MY Blue Planet 1 Liveaboard 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...

World War II wrecks, stunning walls frequented by hammerhead sharks, colorful, healthy corals, and 65 to 100 feet (20 to 30 m) of visibility year-round—that’s the Red Sea in a nutshell. No two dives are the same in this region, thanks to abundant marine life ranging from macro favorites like seahorses and nudibranchs to dugongs ambling across seagrass meadows.

Divers may also encounter oceanic whitetip sharks, stingrays, and turtles. Some dive sites are known for currents and require a minimum number of dives, but there is something here for every level of diver.

Diving the Red Sea from a liveaboard lets you see more than divers can from a day boat. The MY Blue Planet 1 is the smallest ship in the Blue Planet liveaboard fleet, making this vessel ideal for smaller groups of friends traveling together.

This liveaboard has space for 15 divers in eight cabins. Aside from full, 7-night itineraries, the crew also offers 3-night mini-safaris. Combined with a resort stay, these safaris are excellent for anyone wanting to try liveaboard diving for the first time.

Let’s dive into our review of the Blue Planet 1 liveaboard.

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:

  • Smaller vessel perfect for groups and full charters
  • Mini-safari option as well as full-length itineraries
  • Free Wi-Fi

Things we don't like:

  • Diet soft drinks must be paid for in addition to the trip price

Diving on the MY Blue Planet 1 liveaboard

Think of the MY Blue Planet 1 as a beautifully fitted out, spacious, and fast vessel that is perfect for small groups and full charters. This 88-foot (27 m) long boat was built for diving, and the spacious dive deck makes it easy to prepare for each of the three to four dives per day.

How many dives guests will complete depends on their particular itinerary. The MY Blue Planet 1 is ideal for exploring the northern Red Sea, with its stunning reefs and wrecks, from Hurghada or Port Ghalib. Divers can experience World War II history on the famous Thistlegorm wreck, and there are more wrecks to be visited in the wreck cemetery of Abu Nuhas. Before committing to an itinerary, check with the operator for minimum dive and qualification requirements. Nitrox is available at an extra cost.

Standard dive days consist of three dives within marine park areas and four dives outside of those areas. On the first and last day of the trip, divers usually complete only two dives, allowing time for gear to dry and be packed away.

Aside from full 7-night trips, this liveaboard also offers 3-night mini safaris. Those shorter trips are ideal for guests who want to try liveaboard diving without fully committing to a one-week trip. They’re also easy to combine with a resort stay for those who’d rather stretch their legs at the end of their diving day than head to the sundeck.

Apart from its sizable dive deck, the MY Blue Planet 1 has dedicated tenders to drop divers right where the action is. Plus, there are dedicated rinse tanks for underwater cameras and charging stations for dive lights, cameras, and other gear.

Highlights:

  • Perfect for small groups
  • Choice between 3-night and 7-night itineraries
  • Year-round diving destination

 Onboard the MY Blue Planet 1

With its smaller size and more intimate atmosphere, the MY Blue Planet 1 is perfect for groups of friends diving together. The boat has space for 15 guests in eight cabins, all of which have private, ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and plenty of storage space for your personal items.

Divers will find six standard cabins on the lower deck, but those who would like to treat themselves will enjoy the two sea-view cabins on the upper deck. All cabins are equipped with twin beds, making sharing easy.

If you prefer to spend the time between your dives outside of your cabin, take a look at the social areas. Those who need a break from the sun will love the air-conditioned salon, which is combined with the dining area of the boat. The salon features a full entertainment system that’s perfect for a movie night or to share pictures of the day.

Anyone looking to enjoy the stunning Red Sea views should head straight to the sundeck. The open-air areas of Blue Planet 1 are ideal for chatting among friends or simply relaxing and reading a book. Aside from cushioned areas, the sundeck also has couches and tables, giving you plenty of spaces to chill out, review photos and videos, or simply discuss the dive.

Highlights:

  • Two upper-deck sea-view cabins offering excellent views
  • Intimate atmosphere for small groups
  • Plenty of indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces

Dining on the MY Blue Planet 1

What’s better than sharing a delicious meal with friends at the end of a diving day? The answer is simple—having that meal cooked for you by expert chefs.

The MY Blue Planet 1 culinary team serves three buffet-style meals daily in the air-conditioned dining area on the main deck. Divers can enjoy a combination of Western and traditional Egyptian dishes that will keep them fueled for their dives.

Anyone feeling hungry between meals will love the endless supply of snacks available on board. Drinking water, coffee, tea, and standard soft drinks are also included in the trip price. Alcoholic beverages such as beer and local wine, as well as diet soft drinks, are available to purchase during the trip.

The crew can accommodate vegetarian diets as well as other dietary requirements. As always, it’s worth notifying the operator ahead of time to ensure your requests can be met.

Highlights:

  • Three freshly prepared, delicious buffet-style meals per day with a wide range of choices
  • A combination of Western and Egyptian dishes

Things we like:

  • Smaller vessel perfect for groups and full charters
  • Mini-safari option as well as full-length itineraries
  • Free Wi-Fi

Things we don't like:

  • Diet soft drinks must be paid for in addition to the trip price
Key Facts
Year Built 1999
Max Divers 15
Price Range Budget
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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