Are you ready for an unforgettable underwater journey? Join me as I share my incredible experience on the Sea Serpent Excellence liveaboard in the Red Sea, Egypt. This unforgettable journey encompassed every aspect of a perfect dive vacation, from the comfortable upper deck upgrade to thrilling dives at Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Fury Shoals, and close encounters with oceanic white tip sharks. Let's dive into the details of this extraordinary trip.

Sea Serpent Excellence

Our 7 day adventure began on the Sea Serpent Excellence, a 5-star luxury wooden vessel designed for optimal speed and stability. In 2020, the boat underwent a major facelift, blending modern luxury with practical features for diving. We opted for the upper deck upgrade, a small fee for a significant comfort boost. This decision paid off during our long night-time journeys, which lasted from 7 to 11 hours. The upper deck not only shielded us from the engine noise and waves but also provided nice views.

Technical Specifications of the Sea Serpent Excellence

Length: 34 meters
Width: 8 meters
Cabins: 12
Maximum Guests: 24
Air Conditioning: Yes

Diving the Red Sea's Best Spots

Our voyage took us to the Red Sea's most iconic dive sites, including Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Fury Shoals. However, it's crucial to note that these sites demand experience, with at least 50 dives to your name. Many of our fellow divers on this journey had anywhere from 200 to 2000+ dives under their weight belts. The rationale behind this prerequisite becomes evident when you consider the strong currents, depths of 25-35 meters, and the presence of sharks and large fish.

The Brothers Islands Dive Site

Our journey began with a visit to the Brothers Islands, a captivating marine park located about 95 kilometers from El Quesir. These islands feature two underwater mountains that rise from the deep, offering breathtaking wall dives adorned with vibrant soft coral in a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors. Our underwater encounters here were nothing short of extraordinary.

At Brothers Islands we were fortunate to be one of the few boats, allowing us to have the privilege of experiencing several thrilling close encounters with oceanic white tip sharks, with one close encounter lasting for a couple of minutes. These majestic sharks gracefully glided through the deep blue, providing us with unforgettable memories. The Brothers also graced us with sightings of the rare thresher sharks, known for their distinct long tails. Watching them cruise through the water was a true highlight of our journey. The grey reef sharks were another sight, adding to the excitement and diversity of marine life at Brothers Islands. As we explored the underwater wonders, we were treated to majestic manta ray sightings, with their graceful movements leaving us in awe. The marine life diversity extended to include massive tunas which was an impressive sight as they swam in the depths.

Read more about our encounter with oceanic whitetip sharks here.

The Brothers Islands also unveiled captivating wreck dives, with notable sites including the Egyptian vessel Aida II and the Numidia. These shipwrecks were covered in both hard and soft corals, creating a unique underwater landscape.

Daedalus Reef

Our next destination was Daedalus, situated 80 kilometers to the east of Marsa Alam. This isolated reef, also known as Abu el-Kizan, presented us with a unique underwater adventure.

Daedalus presented the challenge of more crowded waters, making it trickier to spot the prized hammerheads, these were still seen but at a greater distance. However, we still enjoyed sightings of oceanic white tips and schools of barracuda and giant tuna, creating a bustling and lively underwater scene. One of the most memorable moments at Daedalus was an encounter with a big Napoleon fish. This beautiful fish accompanied us throughout our dive, making it one of the highlights during our trip. Lastly Daedalus showcased a beautiful gorgonia forest at depths of 25-30 meters.

Fury Shoals Dive Site

Our journey concluded at Fury Shoals, a collection of reefs offering a diverse range of underwater experiences.

Fury Shoals provided a tranquil contrast with beautiful coral tunnels and simple wreck dives. Exploring these features allowed us to appreciate the intricate underwater landscape. We had the pleasure of spotting octopuses, blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels, clown fish, lion fish and much more, each contributing to the rich marine life diversity. Fury Shoals welcomed us with the delightful presence of numerous turtles, offering delightful encounters throughout our dives. The reefs at Fury Shoals teemed with vibrant schools of fish, creating a colorful underwater spectacle.

Food and Drinks

All of the meals and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary. There was also wine or beer available for purchase. Onboard, the staff served delectable meals and worked hard to cater to everyone's preferences. If something was missing from the menu, they happily whipped up an alternative. For breakfast, you could even order eggs or omelets tailored to your liking.

Activities and Excursions

One of the expedition's highlights was an extraordinary snorkeling adventure at Sataya Reef, near Fury Shoals. We spent around 1.5 hours in the water, swimming alongside a pod of over 100 dolphins. Zodiacs ensured our safe drop-off and pickup while the staff stayed nearby, ready to assist at a moment's notice. Click here for our full experience with the dolphins.

Another unforgettable excursion led us to a secluded island for a magical sunset-watching experience. The island teemed with diverse birdlife, featuring eagles, and the surrounding waters revealed blue-spotted baby stingrays and a variety of smaller fish.

Essentials like Tipping and Insurance

Tipping for the crew and dive guides was mandatory, with a minimum of $75 for the crew and $25 for the dive guides. Furthermore, insurance played a crucial role in our peace of mind. We opted for the Divers Alert Network (DAN) insurance, which offers comprehensive coverage, including air evacuation, vital when diving in remote locations. Egypt's remote areas can be challenging and expensive in case of emergencies, with the nearest shore often hours away.

Regardless of your certification level, traveling with a reputable company with experienced staff and a dive master onboard at all times is vital for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Getting to the Liveaboard

To embark on this incredible liveaboard journey in the Red Sea, our adventure began with a flight to Hurghada. Upon arriving at Hurghada Airport, we had the convenience of a short bus transfer to the harbor, where the Sea Serpent Excellence awaited us. The first night was spent docked in the harbor, giving us a chance to settle in and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

At the end of our expedition, we returned to the harbor the night before our departure. This allowed us some leisure time to explore the village of Marsa Alam, soaking in the local culture and savoring the last moments of our dive trip. For the return journey, we had a 3-4 hour bus ride back to Hurghada Airport. It's worth noting that there are options to fly directly from Marsa Alam, but during our visit in mid-October, charter flights on this route had not yet commenced.

Red Sea Temperatures

The Red Sea is renowned for its pleasant year-round climate. During our liveaboard expedition in mid-October, we were greeted with comfortable temperatures. While on the sea, temperatures ranged from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius (82 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing us to soak up the sun and relish the landscapes above the surface.

In the water, we encountered ideal conditions with sea temperatures ranging from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius (79 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit). These water temperatures were perfect for our underwater adventures and made every dive a delight.

Booking the Trip

Our journey aboard the Sea Serpent Excellence was organized by Scuba Travel, a dive travel agency. This ensured that every detail of our trip, from accommodations to dive excursions, was arranged.

What made our trip even more special was the presence of renowned underwater photographer Patrik Jonson as the trip's ambassador. Patrik is not only a highly skilled photographer but also a dear friend to my family. His expertise and knowledge enhanced our diving experience, providing valuable insights and photography tips. Follow his work here.

Our travel package was covering various essential elements of our adventure. This comprehensive package encompassed the following:

• Visa for entry into Egypt, ensuring a smooth arrival process.
• Marine park fees, granting us access to the breathtaking dive sites and contributing to their preservation.
• Nitrox for certified divers, allowing us to extend our bottom times and maximize our exploration.
• 3 dives per day, except from last day where we had 2.
• Full pension, which included meals such as breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinner. The cuisine was good, catering to a range of tastes and dietary preferences.
• Transfer services, simplifying our journey from the airport to the liveaboard and back.

These inclusions made our trip stress-free and provided us with excellent value for the overall experience.

My liveaboard experience in the Red Sea, Egypt, was nothing short of amazing. From thrilling encounters with oceanic white tip sharks to spectacular dives at Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Fury Shoals, every moment was great. If you're a diving enthusiast seeking an adventure of a lifetime, the Red Sea is the place to be. It was an adventure that will forever remain etched in my memories.