Simply the best liveaboard trip
Rocky – Zabargad – Daedalus
12-19.12.2025
As mid-December approaches, the harsh weather and mounting pressures of daily life leave us yearning for an escape. Imagine trading the cold for a warm embrace of sunshine, surrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of the underwater world.
Now, it’s time to make that dream a reality. Join us on a remarkable journey to Egypt’s far south of the Red Sea. Embark on the legendary Rocky – Zabargad – Daedalus route aboard the luxurious Sea Fox, where adventure and relaxation meet perfectly harmoniously.
Allow us to take you through the details of this unforgettable experience.
Trip Overview
Rout: Rocky – Zabargad – Daedalus
Dates: 12-19.12.2025
Departure/ Return Port: Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam, Egypt
Prerequisites for divers: Suitable advanced divers, min 30 lodged dive
Water Temperature: about 25-26°C
The Boat M/Y Sea Fox
The Sea Fox is a 47-meter-long, 10-meter-wide luxurious steel yacht designed in 2023 for optimal comfort and modern elegance. It accommodates up to 36 guests in 12 double cabins and 6 suites, redefining liveaboard experiences in the Red Sea.
The Boat Safety standards
The Sea Fox meets and exceeds national and international safety standards, certified by:
1-Egyptian Marine Safety Authority.
2- International Tonnage Certificate.
3- Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate.
4- Certificate of Classification.
5- International Load Line Certificate.
The crew of MY Sea Fox meets the official requirements for the crew:
1 person with an extensive captain’s certificate (master mariner patent)
1 person with a basic captain’s certificate (minor mariner patent)
2 mechanical engineers (special license for working on a safari ship)
All crew members have completed specialized training in Alexandria
More details
Itinerary details
The journey spans 8 days and 7 nights, packed with exceptional diving experiences and relaxation. Below is the detailed schedule:
Friday, December 12 . Arrive to Hurghada –transfer to Port Ghalib (2 hours) – Check in
Saturday, December 13. ’Marsa Shona (Check dive,(- Abu Dabab ( check drift dive) – Night Dive
Sunday, December 14. Daedalus Reef 3 dives
Monday, December 15. Rocky – Zabargad
Tuesday, December 16. Rocky 2 dives – Sataya(Night Dive)
Wednesday, December 17. Malahi – Claudia – Night dive
Thursday, December 18. Elphinstone 2 dives then returns to Port Ghalib harbor, free stay on board and ashore
Friday, December 19. Check out – transfer to the Hurghada Airport.
The itinerary can be changed according to the weather conditions or Local government instructions
Key Dive Sites
During this extraordinary trip, we will explore together some of the most stunning diving sites the Red Sea has to offer. You’ll experience dramatic drop-offs, captivating depths, vibrant coral gardens, and enchanting shallow caves that make each dive unique and unforgettable.
Beyond the thrill of diving, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of the marine world, encountering fascinating marine creatures that call these waters home. Above the surface, you’ll marvel at the breathtaking views of the region’s most beautiful islands, surrounded by the real turquoise hues of crystal-clear waters.
Prepare to be enchanted by a world of wonder both above and below the waves.
1- Zabargad Island: A Jewel of History and Marine Diversity
Steeped in history, has been cherished for its natural treasures for centuries. Ancient Pharaohs, Romans, and modern Egyptians all mined its precious green olivine mineral. Located 46 km southeast of the Ras Banas Peninsula and 20 km east of the renowned St. John’s reef system, this large island is surrounded by reefs and lagoons, providing safe and well-protected moorings for liveaboards.
The island holds significant ecological importance as a breeding ground for Green Turtles, with over 2,000 nests reported on its sandy beaches. This delicate process, vital for the species’ survival, remains largely intact thanks to the island’s remote location, spared from the tourist developments that have devastated many coastal breeding sites.
For divers, Zabargad offers more than just ecological wonders. The wreck of the Russian “Spy Ship” Khanka adds a touch of intrigue for those interested in history and wreck diving. Meanwhile, the island’s southern reefs feature shallow walls adorned with coral pinnacles, gentle slopes, overhangs, and swim-throughs that make each dive captivating. These shallow waters lead into deeper shelves for those looking to explore further.
Although primarily used for night dives, the southern reef’s beauty is well worth a daytime dive. Zabargad Island combines historical intrigue, ecological significance, and underwater splendor, making it an essential stop on your journey.
2-Rocky Island: A Diver’s Paradise
Just over 5 km southeast of Zabargad lies Rocky Island, a remarkable reef with steep walls that plunge dramatically into the depths of the abyss. This exposed location, more so than Zabargad, offers a thrilling experience for adventurous divers, though liveaboards typically avoid overnight stays here due to its challenging conditions.
The north face of Rocky Island endures the brunt of prevailing weather and strong currents, which limit coral growth but attract an impressive array of pelagic species. Divers may encounter hammerhead sharks, large groupers, and the iconic Napoleon Wrasse, making it a hotspot for big marine life.
The east side of the island, sheltered from harsher conditions, boasts the best coral growth, featuring vibrant coral blocks and an inviting open plateau. For technical divers, Rocky Island offers the added allure of exploring the deep wreck of the Maiden, a site reserved for those with advanced skills.
Rocky Island promises an exhilarating mix of breathtaking underwater landscapes, thriving marine life, and unforgettable dive experiences.
3- Daedalus Reef: A Diver’s Open Sea Adventure
Daedalus Reef stands isolated in the open sea, approximately 180 km south of Brothers Island and almost halfway to Saudi Arabia. With a diameter of less than 800 meters, this iconic reef is marked by a prominent lighthouse, guiding adventurers to one of the Red Sea’s most rewarding diving spots.
The reef features steep drop-offs on its east, north, and south sides, each offering exceptional diving opportunities. The southern side provides excellent shelter from northern winds, making it a suitable spot for rest and exploration.
Diving at Daedalus takes you through a reef profile that extends from the surface to depths exceeding 70 meters. The west side is renowned for its Anemone City and thriving blue coral formations, offering a vibrant and photogenic underwater landscape.
The north side, exposed to open water and currents, is a magnet for pelagic life, with sightings of majestic hammerhead sharks as a highlight. As currents flow toward the east coast, they bring a diverse array of marine life, including tuna, barracuda, snapper, unicorn fish, and surgeonfish, forming large schools that are a treat for divers.
Throughout the reef, the coral and fish life are remarkably rich, with a variety of colorful formations and thriving ecosystems. Daedalus Reef promises an exhilarating mix of breathtaking scenery, pelagic encounters, and unforgettable underwater moments.
4- Elphinstone Reef: A Legendary Dive Site
Elphinstone Reef, located 30 km north of Marsa Alam and 12 km offshore, ranks among the best dive sites in the world. This cucumber-shaped reef, surrounded by deep waters, offers spectacular wall drift diving and stunning coral formations that captivate divers.
At each end of the reef, 80-meter-long slender plateaus extend into the blue, each with distinct features:
- The north plateau is marked by a crack at its tip, creating a separate pinnacle that adds intrigue and unique underwater terrain.
- The south plateau boasts an arch-like tunnel running through its base. According to legend, a Pharaoh lies buried here in a sarcophagus. The myth is fueled by the tunnel’s middle section, where a perfectly shaped block resembling a coffin adds an air of mystery and history to the dive.
The east and west walls are equally stunning, with vibrant coral life and dramatic drop-offs. Divers choose between them based on the sun’s angle, ensuring the best visibility and underwater experience. After exploring the plateaus, ascending to shallow depths reveals another layer of beauty, with colorful coral and marine life thriving near the surface.
Elphinstone Reef offers a mix of thrilling underwater landscapes, captivating legends, and unforgettable drift dives, making it a must-visit destination for divers of all levels.
5- Malahi: The Coral Playground
Malahi, often referred to as the “playground,” is a fascinating dive site characterized by craggy coral formations. The reef sits on a sandy seabed at a depth of 18 to 20 meters, while the coral structures rise to around 6-8 meters. Divers can navigate through the maze-like coral formations, creating an adventurous and playful underwater experience. This site is perfect for those who enjoy weaving through intricate passages and exploring unique reef structures.
6- Shaab Claudia: A Dive into Light and Shadows
Shaab Claudia offers a serene yet captivating dive experience. This small reef rests on a sandy bottom at a depth of 20 meters, with the west side showcasing a stunning array of hard coral formations, including stony and boulder corals that provide a vibrant habitat for marine life.
The highlight of Shaab Claudia is found on its southern side, where a spacious cavern awaits exploration. The cavern features a natural opening in the ceiling, allowing sunlight to filter through and illuminate the interior. This creates a magical play of light and shadows, adding an unforgettable atmosphere to your dive.
Both Malahi and Shaab Claudia offer distinct and memorable underwater experiences, combining the thrill of exploration with the beauty of nature.
Prices
The Sea Fox liveaboard offers a premium diving experience with a range of cabin options to suit various preferences. You can choose from:
Lower deck cabins 1400 Euro / Person
Main deck cabins 1450 Euro / Person
High deck cabins 1550 Euro / Person
Upper deck cabin 1700 Euro / Person
Prices include
– Full Board accommodations (including all meals, snacks, and soft drinks)
– Transfer from and to the airport
– Marine park fees
– Port Ghalib fee
– Nitrox
– Diving guides and assistance
– 12 L tank and weights
– WI-FI
– Group T-shirt
Prices not include
– Flights tickets
– Staff and boat crew tips (approx. €100)
– National park fees and environmental fees €100
– Rental equipment (available for an additional fee) Price list .pdf
– Personal travel and diving insurance (recommended). You can purchase diving insurance online from DAN Europe (valid for 1 year)
Payment schedule
Booking fee 30%:
The final payment is due 3 months before departure
Booking Information
To secure your place on this exclusive liveaboard diving trip, please contact Blue Zone Egypt at info@bluezoneegypt.com.
Dive Guides
Our dive guide team combines experience, safety, and exceptional service to ensure an unforgettable underwater adventure. Leading the team is Ali Ahmed , a seasoned guide who has safely led tens of thousands of Scandinavian divers through breathtaking underwater landscapes. Alongside him is Mo Sultan, our Golden Dive Master, affectionately known as Bulbul among Finnish divers for his expertise, warmth, and ability to create a comfortable diving experience for all skill levels.”
Brief shot of further previous trips
