Brothers & Safaga (8 Days / 7 Nights - 20 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: Abu Ramada, Small Giftun Island, Abu Hasheesh, Tobia Arbaa, Panorama, Middle Reef, Shaab Shear, Abu Kafan, Salem Express, Big Brother, Little Brother
Day 1
Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon at Hurghada Harbour (or Port Ghalib, depending on the schedule). You will be welcomed aboard the Sunlight liveaboard, receive a detailed safety briefing, and settle into your cabin before enjoying dinner. The vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This tour is an exceptional blend of the Red Sea’s most intense pelagic diving and its most rewarding coastal reef systems. Sailing on the Sunlight provides the ideal platform to tackle this diverse route, from exposed offshore sites to sheltered coral gardens.
The Brother Islands are the safari’s premier destination for big-animal encounters. Big Brother and Little Brother are legendary for their powerful drift dives along vertical walls, which are spectacularly covered in massive gorgonian fans and colourful soft corals. These oceanic mounts act as magnets for large pelagic species. Divers should watch the blue for oceanic whitetip sharks, scalloped hammerheads, and the distinctive thresher shark. Big Brother is also home to 2 historical wrecks, the Numidia and the Aida II, which are beautifully integrated into the living reef structure.
The Safaga region offers a mix of dramatic pinnacles and historical depth. Sites like Panorama Reef and Abu Kafan feature sheer vertical walls exposed to strong currents, where schools of jackfish and tuna gather. Closer to the mainland, Middle Reef and Tobia Arbaa boast calmer, thriving hard coral gardens, excellent for observing green turtles and massive Napoleon wrasse. This area also includes the Salem Express wreck, a 100-metre ferry boat that now hosts various marine life, including frogfish and blue-spotted stingrays.
We conclude with the rich, easily accessible Hurghada reefs. Explore the structures near Abu Ramada and the pristine fringing reefs around Small Giftun Island and Abu Hasheesh. Shallow reefs like Shaab Shear offer a relaxed environment for searching for lionfish and octopus, showcasing the immense biodiversity of the Red Sea from the comfort of the Sunlight.
Day 8
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at the port.
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: Brothers islands, Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone
Day 1
Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon at Hurghada Harbour (or Port Ghalib). You will be welcomed aboard the Sunlight, receive a detailed safety briefing, and settle into your cabin before enjoying dinner. The vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This scuba safari focuses intensely on 3 of the Red Sea's most remote and legendary offshore dive sites. Diving from the Sunlight provides optimal access to these exposed pinnacles, renowned for their strong currents and spectacular marine life.
The Brother Islands (Big Brother and Little Brother) are the premier destination for drift diving. Their sheer walls are densely draped in immense gorgonian sea fans, black corals, and vibrant soft corals. These deep-ocean mounts are magnets for large pelagic species: divers should watch the blue for oceanic whitetip sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and the distinctive thresher shark. Big Brother is also home to 2 accessible wrecks, the Numidia and the Aida II, which are beautifully integrated into the reef structure.
Next, we visit the colossal Daedalus Reef. Its isolated location makes it a crucial aggregation point for open-ocean predators. Divers frequently encounter schools of scalloped hammerheads here, along with possible sightings of giant manta rays and the rare whale shark. The reef’s vertical walls are a stunning spectacle of pristine coral formations.
The itinerary concludes at the famous Elphinstone Reef, a celebrated pinnacle known for its dramatic drop-offs and high probability of spotting open-ocean predators. Early morning dives here offer the best chance to spot oceanic whitetip sharks patrolling the exposed corners. The Sunlight liveaboard ensures continuous high-quality scuba diving across these 3 legendary locations.
Day 8
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at the Hurghada Harbour (or Port Ghalib).
Daedalus, Fury Shoals & Elphinstone
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: Abu Dabbab, Daedalus Reef, Fury Shoals: Shaab Sataya, Shaab Claudio, El Malahi, Abu Galawa, Shaab Maksour; Elphinstone, Marsa Shona
Day 1
Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon at Port Ghalib. Once welcomed aboard the Sunlight, you will receive a detailed safety briefing, settle into your cabin, and enjoy dinner with your fellow divers. The vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This Sunlight dive safari focuses on combining the deep-south’s most renowned exposed sites with its vast, shallow reef systems. The expedition includes the immense Daedalus Reef, an isolated pinnacle whose sheer walls are continuously swept by strong currents. These conditions are ideal for encounters with large pelagic species, including schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and the majestic whale shark. The reef structure itself is covered in spectacular hard and soft corals.
The trip continues to the sprawling Fury Shoals reef system, celebrated for its unique formations and pristine coral health. Dive sites here, such as Sha'ab Claudio and Sha'ab Malahi, feature fascinating shallow caves, intricate swim-throughs, and extensive coral gardens teeming with marine life. At Sataya, divers and snorkellers often encounter the resident pod of wild spinner dolphins. Other areas like Abu Galawa Kebir and Sha'ab Maksour showcase immense pinnacles and dramatic drop-offs frequented by schools of snapper and trevallies.
Finally, we visit the legendary Elphinstone Reef, where sheer walls drop into the abyss, providing one last chance for exciting sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks and giant manta rays. Shallower, protective reefs like Abu Dabbab, Shaab Shona, and Shaab Sharm are also visited, offering gentle dives where you can observe turtles, dugongs, and colourful reef fish. The Sunlight liveaboard ensures comprehensive access to this incredible diversity.
Final Day
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at the Port Ghalib.
Daedalus, Rocky & Zabargad (8 Days / 7 Nights - 19 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: Abu Dabbab, Daedalus Reef, Rocky, Zabargad, Fury Shoals: Sataya, Claudio, Malahi, Maksour; Elphinstone, Shaab Shona
Day 1
Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon at Port Ghalib. Once welcomed aboard the Sunlight, you will receive a detailed safety briefing, settle into your cabin, and enjoy dinner with your fellow divers. The vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This dive safari focuses intensely on the isolated oceanic pinnacles of the southern Red Sea, renowned for strong currents and spectacular marine life. The cruise begins at Daedalus Reef, a massive, current-swept pinnacle whose sheer walls descend hundreds of metres. Daedalus is a prime aggregation point for large pelagic species. Divers frequently encounter schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks here, along with possible sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks, thresher sharks, and even giant manta rays. The walls are richly draped in pristine, colourful hard and soft corals.
Further south, you will explore the unique tandem of Rocky Island and Zabargad Island. Rocky Island is a small, exposed reef often subject to powerful currents, which creates a highly dynamic environment. Here, you should watch the blue for patrolling silvertip sharks and grey reef sharks, as well as possible dolphin sightings. Zabargad Island offers varied diving, including steep drop-offs, shallow coral gardens, and a 70-metre historical wreck now entirely integrated into the living reef ecosystem.
The cruise is rounded out with dives in the sprawling Fury Shoals and adjacent coastal sites. Explore the famous swim-throughs of Shaab Claudio and the exposed walls of Shaab Maksour. Shallow, protective reefs like Abu Dabbab and Shaab Shona allow for encounters with green sea turtles and the rare dugong, along with unique macro life. The Sunlight liveaboard ensures comprehensive coverage of these high-quality dive areas.
Day 8
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at the port.
Fury Shoals & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 20 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: Shaab Marsa Alam, Abu Dabbab, Fury Shoals: Sataya, Claudio, Malahi, Abu Galawa Kebir, Maksour; Elphinstone, Shaab Shona, Shaab Sharm
Day 1
Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon at Port Ghalib. You will be welcomed aboard the Sunlight, receive a detailed safety briefing, and settle into your cabin before enjoying dinner with your fellow divers. The vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This safari focuses intensely on combining 2 contrasting yet equally rewarding types of scuba diving in the deep south. The expedition features Elphinstone Reef, a celebrated isolated pinnacle known for its steep walls and exposure to strong oceanic currents. Divers frequently encounter transient pelagic species here, including oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, and majestic manta rays, which patrol the north and south plateaus.
The main portion of the cruise explores the extensive Fury Shoals reef system, which offers some of the most intricate and well-preserved coral gardens in the Egyptian Red Sea. Dive sites such as Shaab Claudio and Shaab Malahi feature unique formations, including narrow swim-throughs and winding coral mazes, perfect for exploration. The large, horseshoe-shaped reef of Sataya is internationally famous for its resident pod of wild spinner dolphins, providing unique surface encounter opportunities for guests aboard the Sunlight.
We also explore a variety of other high-quality reefs. Sites like Shaab Maksour provide deeper, exhilarating wall dives, while Abu Galawa Kebir showcases immense pinnacles covered in hard coral. Closer to the mainland, protected areas such as Shaab Marsa Alam, Shaab Shona, Shaab Sharm, and Abu Dabbab offer calmer conditions ideal for observing large green sea turtles, the elusive dugong, and endemic reef fish like moray eels and schools of yellowfin goatfish. The Sunlight liveaboard ensures a wide variety of high-quality diving throughout the week.
Day 8
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at the port.
Fury Shoals & St. John's (8 Days / 7 Nights - 19 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: Abu Dabbab, St. John's: Dangerous, Habili Ali, Habili Gaffar, Mikauwa island, Abu Galawa; Fury Shoals: Sataya, Claudio, Malahi, Maksour; Elphinstone, Shaab Shona
Day 1
Once welcomed aboard the Sunlight liveaboard at Port Ghalib, you will receive a detailed safety briefing, settle into your cabin, and enjoy dinner with your fellow divers before the vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This expansive safari is dedicated to showcasing the incredible variety of diving found in the deep south of the Red Sea. St. John's is a renowned cluster of sites celebrated for its exceptional health and variety. Dive along the dramatic drop-offs and explore the pinnacles of Habili Ali and Habili Gaffar, where the powerful currents attract schools of barracuda, snapper, and various reef sharks. The reefs of Mikauwa Island offer intricate topography, including tunnels and swim-throughs, all blanketed in spectacular hard and soft corals. The nearby coastal site of Abu Dabbab is a highlight, known for high chances of spotting gentle dugongs alongside large green sea turtles.
The itinerary also features extensive exploration of the Fury Shoals reef system, a vast area famous for its unique formations and abundance of life. Sites like Shaab Claudio and Shaab Malahi feature shallow caves, coral mazes, and huge porites corals. The iconic horseshoe reef of Sataya is often visited for unique encounters with the resident pod of wild spinner dolphins. Other locations like Abu Galawa and Shaab Maksour provide deeper wall dives and pristine coral gardens. The Sunlight ensures optimal access to this rich spectrum of southern Red Sea diving.
A thrilling conclusion is often included at Elphinstone, where the exposed north and south plateaus are famous for consistent sightings of pelagics, including oceanic whitetip sharks, providing an exhilarating end to the trip. The Sunlight provides a reliable platform for navigating this rewarding route.
Day 8
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at the 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: Shaab El Erg, Abu Nuhas wrecks: Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K. and Kimon M;, Shaab Mahmoud, Ras Mohamed, Straits of Tiran: Jackson, Thomas, Gordon and Woodhouse reefs; Ras Um Sid, Thistlegorm, Gubal Island, Umm Gamar
Day 1
Embarkation commences in the late afternoon at Hurghada Harbour. You will be welcomed aboard the Sunlight liveaboard, receive a detailed safety briefing, and settle into your cabin before enjoying dinner. The vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This comprehensive itinerary, expertly navigated by the Sunlight, provides the ultimate northern Red Sea experience, blending historical wreck immersion with exhilarating drift diving. We dedicate time to the famous wreck circuit, beginning with the globally renowned SS Thistlegorm. This WWII military transport ship offers a unique historical dive, allowing access to its holds where preserved trucks, motorcycles, and supplies remain intact. The nearby Dunraven wreck near Shaab Mahmoud provides another beautiful coral-encrusted relic. The notorious Abu Nuhas reef hosts 4 spectacular wrecks (the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M), all richly colonised by hard and soft corals, making them excellent subjects for underwater photography.
We move north to the dramatic walls and exposed pinnacles of the Sinai coast. Ras Mohamed National Park is famed for its spectacular drop-offs at sites like Ras Um Sid and the walls near Shark & Yolanda Reef, adorned with huge gorgonian sea fans. Here, large schools of snapper, trevally, and tuna patrol the deep blue, alongside frequent sightings of green sea turtles and blue-spotted stingrays.
Further scuba exploration covers the dynamic Straits of Tiran. The 4 prominent reefs (Jackson, Thomas, Gordon, and Woodhouse) are constantly swept by currents, attracting impressive numbers of pelagic fish. The Sunlight ensures you visit calmer, highly biodiverse reefs near Gubal Island and Umm Gamar, and the horseshoe reef of Shaab El Erg, known for its resident dolphin pods, rounding out a varied and complete dive safari.
Day 8
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation from the Sunlight takes place at Hurghada Harbour.
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: Rocky Island, Zabargad, St. John's: Dangerous Reef, Habili Ali, Habili Gaffar, Mikauwa island, Abu Galawa; Fury Shoals: Sataya, Claudio, Malahi, Maksour; Elphinstone, Abu Dabbab, Marsa Shona, Elba Reef
Day 1
Embarkation on Sunlight takes place in the late afternoon at Port Ghalib. Once welcomed aboard, you will receive a detailed safety briefing, settle into your cabin, and enjoy dinner with your fellow divers before the vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This extended safari is tailored for serious divers who want to explore the Red Sea's remote, pristine, and rarely visited sites. It navigates deep south to the isolated pinnacles of Rocky Island and Zabargad Island. Rocky Island is renowned for its highly dynamic environment, where strong currents support dense growth of gorgonian fans, black corals, and sponges. Watch the deep blue for sightings of patrolling grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, and possible dolphin and manta ray encounters. Zabargad Island offers varied diving, including its famous 70-metre Levanzo wreck, which has been beautifully colonised by marine life, alongside vertical walls and shallow coral gardens.
The expedition continues to the magnificent St. John's reef system. Sites like Habili Ali and Habili Gaffar are exposed pinnacles that attract large pelagic schools of barracuda and snapper, often trailed by reef sharks. The surrounding reefs of Mikauwa Island and Dangerous Reef feature spectacular drop-offs, pinnacles, and natural tunnels, all draped in vast hard and soft coral colonies. This area is frequented by turtles and Napoleon wrasse.
A major highlight of the route is the exploration of Elba Reef, a remote system near the Sudanese border, known for its pristine, untouched condition. Here, the unique topography and health of the reef provide a glimpse into the Red Sea's untouched past.
On the return, Sunlight visits the expansive Fury Shoals, including Shaab Claudio with its famed swim-throughs, Shaab Maksour with its deep walls, and Sataya, renowned for its resident pod of wild spinner dolphins. Nearby, Abu Dabbab and Marsa Shona offer calmer dives, where you might encounter the elusive dugong. The Sunlight liveaboard provides comprehensive coverage of this vast and rewarding region.
Final Day
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at Port Ghalib.
Safaga & Hurghada
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, Abu Nuhas wrecks: Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K. and Kimon M; Gubal, Safaga: Salem Express, Shaab Sheer, Abu Kefan, Panorama Reef, Middle Reef, Tobia Arba, Ras Abu Soma, Abu Hasheesh; Small Giftun
Day 1
Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon at Hurghada Harbour. You will be welcomed aboard the Sunlight liveaboard, receive a detailed safety briefing, and settle into your cabin before enjoying dinner. The vessel departs for the open sea early the following morning.
Core Days
This itinerary provides divers with a comprehensive tour of the Northern Red Sea's most compelling wrecks and vibrant reef systems, accessible from the specialised Sunlight vessel. It begins by exploring the historical wreck sites. The treacherous Abu Nuhas reef holds four significant cargo vessels: the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M. These ships are now heavily adorned with coral growth, offering spectacular dives and habitat for vast schools of glassfish and moray eels, making them ideal subjects for underwater photography. Further south, the emotionally impactful Salem Express wreck in the Safaga area provides a unique experience, its hull now covered in soft corals and home to frogfish and blue-spotted stingrays.
The Safaga region also boasts stunning natural reef topography. Dive along the dramatic walls of Panorama Reef and Abu Kefan, exposed pinnacles known for strong currents that attract pelagic species like schooling barracuda and jackfish. Shallower sites such as Middle Reef, Tobia Arba, and Ras Abu Soma feature immense hard coral gardens patrolled by large Napoleon wrasse and green sea turtles.
Closer to Hurghada, the dive safari includes diverse coastal reefs. Search for the resident pod of wild spinner dolphins at Shaab El Erg. Other high-quality sites around Gubal, Umm Gamar, Abu Hasheesh, and Small Giftun offer pristine reefs where lionfish, octopus, and numerous colourful reef fish thrive. The continuous dedication to quality diving ensures every guest aboard the Sunlight enjoys this spectacular northern route.
Final Day
After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at Hurghada Harbour.
[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].
All meals are freshly prepared by a professional chef and sous-chef and served buffet style. At breakfast you will find a varieties of eggs, toast and preserves, fresh vegetables ordered from local farmers, a selection of cheeses and luncheons, pancakes, sausages and classic porridge. Fresh ground coffee is available during breakfast. A variety of meat, chicken, fish, pasta, rice and vegetable dishes, served with a choice of salad and soup, will satisfy your hunger at lunch time, while dinner options might include roast duck with cashew rice and orange sauce, roast beef with mushroom gravy, lasagna al forno, freshly baked jackfish, basmati rice and sautéed vegetables. There is a cocktail bar in the open-air upper deck social area which is a great place to enjoy a sundowner.
Meals are primarily served in the comfortable indoor restaurant of the Sunlight liveaboard, though when weather permits, you may enjoy al fresco breakfasts or dinners on the upper deck - a perfect way to dine under the stars.
Typical daily schedule:
6 am - 1st Dive
8:30 am - Breakfast
10:30 am - 2nd Dive
1 pm - Lunch
3 pm - 3rd Dive
5 pm - Snack Time
7 pm - Night Dive (if scheduled)
9:30 pm - Dinner
The liveaboard occasionally hosts beach or deck BBQs, though these depend entirely on conditions and itinerary. While Sunlight aims to include this experience, it cannot be guaranteed.
Help yourself to an unlimited selection of complimentary snacks such as fresh baked goods, cookies, chips, chocolates, and other treats, available throughout the day.
Beverages include free-flow soft drinks: Juices, Cola, Fanta, Sprite, tonic water, and mineral water, tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Local beer is available for purchase (preordering ensures availability).
Note: the routine may be adjusted to better suit each itinerary.
