The calm, clear waters of the Red Sea are a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, including many endemic species, and vibrant soft coral life. This special charter is a one-way crossing that offers a unique opportunity to explore many different areas of the Red Sea. The trip begins in Hurghada, in the northern Red Sea, includes diving around the Brothers Islands, and disembarks in Port Ghaleb in the south, allowing opporuntities to explore the southern Red Sea's coral gardens, walls, and lagoons.
Project Focus: This purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers. Some current is present in the Red Sea, so it is suggested that divers are comfortable diving in a current.
Accommodations: M/V Grand Sea Explorer is your luxury vessel that will guide you through the mesmerizing underwater sites of the Red Sea. Staterooms on the lower deck and sun deck have either 1 double or 2 twin (side by side) beds, and there are two suites available for an additional charge. Staterooms will be assigned based on the availabilty of bedding setups for each reservation. All staterooms have prvate ensuite bathroom and shower, window/porthole, and individual climate controls.
Diving: Up to four dives are offered each day, weather permitting. Nitrox is included in the package; please be prepared to present your nitrox certification card. It is mandatory that each diver has the following equipment: dive computer, surface signaling device (SMB), snorkel, regulator with alternate air source, light (for night dives), weight belt or integrated weights, and dive certification cards. Becuase this trip covers a significant distance, the water temperature may vary but an expected range will be 82-86 degrees F. A 3 or 5mm wetsuit is recommended.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
$3,159 per diver based on double occupancy.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes 10 nights of double occupancy accommodation onboard the Grand Sea Explorer, up to 4 dives daily (weather permitting), nitrox, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, local beer and wine, same-day transfers in Hurghada and Marsa Alam.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $350 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all divers and any attendee age 18 or older.
Additional Fees - Not Included: $230 per person route supplement/visa fee, and $36 per person port fee, both to be paid onboard and subject to change until 30 days prior to travel, all flights and associated travel to and from Egypt, hotels in transit, optional rental gear. Gratuities are not included in the trip package and are at each individual's discretion. As of April 2020, there is not a fuel surcharge associated with this itinerary, however this is subject to change until 30 days prior to departure.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $1,000 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Egypt Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: This trip is a one-way crossing. The trip embarks on July 28 in Hurghada, and disembarks on Aug. 7 in Port Ghaleb. Participants should make arrangements to fly into Hurghada International Airport (HRG) arriving in time for boarding on July 28. Return flights should be booked out of Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) departing on Aug. 7. Participants are responsible for booking their own airfare. REEF is not able to book air travel for participants.
Transfers: Two transfers within Hurghada and/or Port Ghaleb are included (between airport or hotel and boat). For those arriving before the boat departure day or departing after the final day, airport transfers to/from a local hotel can be arranged for a fee.
Visa, Passports, and Documentation: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay. All travelers must have adequate funds to support themselves, a return airline ticket, and the proper visa for travel. All visitors to Egypt need an entry Visa to enter the country. For many nationalities, this can be purchased upon arrival for approximately $25 USD. However, please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure that you have proper documentation. US citizens may visit the US Department of State website for more information.
COVID-19 Considerations: All REEF Field Survey Trip attendees who are eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19 either need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to participation or comply with additional safety measures in order to participate.
It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.