About St Johns

St Johns is a vast reef system at the far southern tip of Egypt's Red Sea and an all time favourite for divers of every level. This itinerary now combines St Johns with iconic dive sites such as Elphinstone, Sataya (Dolphin Reef), Fury Shoal and Marsa Shouna. Expect breathtaking coral gardens, walls, caverns and encounters with dolphins, turtles, reef sharks and pelagics. With reefs this remote and healthy, a liveaboard is the best way to experience the Southern Red Sea in all its glory, far from the crowds.

Featured dive sites

Elphinstone: Just 12 km offshore, Elphinstone is world famous for its steep walls adorned with soft corals and fans. Drifting along these colourful reefs, you may encounter oceanic whitetips, hammerheads and reef sharks patrolling the blue.

Sataya (Dolphin Reef): A six mile horseshoe reef enclosing a calm lagoon where resident dolphin families are often encountered. It's also a superb night anchorage and a great place to see lionfish hunting after dark.

St Johns (region): Covering around 300 km near the Sudanese border, St Johns is a labyrinth of reefs with outstanding visibility, tunnels and caves. Expect hammerheads, manta rays, barracuda, jacks, turtles, threshers and grey sharks, along with fabulous wide-angle photography opportunities.

Fury Shoal: A glorious cluster of reefs with something for everyone, wall dives, pinnacles, swim-throughs and even resident spinner dolphins. Both shallow and deeper sites deliver pristine, colourful coral far from the crowds.

Marsa Shouna (Turtle Bay): A shallow, seagrass fringed bay famous for giant turtles, coral gardens and relaxed topography. Keep one eye in the blue for a lucky dugong sighting.

Who is this trip for?

The St Johns itinerary is perfect for all certified divers. The diving is straightforward so you can focus on the incredible marine life.

Experience

Suitable for Open Water Divers and above. Some dives exceed 18 m; to make the most of the week, we recommend PADI Advanced Open Water (or take the course on board) and Nitrox if available.

Conditions

Generally mild currents and excellent visibility. Dives are conducted from the main vessel and RIB.

Styles of diving

Walls, pinnacles, plateaus, caverns/caves and night dives feature across the week.

Highlights at a glance

World-class shark encounters at Elphinstone

Swim alongside wild dolphins at Sataya Lagoon

Vast reef network and caverns of St Johns

Remote, colourful coral gardens at Fury Shoal

Turtles (and sometimes dugongs!) at Marsa Shouna

Practical notes

Itinerary flexibility: Final route varies with weather, government approvals and recent marine life activity.

Best season: Year-round; pelagic action peaks spring and autumn. Winter offers crystal visibility and fewer boats.

Typical depths: 5-35 m. Photographers will love the shallow, light-filled caverns and dolphin encounters.

Entries/exits: From the platform or via RIB depending on the site and conditions.

Ready to dive?

See for yourself why the Southern Red Sea keeps divers coming back year after year. Talk to our team to secure your cabin and add on Advanced or Nitrox training if you'd like to maximise your time underwater.