The 10 Best Red Sea, Egypt Liveaboards

While many travelers flock to Egypt to gaze at its pyramids, scuba divers know that the country’s true highlights exist underwater. There’s no better way to explore Egypt than on a Red Sea liveaboard trip!

In this guide, we’ll show you the best liveaboard trips in Egypt no matter your budget or dive ability level. There are countless dive sites, a variety of incredible marine life, and a climate that’s warm nearly all year long.

The Best Red Sea Liveaboards: Quick Picks

1. MY Blue
2. MY Seawolf Dominator
3. MS Royal Evolution
4. Red Sea Aggressor II
5. MY Amelia
6. MY Blue Planet 1
7. Snefro Love
8. MY Blue Fin
9. MY Seawolf Felo
10. MY JP Marine

The Best Red Sea Liveaboard Trips: At a Glance

The Best Red Sea Liveaboard Trips: Reviewed

1. MY BLUE

Overview: A modern liveaboard taking guests to Red Sea’s first class dive sites.

The sleek new MY Blue is specially designed to take divers in style to all passages from the North to the South of the Red Sea on some of the most famous itineraries. The MY Blue is a 43 meter long yacht that hosts 24 guests in 12 chic cabins that are comparable to any five star hotel. Divers can choose between cabins with sea views and double or twin bed options.

Leisure time activities allow divers to relax in privacy or in the state-of-the-art main salon with a host of audio and video material to pour through. For non divers, or those looking to extend their surface interval,  the MY Blue organizes land-based excursions as well as ample opportunities for snorkeling and fishing. Due to its impressive size, the MY Blue has set a standard in design and construction that is unmatched by most other Red Sea liveaboards.

Life on board begins with the hearty early breakfast and culminates with a lavish meal at night. Freshly prepared snacks do the rounds all day long to keep energy levels high. While local wines and beer can be purchased onboard, complimentary beverages are available whenever needed.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard | DiveBooker

2. MY SEAWOLF DOMINATOR

Overview: A well-equipped liveaboard taking divers to the hidden dive sites of the Red Sea.

The 36 meter-long Seawolf Dominator allows every underwater enthusiast to travel in style and luxury as they search for magnificent marine life. This liveaboard offers trips all around the Red Sea including Saint John’s, the Marine Park, and the Strait of Tiran, and more. As a ship built for luxury, 24 guests will enjoy staying in the fully air conditioned 9 cabins and 3 suits spread throughout the lower and upper decks. All rooms come with modern amenities and individual temperature controls.

The Seawolf Dominator offers top notch service and a wide range of entertainment activities between and after dives. At the end of the day, get pampered at the five star spa onboard or enjoy a drink at the bar while gazing into the setting sun. The uncompromising quality of food is a mix of both local and international cuisine freshly prepared by the Seawolf Dominator chefs. There are plenty of vegetarian options available and beer and wine are complimentary with meals.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard | DiveBooker

3. MS ROYAL EVOLUTION

Overview: A custom built liveaboard popular for its itinerary to the Red Sea wrecks.

The Royal Evolution is one of the most sophisticated vessels operating in the Red Sea that transports divers to to major sites like the Red Sea Wrecks, St. John’s, Rocky Zabargad, Deadalus, and more. Many divers enjoy the pace of the Royal Evolution’s proposed itineraries. This sleek 39 meters long, well designed and well equipped yacht, can host a maximum of 24 guests in a high level of luxury in its 8 ultra modern cabins on the lower deck and 4 cabins on the main deck, which incidentally come at a supplement charge. The Royal Evolution is the only vessel which sails from Egypt into Sudan.

The Royal Evolution provides a choice of two sun decks and a large saloon that allows all categories of divers (including divers with wheelchairs) to relax and rejuvenate at the end of a day of diving. Divers with a penchant for photography can upload and view their photos in the camera area.

While the bar and spa are the social hubs of the boat, the dining experience onboard is like no other. All food is prepared with love and devotion, without compromising on the quality to ensure that divers feel nourished and satisfied. The spacious dining area offers guests the ambiance of a five star hotel and a relaxed atmosphere.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard | DiveBooker

4. RED SEA AGGRESSOR II

Overview: A luxury liveaboard famous for its 7-day Red Sea dive safari.

The Red Sea Aggressor is a 34 meter world-renowned luxury Red Sea liveaboard yacht crafted in 2014 and designed to unravel the underwater mysteries of the Red Sea. The boat can sleep 22 guests in 11 air-conditioned cabins featuring a TV/DVD/MP3 player, ensuite bathroom with hair dryer in the deluxe staterooms or master staterooms as per preference.

Some of the above water entertainment includes relaxing in the main saloon, spending time at the library, watching movies, or sipping a drink at the well-stocked bar. A shaded sundeck with facilities for video/photo editing is also available for underwater photographers.

Needless to say, the variety of food on offer is enough to cater to the high energy levels required by divers. The menu includes local Egyptian cuisine along with a number of seafood dishes with beef and chicken. Dietary options are considered with both vegetarian dishes available. Beer and wine are included with meals and guests may also bring their own alcohol onboard.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard | DiveBooker

5. MY AMELIA

Overview: A purpose-built liveaboard pampering divers to Red Sea’s top dive sites.

The incredible water visibility coupled with world class wreck diving makes the Red Sea a virtual mecca for diving enthusiasts. To enhance your adventure, there is no better vessel than the beautifully crafted 32 meter-long liveaboard MY Amelia. The knowledgeable eight member crew will welcome 20 guests in their 10 luxurious air-conditioned cabins, which include 8 twin and 2 double configurations. Private bathrooms, hot showers, safe deposit boxes and individual temperature controls are some of the amenities provided to everyone.

In between dives, this deluxe Egypt liveaboard vessel allows the guests to unwind and rest in an atmosphere befitting a luxury floating hotel. The spacious saloon offers audio and video entertainment, Wi-Fi, a wet bar, a library and plenty of places between the decks to lounge in privacy. Shaded sundeck and opportunities to go snorkeling between diving sessions can be availed of.

The onboard chef takes feeding the guests very seriously, especially between the action packed dives. Major meals include local and international delicacies, while snacks are available throughout the day. While beverages are complimentary, a selection of food and wine is available on payment basis.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard | DiveBooker

6. MY BLUE PLANET 1

Overview: A mid-sized liveaboard popular its shark diving itinerary.

The My Blue Planet 1 is a small but spacious and friendly boat ideal for families and small groups looking for underwater action in the Red Sea off the coast from Hurghada. This beautifully refurbished 27 meter long vessel can accommodate up to 15 divers in its 8 elegant twin bedded cabins, which all have individual climate control and ensuite facilities.

Recreational activities include a luxurious lounge and dining area, complete with a TV/DVD/CD player. The shaded sundeck is dotted with cushions and has a couple of platforms which are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. A wide range of tours like reef diving, wreck diving, shark diving or whale diving can be organised along with underwater photography.

On the food front, the dedicated chef will provide you with some of the freshest meals you have ever tasted accompanied by beer and wine (available for extra). Snacks and refreshments are available all day long as well. Blue Planet 1 is able to accommodate dietary requirements if given advanced notice.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard | DiveBooker

7. SNEFRO LOVE

Overview: An ISO certified liveaboard offering divers a safe and comfortable Red Sea dive safari.

If you want to dive the best of the Red Sea, the Snefro Love yacht will whisk you away to interact with your favorite pelagics and massive schools of fish for some unforgettable thrills. This 37 meter long and 9 meter wide beauty has a competent crew who can cater the 20 divers. Starting from the luxurious 10 fully equipped double bedded cabins to the super deluxe saloon area, pampering on the Snefro Love is an ongoing experience.

Have leisurely time enjoying the high quality audio and video entertainment followed by a drink on the sundeck during sunset. The dining experience, too, is one to be enjoyed with the chef churning up three major meals every day with international and Egyptian dishes. In between dives, there are a variety of snacks, fruits and beverages on offer to keep divers content. Both vegetarian and Halal choices are available on the Snefro Love as well.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard | DiveBooker

8. MY BLUE FIN

Overview: A luxurious Red Sea liveaboard popular for honeymooners.

Recently updated, the MY Blue Fin has some unique features which make her stand apart from the rest many liveaboards in Egypt. This 39 meter long and 8 meter wide vessel is a top pick among divers of all types.

All creature comforts of a land based hotel are provided in the tastefully done up 12 cabins, having both twin and double bed configurations. Apart from the lower deck cabins, three king suites on the bow and middle decks offer the best optoin for those seeking extra luxury. There is ample entertainment after dive hours in the common areas. The massive dive deck has a Nitrox/air station, freshwater rinse tanks, and accommodates rebreather divers. The dining area has a 42-inch TV and entertainment system.

The philosophy of the Blue Fin is to ensure that the best of food and beverages are provided in line with Egyptian tradition to keep the divers fueled at all times. Meals are served buffet style. Fresh produce goes into the making of every meal which the chefs offer a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices each night. Snacks are available between dives as well.

Check prices and trip dates: Liveaboard

9. MY SEAWOLF FELO

Overview: A retro-fitted liveaboard offering a 7-day Red Sea dive safari.

This ultimate dive safari Red Sea liveaboard can take a maximum of 22 guests in the 11 lavishly appointed cabins. While the Royal Suite is on the main deck, there are two suites on the upper deck as well as 9 cabins on the lower deck. Every room on this 39 meter long modernized beauty has an ensuite bathroom with hot water shower, air conditioning, and minibar.

The spacious vessel has all the perquisites required from a liveaboard boat which easily helps in unraveling the breathtaking mysteries of the Red Sea underwater world, with trips that frequent Brother Island and Elphinstone in Hurghada. The talented multilingual 10 member crew are capable of meeting the expectations of their guests. A large saloon, audio and visual entertainment system, sundecks for lounging, library and a well stocked bar are some of the features provide to enhance your dive holiday.

As on any seafaring trip, food becomes of paramount importance. Every culinary demand is attended to with zeal and fervor expected from a high class eatery. Meals are served buffet style and typically include a nod to traditional Egyptian cuisine. Vegetarian and halal-specific meals are also available onboard the Seawolf Felo.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard

10. MY JP MARINE

Overview: A modern liveaboard manned by experienced Egyptian dive team.

The 14 cabins onboard the classic 37 meter long My JP Marine combines adventure and luxury. Many trips cater to the Red Sea wreck dive sites like the Thistlegorm, Rosalie Muller, and Salem Express. All cabins are located in a quiet part of the ship, while the social hubs on each deck offer an excellent place to unwind with drink in hand at the end of a day well spent underwater. There are 14 twin cabins that come with an ensuite bathroom, hot water shower, and air conditioning.

The JP Marine features a spacious saloon and sun deck, main saloon with entertainment system, and bar area complete with bar, wine, and cocktails. This Egypt liveaboard is great for beginner divers who want to take a course or rent gear. Nitrox is also available for divers.

Guests will enjoy meals served buffet style or a la carte. The liveaboard crew ensures that no diver sleeps hungry and that all are well fed before each dive.

Check prices and trip dates: PADI Travel | Liveaboard

Why go scuba diving in the Red Sea?

Consistently listed as one of the best diving destination in the world, Red Sea has amazing dive conditions and marine life that will often make divers say WOW. Just imagine this: crystal clear, warm waters and loaded up with marine attractions like shipwrecks, sharks, and lush reefs.

The best time to go diving on the Red Sea

May to November offers the best diving in the Red Sea. June, July, and August can be too hot for some though many divers love diving in the warm water. Whale sharks are present from March to May–though this is also when many dive sites tend to be most crowded. If you’re wanting to see hammerhead sharks, dive from July to September. Really, there is no bad time to go on a liveaboard trip to the Red Sea.

Marine Life you can expect to see in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is rife with marine life, with many species that are found nowhere else in the world. You can expect to see reef sharks (grey, white tip, black tip), thresher sharks, manatees, and even whale sharks. There are nearly 900 species of reef fish found among the thriving coral. Best of all, there are dive sites that will delight every diver. You can dive among pinnacles, along walls, through wrecks, and deep dives.

What certification should I have for a Red Sea liveaboard?

There are dive sites for all diver certifications in the Red Sea. However, some liveaboards in Egypt require a minimum certification level or require a specific amount of logged dives. Some beginner-friendly liveaboard trips offer Open Water Certification on the liveaboard directly.

Because of the Red Sea’s high salinity, you will need to add more weight than you’re used to in other saltwater diving destinations.

Red Sea liveaboard vs. dive resort: What’s better?

Many of the best dive sites are only accessible via boat, so it’s best to explore the Red Sea on a liveaboard trip. Spots like the SS Thistlegorm Wreck, the Straits of Tiran, and Ras Mohammed Marine Reserve can only be accessed through liveaboard diving. The Red Sea tends to be very calm compared to many other popular dive regions and the range of liveaboards offered means that you can choose one tailored best to your interests, dive style, and budget.

If you’re a keen diver who wants to dive multiple times per day, it can also be more affordable to dive in Egypt on a liveaboard trip rather than from a dive resort. Liveaboards will cover your meals, accommodation, transport, and multiple dives per day. While dive resorts in Egypt can often be quite cheap, the costs really add up when you pay for a dive or a meal one by one.

However, Red Sea liveaboards tend to be dive-all-day type of affairs. If you’re traveling with a non-diver or just want to do two dives per day maximum, it might be better to go the dive resort route to mix in other types of activities and excursions.

How do you get to the Red Sea? Where do liveaboards depart?

There are three airports that are used as the main hubs for the Red Sea: (1) Sharm El Sheikh, (2) Hurghada, and (3) Marsa Alam. Most scuba dive trips in Egypt leave from one of the three hubs above and from Safaga Port. The most popular point is Sharm El Sheikh.

Is it safe to dive in the Red Sea?

Scuba diving always carries inherent risks. That being said, the Red Sea is a generally safe destination to go diving. Currents tend to be mild and the region is famous for its high visibility. However, you will want to choose a liveaboard or scuba dive operator who has good reviews and upholds strict safety standards–even if it means you might pay a bit more.

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