Ghazala Explorer Red Sea Liveaboard | Scuba Travel

Ghazala Explorer Red Sea Liveaboard - Red Sea

  • Guests 24 guests
  • Rooms 12 cabins comprised of 9 x Twin Cabins, 1 lower deck King & 2 upper deck Twin/Double Suites
  • Restaurants Spacious dining and saloon areas
  • Food and Drinks International and Egyptian cuisine, buffet style meals. Please let us know if you have any dietary preferences before departure
  • FacilitiesSpacious dive deck
  • Diving 3-4 dives a day plus Zodiacs with dive ladders
  • Diving Extras Nitrox included in your packageand open circuit gas fills available (additional charge)
  • Internet Access Free WiFi, although we cannot guarantee availability and coverage depends on boat location

Ghazala Explorer Red Sea Liveaboard

Ghazala Explorer is part of the Ocean Tribe Liveaboard Fleet and is one of the newest liveaboard yachts in the Red Sea built in 2021. We are excited to work with this modern boat and her hardworking crew. Departing from Hurghada the Ghazala Explorer offers both Northern and Southern itineraries. Combined with Scuba Travels ATOL bonding and the possibility of regional UK departures, it really is a superb choice.

Ghazala has 12 cabins, including three suites. On the lower deck there are 5 twin bed cabins and he majestic king suite stretches across the width of the boat. Make your way up to the upper deck and you'll find 4 upper deck twin cabins and new for 2023 two lovely twin or double suites. All cabins are air-conditioned and with en-suite bathrooms, all are furnished with a towel and dressing gowns for your use on board. A refillable water bottle will be given to you to use during your stay and to keep when you go back home. If you want to request a cabin just request it at the time of booking.

One of the first things you will notice walking on board the Ghazala Explorer is how wide she is. This width gives you extra space not just inside the boat but most importantly, on the dive deck and dive platform too.

Inside the Ghazala Explorer is bright and airy with a modern decor. The saloon and dining area are very spacious and a natural place to hang out between dives. If sitting inside is not your style then there is a bar area with music on the upper deck, and if you head further up to the top deck you find enough seating and tables for outdoor lunches and dinners. There are tea and coffee making facilities on the upper and top deck. On the upper deck you will find sun loungers and beanbags.

Three tasty and well-planned meals served through the day, served buffet style. Most food allergies are taken into consideration in meal planning and preparation. Please inform us about any potential allergies you may have. You can find plenty of outdoor seating with 4 separate areas on the upper deck and fly deck for relaxing. It's time to switch off, relax catch some rays or enjoy the view out to sea.

The saloon leads onto a large, well appointed dive deck where everyone can gear up in comfort, with a charging station, camera table and rinse tanks too. There are typically 3 dive guides on board with a ratio of 1:8 divers in a group. Air and recreational nitrox (free of charge for 2023). Diving from the zodiacs? You will love the zodiac ladders! Please book any specialist tanks, gas fills or PADI courses in advance. Rebreather diving is not available

The temperature in summer can be high; it is recommended to bring hats, sunglasses and sunscreens (environment-friendly products are advised). Nights could be cold during winter; beanies and warm clothes are highly recommended

Nearly Sold Out for 2023 - check out our 2024 dates available now

Lower deck suite

A spacious cabin on the lower deck with a double bed, en-suite bathroom, mini fridage, Tea & Coffee making facilities and air conditioning. There is a supplement of £100 per person for the suite.

Lower deck twin cabins

Cabins on the lower deck with 2 single beds, portholes, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms.

Upper deck twin cabins

Cabins on the upper deck with 2 single beds, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. There is a supplement of £100 per person for the upper deck cabins

Upper deck Twin/Double Suites - Cabin 10 & 13

Two cabins on the upper deck are larger with two picture windowns. These can be set up with twin or double arrangement. air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. Mini fridge and Tea & Coffee making facilities. There is a supplement of £150 per person for these cabins

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Covid Information for Ghazala Explorer

Updated 29 JUN
Although Egypt does not have any covid testing or vaccination requirements for any travellers, please be respectful of your fellow passengers and do not travel if you are ill. You should make sure you have travel insurance that covers all eventualities (including cancellation due to illness)
  • If you have been unwell with suspected or confirmed COVID, get a medical professional to confirm you are fit to dive and bring this with you.
  • Egypt has now removed all local covid requirements and protocols
  • Tornado Marine Fleet crew have all been vaccinated
    IMPORTANT: It must be stressed again that many of these are provisional procedures that we reserve the right to add to or relax depending on the best possible information and national regulations at the time of sailing.

    Country Covid Travel Information

    View entry requirements here

    Entry requirements for Egypt are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

    You do not need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Egypt.

    From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
    do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
    do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
    do not need to quarantine when you arrive
    This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

    It includes people who are transiting through England.
    Updated 21 JUN 2022

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Location

    The Red Sea is between 4-5 hours flying time direct from the UK. Scuba Travel have over 20 year's experience in the Red Sea and have carefully selected a fleet of luxury liveaboards and superb hotels that meet our exacting standards. Explore the sheer beauty of the Red Sea on a Red Sea liveaboard from North to South. Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and El Gouna are popular resort locations, whilst Marsa Alam, El Quesir and Hamata are perfect for those looking for quiet escapism.

    Covid Travel Information

    View entry requirements here

    Entry requirements for Egypt are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

    You do not need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Egypt.

    From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
    do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
    do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
    do not need to quarantine when you arrive
    This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

    It includes people who are transiting through England.
    Updated 21 JUN 2022

    Weather and Climate

    Fine weather is the order of the day pretty much throughout the year, with rainfall quite rare and short lived. The hottest time of the year is July to August with air temperatures over 30°C. Even in Egypt's so called 'winter' the average rarely falls below 20°C. Water temperature varies from 20°C in February to 29°C in September. Please choose your exposure suit accordingly, depending on your personal preferences.

    Travel

    Flight options

    Our holiday packages are inclusive of flights from London Gatwick for a fully ATOL bonded holiday. A supplement may apply for regional departures if possible. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. Unfortunately, not all regional flight routings are compatible with liveaboard schedules. Our advertised liveaboard packages with Emperor and Aggressor fleets exclude flights. Please ask for a quote to add these to your booking. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Egypt, let us know and we can arrange transfers as required. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your boat space is confirmed by us.

    Stopovers

    As flights are direct between the UK and Egypt, there are no stop over options available.

    Arrange before you go

    Visa requirements

    All UK visitors to Egypt need an entry visa (valid for a 30 days.Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. This can be obtained on arrival with cash payment. Or you can now apply online by clicking here Save time and prebook your visa with Scuba Travel's prepaid visa service. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here

    Insurance

    Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here

    Immunisations

    Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here

    Preparing to fly

    Seating

    Flights to Egypt are charter flights with TUI or EasyJet. TUI seating is allocated at check in and you cannot check in online. For EasyJet flights you will be able to manage your booking online with the airline directly and select any payable seating/baggage extras.

    Check in

    Egypt does not permit digital boarding passes. You must print your boarding passes/flight coupons for both flights. TUI do not enable online check EasyJet allow online check in via their website

    Lounge

    An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here

    Parking

    Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here

    What happens when I arrive?

    On arrival in Egypt, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. Our representative will be waiting either airside around the baggage carousel or in the arrivals hall. They will be holding a board with either Scuba Travel, your destination or your name on it. If you have prepaid for our visa service, you will be given your visa on arrival. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.

    Transfers

    Airport transfers are always included in your liveaboard or resort holiday package when using our flights. Our representatives will advise where to find your transfer outside of the airport. We try to keep transfer times as short as possible, with most being no more than 30mins travel time from the airport to the boat/hotel. If you have made your own flight arrangements to land in Egypt, please confirm at the time of booking if airport transfers are included or available at an additional cost

    Departures

    At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. There is currently no departure tax leaving Egypt.

    Info

    Tipping

    Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the guides and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.

    Currency

    All onboard prices are in Euro, but Sterling, US Dollars are accepted (subject to onboard exchange rate). The boat does have a card machine.

    Phone coverage

    Mobile coverage is itinerary dependent. Most of itineraries will have phone coverage when close to shore. WiFi is limited for browsing and connecting to communication applications only when a mobile signal is present normally nearby or in port. Signal strength can vary which may result in intermittent and/or slow connections. This service is provided as a courtesy but is dependent on the local mobile provider. Laptops/computers or other devices for using internet are not supplied on-board, you should bring your own computer to use the internet service

    Plugs and electricity

    2 pin European sockets. Plugs are located on dive deck, saloon and in cabins.

    Extras

    Hire equipment

    We offer a very wide range of rental equipment onboard Ghazala Explorer please request pre holiday

    Extras

    Ghazala Explorer offers a wide range of PADI courses on board. Please speak to your travel consultant for current course prices and options.

    Souvenirs

    There is an on board boutique selling t-shirts and some on board souvenir items. All stock items are subject to local availability.

    Nitrox/Gas

    We recommend all divers to dive with Nitrox when suitable.

    Payments

    Deposits and Balances

    Over 180 days prior to departure a £250 deposit is required, within 180 days a £500 deposit is required, with full balance due 90 days before departure.

    Ways to pay

    We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.

    Group Payments

    If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation

    Discounts

    Repeat Guests

    Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers?
    Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.

    And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction on your ATOL bonded Red Sea package.

    5% off for repeat customers travelling with Scuba Travel within 24 months
    If you have travelled with Scuba Travel with 12 months ask about free cabin upgrades (subject to availability)
    Repeat discounts are not cumulative with other discounts and cannot be applied to special offer prices

    Included

    Airport transfers, 7 or 10 nights (depending on itinerary) accommodation on full board basis in a twin share cabin

    12ltr tank, air fills, weights and all diving - the number of dives offered will depend on your chosen itinerary. Recreational nitrox is included in your package

    Depending on your package, flights are included from UK regional airports with Easyjet or TUI

    Marine Park fees, Port fees

    Excluded

    Rental kit hire and 15lt tanks are available for a supplement
    Rental kit hire can be requested onboard however it is preferable to pre book. 15lt tanks may not be available if not prebooked

    Egyptian entry visa - £30 pre paid service with our airport rep or USD cash at the visa windows on arrival at your entry point to Egypt

    Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the guides and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.

    Alcohol is available on board - the boat will run an honesty tab to pay at the end of the trip

    Ghazala Explorer Specifications

    37m in length and 8.4m breadth

    2 x MAN 1100 Hp

    2 x 95 KVA Cummins

    Construction - Steel



    Safety Statement

    Date: 25-June-2023
    Ghazala Explorer Safety Statement
    This safety statement is to reassure our guests of the value and importance we place on safety and to explain the protocols that are followed on MY Ghazala Explorer.
    As a diving liveaboard operator, the safety of our guests and crew is our first and foremost priority
    The yacht:
    MY Ghazala Explorer was launched in late 2021. You may be aware that no new licenses are issued for yachts in the Red Sea and that some motor yachts are refits on older hulls. MY Ghazala Explorer was built from brand new under the license of a previous yacht, of the same name, that was decommissioned in 2009. She was built according to the standards laid out by the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety and, once fully inspected and certified, her first trip was in October 2021. Whilst being the most modern and recently built yacht sailing from Hurghada and Marsa Alam, our crew has a wealth of experience built over many years of providing outstanding service in the Red Sea. MY Ghazala Explorer has a completely clean safety record and is rated by guests as 'Exceptional' on feefo.com and other platforms.
    Ghazala is a beautiful boat, superbly run by a team which really cares that they go above and beyond to deliver. Catherine Colquhoun 22 June 2023

    After a rigorous inspection in June 2023, Ghazala Explorer has been met and exceeds all required safety standards.
    For your peace of mind, the safety protocols and activities that are carried out onboard include:
    * Our team undertaking regular training and conducting full fire and safety drills a minimum of once a month
    * Carrying out a safety inspection prior to, and during, each sailing to identify any possible hazards and we perform maintenance to prevent potential safety incidents
    * Regular scheduled visits from maritime consultants who inspect MY Ghazala Explorer, to ensure the yacht is maintaining all elements of safety. We proactively identify and address any potential areas of risk
    * Providing guests, upon embarkation, with a detailed safety briefing, including evacuation and fire plans. So that guests locate their life jackets and know where to find safety equipment, extinguishers and the designated meeting point
    * Displaying evacuation and fire plans in each cabin and all public areas of the yacht
    Safety equipment:
    The safety equipment that can be found on board MY Ghazala Explorer is as follows:
    * Earth-leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) on all electrical installations
    * Smoke detectors in all cabins and indoor common areas
    * Co2 fire extinguishers in engine room and in the galley
    * Fire extinguishers in all cabins and other areas on the boat - 30 in total
    * Audible Fire alarm in cabins
    * Audible fire alarm throughout the boat
    * Automatic fire suppression system in the engine room
    * Detailed safety briefing on guest arrival
    * Emergency evacuation plan clearly marked on different parts of the boat
    * 2 life rafts for 50 passengers
    * 2 RIBs
    * Engine failure audible alarm system
    * Flares and smoke signals
    * Radar station
    * Marine VHF radio
    * AIS sender & receiver
    * Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
    * Life jackets in all cabins and muster point
    * CCTV
    * First aid stations including a defibrillator
    * Dive guides and other crew members are emergency first aid responders

    Proactive safety:
    The safety of our guests is, and always has been, our highest priority. This, and providing exceptional service, is why MY Ghazala Explorer is rated so highly by our guests. We remain committed to ensuring guests have a safe and enjoyable safari with our team. If you would like a tour of Ghazala Explorer's safety equipment beyond that provided in the safety briefing, please don't hesitate to ask.
    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our reservations manager on alex@oceantribefleet.com. Alex will be delighted to help you. Best wishes,
    Amr Gadalla, Managing Director, Ocean Tribe for Safari Yachts

    Fully stocked First Aid Kit

    Navigation Equipment

    Radar, Eco Sounder, VHF Marine Radio, HF Radio, Satelitte Phone, Compass

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