ScubaDahab
Updated 28 Oct 2026. Written by the ScubaDahab team, divers based in Dahab on the Red Sea.
Why a liveaboard in Egypt
Egypt has the largest liveaboard fleet in the Red Sea and some of the most famous dive sites in the world: the SS Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammed, the Brothers Islands, Daedalus and Elphinstone. Many of them are too far from shore for day trips, or are only quiet early in the morning before the day boats come.
On a liveaboard you sleep at the dive site. A typical day has three or four dives, including an early-morning dive and often a night dive, with meals, tanks, weights and guides included.
Choose your route first
The route decides what you will see and what level you need. In short: northern routes (wrecks, Ras Mohammed, Tiran) suit all levels and are the cheapest; the marine parks (Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone) are for sharks and experienced divers; the south (St. John's, Fury Shoals, Rocky, Zabargad) has the healthiest reefs and the fewest boats.
If this is your first liveaboard, start in the north. If you want sharks, go to the marine parks between October and December or in early summer.
When to go
Egypt is a year-round destination. The water is about 21–23 °C from January to March and 27–29 °C from July to October. Winter is the cheapest season and spring and autumn give the best balance of warm water, calm seas and fair prices. Our month-by-month guide has the details.
What it costs
A 7-night liveaboard in Egypt typically costs between about $1,000 and $1,800 per person, depending on the boat, route and season. Marine park and southern routes cost more than the north. On top come marine park fees, nitrox, equipment rental and crew tips. See our price page for current figures by route and month.
What level you need
Northern routes: Open Water with some experience is usually enough, though Advanced Open Water lets you see the deeper parts of the wrecks. Marine parks and the south: most operators ask for Advanced Open Water and at least 50 logged dives, and a surface marker buoy is mandatory. Nitrox certification is useful on every route.
Departure ports
Hurghada is the main base, with boats to the north and the marine parks. Port Ghalib near Marsa Alam serves the south and has the shortest crossings to the marine parks. Sharm El Sheikh is the base for short northern trips. Check which airport is closest to your port before you book flights.
How to pick the boat
Compare guest scores with the number of reviews behind them, the price per day, the boat's size (fewer guests means quieter dive decks), its age and refit year, and whether nitrox is free. Then pick a departure date that still has space. Our boat finder lets you filter by all of these.
