Liveaboard Blue Pearl – North & Wrecks
One of the best liveaboard itineraries in Egypt: dive on iconic wrecks and fantastic, colorful reefs.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Liveaboard Egypt: route North & Wrecks
Step aboard the liveaboard Blue Pearl and explore the southern vans of the Red Sea. During the North & Wreck itinerary, you will sail past legendary locations where nature, history and adventure come together. North of Hurghada, the Red Sea splits into the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. In this area, around the Strait of Gubal, there are numerous reefs and islands that have fatally wounded many ships in the past. Today, these wrecks form spectacular dive sites full of life.
Your dives include the famous SS Thistlegorm, an English cargo ship from World War II that was sunk in 1941. With its impressive cargo and rich marine life, this is an absolute must for any diver. The wrecks of Abu Nuhas also offer fascinating dives, with rusty ship hulls overgrown with colorful coral.
In addition to wreck diving, you will visit beautiful reefs such as Bluff Point and Blind Reef, where soft corals and schools of fish set the scene. The trip is completed with diving in the Ras Mohammed Marine Park, known for its clear waters and spectacular biodiversity. This itinerary combines comfort, short sailing times and unforgettable diving experiences.
Best travel time for the North & Wrecks route:
Diving in the Red Sea is possible all year round. Usually between September and May the sea is slightly calmer and visibility is best then. The ideal periods are from March to May and September to November. Autumn is an especially good time: the water is still wonderfully warm from the summer, while the extreme heat on land subsides
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for the Red Sea
In the summer months a 3 mm is sufficient, but in the heart of winter a 7 mm is wiser. In between, a 5mm will suffice.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 | Travel to Hurghada & board the Blue Pearl
In the late afternoon, on the Friday, the Emperor Superior will start her itinerary from Hurghada. This means you can either arrive in Hurghada on the day itself, or if more convenient one day in advance. Of course, we will find a suitable flight for you. Flying to Hurghada is possible from many airports in europe. Flight time to Hurghada, Egypt is approximately 5 hours. However, the exact duration may vary depending on factors such as flight path, airspeed and stopovers. At the airport, you will be picked up by Emperor’s crew.
In the evening, the Emperor Superior departs for the first dive site. Below is an example of the sailing schedule for the route. This sailing schedule may vary due to weather conditions, among other things, or because it is very busy at one dive site, for example. Then the captain throws around the schedule so you get the most out of your liveaboard.
Day 2 - 4 | Abu Nuhas diving: reefs and wrecks
You begin this liveaboard trip with a gentle check dive on a reef. The reefs in this area are colorful, full of life and almost always need good visibility. After the check dive you are all set for the next few days: wrecks and reefs!
The next few days are mostly devoted to wreck diving. Between wreck dives, you will also visit the reefs of the Straits of Gubal, the Gulf of Suez and those north of Hurghada. A variety of deep walls and hard coral gardens with an abundance of reef fish make them well worth a visit.
Abu Nuhas is known for its four famous shipwrecks. Each wreck offers unique diving experiences and is home to an abundance of marine life.
- The Giannis D is the most famous of the four wrecks and is a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast. The ship, which sank in 1983, is now covered in colorful soft and hard coral formations and is home to a variety of marine life, including lionfish, moray eels and groupers. The wreck has a maximum depth of 28 meters. The experienced dives can even dive into the engineroom. The wreck lies on its side, so you can quickly get disoriented there. But of course you always dive here with experienced guides and get a good briefing beforehand, so you know the direction and the dive plan.
- The Carnatic, which sank in 1869, is another popular wreck at Abu Nuhas. The ship’s wooden hull has long since decayed, but its metal parts and cargo of wine bottles can still be seen on the ocean floor. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including barracudas, trevally and schools of colorful reef fish.
- The Chrisoula K, known as the “tile wreck,” is a sunken cargo ship carrying tiles from Italy to Saudi Arabia when it sank in 1981. The site is home to schools of batfish and snappers, as well as barracuda and giant groupers. .
- The Kimon M, also known as the “lentil wreck,” is a sunken cargo ship that was carrying a cargo of lentils when it sank in 1978. The site is home to schools of barracudas, trevally and reef sharks, and the ship’s metal structure is now covered in colorful soft and hard coral formations.
Day 5 | Ras Mohammed, Yolanda & Ulysses
You start the day with a swim on the Ulysses. On August 16, 1887, the Ulysses had left Suez and entered the Red Sea. In the early hours she hit the island of Gobal Seghir, in the busy Straits of Gobal. The damage seemed minor at first, and another ship was requested to send help from Suez. The Ulysses was stranded on a coral reef just north of Bluff Point. However, it took until the 20th before help arrived and by then the reef had caused extensive damage to the ship and had to be abandoned. The Ulysses is 91 meters long. The back is at 27 m and bends into the shallow water.
Today, more than 100 years later, the Ulysses is a beautiful dive site. Her deck boards are long gone, opening up her rear section like a giant rib cage. The bow (as shallow as 6 meters) broke and lay battered in the shallow waters.
You end at Ras Mohamed, which is located at the southernmost tip of Sinai. It is one of the best-preserved national parks in Egypt with waters full of fish and color, steep walls that go down to a depth of 1,000 meters and attract a host of large fish, and itself a reputation as one of the best diving areas in the world. While you’re here, you might have a chance to dive at Shark Reef, a steep wall dropping into the blue, as well as the wreck of the Yolanda.
Day 6 | Strait of Tiran
During the night, the boat proceeded to the Strait of Tiran. This is the narrow sea passage between Sinai and the Arabian Peninsula, connecting the Gulf of Aqaba to the Red Sea. There are two islands in the waterway:Tiran, for which the strait is named, and the island of Sanafir, which is located further east. Today’s dives will be made in this area. No wrecks, but beautiful reefs and lots of life.
- Jackson Reef, locally called the “Aquarium,” is Tiran’s most popular dive, with the “Jackson Drift” being Sharm’s fastest and most exciting drift dive along a beautiful wall bursting with prolific coral growth. Occasionally, in the summer months, a school of scalloped hammerhead sharks can be seen.
- Thomas Reef gives you deep walls covered with soft coral, gorgonians and colorful fish. The western wall is darker with protrusions and caves full of glassfish and sweepers.
- A night dive at Gordon Reef promises different types of coral, tiny nudibranchs hidden in the crevices and soft corals and a chance to see white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, octopus and different species of eels such as moray eels, pepper moray eels and golden eels .
Day 7 | Wreck diving on the famous SS Thistlegorm
This full day is dedicated to the SS Thistlegorm. It is the most famous wreck in the Red Sea and also one of the most famous wrecks in the world.
This British freighter sank in 1941 during World War II and lies on a sandy bottom about 30 meters deep. Its well-preserved cargo of engines, trucks and ammunition makes this dive unique. Here you have the chance to enter the wreck so you can see the engines with your own eyes. You will also see other items, such as tires, cap boots and more. It is an impressive dive where there is much to explore and see. For that reason you will make 3 dives on this wreck.
The Thistlegorm carried cargo for the war effort in northern Egypt. Locomotives, various ammunition and Lee Enfield rifles, Bedford trucks, Triumph engines and even airplane wings can still be found in the remains The Thistlegorm. Every dive here is a visit to an underwater museum, a place in time where the clock stood still.
From here, the boat sails back towards Hurghada and you will spend your last night in Hurghada port.
Day 8 | Back in Hurghada & back home
In the morning you will enjoy a final breakfast on board, before it is time to leave the Blue Pearl. The transfer will take you back to the airport, where you will begin your return journey. Should your flight be late in the day, we can also arrange a day hotel. That way you can wait in comfort until it’s time to fly back.
Do you also want to explore Egypt above water? Then we recommend a nice round trip where you can experience the culture and history of Egypt. Hurghada is a good starting point to go to the pyramids or to the ancient city of Luxor. Feel free to ask us about the possibilities of extending your trip.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this liveaboard trip?
SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm is the most famous wreck in the Red Sea and one of the top dives in the world. This British freighter sank in 1941 during World War II and lies on a sandy bottom about 30 meters deep. Its well-preserved cargo of engines, trucks and ammunition makes this dive unique. In addition, the wreck attracts large schools of fish and predatory fish. You need several dives to explore the entire wreck and you also dive inside the wreck. An extraordinary experience!
Ras Mohamed National Park
Daedalus is the most remote reef in the Egyptian Red Sea. The island is about 400 meters long and recognizable by its lighthouse. You dive here along steep walls and vast formations of hard and soft coral. In November, you often see longimanus and, with luck, silky sharks and thresher sharks. A huge variety of fish species live around the walls. The steep chasms continue up to 500 meters deep.
Abu Nuhas wrecks
Abu Nuhas is a notorious reef group in the Strait of Gubal where several ships have wrecked. Here lie the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M, among others. These wrecks are easily accessible and relatively shallow, making them suitable for longer and varied dives. The ship hulls are overgrown with coral and provide habitat for numerous reef fish.
The liveaboard: Blue Pearl
The boat and its facilities
M/Y Blue Pearl
Part of the Blue Planet fleet, the Blue Pearl is a comfortable and stylish liveaboard that impresses both inside and out.
In the spacious salon and common areas, relaxation takes center stage, with plenty of space to recover after dives. With her length of 36 meters and width of 8 meters, the ship offers plenty of stability and space on board. Outside you will find spacious sun decks with lounging areas and shade, a large dive platform with equipment charging facilities and a comfortable lounge and dining area. During the trip you will enjoy three freshly prepared meals a day, snacks between dives and included drinks such as water, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
There are a total of 10 cabins on board, divided into two different types. There is room for a total of 20 guests on board.
On the lower deck are twin cabins with separate beds. On the sun deck are the spacious double cabins with sea views. All cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning, so you can return to a quiet and comfortable environment after each dive.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is US$ 1.296 per person based on two people in one cabin. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from US$ 1.296 p.p.
- 7 nights in a lower deck cabin
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Coffee, tea, water and soft drinks
- Dive package with 18 dives
- Nitrox for certified divers
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Hurghada from US$ 636 p.p. but usually around US$ 810
- Local fees/diesel surcharge €230
- Visa at Egypt airport approx. US$ 35
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
Attention! It is important to book the items below in advance. Upon arrival in Egypt, these optional items are often no longer available AND also the prices are higher locally.
- Diving equipment (€135)
- Diving computer (€35)
- Diving lamp (€35)
- 15L tank (€30)
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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Liveaboard
Yes. All cabins have private bathrooms.
Yes. All cabins have air conditioning.
Yes, this is allowed. However, if you want to do this you need to bring your own sleeping bag. You must also wear a hat that covers your ears. You are not allowed to use the mattresses from the cabins, but you can use the mattresses that are on the sun deck.
Yes. There is WIFI on board. This does have a data limit on it. In addition, keep in mind that connection is not always fast. We recommend buying another sim card with a data package at the airport upon arrival.
You always share a cabin with another person of the same sex. You can, however, get the cabin alone for an additional charge.
A combination of both. It can also happen that you start from the platform and the zodiac comes to pick you up at the end of the dive.
Diving general
An Open Water certification is sufficient for this trip. However, we do recommend being at least Advanced and having a good trim. Some great wrecks, such as the Giannis D, are deeper than 18 meters. You also have the opportunity to go into the wrecks, therefore it is important to have a good trim.
You will make 3 dives a day here.
Yes, it is possible to do night dives here. There are night dives included in the program.
It is possible to take the Nitrox specialty aboard the liveaboard.
Diving equipment
All tanks are equipped with DIN connection. A limited number of adapters are available for rental. Please indicate this to us or bring your own adapter.
Yes, the additional charge for using a 15L tanks is €30 per week. You must reserve the tank in advance.
If you are certified, you can use Nitrox. Nitrox is free on this liveaboard.
Yes, if you give at least a week’s notice. The cost for a the rental is per week.
- Diving equipment: €135
- Dive computer: €35
- Diving lamp: €35
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