Explore Big Brother Island

Big Brother Island, located in the northern Red Sea, offers an unparalleled diving experience characterized by its dramatic underwater landscapes and diverse marine life. Accessible exclusively by liveaboard, this destination promises exhilarating adventures for divers of all skill levels. The island's deep wall drop-offs present a thrilling opportunity to explore the vibrant coral gardens teeming with life, including encounters with large pelagic species like hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and tunas. These powerful creatures often glide through the clear waters, offering a spectacular show of nature's grandeur.

Adding to the allure of Big Brother Island are its famous wreck dives. The Numidia, affectionately known as the Railway Wreck, and the Aida lie beneath the waves, each with its own storied past. The Numidia, a 130-meter British cargo ship, met its watery fate in 1901, while the Aida, a 75-meter supply ship, sank in 1957. These wrecks, now vibrant artificial reefs, provide a captivating glimpse into history as marine life flourishes around them. With its unique combination of rich history and natural beauty, Big Brother Island truly stands out as a must-visit diving destination in the Red Sea.

Dive Activity

Diving in Big Brother Island

Big Brother Island, part of Egypt's Red Sea, is renowned for its thrilling dive sites, with a perfect blend of shore and liveaboard diving options. One of the standout features is the wreck dive at the Aida II, a supply ship sunk in 1957, offering divers an intriguing underwater adventure as they explore its remains now teeming with vibrant marine life.

Another highlight is the Numidia wreck, which has become a captivating artificial reef, attracting diverse species and providing an exhilarating dive experience. Night dives at Big Brother Island reveal fascinating marine behaviors, with nocturnal creatures emerging, creating a unique spectacle for divers. The island promises a balanced and unforgettable diving experience for both shore and liveaboard enthusiasts.

Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in Big Brother Island

Big Brother Island offers excellent diving conditions throughout the year, making it an attractive destination for divers. Water temperatures range from 22°C–29°C/72°F–84°F, with the warmer months typically occurring between May and September. Visibility is generally good, often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs.

Diving is possible year-round, though conditions can vary slightly with the seasons. Between October and April, divers may encounter stronger winds and currents, which could impact dive plans. However, these factors are generally manageable, ensuring that the island remains a popular diving spot regardless of the season.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Big Brother Island

Big Brother Island, located in the Red Sea, is renowned for its vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for divers. The surrounding coral reefs are teeming with an array of reef fish, including the colorful butterflyfish, angelfish, and the ever-present surgeonfish. Divers can frequently encounter these species, offering a rich underwater spectacle year-round.

Seasonal highlights at Big Brother Island include the thrilling opportunity to see hammerhead sharks, which are more commonly spotted from May to August. Additionally, divers might encounter grey reef sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks, especially during the autumn months. Green and hawksbill turtles are also frequent visitors, often seen gliding gracefully over the reef. Rays, such as the spotted eagle ray, can also be observed, particularly in the warmer months, enhancing the island's appeal to underwater enthusiasts.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Oceanic Whitetip Shark

1.5k Sightings
J
9
F
1
M
0
A
12
M
14
J
27
J
57
A
49
S
160
O
441
N
562
D
125

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

1.1k Sightings
J
7
F
1
M
19
A
33
M
48
J
90
J
138
A
105
S
159
O
260
N
252
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Thresher Shark

Thresher Shark

842 Sightings
J
10
F
11
M
0
A
41
M
52
J
14
J
48
A
11
S
73
O
177
N
340
D
65

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

618 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
20
A
33
M
54
J
77
J
36
A
22
S
71
O
131
N
140
D
31

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

480 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
25
M
58
J
53
J
58
A
21
S
76
O
74
N
99
D
12
Great Hammerhead Shark

Great Hammerhead Shark

196 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
34
J
17
J
40
A
13
S
18
O
30
N
44
D
0
Scalloped Hammerhead

Scalloped Hammerhead

170 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
32
J
30
A
0
S
35
O
24
N
49
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Tuna

Tuna

740 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
17
A
52
M
80
J
68
J
108
A
41
S
91
O
125
N
143
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

662 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
19
A
39
M
70
J
45
J
62
A
32
S
112
O
107
N
152
D
21

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

648 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
27
A
25
M
69
J
54
J
42
A
34
S
93
O
117
N
146
D
38

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

565 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
24
A
23
M
64
J
57
J
39
A
21
S
73
O
109
N
126
D
26

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

526 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
27
A
0
M
56
J
59
J
58
A
23
S
64
O
108
N
111
D
15
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark

495 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
0
A
35
M
31
J
68
J
61
A
22
S
63
O
104
N
95
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

431 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
21
A
14
M
42
J
50
J
26
A
15
S
71
O
83
N
97
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

391 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
23
A
22
M
31
J
42
J
25
A
0
S
42
O
82
N
100
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

354 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
37
M
20
J
38
J
35
A
13
S
51
O
72
N
74
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

340 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
19
M
59
J
33
J
11
A
15
S
45
O
78
N
59
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

310 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
3
A
22
M
46
J
15
J
13
A
0
S
54
O
67
N
85
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

302 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
13
A
10
M
42
J
17
J
15
A
0
S
30
O
60
N
93
D
22

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

233 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
10
M
36
J
30
J
14
A
13
S
21
O
38
N
71
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

224 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
20
J
26
J
10
A
0
S
38
O
60
N
62
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

193 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
32
J
34
J
12
A
0
S
25
O
47
N
43
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Cornetfish

Cornetfish

176 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
7
M
27
J
16
J
21
A
0
S
12
O
49
N
43
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

162 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
13
J
32
J
0
A
0
S
36
O
48
N
33
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

134 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
30
J
12
J
0
A
0
S
11
O
54
N
27
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

112 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
24
J
0
A
0
S
22
O
40
N
26
D
0
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

111 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
10
J
12
J
20
A
0
S
16
O
20
N
28
D
0
Silky Shark

Silky Shark

55 Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
19
N
31
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

52 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
11
O
14
N
27
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

47 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
21
J
0
A
0
S
10
O
16
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

42 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
24
N
15
D
0