Red Sea Diving Itinerary

On a typical day we offer up to 4 day dives, however the 4th day dive may be substituted for a night dive when the boat is anchored by a reef. A 7-night itinerary provides for between 18-20 dives, whilst during our 10-night itineraries, up to 30 dives will be possible.

The diving day aboard the Red Sea Master is scheduled as follows:- Light Breakfast followed by a briefing and Dive 1. Full Breakfast, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 2. Lunch, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 3. Snack relaxation period, briefing and Dive 4, where possible. Dinner.

Dive sites vary, with something for everyone on most itineraries. Currents are the norm in many spots so on several itineraries it is recommended that divers have experience beyond beginner level to ensure maximum enjoyment. Always check with your agent or our reservations team for the most suitable itinerary for your experience and certification.

Egypt has hot and dry summers and fairly moderate, cool winters; the air temperature can easily touch 40+C (104+F) in summer, while winter is a more comfortable 18-23C (64-73F) with occasional rain and cool nights. Water temperatures vary from 20C in December up to 29C (68F to 84F) in August. Recommended are a 3 or 5mm full wetsuit (summer) and a 5 or 7mm full wetsuit (winter) with a hood/vest in case you feel cold.

Yacht Information
This 41-metre wooden vessel was completely refurbished in 2016 and now operates as part of the Master Liveaboards fleet in the crystal blue waters of the Red Sea. She graciously welcomes up to 26 guests on board; in four suites, five twin/double cabins, and four fixed twin cabins.

Each cabin is equipped with air-conditioning, a private entertainment system, mini-fridge and a convenient en-suite bathroom. As the Red Sea Master is specially laid-out for having guests spend their holidays aboard, there is of course ample space for all guests to relax and enjoy their diving cruise. A generous sundeck on the fly bridge, a separate bar and sky lounge with state of the art entertainment system and even a Jacuzzi make for a luxurious stay on board.

There is also plenty of room for guests who prefer to relax and unwind in the shade. Featuring a nitrox membrane, booster pump, a technical blending panel, the Red Sea Master fully caters for rebreathers and technical divers.

Schedule and Rates

Master Liveaboards offers a range of services to make your stay on board even more enjoyable.

Land excursions are included in your cruise free of charge and the following are available for an additional fee:
– Full dive equipment rental ( from US$22.50 per dive day)
– Nitrox (US$100-150)
– Alcoholic beverages (prices vary, with beer starting at US$2)
– Master Liveaboards merchandise (prices vary)

Getting there and away… We recommend that you book your international flight to and from Hurghada airport, which is served by many airlines and charter companies from all over the world. Embarkation time of the Red Sea Master is normally at 6pm. Disembarkation is normally between 9 and 10 am in the morning. Please note that these times may vary depending on the itinerary so please check your cruise confirmation carefully. Depending on your onward plans, you can either transfer directly to the airport or check into a hotel to enjoy the Egyptian hospitality a little longer.

On arrival… Passports must be valid for at least six months and citizens from most Western countries can purchase a tourist visa upon arrival (USD25), which allows them to stay in Egypt for up to one month. Some nationalities may be required to purchase a visa prior to arrival, please consult the Egyptian Consulate in your country for more details. If you are traveling with medication, please ensure to bring your physician’s prescription with you.

Money Matters… The local currency is the Egyptian Pound: (EGP). Most hotels and bigger shops will accept major credit cards and there are many ATMs for cash withdrawal. The Euro, USD and UK Pounds are widely accepted.

Climate and weather… Egypt has hot and dry summers and fairly moderate, cool winters; the air temperature can easily touch 40+C (104+F) in summer, while winter is a more comfortable 18-23C (64-73F) with occasional rain and cool nights. Take care all year round when exposed to the sun as it can be intense. In the desert areas temperatures are even more extreme, both hot and cold.

Time zone… Local time is GMT + 2hrs in wintertime, GMT + 1 hr in summertime.

Health… The general standard of medical care in Egypt varies per location but overall, it is fairly poor. It is recommended to take the usual precautions with uncooked food and refrain from drinking tap water. Protect yourself from the fierce Egyptian sun and drink a lot of water; heat strokes are fairly common.

Travel Advisories… For more in-depth advisories on travel in the Maldives, please take the time to read the following travel advisories and heed their advice:
– US State Department : link to https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/egypt.html
– UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office : link to https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

Red Sea FAQs Whilst we have much information on our website you may find you have additional questions about our dive liveaboard, the diving in Egypt or general location information. Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions, should you have other questions or queries, please contact our reservations team who will be pleased to assist you.

Can I dive with Nitrox? Yes. All Nitrox qualified divers may opt to dive with Nitrox for an additional charge.

I am not Nitrox certified. May I take a Nitrox course whilst on board? We do  currently offer dive training courses aboard the Red Sea Master. For those wishing to take a Nitrox certification course, please contact our reservations team.

What should I bring with me? Liveaboard lifestyle is relaxed and informal. Essential items include T-shirts, shorts, swim wear, long trousers / sarong/ long skirt, sturdy footwear for island visits and a warm jacket or pullover for cooler nights. Shower gel is provided on board, however guests should bring any hair care or personal beauty products they require, along with sunscreen. We have a fully stocked first aid kit on board, but guests should bring any personal prescription medications with them (with doctor’s note).

Does the Red Sea Master have internet on board? Yes, we offer free internet onboard, however the nature of the system means that it is not available 100% of the time.

Can I rent scuba equipment whilst aboard? Yes. We offer BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask/snorkel and fins for rental on board. Prices per item vary however we also offer a package price of US$40 per day of diving. Computer and Torch (flashlight) may also be rented for a daily fee of US$5 per item.

Must I pay National Park fees? Yes, you will be updated of these when booking and prior to departure

I’m travelling alone. Must I pay a single supplement or may I share a cabin? For solo travelers we offer 2 options. You may choose to have a cabin for yourself for which we charge a single supplement of USD560 per cabin and per week. However if you wish to share a cabin, we will place you in a twin cabin with a member of the same sex. We do not mix cabins without express permission of both guests.

Must I spend an additional night in Hurghada either side of my liveaboard trip? We recommend guests spend an additional night 1 day before cruise departure so you’re well rested before the start of the cruise, however, if you are travelling from Europe then this should not be an issue. Disembarkation at the end of the cruise will be just before 10am. If you are not remaining in Egypt for additional nights after your cruise, please allow plenty of time for the transfer to the airport and for check-in.

Do I need dive insurance? Yes. All divers travelling aboard the Red Sea Master must ensure they are fully covered for all diving accident and emergency situations, including coverage for air evacuation. We also strongly advise our guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover against unforeseeable delays and potential missed flight connections. A combination dive and travel insurance, which includes the option for additional liveaboard cover, may be booked through our Worldwide Dive and Sail office or online through DiveAssure.