Red Sea liveaboard in Egypt: the northern, southern and deep-south routes

Short answer: A Red Sea liveaboard is a boat you sleep on for several nights, diving or snorkeling sites that day boats rarely reach. In Egypt the main routes are the north (Ras Mohammed, the Strait of Tiran and wrecks such as the Thistlegorm and the Dunraven), the south known as BDE (the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone), and the deep south (Daedalus, Zabargad, Rocky Island and St John’s). For most diving routes, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is advised.

The routes side by side

More on the most famous wreck: the SS Thistlegorm.

When to go

• October: often called the best month, with warm water and shark sightings on the offshore reefs.
• June to September: the warmest water, about 28 to 29°C at its peak.
• December to March: cooler water with good visibility.
• February to April: the coolest water of the year, about 22 to 23°C.

See Red Sea water temperature by month.

A private charter or a shared trip

Most liveaboards sell single cabins to divers from many countries. A private charter gives the whole boat to your group, with the route and the pace planned around you, which suits families, friends and groups with mixed levels. Your quote names the boat, the cabins, the route and what is included before you pay.

From Sharm El Sheikh, see liveaboard from Sharm El Sheikh and the 30 m Liveaboard · Sharm El Sheikh · Ras Mohammed & Tiran.

Questions

Can non-divers join a liveaboard?

On a private charter, yes: snorkellers and non-divers can come with the group. Tell us in your request, and your concierge checks the plan with the operator.

What certification do we need?

It depends on the route and the dives. Advanced Open Water or equivalent is commonly advised, and deeper wrecks need training to the right depth. The operator confirms the requirements in your quote.