Red Sea liveaboard recommendations ???

[MXGratefulDiver]

I'm investigating a Red Sea liveaboard trip for early February next year, and would like to hear from folks who've done them. Specifically, recommendations about boats ... or recommendations about boats to stay away from.

My interest is in doing a one-week trip to Brothers, Elphinstone and Daedalous.

Would be interested in hearing about any experiences and thoughts you have on those areas ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

February is not the best time for this itinerary. If I were in your shoes, I would have chosen November.

As for boats, there are plenty of good ones. Are you looking for individual booking or group charter?

 

[Doubler]

Bob,
Look at this one. Blue Horizon.

Jim

 

[Crowley]

...waiting for TSandM to chime in...!

Although the recommendation she will make does seem like a good option, especially for the tec oriented.

Very much agree though that it's the wrong time of year to visit. The sea is close to its coldest, the winds can be - er - big - and the best of the wildlife will have yalla'd a few months before. The latter part of the year, from September onwards, would give you the best of the reefs, and November would also coincide with a lack of general tourism - at least, that is the case here in Sharm - after the manic rush of October there is a lull before the European winter holidays.

The sea will be close to its warmest point, larger pelagics will be hanging around, the air is hot but not toooo hot; whereas in February you might need a drysuit just to keep warm during the surface interval!

For the boats, others will offer the advice, but contacting Red Sea Shadow and Samaka (and TSand M) would be a good place to start if you're not sure.

Hope that helps

C.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

The trip is for my 60th birthday ... which is February 6th. So the time frame is not negotiable.

If this isn't a good time for a Red Sea trip, that's really all I need to know. We have the entire planet to choose from ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[=C=]

I been out 5 times each with different operators and have figured out that I prefer diving with Europeans or Russians because :::huge stereotype here::: they tend not to hand hold... its get in and dive.

For English speakers I'm a fan of BlueO2 (blue o two), Nice boats and not too expensive.

Heres a report from one of my trips.

...and heres a video of the Thistlegromn. I would suggest a northern wrecks and reefs itinerary, but I think its hard to go wrong if you have a captain that listens.


I've seen a couple of Emperor Divers boats but haven't been on board... seem nice Red Sea Diving with Emperor - dive resorts, liveaboards & PADI courses

Have a great trip!

 

[Doubler]

Bob,
What about a Truk/ Palau itinerary.

Jim

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Bob,
What about a Truk/ Palau itinerary.

Jim

I don't think that would be attractive to this group. Except for myself, they're pretty much recreational tourists.

Noticing that water temps in the Red Sea will be in the mid-60's (F), I think they'll probably want to go someplace warmer. I didn't realize the water got that cold there ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[OkiMike]

Well, if you were still looking for recommendations, I vote for the M/V Tala (operated by Red Sea Explorers).

MV Tala

But yes, it does get "cold" there.

 

[TSandM]

Well, I'm sure there are fancier liveaboards, with more elegant staterooms and more haute cuisine . . . but you cannot have more fun than we had on the Tala. Scooters for monkey diving, helium for deep diving, and a boat crew that specializes in making sure you get to do the diving you want, whatever that may be. Faisal's a kick, and if you get Nick and Valentina on the boat, it's a huge bonus. I wish I could go back.