All Star Red Sea Liveaboard overview

By
Ashley Meara
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Ashley is an underwater photographer, scientist, writer, and PADI MSDT Instructor. In 2022, she graduated with a degree in Marine Ecology from the University of San...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...

The Red Sea attracts divers from every corner of the globe with its vibrant coral reefs, world-class wreck sites, and an incredible variety of topography across sites, many only accessible by liveaboard. Divers often encounter ​​dolphins, Spanish dancers, giant clams, and numerous species of sharks.

Built in 2023, the All Star Red Sea offers guests access to it all, with the utmost comfort, safety, and convenience throughout their stay. The boat measures 159 feet (48.5 m) long and accommodates up to 28 travelers each week in 14 staterooms. Highlights include a spacious dive deck, camera station, and resort-like upper deck, complete with a swimming pool.

Dive in to read our review of the All Star Red Sea.

About this review

To help you find a that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of s

Things we like:

  • Very knowledgeable crew and guides
  • Visits to most popular Red Sea shark-diving locations
  • Presentations on shark conservation and behavior
  • Opportunity to assist in photographic identification research
  • Specialized shark week trips
  • Windsurfing offered

Things we don't like:

  • Larger group aboard
  • Not enough night dives
  • Wreck dives dependent on current

Diving on the All Star Red Sea liveaboard

From north to south, the Red Sea delivers incredible and diverse sites, including the world-renowned wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve, the Straits of Tiran, the Brothers Islands, and Daedalus reef, where manta ray and shark encounters are frequent. Guests can dive up to four times a day, including night dives.

Red Sea diving is suitable for most skill levels, although many sites feature a current. Advanced Open Water is recommended, however, given that many sites are at depths below 60 feet. (20 m). When surface conditions are rough, two tenders are available to transport divers to dive sites. Some or all of the dives are conducted from the two tenders, depending on the location of site and conditions.

Conditions are excellent year-round, but there is significant seasonal variance in temperature and weather. Water temperatures average 74 to 84 F(23 to 29 C), depending on the time of year. A 3 mm wetsuit during summer and 5 mm in winter should be adequate for most divers. Weather and water conditions are typically rougher from December through March.

Incredible wildlife is present year-round, though seasonal, and can help determine when to book your time aboard the All Star Red Sea. You are most likely to encounter whale sharks and mantas between October and February. October and November are the peak season for oceanic whitetip and thresher sharks.

Schooling hammerheads are most common in May and June, while dolphins are frequently present from December to April. Based on the time of year, “Shark Week” trips are hosted by Dr. Elke Bojanowski, shark scientist and founder of Red Sea Sharks, as well as tech- focused trips with Ahmed Fadel, an expert technical diver.

Highlights:

  • More than 100 dive sites
  • Shark weeks offered during summer and fall
  • Huge variety of marine life

Onboard the All Star Red Sea

The interior of the All Star Red Sea blends modernity and functionality, creating a relaxing atmosphere with earth tones and light-colored furnishings. This design extends throughout the vessel’s four decks and 14 cabins.

The lower deck houses a restaurant where divers can enjoy delicious meals, making it a perfect gathering spot after a day of diving. Moving up to the main level, you’ll find the dive deck and platform, along with eight air-conditioned cabins, all offering sea views and abundant storage space.

The upper deck features a swimming pool, sundeck with lounge chairs, a shaded pool bar, a TV room, and six cabins. One level above, there’s an air-conditioned salon and another sundeck with a hot tub and both sunny and shady seating, surrounded by stunning views of the Red Sea.

The dive platform is a well-thought-out space, equipped with freshwater hoses, two rinse tanks, and open-air showers for convenient gear and personal rinsing. There’s also ample equipment storage and a large camera table, offering a secure and convenient space for setting up and maintaining your equipment.

Highlights:

  • Multiple deck levels, including top sundeck and jacuzzi
  • Shady pool bar and multiple relaxation areas
  • Tenders with custom tank racks

Dining onboard the All Star Red Sea

The dining experience aboard the All Star Red Sea is designed to cater to divers’ culinary preferences, while incorporating the unique array of local flavors. The menu may showcase traditional Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Three meals are served each day, with buffet-style dining for breakfast and lunch.

Popular menu items include rice, lentils, vegetables, hummus, lamb, beef, chicken, fish, seafood, and fresh fruit, bread, and cheese. Complimentary beverages include water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Highlights:

  • Sustainable eating practices valued by minimizing waste and prioritizing seasonal dishes
  • Gourmet local flavors
  • Opportunity to experience different cultures
  • Alcoholic beverages available for purchase

Things we like:

  • Very knowledgeable crew and guides
  • Visits to most popular Red Sea shark-diving locations
  • Presentations on shark conservation and behavior
  • Opportunity to assist in photographic identification research
  • Specialized shark week trips
  • Windsurfing offered

Things we don't like:

  • Larger group aboard
  • Not enough night dives
  • Wreck dives dependent on current
Key Facts
Year Built 2023
Max Divers 28
Price Range Mid-range
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet Yes (free)
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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