Scuba divers choose to travel on some of the best liveaboards in the Red Sea for a number of reasons. Chief among them are intact shipwrecks, schools of sharks and colorful coral reefs. You can see reef sharks, oceanic whitetips, hammerheads, tiger sharks and thresher sharks throughout the region. In addition, whale sharks, dugongs and dolphins can also surprise lucky divers. There are also more than 800 species of fish in the Red Sea, with at least 10 percent of those being endemic to the region.
When diving in Egypt, Sudan and other Red Sea destinations, you’ll encounter a variety of underwater environments. These include sheer walls, vibrant reefs, pinnacles and open-ocean drifts. Some of the most popular dive sites are the area’s shipwrecks. Egypt’s SS Thistlegorm is regularly rated as one of the world’s best dive sites.
As the distance between the best dive sites in the Red Sea can be significant, the region is best explored by liveaboard. In this article, we share some of the best liveaboards in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, including:
- The Best Luxury Liveaboard
- The Best Mid-Range Liveaboard
- The Best Budget Liveaboard
- The Best Technical Liveaboard
- The Best Educational Liveaboard
- The Best Eco Travel Liveaboard
- The Best Liveaboard for Those with Fewer Than 10 Dives
- Best Liveaboard for Unforgettable Memories
- The Best Up-and-Coming Destination Liveaboard
- Frequently Asked Questions
Keep reading to learn more about the best liveaboards in the Red Sea.
Best Luxury Liveaboard: MV Emperor Elite
The MV Emperor Elite is the most luxurious vessel in the Emperor Fleet and one of the best-equipped boats sailing the Red Sea.
Aboard the Emperor Elite, your luxury experience will begin below the water where you’ll enjoy at least 18 to 21 dives during every itinerary. There are two dive professionals on each trip to answer all your questions, and a huge dive deck ensures everyone has space for gearing up. In addition, Nitrox is provided free of charge.
As winners of the 2020 “Best Liveaboard Worldwide,” you know the Emperor Elite’s luxury treatment continues above the surface. On board, you’ll enjoy an air-conditioned saloon and dining area, a bar, three sundecks and five-star cuisine, including complimentary dinner wine. WiFi is also provided for free. And each of the cabins is elegantly decorated. Particularly noteworthy is the premium upper-deck Executive Suite (added in 2017) and the Junior Suite’s panoramic sea views.
You’ll truly want for nothing on the MV Emperor Elite, one of the best liveaboards in Egypt for luxury vacations.
Best Mid-Range Liveaboard: MY Discovery I
The MY Discovery I (Previously the MY Amelia) was designed specifically for scuba divers in order to provide the ultimate dive safari. With a great mix of amenities and a middle-of-the-road price point, this liveaboard graces our list as the best mid-range liveaboard.
First and foremost, you’ll enjoy everything in the Red Sea from this yacht. MY Discovery I offers up to four dives a day, with 18 to 23 total dives on a seven-night itinerary. For deep divers, Nitrox comes free of charge. Experienced dive instructors are also available in case you want to get Nitrox certified onboard. With more than eight different Red Sea routes to choose from, you can visit the region again and again.
Back on board, the MY Discovery I doesn’t disappoint. Eight crew members attend the 20 guests, who are accommodated in 10 comfortable cabins. There’s a large sundeck for relaxing between dives, and the onboard bar is the ideal meeting point for you and your dive buddies after a long day of diving. As additional perks, WiFi is available for free, and the price includes airport transfers.
Weighing in at under USD $1000 per week, the MY Discovery I is one of the best Red Sea liveaboards for divers who want a good mix of amenities and price.
Best Budget Liveaboard: MY JP Marine
The MY JP Marine is a budget liveaboard that looks and acts like a more expensive vessel. This dive safari will impress you with the number of amenities you’ll have included for the price.
The experienced and professional JP Marine crew will make sure your safari is the best possible experience. In particular, the dive pros ensure dives are timed with regard to the season in order to see the best Red Sea marine life. For your comfort, dives take place from easy-to-enter tenders so divers can get quickly and safely to the best point of entry for each site.
Unlike most budget boats, the JP Marine boasts 14 private twin cabins. Each features individual climate controls and a private bathroom with a hot-water shower and sink. When you aren’t in your room, you can take in the incredible ocean views from the two sundecks or grab a drink at the bar.
If you want to dive Egypt or Sudan but are worried about the cost, the MY JP Marine is a great choice. It’s one of the best liveaboards in the Red Sea for divers on a budget!
Best Technical Liveaboard: MV Tala
The MV Tala is undoubtedly one of the best liveaboards in the Red Sea for experienced divers looking to make the most of their PADI TecRec certification. It explores both Egyptian and Sudanese dive sites, including Jacques Cousteau’s mysterious Précontinent II.
This liveaboard can cater for new and recreational divers. However, it specializes in advanced, technical, and deep cave diving, such as Elphinstone’s Arch or the wrecks of the Zealot or Numidia. As well as technical gases and rebreather facilities, there are underwater scooters available for rent. You won’t want to miss Abu Nahhas’ four-wreck scooter dive!
On board, the MV Tala accommodates up to 22 divers. There are 11 en-suite cabins with air conditioning, including a triple cabin ideal for a family. There’s also a saloon, sundeck and spacious kitting-up deck to ensure both diving and downtime are comfortable.
Looking to combine deep diving with the unspoilt, remote delights of the Red Sea? Consider a trip on the MV Tala.
Best Educational Liveaboard: MY Blue Melody
Named Sport Diver’s ‘Best Liveaboard’ in 2013, the spacious MY Blue Melody accommodates up to 26 people across 13 en-suite cabins, each with its own air conditioning and personal media system. The saloon, bar and Sky Lounge guarantee relaxation and entertainment between dives.
As you might expect, this luxury liveaboard reaches the Red Sea’s best dive sites. These include the SS Thistlegorm and The Brothers. But if you’re a budding conservationist or shark advocate, Blue Melody offers something special: the chance to learn and dive with Project Shark.
Project Shark trips include seminars by an experienced onboard marine biologist. As well as learning about shark biology and behavior, you’ll take home knowledge about global issues facing sharks and how you can protect them. And, of course, you’ll get to dive with several shark species on the Red Sea’s most beautiful off-shore reefs.
To enrich your Red Sea experience, look no further than MY Blue Melody‘s Project Shark. It’s the best Red Sea liveaboard itinerary for shark lovers!
Best Eco Travel Liveaboard: Snefro Pearl
Discover eco-conscious luxury in the Red Sea with the Snefro Pearl. This refurbished ISO-certified vessel redefines diving experiences, seamlessly melding safety with exhilarating itineraries that unveil the Red Sea’s hidden gems. Dive enthusiasts will be able to explore iconic wrecks, like the SS Thistlegorm and the mystical ‘graveyard’ of Abu Nuhas. They will also have the opportunity to dive alongside stunning reefs and encounter numerous shark species at the Straits of Tiran.
What sets this liveaboard apart is its dedication to enhancing every dive. Offering complimentary Nitrox and the option for dives from both the mothership and zodiacs, it tailors each experience to the unique allure of the dive sites visited. The vessel itself is a sanctuary of comfort and luxury, featuring two air-conditioned salons, free WiFi, splendid sundecks and spacious dining areas — all designed for tranquil, post-dive relaxation.
With a maximum capacity of 12 guests, the Snefro Pearl ensures an intimate and personalized journey. Ideal for groups seeking an indulgent yet eco-friendly adventure, this liveaboard truly has the perfect combination of luxuriousness, intimacy and environmentalism.
Best Liveaboard for Those With Fewer Than 10 Dives: MY Sea Dragon
Embarking on an underwater adventure with fewer than 10 dives under your belt might seem daunting. But, don’t worry! The MY Sea Dragon is designed to ease you into the wonders below, even as a beginner. Specially crafted for diving enthusiasts, the MY Sea Dragon‘s classic routes through the Red Sea present an opportunity to explore the finest of Hurghada’s underwater marvels.
Beyond the dives, this liveaboard boasts a thoughtful design for post-dive relaxation and enjoyment. With amenities like WiFi, a library stocked with books, games, a well-stocked bar and large open spaces for social opportunities, this Red Sea ship ensures that every moment onboard is as enriching as the dives themselves.
Additionally, for the avid underwater photographers, the onboard digital photo and video center provides the perfect space to review and relive the day’s mesmerizing shots. Between dives, guests have the freedom to indulge in snorkeling, discover secluded beaches or simply unwind in the various relaxation areas. All in all, the MY Sea Dragon crafts an unforgettable experience for novice divers, blending the thrill of exploration with the luxury of relaxation.
Best Liveaboard for Unforgettable Memories: Serenity
For an unforgettable adventure, the Serenity liveaboard delivers the ultimate Red Sea experience. Hosting up to 24 guests in 12 spacious, air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms, mini-fridges and plenty of storage, it’s designed for comfort and relaxation.
The onboard lounge is a hub of entertainment, offering WiFi, a bar and endless games. With three sundecks, you’ll definitely have the opportunity to soak up the sun between dives. Food is a highlight of the Serenity experience. The freshly prepared menu features fish, seafood, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, and the buffet-style setup ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Serenity’s itineraries take you to the Red Sea’s top dive spots, from the Brothers to Ras Mohammed, with two speedboats and Nitrox onboard for seamless dive adventures. Whether you’re diving iconic wrecks or relaxing on deck, Serenity guarantees memories you’ll never forget.
Best Up-and-Coming Destination Liveaboard: MY Galaxy
The MY Galaxy offers guests the chance to visit a range of underwater environments untouched by mass tourism. Departing from Al Lith, Saudi Arabia, 130 miles (210 kilometers) south of Jeddah, each 7-night itinerary visits the virgin reefs and wild islands of Farasan Banks.
The 42-meter vessel delivers outstanding luxury through its elegant design and relaxation-inducing communal spaces. It can accommodate up to 24 guests across four types of cabin. These include standard A/C cabins as well as junior and royal suites. Guests can relax in spacious communal areas such as the expansive saloon, featuring a 42-inch TV, bar and espresso machine, or in the dedicated air-conditioned restaurant, bow lounge and outdoor dining area.
As you embark on your adventure, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife from the start. Above the surface, you might spot ospreys and gannets soaring overhead. While in spring, whale sharks can often be found feeding at the water’s surface just outside the port. You can also encounter tuna, barracuda, eagle rays, manta rays and tiger sharks, as well as more whale sharks.
The MY Galaxy also offers alternative itineraries. These include more traditional Red Sea routes that visit popular sites like St. John and Elphinstone.
Red Sea Liveaboard Diving Logistics
Liveaboards in Egypt and Sudan can depart from several ports. However, Port Sudan, Marsa Alam, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Safaga Port are the most popular. The typical duration of a liveaboard trip is six or seven nights, but some Red Sea liveaboards offer eight to 10-night itineraries.
While most liveaboard itineraries are suitable for divers of all levels, some may require more advanced certifications, such as Advanced Open Water Diver. Southern routes are particularly well suited to advanced divers. Additionally, if you’re interested in focusing on technical (tec) diving or wreck diving, some liveaboard vessels are better equipped to accommodate these preferences.
Red Sea Liveaboard Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t fret, your questions and queries about liveaboards in the Red Sea have been answered below. From experience level to whether or not you need to bring your own equipment, these frequently asked questions will help settle any pre-travel jitters.
Most liveaboards in the Red Sea require a minimum of an Open Water Diver certification. Liveaboards that travel to dive sites with deeper depths or stronger currents often require an Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
When booking a liveaboard with PADI Travel, head to the “Itinerary” section of the liveaboard before booking to see what certifications are required for the safari.
The best time to dive in the Red Sea is from March to May and September to November. However, the Red Sea is a popular year-round dive destination, thanks to its temperate climate. Throughout the year, water temperatures range between 21°C (70°F) and 30°C (86°F). Between June and September, air temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F), with the water at its warmest.
The best liveaboard deals are typically found from June to August.
The Red Sea is full of amazing marine life. From December to February, you’ll have the best chance of spotting oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerhead sharks. March to May marks whale shark season. September to November is the ideal time to spot thresher sharks as well as manta rays, particularly in Sudan.
Most liveaboards provide amenities for a comfortable day-to-day experience. This includes bathrooms, showers, air conditioning, comfortable beds and areas for privacy. Depending on the luxury level of the liveaboard, some include private bathrooms, private cabins and even additional services such as massages, yoga classes and private dive guides.
When diving on a liveaboard, you have two options regarding equipment: either bring your own kit (excluding tanks) or rent a full set from the dive operator. If you prefer to travel light, the rental options might be the best choice.
Be mindful that equipment rental will likely come at an extra cost, so confirm this with your scuba travel agent before booking.
The number of dives included on your liveaboard depends on the length and the water conditions. A 3-night/4-day liveaboard typically includes three to four dives, while a 7-night/8-day safari usually offers 17 to 19 dives. Longer liveaboard itineraries will likely include more. On average, you can expect to complete two, three or even four dives per day.
To check the exact number of dives included on a trip, head to the itinerary section of each liveaboard listing on PADI Travel.
Ready To Experience One of the Best Red Sea Liveaboards?
These Red Sea liveaboards were hand-picked by our scuba diving experts, but there are many more to explore. To see the full list of trips available in the Red Sea, head over to PADI Travel or click below. The PADI travel team is on hand 24/7 via chat, email or phone to help you plan and book the Red Sea liveaboard vacation of your dreams.
