BIG BROTHER: The Brothers (Big Brother and Little Brother, or in Arabic, El Akhawein) are two small islands in the Red Sea. They are situated 67 km out to sea from Al Qusayr. Above water, Big Brother features a lighthouse built by the British in 1883, which is manned by the Egyptian military. Underwater, there are two wrecks: Numidia and Aida. The walls of Big Brother plunge down into the blue at an almost-vertical angle. Shallow swim-throughs are concealed in the wall on the west side of the site, making them fun to discover. Hard and soft corals, including some Gorgonian fans, cover the reef, and the ubiquitous Anthias are found in the thousands. Fish of all sizes and species live here, including large pelagic life such as Hawksbill Turtles, Grey Reef Sharks, Thresher Sharks, Carcharhinus longimanus (from October/November), and occasionally, Hammerhead Sharks.

LITTLE BROTHER: Little Brother is, as the name suggests, the smaller of the two islands and is located 1 km to the south of Big Brother. Much like Big Brother, the currents can be strong or nonexistent and often change at a moment's notice, adding to the adventure and excitement. Deep walls surround the island, with a glorious plateau in the north. Here, it feels like diving in an aquarium, with a huge variety of marine life, including Hawksbill Turtles, Grey Reef Sharks, Thresher Sharks, and Hammerhead Sharks. The 'Gorgonian Forest' lies in the southeast of the site. Longnose Hawkfish perch on the large Gorgonians; however, their shy temperament means they can be a challenge to photograph.

DAEDALUS: This large reef, also referred to as Abu El Kizan, is found 80 km offshore from Marsa Alam. A lighthouse, built in 1861 by the British, stands tall on the small artificial island in the center of the reef and is today manned by the Egyptian military. Currents tend to be much more predictable here, and divers have an excellent opportunity to spot large pelagic life, such as schooling Hammerhead Sharks and Thresher Sharks, commonly seen in the north. Manta Rays can be found anywhere (from March to October), and Grey Reef Sharks and Whitetip Reef Sharks patrol the reef walls. Whale Sharks occasionally pass by in the summer months. Broccoli Corals in a range of candy colors grow out from the reef on all sides. There are pristine hard coral formations in the north and east, especially, while overhangs are home to schools of Glass Sweepers. The south plateau is covered in yellow Litophyton arboreum and Pulsing Xenia. The west has two spectacular sights: 'Anemone City,' a section of the reef wall covered in Magnificent Anemones, and, further southwest, another section of the wall covered in Elephant Ear Coral. In terms of topography, the very north of the reef is concave. Many different fish such as Wrasse, Parrotfish, Rabbitfish, and Unicornfish, congregate on top of the reef in the clear, shallow water.

ELPHINSTONE: Elphinstone is a very famous, cigar-shaped reef that sits 6 km out to sea from Marsa Alam. There is a long plateau in the north and south of Elphinstone, with the rest of the reef being a steep, colorful wall rich in hard and soft corals. Currents are variable and can be strong or absent at times. While shark sightings are not guaranteed, Carcharhinus longimanus cruise in the shallows during the season, and every so often divers encounter Hammerhead Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Silky Sharks, and Manta Rays. Barracuda hang in the blue, and Cornetfish use divers for cover while they hunt the Anthias.

MARSA SHOANA (Local – Marsa Alam): Marsa Shoana is an excellent local dive site and usually the first port of call on itineraries. A white sandy bottom meets a gentle, sloping reef with coral heads small, medium, and large, dotted about. Divers will encounter a variety of ecosystems, which in turn support a wide range of marine life, both big and small. Green Turtles, various Rays, and even Dolphins and Dugongs may surprise those enjoying the underwater realm.

SHA'AB MAKSOUR (Sataya): Sha'ab Maksour is a large reef with a wide plateau in the north and south and walls on either side. There is plenty to see here, including schools of Snapper, Dogtooth Tuna, Hawksbill Turtles, and some of the healthiest hard corals your eyes will ever see. These corals cover the reef with mounds of Porites, Dome, and Mountain Corals in the shallower parts, as well as untouched Table Corals jutting out perpendicularly. Some exciting macro life, including Nembrotha megalocera, has also been sighted here.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday)

Arrival at the harbor, boarding from 3:00 pm

(May board any time after 3:00 pm, as the boat departs the dock Sunday morning, unless all guests arrive before 5:00 pm, in which case the yacht may depart Saturday evening)

Day 2

Anytime from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm: Authority clearance & departure for first dive

Day 2 – Day 8 (Afternoon)

Red Sea: Eat, Sleep & Dive

(Diving at Brothers Islands and Safaga region)

Day 9 (Afternoon)

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Return to the port

Day 9 (Evening)

6:00 pm: Cocktail party

7:00 pm: Dinner ashore

(Dinner on the last night of the trip is the only meal not included in the cruise)

Day 10

Check-out at 8:00 am

During this Red Sea adventure, divers encounter an extraordinary variety of marine life, from the vibrant coral gardens and dense reef fish of Marsa Shoana and Sha’ab Maksour to the dramatic pelagic encounters at Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone. Hawksbill and Green Turtles glide gracefully among soft and hard corals, while Grey Reef, Thresher, Silky, and occasional Hammerhead Sharks patrol the walls. Large schools of barracuda, jacks, and snappers swirl in the currents, manta rays drift through sunlit waters, and macro enthusiasts can spot nudibranchs, longnose hawkfish, and other elusive critters, creating a thrilling and diverse underwater experience across both reefs and wrecks.

The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.

(*) The itinerary description is provided by the boat operator. Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only, and the exact route and sites visited may change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics, at the Captain’s discretion.