Diving Safari in Egypt (Deep South, Elba Reefs) – Group Trip on the M/Y Independence II
This route takes us to the southernmost “edge” of Egypt, to the region
of the Elba Reefs, which are still largely untouched and are sure
to make every diver’s heart race.Part 1: Rocky IslandThe southern marine park surrounding Rocky Island
is perfect for an early-morning dive; with a little luck,
you can spot hammerhead sharks and manta rays here. The reef wall to the south of the
island is crisscrossed by a multitude of small caves and beautifully
covered with hard and soft corals. Provided that authorities
allow it, we will also visit the even larger and equally beautiful Zabargad Island.Part 2: Elba Reefs The Elba Reefs
are located off the Halaib Triangle, which connects Egypt with Sudan
. The area consists of several reef formations and
thus includes various dive sites. In addition to the wreck of the SS
Levanzo, the area offers colorful coral gardens, beautifully overgrown
pinnacles, and huge coral towers. The splendor of colors and
the diversity of flora and fauna never fail to amaze even the “old hands” on every
dive. Only recently have a few safari boats begun visiting this beautiful
diving area—so there are
still new spots for us to discover as well.Part 3: St. John’s On the way back, the dive sites around St. John’s offer something for everyone: beautiful
vegetated steep walls, a high probability of shark encounters,
manta ray sightings, and pods of dolphins, as well as diverse marine
life for all macro enthusiasts in the colorful coral gardens.Part 4: Fury ShoalsAfter these impressive days of diving, we head north past the dive sites of Ras Banas to the Fury Shoals reefs,
which also leave a lasting impression: particularly
worth mentioning are the breathtaking hard coral formations, which
are unique to the Red Sea and, at some dive sites, form a
branched system of so-called caves and a labyrinth of caverns and
passages through the reef. Most of the time, you can dive through these “playgrounds”
of nature at shallow depths and are rewarded with indescribably
vibrant plays of light. Finally, we’ll dive the legendary Elphinstone Reef. The
northern tip is ideal in the morning when the current is light—a great time
to spend a little while equalizing at a comfortable depth and
observing the action in the open water. The rest of the dive along
the steep wall on the east side flies by and may even be
crowned by a visit from one or two oceanic whitetip sharks.Planned itinerary—for 11 days of diving:• Arrival DayTransfer
from the airport to the ship in modern, air-conditioned buses; check-in
to cabins; meal(s) depending on the time of day• Day 1Departure
after approval from the harbor police at approximately 9:00 a.m., check dive
and 1–2 additional dives at various dive sites, overnight crossing
to Rocky Island.• Day 22–3 day dives at Rocky Island and (if possible) Zabargad• Days 3–53 daytime dives and 1 night dive in the Elba Reefs area• Days 6 and 73 daily dives each at dive sites north of the Elba Reefs• Day 83 daytime dives and one night dive at the best spots in St. John’s• Day 93 day dives in the Fury Shoals and Wadi Gimal areas and 1 night dive at Wadi Gimal• Day 103 day dives at Sha’ab Sharm, Marsa Alam, or Abu Dabab and 1 night dive• Day 112 dives at Elphinstone, or alternatively at Abu Dabab and El Shouna; arrival in port around 4:00 p.m. or
if possible (depending on, for example, transfer arrangements for the day of departure
or necessary work on board), we will spend the last night
at sea near the harbor as well• Departure dayMeal(s) appropriate for the time of day, transfer from the ship to the airport
May 29, 2027
