A diving safari in Egypt: a week on a yacht in the Red Sea, diving the Brothers, Elphinstone Reef and the wrecks of the Aida and the Numidia. The trip suited experienced divers as well as those who had just started diving: an Open Water certificate was enough.
The dive sites
The route took in Big Brother island, Elphinstone Reef, the Aida and Numidia wrecks and Little Brother island. The Brothers are known for colourful coral walls, a wealth of fish, the Aida and Numidia wrecks and untouched forests of gorgonians.
Big Brother
The island is washed by strong currents rich in food. It is known for its soft coral walls, its variety of fish and its schools of pelagic fish; mantas and several species of shark are often seen, and thresher sharks are seen especially often on the southern plateau.
The Aida and Numidia wrecks
Two well-preserved wrecks lie at Big Brother, the Numidia and the Aida, covered in purple soft and hard corals. Red Sea lionfish and morays are often seen around them and inside.
The Aida was a 75 m Egyptian military ship that sank in 1957 while trying to moor at the island in a storm. It struck the western edge of the reef, broke in two and sank quickly; all 140 crew were rescued by another ship. The main part of the Aida lies on a steep slope at 30–68 m, while smaller pieces have become part of the reef, covered in sponges and soft and hard corals.
Elphinstone Reef
A reef about 180 m long, rich in coral and fish, and considered one of the most impressive dive sites in the world. Dolphins, barracuda, oceanic whitetip sharks, mantas and giant trevally are often seen, and a whale shark is possible.
Dive sites could change with the weather and the crew's advice.
The yacht My Anemone
The trip was on My Anemone, a five-deck premium yacht built in 2022. Every cabin has its own toilet, shower and air conditioning; some upper-deck cabins have panoramic windows, and the Master Suite has panoramic windows, more space and the option of dinner in your cabin.
After diving there was the spacious air-conditioned saloon, two sun-lounger areas on the upper decks and the jacuzzi. Three chefs cooked in the yacht's professional kitchen, snacks, soft drinks and water were unlimited, and free WiFi works where there is signal.
Included
- Permits
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation on the yacht for the whole trip
- Three meals a day (buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner), snacks and fruit
- Unlimited mineral water, juice, soft drinks, tea and instant coffee
- Free WiFi (where there is signal)
- Toiletries and hairdryers
- Cleaning before, during and after the trip
- Towels, bedding and bathrobes
- 3–4 dives a day (night dives are not allowed by law in some marine parks)
- 2 speedboats and 3 dive guides
- 12 l cylinders, weights and belt
- First aid kit, oxygen and a first aid specialist
Not included
- Flights and visa
- Insurance
- Diving courses
- Rental of personal diving equipment and 15 l cylinders
- Nitrox (30–32%)
- Crew tips, €80 (paid on board)
- Marine park fees, €80 (paid on board)
- Alcoholic drinks and fresh coffee (bar on board)
- Extra transfers
The next safari on the same yacht is in November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What level did you need for this safari?
An Open Water certificate was enough: the trip suited new divers as well as experienced ones.
Were flights included?
No. Flights cost about €400–500; airport transfers were included.
What was paid on board?
Crew tips (€80) and marine park fees (€80).
