Reading through this forum, I am struck by the amount of negative press surrounding liveaboards (LOBs) in Egypt. It’s also clear that many boats are not fully booked, even though we are in peak season.
I certainly don’t want to downplay the recent tragic accidents—they did happen, and they are heartbreaking. And yes, there are some questionable operators in Egypt. But does that mean we should generalize and dismiss the entire destination?
Personally, I don’t think so. There are serious, professional operators in Egypt with strong track records when it comes to boat maintenance and overall safety.
My take is this: yes, you absolutely should consider diving in the Red Sea—it remains one of the world’s great dive destinations. But do your homework. Choose your operator carefully. In Egypt (more than in many other destinations), you often get what you pay for. I prefer to spend a bit more to ensure high safety standards, well-maintained boats, and quality service, rather than try to save $100–200 and end up on an overcrowded boat with questionable standards.
I just returned from two weeks of liveaboard diving in Egypt—one week in the north, and another in BDE — and I was genuinely impressed. The service, the safety, and the overall experience were top-notch. Yes, I paid a little more, but it was absolutely worth it. Everything ran smoothly, and the trip was pitch perfect.
I certainly don’t want to downplay the recent tragic accidents—they did happen, and they are heartbreaking. And yes, there are some questionable operators in Egypt. But does that mean we should generalize and dismiss the entire destination?
Personally, I don’t think so. There are serious, professional operators in Egypt with strong track records when it comes to boat maintenance and overall safety.
My take is this: yes, you absolutely should consider diving in the Red Sea—it remains one of the world’s great dive destinations. But do your homework. Choose your operator carefully. In Egypt (more than in many other destinations), you often get what you pay for. I prefer to spend a bit more to ensure high safety standards, well-maintained boats, and quality service, rather than try to save $100–200 and end up on an overcrowded boat with questionable standards.
I just returned from two weeks of liveaboard diving in Egypt—one week in the north, and another in BDE — and I was genuinely impressed. The service, the safety, and the overall experience were top-notch. Yes, I paid a little more, but it was absolutely worth it. Everything ran smoothly, and the trip was pitch perfect.
