Explore Brothers Islands

The Brother Islands, located in the Red Sea of Egypt, are a premier destination for experienced divers seeking a thrilling underwater adventure. This remote duo of islands offers an unparalleled diving experience, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, and the chance to encounter fascinating marine life, including whitetip and hammerhead sharks. These sites are accessible primarily via liveaboard, providing divers with the opportunity to explore the diverse underwater landscapes over several days. Diving at the Brother Islands is not for the faint-hearted, as the challenging conditions with strong currents and exposed areas require advanced skills. Divers here are rewarded with some of the most stunning coral formations and diverse marine biodiversity in the Red Sea. Amidst the vivid underwater scenery, the remains of historic shipwrecks add an extra layer of intrigue and exploration, promising both awe and adventure. A unique aspect of diving here is the potential to witness the majestic dance of sharks in their natural habitat, offering an experience that is both exhilarating and humbling. Seasonal changes can influence marine life visibility and currents, making each dive a unique experience. The Brother Islands' diving conditions and the impressive sea life make it a standout location for those seeking an extraordinary dive adventure.

Places to Explore

Little Brother Island

Little Brother Island offers great wall and drift dives where you can see shoaling fish.

Big Brother Island

5 Divesites

Big Brother Island is among some of the best diving in the Red Sea, if not the world.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Big Brother

Offshore Island with stunning reef walls all around it. Potentially very strong currents which can change throughout the dive so be aware of this. Drift diving and deep diving experience is essential. Make sure you also have an SMB on every dive.

5,937
Logs
3,377
Divers
32.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Big Brother East

Brothers Island, or El Akhawen, is a “must dive“ for every diver that visits Egypt. This dive site can be reached only via liveaboard boats. The location contains two islands, the small and the big island. This is a more advanced dive as it can have strong currents and deep drop-offs with lots of shark sightings.

1,183
Logs
961
Divers
32.0 m
⌀ Depth
26.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Little Brother

Brothers Island, or El Akhawen, is a “must dive“ for every diver that visits Egypt. This dive site can be reached only via liveaboard boats. The location contains two islands, the small and the big island. This is a more advanced dive as it can have strong currents and deep drop-offs with lots of shark sightings.

8,247
Logs
4,144
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Big Brother South

South Plateau, extends from the southern tip of the Big Island. Beginning around 30m and extending some 500m south, this site sinks to 60m on the point. This plateau is around 20m wide and drops to over 80m off the sides. Current often flows from the north, making returning against current difficult.

2,251
Logs
1,609
Divers
33.0 m
⌀ Depth
26.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Big Brother - Numidia

Wreck of the S.S. Numidia, built in 1900. She ran aground on the reef at the northern tip of Big Brother on 20 July 1901 and sank a few weeks later.

474
Logs
407
Divers
34.0 m
⌀ Depth
26.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Brother Islands

The Brother Islands, located in the Red Sea, are a haven for diving enthusiasts seeking both shore and liveaboard options. Notably, the Aida and Numidia wrecks are prominent attractions, offering thrilling wreck dives. These historical sites provide glimpses into marine history, with vibrant corals and abundant marine life adding to the allure. Beyond the wrecks, the islands are known for their exceptional wall dives, teeming with diverse species, including hammerhead and thresher sharks. Night dives here reveal unique underwater behaviors, such as hunting lionfish and the mesmerizing dance of bioluminescent plankton, providing unforgettable experiences for divers of all levels. The balance between shore dives and liveaboard adventures ensures a comprehensive exploration of the underwater wonders this region offers.

The best Months to dive in Brother Islands

The Brother Islands, a premier diving destination in the Red Sea, offer year-round diving opportunities with diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Water temperatures range from 23°C–29°C/73°F–84°F, with the cooler months being from December to February. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, making it ideal for exploring the underwater vistas.

Diving is possible throughout the year, but conditions vary. The months of June to August can experience stronger currents and winds, which might challenge less experienced divers. Conversely, March to May and September to November generally offer calmer seas and are considered the best times for diving. Despite these variations, the islands remain a sought-after spot for divers worldwide.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions