Anemone Liveaboard overview

By
Emily Cook
A wearer of many hats, Emily is happiest when her hair flows free underwater. During her PDIC certification dive in Maine, a lobster tried to fight...
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...

Where to book

There are many theories as to how the Red Sea got its name, including the occasional blooms of microorganisms that cause the usually blue-green waters to look red. No matter the nomenclature, the diving in the Red Sea is spectacular.

The northern Red Sea is one of the Seven Wonders of the Underwater World, and unsurprisingly features some of the best dive sites in the world. Surround yourself with over 1,100 species of fish, approximately 15% of which are endemic, like the eight-lined wrasse.

The Anemone liveaboard sits like a turquoise flower on the surface, ready to float you away in affordable luxury. For eight days and seven nights, divers of all abilities will revel in resplendent reefs, historic wrecks, and one of the newest liveaboards in the region.

Let’s dive in to learn more about diving the Red Sea on the Anemone.

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:

  • Hot tub on sun deck
  • Marine life diversity
  • Amazing visibility
  • Multiple spacious lounge areas

Things we don't like:

  • Some mandatory fees not included
  • Alcohol incurs separate charge
  • Greater number of guests
Anemone
Where to book

Diving on the Anemone liveaboard

Diving in the Egyptian Red Sea is possible year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 70 to 86 F (21 to 30 C). Water visibility averages 50 feet (15 m) on the low end and soars to over 200 feet (60 m) on the high end. Due to factors including lack of rain and tributaries, and being a narrow sea with little turbulence, visibility is usually on the higher end of the spectrum. Sites with sandy bottoms and currents are apt to have less visibility.

The Red Sea has notably high salinity, especially in warmer months. These dry and salty conditions make staying hydrated extra-important, so don’t be surprised if you need more weight than usual to descend.

Onboard the Anemone, dives are conducted from tenders after preparing on the shaded dive deck. Complimentary nitrox is provided to certified divers, and a nitrox certification class is offered onboard. Rental gear is also available for an additional fee. Up to 18 dives are offered each trip, including one night dive.

Once underwater, you can see endemic Red Sea flasher wrasse and Red Sea pipefish. Hundreds of colorful hard and soft corals and thousands of invertebrates will keep macro divers occupied. Sharks are common, and whale sharks may appear from late May through late July. For the extremely fortunate, rare dugong sightings are possible at Quseir and Marsa Alam.

Famous wrecks on most northern itineraries include the SS Thistlegorm and the Yolanda. The Thistlegorm is a WWII supply ship struck down by bombs in a twist of poor luck. Much of the cargo, including locomotives and motorcycles, make for iconic underwater images. The Yolanda is a more recent wreck that scattered toilets and bathtubs across the Ras Mohammed Reef, making for quirky photo poses.

Brothers Islands are iconic dive sites for a reason, offering the best of everything from wrecks to corals and pelagics. Shark cleaning stations and the offshore location make thresher and oceanic whitetip encounters possible. Multiple Anemone itineraries are offered, including private charters and non-scuba trips, so select carefully when booking.

Highlights:

  • Nitrox included
  • Variety of itineraries
  • Copious corals and endemic fish
  • Rare creature encounters (dugongs & oceanic whitetips)

Onboard the Anemone

Built in 2022, the Anemone is one of the newest liveaboards in the Red Sea. At 148 feet (45 m) long, it accommodates up to 32 guests in 16 cabins. The Anemone is sleek and modern, with decorative touches nodding to Middle Eastern décor, such as ample poufs and ottomans. Cabins come in a variety of configurations; all have private en suites and air-conditioning. Calming blue, white, and gray colors lull you to sleep each night.

The indoor lounge is designed with enough seating for all guests. Drink holders and side tables are strategically placed, in addition to multi-purpose ottomans. A TV/DVD/audio system is front-and-center for entertainment, or you can simply sink into sofas and socialize with other divers.

The upper sun deck offers lounge chairs and a hot tub. If this isn’t enough to ease your aches away, on-board massage is available for an additional fee. A viewing platform provides the best views onboard and is perfect for dolphin scouting.

The spacious dive deck includes outdoor showers and plenty of room to move around. Individual storage is available underneath the benches. A charging station and separate camera rinse caters to photographers.

Highlights:

  • Wi-Fi included
  • Massage available for charge
  • Viewing platform for wildlife spotting

Dining on the Anemone

The Anemone boasts an open-air bar area in addition to a dining area on the lower deck. Meals are served buffet-style in the dining room. Fruit and other snacks are available throughout the day. Dietary restrictions are catered to, and staff strives to maintain upscale presentation and quality standards.

Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited onboard, and multiple varietals of wine and beer are available for purchase. Guests are also welcome to bring their own duty-free alcoholic beverages.

Highlights:

  • Special diets can be accommodated
  • Regionally sourced wine and beer
  • Fresh fruit available throughout the day

Things we like:

  • Hot tub on sun deck
  • Marine life diversity
  • Amazing visibility
  • Multiple spacious lounge areas

Things we don't like:

  • Some mandatory fees not included
  • Alcohol incurs separate charge
  • Greater number of guests
Key Facts
Year Built 2022
Max Divers 32
Price Range Budget
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet Yes (free)
Nitrox Yes (free)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
Anemone
Where to book
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