Grand Sea Serpent | Red Sea Liveaboard | Scuba Travel

Grand Sea Serpent | Red Sea Liveaboard - Red Sea

  • Guests 28
  • Rooms 10 twins bed, 2 upper deck double bed and 2 suite
  • Restaurants Dining area on main deck & separate saloon
  • Food and Drinks International and Egyptian cuisine, buffet style meals. Please let us know if you have any dietary preferences before departure
  • FacilitiesEquipped with a Nitrox compressor, a Helium/Oxygen blending station and a Haskel pump, she is the choice for technical divers, also providing Oxygen, Trimix, Helium and Nitrox fills
  • Diving 3 dives a day + night dives when suitable.
  • Diving Extras Ask about rental gear and courses on booking
  • Internet Access Intermittent and mainly close to shore.

Grand Sea Serpent | Red Sea Liveaboard

At 41 metres from stern to bow Grand Sea Serpent is an impressive Red Sea liveaboard. Enjoy the envious looks from others as you pull up to the reef on board this beautiful boat with her sleek, classic lines and spacious dive deck. She has long been a popular choice for UK divers - come and discover why!

There are 14 cabins in total sleeping 28 divers in complete comfort. There are 4 cabins on the bridge level - 2 twins and 2 double bed. There are then a further 8 twin cabins located downstairs. Fancy treating yourself to one of the large suites? These are located on the main and sun decks. No matter which cabin you have, all are top class accommodation with en suite (enjoy the multi jet shower after a dive!), plenty of storage and a small fridge. The decor throughout is tasteful and light to add to the airy atmosphere.

Grand Sea Serpent is fully equipped to cater to every divers needs - be that as a recreational diver, photographer or technical diver. A Haskel pump on board enables gas mixes to be custom blended. Free nitrox is on offer to all nitrox divers. There is space aplenty on the back dive deck which sits at a comfortable height for diving from the boat or one of the two zodiac tenders. She has powerful engines to make light work of the journey between dive sites. And while you speed off to your next dive, relax in the comfort of the saloon or catch some rays on the sun deck. Try Grand Sea Serpent for your next holiday and see just how exhilarating diving the southern Red Sea can be.

Suites (main & sun deck)

Grand Sea Serpent has two suites

Twin cabins (lower deck)

Grand Sea Serpent has 8 lower deck twin cabins. These cabins have twin beds, en suite, air con and safe.

Sun deck twin and doubles

Grand Sea Serpent has two double cabins and twon twin cabins on the sun deck level. These cabins are en suite, air con and safe.

Please note these prices may not include flights. Click select for the full holiday details

Matthew

2013-11-15 11:49:46

This was the second time I've arranged a group booking with you. Everyone had a brilliant time, the guides and crew. were great; it just went too fast!! I look forward to booking with Scuba Travel again.

Mike Evans

2013-09-24 12:09:05

It does not get any better than 'simply the best' Diving in a schoal of Hammerheads, several Threashers and Grey Reefs, not to mention Mantas ticked off several items on the 'bucket List' See you all again next year. Many thanks. Mike

Alnashir

2013-09-10 09:09:22

Excellent from start to finish. Staff were excellent throughout. A particular mention to our guides, Gabriel and Maria, who were absolutely out of this in their knowledge and where and when to find the hammerheads, the highlight of trip!!! Well done to all and keep up the good work!

Lynne Evans

2013-09-03 09:19:20

We arrived home this morning following another great week on Grand Sea Serpent, and I wanted to thank you for your generosity, as I was the lucky winner of one of the Christmas competitions through Scuba Travel. My dive buddy and I had a fantastic week diving with Gabriel & Maria, and we were looked after exceedingly well indeed by the Grand Sea Serpent boat crew Please pass on our appreciation to all aboard GSS and also the Scubatravel team, who worked hard towards making this a memorable holiday for myself and my buddy. Thank you again and we look forward to diving with Scuba Travel in 2014

David Bennett

2013-08-19 10:45:43

In a nutshell, it was the best trip we have been on in nearly a decade of diving safaris. The boat was well equipped and clean, the crew were incredible and the dive guides Gabriel & Maria were awesome. The food was also the best boat food we have ever had, better than a lot of 5 star hotels you might visit. Our vegan friend was looked after every day with three already prepared meals (that she really enjoyed) and the 1,000 or so eggs just about lasted the two weeks we were on board!! Everything we needed was catered for and you can take credit that you run a business that quite frankly delivers a red carpet experience. Well done.

Mick Solkhon

2013-07-20 12:07:58

Just like to say a great thanks to Maria and Gadrielle and the crew for a great weeks diving in St Johns. Cannot fault the guides crew and boat plus the diving was brilliant, have to mention the help they gave Carol with carrying her kit for her to and from the back of the boat due to a knee problem also unlike other itineraries we have been on we did not see another boat for four days and had the dive sites to ourselves. Definatly be going on another trip on this boat and have already booked a trip on the sister boat Sea Serpent for September. Carol and Mick

jade bradley

2013-06-15 00:58:29

I was on the grand sea serpent from 29th May and it was awesome. I really enjoyed thew whole trip. The boat was fabulous, the crew was friendly and helpful, the food was delicious. Special thanks to Hany the dive guide, he was very knowledgeable and helpful - just a really cool guy. I will be returning next year and requesting Hany. Thanks everyone for a great trip. Jade Bradley

Terry Dormer

2013-05-31 10:42:30

I am writing to express sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to ensuring that the trip from 22 to 29 May on the splendid boat Grand Sea Serpent was such a pleasant and interesting experience. The Captain and his crew were excellent in every way. The dive guides Valeria and Moustapha were superb; the former evincing a particularly touching and infectious enthusiasm for the many hammerhead sharks which we were fortunate to encounter during our six dives at Daedalus Reef. However, the topographical underwater beauty at Zabargad Island, with its rich marine life, was for me the highlight of the week. I should add that, as is often the case with liveaboards, the eclectic nature of one's fellow divers was an additional attraction. I am, indeed, most grateful to all involved for what proved to be a memorable week.

Ian Taylor

2013-05-29 13:40:12

Just wanted to pop in and say what an absolutely wonderful week I have just had away with Paul Duxfield and co aboard M/Y Grand Sea Serpent on the Corals, Caves and Critters trip. The boat, the crew, the food, the guides were exemplary and Duxy wasn't too bad either!! I got everything plus more out of this trip that I was looking for. Thank you Scuba Travel team, you get 5 *'s from me :-)

Paul Shill

2013-05-15 15:45:25

Just wanted to send a quick email telling you how good our trip on Grand Sea Serpent doing the Simply the Best itinerary was. Boat was great, food was excellent, crew were outstanding and most of all the diving was truly out of this world. Sharks on nearly every dive: Greys, Black Tips, White Tips, Threshers and schools of hammerheads. Nice shoal of dolphins while doing safety stop finished off one memorable dive. Special mention must go to the dive guides Hanny and Chrissie who couldn't do enough to help, and were professional and knowlegeable. Can't wait for the next trip!

Simon Goldsmith

2012-11-12 09:33:25

Just wanted to say I had an amazing time on the Grand Sea Serpeant thanks to plenty of hard work from Gabriel and Maria. They were both really friendly and helpful, especially when I lost my dive computer in rough seas. Great boat, crew, guides and fellow divers!

Jon Ryan

2012-10-29 17:21:37

Great week on Grand Sea Serpent. Beautiful calm weather, Little brother with no other boats and at its best, Grey reef's chasing a thresher around the cleaning station, hammerheads at Daedalus, 6 Oceanics for 80 mins at Elphinstone. Big smiles and still one day on Elphinstone to go.

Michelle Ault

2012-10-15 09:49:20

Amazing week had on the Grand Sea Serpent highlighted by a group of Oceanic White Tips at Elphinstone :-) now its back to reality!

Robert Ellis

2012-09-19 09:52:53

29/8/12 to 5/9/12 Had a great weeks diving, many thanks to Gabriel & Maria, two very special guides, best i have ever meet,the crew were also very good, always there to give a hand when needed, the only thing that spoilt the week was the lack in choice of food, very poor,for us people that do not eat fish.

Waterfront Scuba

2012-09-06 12:33:18

Would like to thank everyone that was onboard MY Grand Sea Serpent this past week for a great trip, great diving, Great Sunsets, Great marine life. Special Thanks to Gabriel and Maria the guides simply fantastic

John and Janet Skilton

2012-08-24 14:03:48

Just like to confirm our safe return from another terrific "Simply the Best" week on Grand Sea Serpent.Great to see Gabriel and Maria again as well as the hammerheads,Oceanic,Thresher and Grey Reef sharks.Gabriel and Maria worked very hard to ensure we had the best trip possible.The vibrant reefs were alive with fish and the company on the boat was superb.Sue Harrison and her delightful family were great ambassadors for Scuba Travel and inspired many ideas for future trips.

Trevor Laws

2012-08-23 10:05:24

I have just returned from the Grand Sea Serpent. We had a wonderful time which was partly due to the hard work of our dive guides Gabriele and Maria. If there is any award going then these 2 should be up for it!

jane

2012-08-17 11:25:33

Please can you pass on to your team that I have recently returned from the Daedelous & Rocky Island Trip on the Grand Sea Serpent with Maria and Gabriel as the dive guides 1/8/12-8/8/12. It was a fantastic trip, excellent sightings of sharks, great people on the boats and the dive guides are the best Ive used. Thanks for a fantastic holiday. Jane

Pierre Wybouw

2012-05-16 14:56:15

On behalf of Marc and I we want to thank you for the great travel planning you organized. Those arrangements makes you and Scuba travel one of a kind. Again many thanks. We both are adapting back into normal life without sharks. It was a fantastic trip.

Jan & Keith Bushe

2012-05-01 09:53:21

We have just spent a great week on the Grand Sea Serpent learning about our Cameras, a Canon S100, and a Canon S95 both using relevant Fix housings. This was the first time we had used these cameras underwater and we were not sure of what they were capable of doing. One of us was a complete novice, the other a keen armature. Each of us having a completely different knowledge base, we both felt we came away from the trip with a great deal of information, having learnt so much, in a fun and creative way. Some of the topics covered included camera set up, basic camera maintenance - o rings etc, how to take photos, composition, and on to more advanced techniques such as exposure lock within the caves of St Johns. Nothing was too much trouble for Duxy, from the simplest of questions to the more challenging. Duxy was always available to answer a questions and give advice, at all times with a smile and a pleasant word.

Lucy Nandris

2012-05-01 09:52:23

I really really enjoyed your Red Sea photo workshop on Grand Sea Serpent. I felt that you paid equal attention to all participants regardless of their skill level and type of camera they had. No question was too basic to answer and information was given in a non-befuddling way.

Lorraine Bowen

2012-01-09 11:53:39

We have just returned from a fantastic week on the Grand Sea Serpent from 29 Dec to 5 Jan. If you are able to pass on our thanks to the crew, they are incredible and work tirelessly to take care of everyone. It was a great trip.

Chris

2011-09-23 16:19:05

Hi Lee just a quick email to say that I had a amazing trip. The boat was even better in the flesh than in the pictures. I think I have got the bug for liveaboards from now on so you will be hearing from me soon. Thanks again, Chris.

Angela Donaghue

2011-09-12 17:16:56

I recently returned from the Grand Sea Serpent Itinerary in the Southern Red Sea - I would not normally take the time to provide feedback however on this occasion would like to let you know what an absolutely fabulous holiday we had - particularly due to the dive guides on our liveaboard, Will & Kati. I had already planned to do my Advanced Open Water while in Egypt, however, when I met the other guests on the boat found that most had Divemaster or Instructor qualifications along with hundreds / thousands of dives. I never really seemed to get the hang of buoyancy even after passing my Open Water and this together with new equipment proved to be extremely challenging. After a couple of dives I was really struggling and had Will not been such an excellent dive instructor, at this point, I may have just sat out the rest of the dives. Will spent invaluable time training me on a one -2-one basis on the required Advanced dives and after completing the certificate, I now feel confide.

Steve Hewitt

2011-08-30 13:51:06

Thank you for a fantastic holiday. We enjoyed it sooooo much that we will be booking the same holiday next year.

Bob Mann

2011-08-25 16:18:12

Hi all at Scuba Travel, I have just returned from a fantastic week on board Grand Sea Serpent doing the St John itinerary. I would just like to say a massive thank you to all involved. We had a great time, oceanic White tips, dolphins etc. Many thanks!

Peter Temperley

2011-08-25 10:24:30

The short story is that the trip was amazing. Quite challenging in parts and certainly the longest series of deep dives I have ever done. Most were below 30 and one was 40.,We had terrific sightings of scalloped hammerheads - a group of 9 - and topped off our last dive on Elphinstone with 10-15 mins with an oceanic white tip at 7 m. Quite incredible. The boat and facilities were excellent and the dive guides gave the best briefings by far I have experienced. I'll be forwarding you their details later as they are worth keeping an eye on!

Martin Greaves

2011-06-22 17:08:52

We've had an amazing week - hammerheads on only the 2nd dive, manta, dolphins - you name it we have had it. Grand Sea Serpent still has to be the best boat with the best crew and Kati & Will were brilliant. Huge thanks to everyone.

Bob Mckay

2011-06-13 16:17:04

Just a quick note to let you know ( you probably already do!), I have just returned from a great week on the Grand Sea Serpent. The boat and crew were excellent, as were the two guides. Trip started 01/06/11 St Johns. I have dived many liveaboards throughout the world and yes some had better rooms and a top chef, and they all cost twice or three times as much, and that was without the flight. Egypt represents such good value. Everything went well from the airport pick up through to the diving. Well done Scuba Travel

Chris Earl

2011-06-12 15:24:21

Just returned from a week on the Grand Sea Serpent. This is my first trip to the Red Sea &, based on my experience on GSS, will certainly be back! The crew were all friendly & helpful, the boat was in great condition, the food was good & the reef dives fabulous (if only they could have arranged for a few more shark sitings!)! Only issue was that I think that they could squeeze a few more dives into the trip, but maybe that's just me being greedy!

Covid Information for Grand Sea Serpent

Information provided by Sea Serpent Fleet - following the Egyptian Ministry Regulations

Updated 29 JUNE


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
    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). Credit & debit cards carry a 2% surcharge

    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 Grand Sea Serpent. Please speak to your travel consultant for current course prices and options.

    Extras

    Grand Sea Serpent offers a wide range of 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. All stock items are subject to availability.

    Nitrox/Gas

    Recreational nitrox included in your package for certified divers

    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
    Repeat discounts are not cumulative with other discounts and cannot be applied to special offer prices

    Included

    Airport transfers, 7 nights 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 may be 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

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


    St Johns

    St Johns is a large reef system right at the end of the Egyptian Red Sea and all time favourite with scuba divers of all abilities. This itinerary packs in the stunning reef systems of St Johns in the Deep South, Fury Shoal and Wadi Gamal. The reef l... MORE

    Brothers Islands

    Want to spend more time diving the dramatic walls of the Brothers? Then this is the ideal Red Sea liveaboard itinerary for you! The Brothers, or Al Akhawian as they are known in Arabic, are two islands standing virtually dead centre of the Egyptian... MORE

    Whitetips and Wonders with Mustard

    Photo pro Alex Mustard is heading on the hunt for pelagics - join him to learn the secrets of his distinctive style as you sail to the big walls of Egypt's Southern Red Sea. From adrenalin racing oceanic white tip and dolphin encounters to the rich ... MORE