The Red Sea has long been a cornerstone of the global diving map, celebrated for its crystalline visibility, dramatic reef walls, and legendary wrecks. Yet for many scuba divers, the experience aboard a liveaboard has often meant a trade-off: world-class diving paired with functional but forgettable facilities. The Dune Longara liveaboard was designed to close that gap. It brings together the raw appeal of Egypt's southern routes with a level of comfort and dining that feels more like a boutique hotel than a dive boat.
At 43 metres in length, the Longara liveaboard offers space that directly improves the quality of a week at sea. With 15 cabins for a maximum of 30 guests, the vessel avoids the crowded feel of larger operations . The number of 17 staff means service remains attentive without being intrusive. Whether you choose a Standard cabin on the lower deck or a Premium suite with sea views, each room comes with air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, and modern charging ports. A Jacuzzi on the sun deck and a cocktail lounge add a layer of relaxation that is rarely found on Red Sea dive vessels.
The culinary programme aboard Longara sets it apart from almost every other liveaboard in the region. The menu was curated by 2-star Michelin Chef Michel Portos, who brought a Mediterranean-inspired approach to the galley. This is not standard buffet fare. Meals are prepared fresh daily, applying classic French technique to locally sourced Egyptian ingredients. The kitchen balances refinement with practicality: dishes are designed to fuel multiple dives without leaving you feeling heavy before a drift on Elphinstone or a deep dive at Daedalus.
Diving from the Longara liveaboard means access to the full range of Red Sea expeditions, from the northern wrecks of Tiran and Ras Mohamed to the southern marine parks of St. John's Reefs, Fury Shoals, and the legendary Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone triangle. Certified divers benefit from free nitrox throughout the trip, a significant value-add for those looking to maximise bottom time. The dive deck is well-equipped, with tenders for accessing remote sites and space for equipment storage.
Beyond the diving, the Longara liveaboard offers a range of activities for non-divers and those seeking variety. Snorkelling, island excursions, and onboard entertainment are available, ensuring that companions who do not dive are equally well catered for. The vessel also operates with a commitment to sustainable practices, reflecting a broader awareness of the need to protect the very reefs that draw guests to this part of the world.
The Dune Longara liveaboard represents a clear evolution in Red Sea expeditions. It does not sacrifice dive quality for comfort, nor does it treat dining as an afterthought. For divers who value both the thrill of exploration and the quality of life between dives, this vessel offers a compelling option. It delivers the southern Red Sea's best sites with a standard of hospitality that makes the surface intervals feel as rewarding as the time spent underwater.
There are 15 gust cabins on Longara, each with its own private bathroom: On the main deck there are 6 standard cabins, 4 with twin beds and 2 with double and single beds. On the upper deck there are 5 superior cabins, each with twin beds, and 2 deluxe cabins with double beds. On the sun deck there are 2 premium cabins with double and single beds.
All the cabins have:
- Individual control air-conditioning
- Private bathroom with hot water shower and hand basin
- Seaview windows
- Biodegradable toiletries, towels and bathrobe
- Bedside cabinet
- Reading lights
- Wardrobe, mirror and shelves
- Minibar
- Safe (panoramic cabins only)
- Daily housekeeping
- Bedding
- 24-hour, 220v electricity supply
- USB and USBC ports
- Fire alarm, life jackets and fire extinguishers
- Storage space for luggage
No. of bathrooms / showers - 15 / 15 - hot water
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 South, St. John's & Elba Reef (11 Days / 10 Nights - 23 Dives)
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].
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure aboard the Dune Longara Liveaboard, featuring an array of fresh Red Sea specialities, global dishes, and enticing vegetarian choices. Savour delicious meals as you sail through an unforgettable ocean journey.
6-7 am: Wake-up call signals the start of the day. Guests enjoy a light breakfast of fruits, pastries, and beverages, followed by a dive briefing for safety and site information.
7-8 am: First dive/snorkelling session begins, exploring vibrant underwater scenes.
8-9 am: Hearty breakfast onboard with hot dishes and beverages to fuel up for the day.
10-11 am: Second dive/snorkelling session explores different sites or continues morning adventures.
12-1 pm: Lunch onboard features a variety of local and international dishes.
2-3 pm: The third dive/snorkelling session offers more underwater exploration guided by experienced instructors.
3-7 pm: Various activities such as island exploration, kayaking, or relaxation onboard.
7-8 pm: Once a week, night dive begins, showcasing nocturnal marine life and unique underwater behaviours.
8-9 pm: Return to liveaboard for dinner and shared stories from the day's adventures.
