Liveaboard Safari Brothers Brother Islands Rocky Zabargad

The itinerary of the one-week southern excursions includes reefs like Elphinestone, Abu Dabab, Samadai and Wadi Gamal and start in El Quseir. The so-called deep south safaris depart from the small port of Marsa Alam. In comparison to the reefs around Sinai, Hurghada and Safaga, it is necessary to cruise much longer distances. These reefs are far away of each other and to reach St. John we even have to cruise during the night.

The depth of most of the dives range between 10 - 25m. The exceptions are Elphinestone, Shab Sharm, Furyshoal and St. John’s.

Massive formations of stone and table corals dominate most of the reef sceneries. They form beautiful and interesting caves, undercuts and canyons (Samadai, Shab Claude, Sataya). Typical reef dwellers are grouper, humpback wrasse, school of unicorn surgeon fish and banner fish. Currents attract barracudas, snapper, white and black tip sharks, and occasionally hammerheads and manta rays can be seen.

Surrounded by vast deserts, the Red Sea expands 2000 km (1300 miles) from the north, the Gulf of Aqaba, to Bab el Mandeb in the south.

The Gulf of Aqaba ending at the Straits of Tiran reaches a length of 180 km (110 miles).Following the Syrian-African Rift Valley the Gulf is 25 km (14 miles) wide, and 1800 m (6000 feet) deep. Fringing coral reefs developed all along the coast line.

There are many special aspects in this area : Water temperature is relatively constant. During summer maximun 28 º C and in winter not less than 21 º C. Seldom storms and rainfall (occasionally in winter), as well as mild currents prevent sediments to slow coral growth and allow excellent visiblility.