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.
Ghazala Explorer Red Sea Liveaboard
Ghazala Explorer is part of the Ocean Tribe Liveaboard Fleet and stands as one of the most popular liveaboard yachts in the Red Sea, built in 2021. We are thrilled to collaborate with this modern vessel and its excellent dedicated crew. Mainly departing from Hurghada, the Ghazala Explorer offers both Northern and Southern itineraries. Combined with Scuba Travel's ATOL bonding and the possibility of regional UK flight departures, it truly is an exceptional choice for your next Egypt holiday. Accommodation: Ghazala Explorer boasts 12 cabins, including three suites. On the lower deck, there are five twin bed cabins, and the suite spans the width of the boat. Ascend to the upper deck to find four twin cabins and, new for 2023, two charming twin or double suites. All cabins are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. Each cabin is furnished with towels and dressing gowns for your convenience on board. A refillable water bottle will be provided for use during your stay. If you have specific cabin preferences, please request them at the time of booking. Spacious Design: One of the first things you'll notice upon boarding the Ghazala Explorer is its impressive width. This extra space is not only evident inside the boat but is particularly beneficial on the dive deck and dive platform, providing ample room for gearing up and preparing for dives. Interior and Amenities: Inside, the Ghazala Explorer is bright and airy, featuring modern decor. The saloon and dining area are spacious, offering a natural place to relax between dives. If you prefer outdoor settings, the upper deck has a bar area with music, and the top deck provides ample seating and tables for outdoor lunches and dinners. Tea and coffee making facilities are available on both the upper and top decks. Sun loungers and beanbags are also provided for your comfort. Dining: Three delicious and well-planned meals are served daily, buffet style. We accommodate most food allergies in our meal planning and preparation, so please inform us of any potential allergies you may have. The upper deck and fly deck offer plenty of outdoor seating with four separate areas for relaxation. It's the perfect time to switch off, unwind, catch some rays, or enjoy the stunning views of the Red Sea. Dive Deck: The saloon leads to a large, well-appointed dive deck where everyone can gear up comfortably. The dive deck includes a charging station, table, and rinse tanks. Typically, there are three dive guides on board, maintaining a ratio of 1:8 divers per group. Air and recreational nitrox are available free of charge for certified divers. Diving from the zodiacs is made easier with the convenient zodiac ladders. Please book any specialist tanks, gas fills, or PADI courses in advance. Seasonal Considerations: Summer temperatures can be high, so we recommend bringing hats, sunglasses, and sunscreens (environment-friendly products are advised). Winter nights can be cold, so beanies and warm clothing are highly recommended. Year-Round Appeal: The Red Sea is a year-round diving destination, offering crystal-clear waters with unbeatable visibility and thriving marine life. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned diver, the Red Sea provides extraordinary experiences. High Season (May to November): These months are ideal for diving enthusiasts, with comfortable water temperatures ranging from 23C in March to 30C in September, especially in the far south. Low Season (December to February): During these months, the water is cooler, and dive sites are quieter, providing a more serene diving experience. Mid-Summer (July to August): While the heat prevails, the liveaboard offers a refreshing sea breeze, making it a pleasant time to dive. Diving Experience:The Ghazala Explorer's itineraries cover both Northern and Southern Red Sea dive sites, ensuring a comprehensive diving experience. The Northern Red Sea is renowned for its vibrant coral gardens, dramatic walls, and historic wrecks. Dive sites like Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran are famous for their stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine life. The Southern Red Sea offers equally impressive dive sites, with pristine reefs and abundant marine life. Wreck Diving: The Red Sea is a wreck diver's paradise. The Ghazala Explorer's itineraries include visits to some of the most iconic wrecks in the region. The SS Thistlegorm, a British merchant navy ship sunk during World War II, is a highlight, offering unforgettable dives. Other notable wrecks include the SS Dunraven, Giannis D, Carnatic, and Ulysses, each with unique artifacts and stories to tell. Marine Life: The Red Sea is home to an incredible diversity of marine life. From colorful reef fish like clownfish and angelfish to larger species like groupers and barracudas, the underwater world is vibrant and full of life. Pelagic species, including several types of sharks and rays, are also commonly seen. The region's coral reefs are teeming with life, making every dive an adventure. Tailored Itineraries: We understand that every diver has unique preferences and needs. We are happy to tailor the Ghazala Explorer's itinerary to meet your requirements. Whether you're looking to complete your PADI advanced course or explore specific dive sites, we can adapt the route to suit your group's needs. Full charter bookings are available, allowing for a customised diving experience. Safety and Comfort: Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. The Ghazala Explorer is equipped with the latest safety equipment, and our experienced crew is trained to handle any situation. You will receive a comprehensive Safety Briefing upon your arrival. This briefing will cover the location and use of safety equipment, warning signals, plus a walk-through of the emergency exits and abandon ship procedures. We will show you where life jackets are located on deck and in cabins. And we will also highlight all safety features on board, including fire signage and emergency equipment. This is an essential part of our safety briefing to ensure you are well-prepared. Insurance: As a requirement of your holiday booking we ask you to have adequate travel and diving insurance. You will need to provide confirmation of your insurance with your policy number to Scuba Travel prior to your holiday. Book Your Red Sea Liveaboard Today: Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the best of the Red Sea. Book your Egypt holiday today and join us on the Ghazala Explorer liveaboard. Whether you're a novice diver or more experienced , we have something for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about our itineraries and to book your spot on our next scuba diving holiday.
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
Sort results by:
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 Updated DEC 2024
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 to review
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.
Immunisations
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice for the required travel immunisations for your destination: click here to go to the NHS
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 for more info on Lounge Pass
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 for holiday extras
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.
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 Niitrox, 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 - £35 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
Highest Safety Standards: Safety is our top priority, and the Ghazala Explorer stands out with its exceptional safety measures and maintenance programme. The vessel is equipped with state- of-the-art safety equipment, including CCTV throughout, automatic fire shield system in galley and engine room, centralised alarm system allowing any issue to be pin pointed with speed. Automated fire detection and suppression system using Elide fire extinguishing balls, fire extinguishers located throughout the boat including cabins, engine room, galley, dive deck and corridors. Water tight bulk heads and emergency exits. Quality life jackets, lifeboats and advanced communication systems. Ghazala Explorer is taken out of the water for inspections and maintenance every year. As she is a steel hulled vessel this is not required for maritime compliance to come out of the water yearlyfor the first 3 years, however this has been completed annually. Regular safety drills and comprehensive crew training ensure that both guests and crew are well-prepared for any situation. Guests are provided with a detailed safety briefing once onboard, with a walk through of all emergency exits plus shown how to find and use lifejackets, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets located in each cabin, in the saloon and relaxing areas of the boat. A muster drill is also run at the beginning of the week for all guests. Experienced and Professional Crew The crew of the Ghazala Explorer is in our experience, second to none. The captain Abo Al Hassam has worked on Ghazala Explorer just after she was built in 2021 and is highly respected with over 20 years of captaining Red Sea safari boats experience. A large proportion of the crew have also worked on Ghazala since she launched, showing great loyalty and dedication. The captain will not hesitate to adjust the route within an itinerary to avoid bad weather conditions, ensuring a smoother and safer experience for everyone on board. If conditions pose any risk, the dive will be cancelled - safety is always the top priority. While Ghazala Explorer strive's to deliver the best diving adventures, they never compromise when it comes to the well- being of guests and crew. The Dive Guides onboard each week are certified professionals all holding PADI Instructor and recently SSI Instructor certifications. They have extensive experience in underwater safety and rescue operations. The entire crew undergoes rigorous safety training and regular refresher courses to maintain their skills and knowledge. Their dedication to customer service excellence ensures that your journey is comfortable, enjoyable, and safe. Safety Equipment Onboard
- 1. Life Jackets and Lifeboats: Each guest is provided with a personal life jacket, and our lifeboats are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are in perfect working condition.
- 2. Fire Safety: The Ghazala Explorer is equipped with state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression systems. The advanced fire detection system quickly determining the affected area allowing for swift action. Plus smoke detectors, fire extinguishers (30 throughout the boat), fire blankets in all cabins and galley, fire extinguishing balls on each deck, audible fire alarms in cabins and throughout the boat. Automatic fire extinguisher by AC units in each cabin,
- 3. Emergency Exits and Lighting: Clearly marked emergency exits and backup lighting systems ensure safeevacuation in case of an emergency.
- 4. First Aid and Medical Supplies: Our onboard medical kit is fully stocked with first aid supplies, a defibrillator, and our crew is trained in first aid and emergency response.
- 5. Communication Systems: We have advanced communication systems, including VHF radios and satellite phones, to ensure constant contact with shore and emergency services.
- 6. Safety Drills: Once onboard you will have a full safety briefing followed by a safety drill including exiting the boat through emergency exits, meeting at the muster point with lifejackets. These weekly safety drills are conducted to ensure both crew and guests are familiar with emergency procedures.
- 7. CCTV : Monitoring corridors, engine room, galley and dive deck
- 8. Night Watchmen : Continuous detailed boat inspection
- 9. Battery Charging : Batteries should only be charged on the dedicated area of the dive deck
- 10. EPIRB's : Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon are provided for guests whilst diving
- Regular Training and Safety Drills:
- Monthly fire and safety drills conducted by our experienced team to ensure readiness in any situation Safety Inspections:
- Thorough inspections before and during each sailing to identify and mitigate potential hazards, ensuring a safe environment for our guests Scheduled Consultations:
- Regular visits from maritime consultants to proactively address safety risks, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement Detailed Safety Briefings:
- Comprehensive safety briefings provided to guests upon embarkation, including evacuation and fire plans, and clear signage throughout the yacht for enhanced awareness
- Earth-leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) on all electrical installations
- Automatic fire extinguisher system around the main electric panel
- Automatic fire extinguisher around AC units inside cabins
- Elide fire extinguishing balls on each deck
- Smoke detectors in all cabins and indoor common areas
- Co2 fire extinguishers in the engine room and the galley
- 9 liters stainless steel FireShield RC50 against cooking oils and fats in the galley
- Fire extinguishers in all cabins and other areas on the boat - 30 in total
- Fire blankets in all cabins and galley
- 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
Navigation Equipment
Radar, Eco Sounder, VHF Marine Radio, HF Radio, Satelitte Phone, Compass
Wrecks and Reefs
Wrecks and Reefs is our premier Egyptian liveaboard itinerary for a reason. Dive into the best of the Northern Red Sea and uncover world-class wrecks and breathtaking reefs, day and night. The warm, clear waters are teeming with rich coral gardens an... Learn more about Wrecks and Reefs
Simply The Best
Simply the Best is exactly that - simply the best scuba diving in the Egyptian Southern Red Sea. The itinerary focuses on the reef systems of the Brothers and Daedalus, which make up the offshore Marine Park, and the steep wall dives of Elphinstone. ... Learn more about Simply The Best
Daedalus Rocky St Johns
If you love reef diving then you are guaranteed to fall in love with the Daedalus, Rocky and St Johns itinerary liveaboard. Stretching south from Marsa Alam to within a breath of the Sudanese border, get face to face with the remarkable diversity th... Learn more about Daedalus Rocky St Johns
North and Dahab
Taking in some world-famous wrecks - including the SS Thistlegorm and Abu Nuhas wrecks, the spectacular Ras Mohamed National Park, this itinerary also includes the world-renowned Bells, Blue Hole and Canyon dive sites at Dahab. From wrecks to reefs, ... Learn more about North and Dahab
Get Wrecked
Get Wrecked is certain to satisfy any diver interested in wreck diving in the Red Sea. With so many wrecks here in the UK, we are a tough bunch of divers to please. Yet the astounding quality and scope of wrecks in the Northern Red Sea will not leave... Learn more about Get Wrecked
Escorted Get Wrecked
The Escorted Get Wrecked tour gives you the chance to pick the brains of an expert whilst wreck diving the Egyptian Red Sea. This is the itinerary for those divers that want to know more about the wrecks they are visiting as well as experience the co... Learn more about Escorted Get Wrecked
Brothers Wreck Special
The Brothers Wreck Special takes wreck diving in the Northern Red Sea further. Wide ranging, this itinerary mixes up northern and southern destinations. Each iconic wreck follows another... the Thistlegorm one day... Numidia another. What more could ... Learn more about Brothers Wreck Special
North and Safaga
Discover the wonders of the Red Sea with our North & Safaga liveaboard itinerary. This diving trip offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and historical underwater sites in the Red Sea. Over six days, you'll experience a va... Learn more about North and Safaga
Classic Red Sea Wrecks
Set sail on a six-day diving expedition across the Red Sea's most awe-inspiring underwater landscapes, guided by the expert hand of Mike Ward. Each day promises a new discovery, from historic shipwrecks to bustling coral reefs. Day 1: Rosalie Moller... Learn more about Classic Red Sea Wrecks
Ghazala ExplorerRed Sea,Egypt
from price includes flights from UK £1425Your holiday
includes
- Return flights from Gatwick,
- 7 nights in a lower deck cabin - same sex sharing basis,
- Meals, snacks and soft drinks,
- Port fees, Marine Park Fees and Reef tax.
- 3 Dive gudies
- 12lt tank, air fills and weights.
- Nitrox divers can enjoy free nitrox.
- Lunch at the Swiss Inn hotel on the last day with use of facilities.
Excludes
Egyptian visa (pre book service available).Available Upgrades
Ask about upgrading to a upper deck cabin or suite, additional kit hire/tanks, adding a day use room for your final day in Hurghada. Regional flights available for a supplement on selected dates.Exclusive to Scuba Travel, Ghazala Explorer from Ocean Tribe Fleet is a fabulous addition to our Red Sea Liveaboards, with Northern and Southern Red Sea itineraries from Hurghada, including ATOL bonded holidays and regional UK departures.
Call us or email to bookNeed our help?
We are more than happy to help you, with any question you may have. Our travel advisors are waiting for your call or you can send us a message
Click here to MESSAGE us 01483 411590dive@scubatravel.com
Why Book with us?
-
Award Winning
Tour Operator of the Year, 12 times - Voted by you!
Atol Bonded Holidays
For 100% financial protection and peace of mind
Excellent Support
Before during and after your holiday. 24hr contact support