dahab, Blue Hole, Thistlegorm, Ras Mohamed: Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, Gubal, Abu Nuhas wrecks (Giannis D, Carnatic, Kimon M, Chrisoula K), Big Brother, Little Brother, Daedalus Reef, Zabargad, Rocky Island, St. John's, Fury Shoals, Sataya, Sheliniyat, Wadi Gemal, Elphinstone
Day 1
Boarding for this fortnight-long expedition takes place at Hurghada or Port Ghalib, depending on the sailing. Once you are shown to your cabin and the safety brief is complete, dinner is served in the saloon. The Longara stays in port overnight, setting out early the next morning for the first stretch of open water.
Core Days
2 weeks gives this route room to cover ground most itineraries cannot. The Longara liveaboard moves through 4 distinct areas, taking in the northern wrecks, the Sinai reefs, the offshore marine parks and the remote southern frontier, with the order adapted to suit wind and current.
The northern section deals in steel. The SS Thistlegorm is the anchor site, a British supply vessel lost in 1941 and resting upright at roughly 32 metres. Her holds remain full: lorries, motorcycles, rifles, a railway carriage and two locomotives. Coral has taken hold across the superstructure, and batfish, snappers and barracuda now work the wreck. 4 more losses sit together at Abu Nuhas, each within reach of recreational divers and each transformed into a reef. Glassfish fill the enclosed spaces, lionfish and scorpionfish sit camouflaged against the metal, and groupers and snappers patrol the surrounding coral. Shallower sites around Gubal Island and the Hurghada coastline serve as check-out and night dives, with coral gardens, seagrass and green turtles at the more sheltered spots.
Sinai brings the current. Gordon and Jackson Reefs sit in the flow of the Tiran Straits, where jacks, barracuda and reef sharks gather along the edges, and Jackson's shallow plateaus offer a break from the push. At Ras Mohamed, Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef deliver wall diving with dense gorgonians and soft corals, while the current carries in turtles, snappers, trevallies and tuna. The Yolanda's cargo lies scattered across the shallow shelf, long since absorbed by the reef. Dahab offers something different again: Ras Abu Gallum's sheltered gardens and shallow caves suit an easier day, while the Blue Hole and the Canyon provide steep drops and swim-throughs for divers with the right experience.
The offshore leg is where the big animals live. The Brother Islands rise from deep water roughly 60 kilometres out, their walls clad in soft corals and sponges. Grey reef sharks, silvertips and scalloped hammerheads all appear here, and Big Brother holds the Numidia and the Aida, both now well colonised by coral. Daedalus Reef, Rocky Island and Zabargad follow, each exposed with strong current and a reputation for pelagic visitors. Thresher sharks, manta rays, oceanic whitetips and dolphins all pass through these waters, and the walls carry dense gorgonian fans and black coral trees.
The final stretch on the Longara heads deep south. St. John's is considered the healthiest reef system in the Egyptian Red Sea, with hard coral gardens, submerged pinnacles and caverns at sites including Sheliniyat, where coral tunnels cut through the reef. Fury Shoals and Wadi Gemal offer pristine coral and quieter conditions, and Sataya gives the chance to snorkel with resident spinner dolphins between dives. Elphinstone features where the schedule allows, its vertical walls and southern plateau known for oceanic whitetip encounters.
Day 15
Disembarkation takes place after a final breakfast on board, at Port Ghalib, Hurghada or Safaga depending on the specific sailing.
Red Sea South, St. John's & Elba Reef
Trip highlights: 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: Elba Reef: Shaab Kabrit, Di Levanzo wreck, Gota Kabrit, Habili Shalal, Ohrob; Daedalus Reef, Rocky, Zabargad, Abu Fendera, Fury Shoals: Sataya (Dolphin House); St John’s, Elphinstone, Shaab Shouna
Day 1
This expedition is designed for divers who want to move beyond the familiar routes and explore the remote southern frontiers of the Red Sea. The itinerary covers a vast arc from the offshore marine parks of Daedalus and Zabargad to the seldom-visited reefs near the Sudanese border, including Elba, St. John's, and Fury Shoals. With 24 dives scheduled across the trip, the pace is steady, the diving is demanding, and the rewards are substantial. The expedition begins at Port Ghalib with an evening boarding, followed by a safety briefing, dinner, and an overnight stay in the harbour.
Core Days
The vessel departs early the next morning, heading south toward the first offshore group: Daedalus Reef, Rocky Island, and Zabargad. These 3 sites are legendary for their pelagic action. Daedalus is a classic: a steep wall dropping into the blue, where hammerhead sharks and oceanic whitetips are regular visitors. Rocky Island, more exposed, supports vast gorgonian forests and barrel sponges, which in turn attract grey reef sharks and green turtles. Zabargad offers a different character, with dramatic drop-offs to the south and sheltered coral gardens to the north, home to napoleon wrasse and schools of bannerfish.
From these offshore parks, the Longara liveaboard pushes further south to Elba Reef, a largely untouched zone at the edge of the Sudanese frontier. This is where the itinerary earns its reputation. Sites like Shaab Kabrit, Gota Kabrit, and Habili Shalal are rarely visited, offering pristine coral formations and the chance to be among the first divers on a reef in years. A key attraction here is the Di Levanzo, an Italian vessel that sank in 1923. The wreck lies on its side, now completely encrusted with hard and soft corals, and serves as a haven for schools of glassfish, batfish, and the occasional turtle. Thee isolation of Elba means minimal boat traffic and a genuine sense of exploration.
The route then swings north-west to the St. John's reef system, a complex of pinnacles and drop-offs known for some of the healthiest coral coverage in the Red Sea. The light here is exceptional: the sun filters through clear water to illuminate vast fields of table corals and staghorn thickets, where clownfish, anthias, and fusiliers are abundant. The dive schedule then enters the Fury Shoals, a maze of reefs and channels. A highlight here is Sataya, often referred to as Dolphin House, where resident spinner dolphins are frequently encountered. The site offers both shallow coral gardens and deeper walls, providing variety after the deep blue of the offshore parks.
The final day of diving focuses on the sheer walls of Elphinstone, a site synonymous with the Red Sea's reputation for big fish. The reef is known for encounters with oceanic whitetips and grey reef sharks, which patrol the edge of the wall in search of food. This is a fitting conclusion to the southern expedition.
Throughout the cruise, the Longara provides a comfortable base for this demanding itinerary. The diving is tailored for intermediate to advanced levels, with currents that can be strong and depths that range from the shallows to the 40-metre limit. The crew are experienced in operating in these remote areas, and the vessel's range ensures you can spend time on the sites that matter. For photographers and dedicated divers, this itinerary offers a rare chance to experience the southern Red Sea at its wildest and least visited.
Final Day
Disembark in Port Ghalib after a final breakfast.
[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].
Most liveaboards solve the food issue with volume: big trays, repeat dishes, food that is fine but forgettable. The Longara liveaboard solves it with technique and variety instead. On this vessel, dining is not a refuel stop between dives. It is a structured culinary program inspired by 2-star Michelin Chef Michel Portos, adapted for life at sea. For divers spending a week exploring Egypt's southern reefs, that distinction matters more than it sounds.
Meals are served in the onboard dining area on the lower deck, with multi-course dinners often presented against Red Sea sunsets on the vessel's open decks. The menu draws on Mediterranean technique, using fresh local Egyptian ingredients executed daily by an onboard kitchen team trained to Michelin-caliber standards. The philosophy is simple: light, clean energy that fuels multiple dives a day without weighing you down between briefings. Traditional heavy, fried buffet food has been replaced with chef-composed plates that stabilise blood sugar and keep you physically primed for the next adventure.
A sample day on the Longara liveaboard might begin with fresh fruits and light proteins for immediate energy without bloating. Mornings could offer a continental or Egyptian breakfast, with eggs prepared to your preference, fresh bread, cheese, ham, salad, pastries, tea, coffee, and juice. Lunch is a Mediterranean-inspired plate, rich in seasonal vegetables and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Snacks between dives are protein-forward: ceviche, finger foods, and hydrating infusions to facilitate recovery. Dinners are the culinary highlight, often featuring multi-course meals like a bright citrus-marinated ceviche on the sun deck, or a slow-roasted Mediterranean lamb served in the elegant indoor dining area. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available, and specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Between dives, the Longara provides ample space to relax and reset. The sun deck and jacuzzi are popular spots for unwinding, while the indoor lounge with a flat-screen television offers a cooler retreat. A dedicated spa room offers soothing treatments for those looking to restore and rebalance. For those who want to stay connected, Wi-Fi is available. The crew handles all the logistics, allowing scuba divers to focus entirely on the underwater world and the pleasure of the table.
The dining experience on the Longara liveaboard is a social highlight, with guests gathering to share stories of the day's sightings over exceptional food. Soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water are complimentary, while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Guests are also welcome to bring their own drinks or alcohol with no corkage fee. It is a week-long culinary retreat that matches the sophistication of the Red Sea's underwater expeditions.
