Where to book
Diving on the Aldebaran liveaboard
Diving in Egypt offers something for everyone: wrecks, corals, sharks, currents, wall dives, and more. Plus, the turquoise waters boast excellent visibility (over 130 feet/30 m). Although you can dive with Aldebaran year-round, water temperatures vary considerably between seasons. They can dip as low as 70 F (21 C) in the winter and as high as 91 F (33 C) in the summer.
Aldebaran offers four diving routes, centered around either the north or south Red Sea. Each itinerary lasts seven nights and you can log up to three dives per day for a total of 17 dives. There are no dives on embarkation day, with two offered on disembarkation day.
You also have the option of doing a night dive every day of the trip, allowing you to log even more dives. All dives are done from the dive deck or tenders.
The Hurghada North itinerary includes the WWII wreck of the SS Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed Marine Park. The Saint John’s itinerary includes the legendary Zabargad and Rocky Islands, which promise walls and shark encounters, including hammerheads. The Brothers Islands–Daedalus itinerary offers more walls and shark dives. Finally, the Daedalus–Zabargad itinerary features reefs, drop-offs, and shark diving opportunities.
Depending on the itinerary, the boat departs from Port Ghalib (Marsa Alam), Hamata Port (near Ras Banas), or Hurghada.
Whichever trip you choose, diving guidelines in Egypt recommend a certain level of experience. You’ll be visiting remote locations with strong currents and deep dives, so, as a good rule of thumb, you should have at least 30 logged dives.
At an extra cost, you can rent the scuba gear and dive using nitrox. For your safety, carry an SMB on all dives.
Highlights:
- World-famous dive sites
- Northern and southern itineraries in the Red Sea
- Liveaboard for experienced divers
- Remote diving
Onboard the Aldebaran
Aldebaran is a 115-foot (35 m) modern liveaboard easily recognizable by its red hull.
Onboard, there are six twin cabins, two triple cabins, and two suites, for a total capacity of 20 people. All cabins have an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, storage space, a minibar, and ocean-view windows.
The cabins and the common living areas are spread over four decks. On the lower deck are the double and triple cabins.
On the main deck, you’ll find the dive deck, and a large, air-conditioned salon and dining area with comfortable couches and chairs. The decoration is stylish, with natural light filtering in through the windows. Separating the dining area from the salon is a simple bookcase with a TV and audio unit. At the front, there are also bean bags for divers to relax in the sun. Aldebaran also offers its guests complimentary Wi-Fi onboard.
On the upper deck are the two suite cabins and a shaded, open-air dining and sun lounge area, as well as an open-air sundeck with loungers.
Located at the back of the boat, the large dive deck has storage space for personal scuba gear and belongings. The camera table offers space to charge and secure cameras and other electronic equipment. The dive deck leads onto the dive platform, which makes entries and exits into the water or the tenders easy.
Apart from scuba diving, Aldebaran also offers kitesurfing programs.
Highlights:
- Ocean-view cabins
- Two triple cabins
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Kitesurfing lessons at an extra cost
Dining onboard the Aldebaran
Aldebaran has a varied, rich menu served buffet-style. There are different types of soups, a selection of fruit and vegetables, as well as different cuts of fish and meat. You can find roast beef, grilled fish, salmon filet, roasted chicken, and Egyptian kofta.
Aldebaran can also accommodate most diets, such as gluten-free and vegetarian. Apart from alcoholic beverages, all soft drinks, tea, and coffee are included in the price.
Highlights:
- Buffet-style meals
- Caters to special dietary requirements
- Alcoholic beverages not included
Things we like:
- Modern, stylish liveaboard
- Advanced diving in remote locations
- Triple cabins
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kitesurfing lessons
Things we don't like:
- Alcoholic beverages not included
- Rental gear and nitrox surcharge
- Marine park fees not included
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2007 |
| Max Divers | 20 |
| Price Range | Budget |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes (free) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | No |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
Take a moment to look at this.
