SAFARI Brothers Islands and Daedalus
We welcome you on a trip to what is considered one of the finest and most interesting Red Sea routes, especially by advanced divers!
The route is characterised primarily by beautiful coral walls that fall away into the depths of the ocean as well as a few charming coral plateaus. Because of the considerable depths at the sites on this route, pelagic underwater life is abundant. You can expect to see small reef sharks, quite a number of hammerheads, and the oceanic whitetip shark. Underwater photographers will have countless opportunities to take some great shots of these magnificent creatures.
The Brothers are two small islands lying 70 kilometres off the Egyptian coast in the middle of the Red Sea. Because of their relative remoteness compared to other dive sites in the area, they get far less traffic. Many divers who visit claim these coral islands belong to the world’s top dive sites. The reefs here are in magnificent condition and are home to many underwater species. Two beautifully overgrown wrecks, Aida and Numidia, add to the extraordinary diving experience. Every centimetre of the reef is covered in splendid soft coral, including gorgonians and sea whips, which create a real underwater jungle. This magical place is inhabited by dozens of fish species including shoals of jackfish, trevally, and tuna. On an underwater excursion, you’ll spot sharks circling in the depths, perhaps the shimmering white fin of a whitetip shark, or the distinctive shape of a hammerhead. The area is also home to manta rays and Napolean fish. The location and seclusion of these islands have created an undersea paradise where marine life flourishes.
Salem Express wreck. The ferry sank off the coast of Safaga in 1991 as a result of a collision with a reef. In the crash was killed by various estimates from. about 500 to even 900 people - mainly pilgrims. The wreck lies at a depth of 32 meters on the starboard side. At the bow, the anchors are still in their positions and the effects of the impact can be seen on the bow gate, which as a result was opened. The port side towards the surface reaches a depth of 16 meters. Many parts of the wreck are scattered along the bottom, including boats and life rafts. Salem Express is undoubtedly one of the most emotional wrecks of the Red Sea and leaves absolutely unique experiences in the memory of divers. If the logistic conditions allow us, we may also dive on the Salem wreck.
Amazing both underwater and above water, we find the rocky outcrop of Big Brother island sitting in the middle of the Red Sea. Grandly rising from the island is a marvellous Victorian lighthouse built by the British colonists. It's now operated by the Egyptian Navy but can usually be visited. At the western tip of the island, we find the wreck of the Aida lying on the reef. This 75-metre ship collided with Big Brother during a heavy storm in 1957 as it attempted to deliver personnel to the Egyptian Coast Guard Station on the island. The bow was caught on the coral reef and the stern sunk, leaving it resting at an angle along the slope of the reef. This final resting position has the wreck lying at a depth ranging from 27 metres, all the way down to 70 metres. After more than fifty-five years the Aida has become an integral part of the reef on which it rests. Yet, its shape and detail are perfectly preserved under the plethora of colourful soft and hard corals that cover it. If you peer into the nooks and crannies, you might find some red groupers looking back menacingly!
At the northern end of the island is a plateau beyond which the reef slopes off and we find one of the most picturesque wrecks of the Red Sea. The Numidia was an impressive cargo vessel, British built, and 137 metres long. Unfortunately, on only its second voyage, it came into contact with Big Brother and sank! The ship lies perpendicular to the slope of the reef and almost perfectly on its keel. The remains of the bow are found lodged in the coral reef at a depth of about 8 metres, while the rest of the hull lies between 20 metres and 80 metres in often strong currents. The wreck is beautifully engulfed by both soft and hard corals, while shoals of fish have made the ship their home. Here you’ll meet huge groupers, schools of tuna, and grey reef sharks.
Little Brother is only one kilometre from Big Brother, and underwater life here is just as spectacular. Experience drifting with the current over never-ending coral gardens as barracuda and enormous tuna circle, sharks and mantas could also turn up. The reef’s west wall is a colourful thick coral garden while the east wall provides an opportunity to see some mighty gorgonians swarming with shoals of fish. Morning dives at the northern plateau are an excellent time for spotting grey reef sharks and silky sharks patrolling the area.
Daedalus Reef is part of the same marine park as the Brothers and is the furthest reef in the Egyptian Red Sea. It’s a huge oval in shape, and also has a lighthouse. Deep descending walls make this a spectacular dive site. The underwater view is characterised by mountainous landscapes and virgin hard coral formations. This is a great place to meet hammerhead, grey reef, and whitetip sharks.
Elphinstone is a finger-shaped reef arranged north to south and is a real gem in this part of the Red Sea. The eastern and western sides are steep reef walls down to 70 metres while plateaus are found north and south. A shallow coral garden, even seen from the surface, dominates the northern plateau. To the south, the plateau is deeper and ends with a vertical wall that drops off into the depths. At around 70 metres an underwater arch can be found; unfortunately, it’s too deep for recreational divers, techies only! Elphinstone is spectacular. It can be likened to the Brothers with walls of pristine soft and hard corals – forests of gorgonians, long twisted coral tendrils, sea whips, and huge coral tables. The marine life is also impressive. Drifting over the southern plateau takes us through countless shoals of clownfish, anthias, and other tiny fish (there are so many you may at times lose sight of your partner!). As we approach the eastern side of this plateau sharks, tuna, and mackerel start to make an appearance.
Recently built in 2018, our luxury dive yacht is second to none throughout the Egyptian Red Sea. This beautiful vessel has been designed with attention to the smallest details. At 43 metres long and 8.5 metres wide, there’s plenty of space for everyone. The high standard of cabins and general quality of the boat makes for a relaxing holiday. At last, a yacht that meets the expectations of the most demanding divers!
The yacht comes with 14 well-equipped cabins including two double suites. Each cabin has its own self-contained air conditioning, spacious bathroom, TV, mini bar and safe. There are two decks, ideal for sunbathing and relaxing under the stars. Two large and very comfortable lounges are available. A sauna, jacuzzi, two massage chairs and a 65” TV round out the luxury facilities!
For our clients, we also have two 85 horsepower zodiacs to pull a banana-boat or trampoline!
But we’re not finished yet! Add in slides and an inflatable pool that can be set up behind the yacht. Everyone’s happy!
ITINERARY
17 May 2020 – Flight from Poland to Hurghada, on touchdown transfer from the airport to our boat. Time for some rest aboard our luxury yacht..
18 May 2020 – Our underwater adventures begin! First, we check out the most beautiful reefs around Hurghada. We’ll then sail off into the darkness for The Brothers Islands.
19 May 2020 – Three dives today: firstly, the western wall of Big Brother where the Aida lies; secondly, the eastern wall with its gorgonian forest and drop-off; thirdly, the wreck of the Numidia.
Night diving is not allowed on the Brothers Islands!
20 May 2020 – Today is Big Brother’s Little Brother! Again, three dives: the south wall, north wall, and the shark playground. Immediately after our dives, we sail to the Daedalus Reef.
21 May 2020 – Diving the Daedalus Reef. Drifting along the beautiful north wall and meeting hammerheads!
22 May 2020 – Diving the legendary Elphinstone Reef.
23 May 2020 – Time for some rest aboard our luxury yacht...
24 May 2020 - The last day of our trip. After breakfast, we transfer from our boat to Hurghada for our flight home.
NOTE: The route of the safari is subject to change depending on weather conditions and flight logistics. The start and end points of the safari may also change.
PRICE per person:
EUR 1480 + flights
Additional EUR 220 per person for a Captain's Suite cabin.
Additional EUR 150 per person for a Bosun's Suite cabin.
Included in the Price:
Not Included in the Price:
personal expenses.
extended diving insurance.
