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, canyons and chimneys, overhangs and breath taking underwater topography, combined with an incredible array of marine species, this itinerary really has it all.
Wrecks and Reefs is our number 1 Egyptian liveaboard itinerary for a reason. Dive the best of the Northern Red Sea and discover the world class wrecks and breath taking reefs every day and night. The warm, clear waters are packed with rich coral gardens and dramatic walls, teaming with marine life. The famous wreck dives are easily accessible, and brimming with history and intrigue. This is a year round itinerary that visits some of the most iconic dive sites in Egypt and the varied depths across dive sites suit all abilities - from novice to tekkie, jump aboard for your next dive adventure.
Plus on this itinerary we head to Dahab's famous Blue Hole
Drift from the Bell southwards until you reach the Blue Hole on one of the world's most famous dive sites. You'll start at the Bells, which is an open chimney that's wide enough for one diver at a time. Exiting the chimney at about 25m, you'll swim along the outer wall of the Blue Hole, seeing vibrant marine life and majestic overhangs along the way. Breaking through the Blue Hole at around 7m, you'll have time to explore this incredible site before heading back over the reef. This is a dive site not to be missed!
Tiran and Ras Mohammed are two of the best known areas for diving in the Northern Red Sea. Famous for their stunning coral gardens and dramatic walls, we love spending our dives watching the clown fish, napoleons, groupers and snapper. Glass fish and anthias dart around, chased by the ever present lion fish. Hawksbills and green turtles are seen on most dives in both areas. Hunt out long nosed hawkfish hiding in the gorgonian sea fans. Large schools of snapper, bat fish and barracuda aggregate in the blue, especially in our summer months at Shark & Yolanda. Cruising past Ras Mohammed, you sail towards the first of the wrecks. The Northern Red Sea is a wreck diver's delight. The almighty Thistlegorm is the setting for unforgettable diving, day or night. The Kingston, Dunraven, Giannis D, Carnatic and Ulysses only add to the excitement. These 19th and 20th century wrecks have become artificial reefs, but each is still packed with unique artefacts that tell their story. There are several resident pods of bottlenose dolphins on this itinerary's route. Gubal island is an excellent place to spot them. Keep your eyes and ears peeled underwater here! Don't skip the night dive at Gubal. The barge is home to resident giant morays, octopus, cardinal fish, nudis and so much more!
Wrecks and Reefs is the ideal itinerary whatever your experience level. However, there can be strong currents on some sites. Talk to your travel consultant if you would like to complete your PADI advanced course or a specialty on board. Visibility is typically crystal clear and water temperatures range from 20 and 28 degrees throughout the year. Travel times between dive sites are short leaving more time for relaxing. Sites can be accessed whatever the season, either by boat or RIB. We are happy to tailor the itinerary for full charter bookings. Talk to us about how we can adapt your route to meet your group's needs.
There is no doubt... few other dive destinations can offer the same quality and quantity of top dive sites in a single trip. Wrecks and Reefs keeps us all coming back for more and this is a week's diving you will never forget.
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 t... Learn more about Ghazala Explorer
Scuba Travel have weekly departures of the Wrecks & Reefs itinerary so there is always a date to suit!
Embarkation
Ghazala Explorer departs from the New Hurghada Marina
Trip Duration
All of our North and Dahab trips run for 7 nights with 7 nights spent on board your liveaboard.
There are normally 4 dives a day (3 day dives + 1 night dive) apart from on your first and last day. There are around 19-21 dives on an average week but this can vary depending on local weather conditions.
Arrival
Once you have been picked up from the airport you will be taken to the port to board your liveaboard. If you are making your own way to the harbour we ask that you not board before 18:00. There will be a full welcome briefing on arrival and you can set your kit up. If you have prepaid any rental equipment this will be given to you on arrival. Enjoy dinner on board and settle in. The boat will not leave harbour on this first night.
After the boat permissions are sorted, the boat will depart the next morning and the check dive will be made.
A normal North and Dahab itinerary will dive at the following areas but the exact dive sites and order will vary week by week depending on what people enjoy, where the best sightings have been and reflect diver experience levels.
All liveaboard itineraries are subject to various unpredictable changes including weather conditions and changes in local Government approval. Whilst our boat operators make every effort, we cannot guarantee diving at specific sites. In adverse weather conditions, the guides and captain of the boat will have the final decision about which dive sites to visit to ensure that the safety of guests, staff and boats is not compromised in any way.
Tiran
Jackson, Thomas, Woodhouse and Gordon are the 4 reefs that make up the Tiran system and each has it's own individual charm. The coral gardens at Jackson are some of the most lavish you will find in Egypt and the wall stunning. Thomas is famous for the deep canyon but there are also some large sea fans to admire. Woodhouse is always a lovely drift dive, with plenty of nooks and crannies along the wall where you can find macro life. Gordon is distinctive for the tar barrels that are slowly becoming part of the reef - a vast school of banner fish live on the drop off. This is a perfect afternoon or night dive.
Please note: not all fleets departing from Hurgahda will dive in Tiran.
Dahabs Blue Hole
Drift from the Bell southwards until you reach the Blue Hole on one of the world's most famous dive sites. You'll start at the Bells, which is an open chimney that's wide enough for one diver at a time. Exiting the chimney at about 25m, you'll swim along the outer wall of the Blue Hole, seeing vibrant marine life and majestic overhangs along the way. Breaking through the Blue Hole at around 7m, you'll have time to explore this incredible site before heading back over the reef. This is a dive site not to be missed!
Ras Mohammed
If you visit the Northern Red Sea you have to dive Ras Mohammed! There are too many outstanding sites to mention but the best include Shark & Yolanda, Anemone City, Ras Gozlani and the wreck of the Dunraven - after you finish on the wreck head onto the reef to look for stone fish. The drop off in Ras Mohammed will take your breath away and you always have a good chance to see larger fish in the blue. Barracuda, tuna, snapper, rays and even larger passing pelagics are all common.
Around the Thistlegorm
Around Shaab Mahmoud you find 3 classic dive sites. The Thistlegorm needs little introduction to UK divers - sunk during the 2nd World War, she was laden with munitions and with several dives (including a night dive) to explore the holds, decks and environs, you will discover just why this ranks as one of Egypt's top dives. At Shag Rock you can enjoy both an incredible hard coral reef dive (often with turtles) and the small but adorable wreck of the Kingston. Another top reef dive is Small Crack - here a spilt in the reef allows divers to dive between the outer reef and inner lagoon. The crack is packed with marine life and it can be a super late afternoon or early morning dive.
Abu Nuhas
This is one of the best concentrations of wreck diving in the Red Sea with the newest and oldest wrecks you will visit on this itinerary. The Giannis D is always a popular dive with a brilliant (and easy!) engine room penetration. You can swim easily through the corridors and into the rooms as they have been cleared without entanglement risk. Head to the Carnatic for the oldest wreck - the iron ribs are iconic and the wreck is smothered in marine life. You may also dive the Chrisoula K, which is famous for the bathroom tiles in her hold!
Disembarkation
You will normally leave the boat after breakfast on your last day and be transferred to a hotel for the day. Your final transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight home. Please do speak to the travel consultant at the time of booking to confirm the exact last day arrangements.
We would be more than happy to help you. Our travel advisors are at your service to help you.
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