Blue Horizon Liveaboard overview

By
Yvonne Press
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Yvonne is a TDI instructor trainer and rebreather instructor with more than two decades of diving experience. After learning to dive on the Great Barrier Reef,...
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...

Red Sea diving needs no introduction, especially for European divers. But if this destination isn’t yet on your must-dive list, there are plenty of reasons it should be—world-class coral, diverse dive sites including current-swept reefs teeming with marine life, historic shipwrecks, and submerged pinnacles visited by pelagic species are a few of the highlights.

The Red Sea is a great place to encounter different shark species, rays, and plenty of other species of marine life. The wrecks here range from historic WWII ships to more recently lost cargo ships.

Diving by liveaboard allows you to discover a greater area in less time than if you were diving from the shore. The Blue Horizon adds a touch of luxury to your experience, and fully deserves its awards as ‘Best Liveaboard’ and ‘Liveaboard of the Year.’

One of the most recent additions to the Master Liveaboards fleet, the Blue Horizon is ready to welcome 26 divers in 13 comfortable cabins. The boat offers a range of Red Sea itineraries. Some offer a specific geographical focus, whereas others highlight wrecks.

There’s something there for everyone; read on for our in-depth review of the Blue Horizon.

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:

  • Some people stated that the boat was spacious and very well kept.
  • Many divers commended the diving master on choosing the right itinerary that encompassed the beauty of the Red Sea.
  • Divers also said most diving is done in areas where the current is not so strong and the maximum depth not so deep which makes diving very easy.
  • Many people stated that the crew were open to all of your opinions and made the trip really enjoyable.
  • Many people were happy with the food set up with the chef.

Things we don't like:

  • Some divers noted that the water was extremely cold in December when they dived on the liveaboard.
  • Many people noted that the jacuzzi had no hot water in it.

Diving on the Blue Horizon liveaboard

The Blue Horizon has been purpose-built for divers. This liveaboard has a spacious dive deck with enough space for all 26 guests to keep their gear in dedicated storage boxes. Technical divers and rebreather divers are also welcome, and all nitrox-certified divers benefit from a membrane compressor onboard (nitrox incurs an additional charge).

Dives start directly from the main vessel. What you see depends on your chosen itinerary. If you’re diving the Northern Red Sea, don’t miss the iconic wreck of the Thistlegorm, with guns, trucks, and motorcycles still on board and frozen in time. If shipwrecks are your main focus, the ship cemetery at Abu Nuhas should also feature in your planning.

The Red Sea is also an excellent place for pelagic encounters, including dives with hammerhead sharks, dogtooth tuna, oceanic whitetips, and many other species. The Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone Reefs are renowned for pelagic sightings, but note that some of these dive sites require a minimum amount of diving experience due to currents and potentially challenging sea conditions. If you’re fairly new to diving, don’t hesitate to check before booking. In some cases, you can also complete the required qualifications on board.

Diving in the Red Sea is possible year-round, but it’s worth noting that the sea temperatures can change significantly between the winter and summer months. Pack accordingly to ensure you’re comfortable above and below the water.

Highlights:

  • Choice of itineraries to suit both wreck fans and reef lovers
  • Year-round destination
  • Spacious dive deck and facilities for photographers and videographers
  • Tech diver and rebreather-friendly

Onboard the Blue Horizon

This beautiful, white 135-foot (41 m) vessel casts a stunning figure against the blue of the Red Sea. Step onboard and discover what could be the perfect combination of a practical dive boat with a stylish cruise vessel, all designed with divers in mind.

Let’s take a closer look at the Blue Horizon’s 13 cabins. They are spread over two decks, with four premium cabins on the mid-deck and nine classic cabins on the lower deck. Every cabin has an ensuite bathroom, hot water, mini-fridge, entertainment system, and air conditioning. The four premium cabins are larger than their classic counterparts and feature a comfortable king-size bed as well as plenty of storage space.

All nine classic cabins are located on the lower deck, each with plenty of natural light. Four of these cabins are designed to be twin cabins, with two single beds, making it easy for friends to share. Five cabins are equipped with a double bed and a single bed each, making them perfect for couples or friends traveling together. All cabins were refreshed in early 2025.

You’re probably not here to spend time in your cabin, though, so head upstairs to the beautiful sky lounge on the top deck, a shaded area that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. There is even a hot tub for guests to enjoy, complete with new loungers. If you prefer a bit of air-conditioning, just retire to the spacious lounge. The Blue Horizon offers plenty of options and dedicated spaces to spend your time on board in style.

Highlights:

  • Four spacious premium cabins on the mid-deck
  • Sky lounge and hot tub to fill your time between dives

Dining on the Blue Horizon

If you’ve opted for one of the premium cabins, you’re in luck—it’s only a few steps from your cabin to the salon and dining area where all of Blue Horizon’s delicious meals are served. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style, so divers can help themselves depending on their preferences and their appetites.

The crew prepares and serves a combination of Western and delicious Egyptian/Middle Eastern dishes. The team is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, but you should let them know ahead of time about your requirements.

If you’re feeling hungry between meals, don’t worry—there’s a steady supply of snacks and fruit throughout the day. Hot and cold soft drinks are also included in your package. The bar on the top deck serves alcoholic drinks for an extra charge. 

Highlights:

  • Beautiful bar on the top deck
  • Delicious Middle Eastern and Western dishes served buffet-style

Things we like:

  • Some people stated that the boat was spacious and very well kept.
  • Many divers commended the diving master on choosing the right itinerary that encompassed the beauty of the Red Sea.
  • Divers also said most diving is done in areas where the current is not so strong and the maximum depth not so deep which makes diving very easy.
  • Many people stated that the crew were open to all of your opinions and made the trip really enjoyable.
  • Many people were happy with the food set up with the chef.

Things we don't like:

  • Some divers noted that the water was extremely cold in December when they dived on the liveaboard.
  • Many people noted that the jacuzzi had no hot water in it.
Key Facts
Year Built 2006
Max Divers 26
Price Range Budget
Trip Length 5-7 Nights
Internet No
Nitrox Yes ($)
Equipment Rental Yes ($)
Camera Station Yes
Air Conditioning Yes
Min. Logged Dives No minimum
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Kevin
Kevin

What I love most about Blue Horizon Egypt is its “Ultimate Red Sea” itinerary, which offers a comprehensive and exciting diving experience from Hurghada to Port Ghalib! Looking forward to 2025!