Red Sea Blue Force 2 Liveaboard overview

By
Sarah Turnbull
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
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...

Incredible wrecks and vibrant marine life make the Red Sea a go-to diving destination. Renowned for its diverse dive sites, the Red Sea caters to divers of all levels, from novices to seasoned adventurers eager to explore exhilarating wrecks and encounter pelagic giants.

Highlights of the Red Sea include the awe-inspiring SS Thistlegorm, Elphinstone Reef, Brothers Islands, Shark and Yolanda Reefs, and large pelagics including hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and tiger sharks.

The Red Sea Blue Force 2, part of the Blue Force fleet, is a comfortable and spacious yacht that caters to up to 18 divers. Guests can expect to do up to 20 dives on a 7-night trip, with a recommended minimum of Advanced Open Water Diver. Divers can see a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, rays, and schools of colorful fish.

Let’s dive into our overview  of the Red Sea Blue Force 2.

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:

  • Friendly, helpful, and experienced crew
  • Excellent, abundant food
  • Detailed dive briefings and exceptional guides
  • Incredible pelagic encounters

Things we don't like:

  • Air conditioning loud in some cabins
  • Only 5 days of diving on 7-night itinerary
  • Required gratuities and national park fees extra

Diving on the Red Sea Blue Force 2 liveaboard

The Red Sea offers exceptional wrecks, colorful reefs, wall dives, and exhilarating drift dives. The north itinerary takes in the world-renowned SS Thistlegorm, as well as other spectacular wrecks like the Dunraven and the Kingston.

Divers can expect to encounter large pelagics including sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and turtles. Shark sightings may include hammerheads, gray reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and oceanic whitetips. The north route offers short sailing times between dive sites, with the furthest sites reachable within about two hours.

Diving is done from both the dive deck at the rear of the yacht and from two zodiacs. There are usually two dives on the first day and up to four dives on the following days. With three experienced and knowledgeable guides on board, the ratio of divers to guides is usually 6:1 and divers are grouped together based on skills and experience.

The Red Sea’s underwater beauty is a photographer’s paradise. Both macro and wide-angle photography are popular, with subjects ranging from nudibranchs to manta rays.

Water temperatures vary throughout the year, ranging from 70 to 84 F (21 to 29 C). Some dive sites may experience mild to strong currents, so Advanced Open Water or equivalent is recommended. Rental gear is available on board and must be booked a minimum of 15 days in advance of departure.

Highlights:

  • Short sailing times between dive sites
  • Experienced and safety-conscious guides
  • Exceptional pelagic encounters
  • Excellent for photographers

Onboard the Red Sea Blue Force 2

The Red Sea Blue Force 2 offers a comfortable and spacious diving experience at a competitive price, making it an ideal choice for divers looking for a good value for money. Trips on the Red Sea Blue Force 2 are available March to December each year. It’s advisable to book well in advance as they book up quickly.

At 92 feet (28 m), the Red Sea Blue Force 2 features nine well-appointed cabins, each with twin beds, ample storage, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Cabins are tastefully decorated in maritime colors and offer a tranquil retreat after a busy day’s diving.

Shared spaces are well-designed and comfortable, providing ample space for guests to relax and recharge between dives. The salon is the social hub of the yacht, where guests will find large sofas, a TV, DVD player, small library, and a multimedia player. Dive briefings typically take place in the salon, where dive guides provide detailed information about the upcoming dives.

Next to the salon is the dining area, where guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared by the yacht’s excellent chef. Large windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. The neutral décor creates a light, bright and laid-back place to relax.

Outside, there’s a large sundeck, ideal for relaxing and catching sun between dives. Part of the sundeck is shaded for those who want a break from the rays. There’s a wet bar and plenty of shaded seating on the upper deck as well. The bow offers a tranquil spot for enjoying the views of the Red Sea as the yacht cruises between dive sites.

The spacious dive deck, located on the main deck, features individual gear stations, rinse tanks, two toilets and a large central camera area for setting up equipment. Diving takes place from either the dive deck or from tenders.

Highlights:

  • Large sundeck with lots of places to relax
  • Comfortable, well-equipped cabins and public areas
  • Spacious dive deck with extra-large gear stations

Dining onboard the Red Sea Blue Force 2

Guests can expect three excellent meals a day, typically served buffet-style. The buffet features a mix of local and Western cuisine. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are also available daily.

The chef can accommodate most special dietary requirements, but two weeks’ notice is required to ensure that all arrangements can be made. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, are available for purchase on board. Tea, coffee and water is available all day and is free of charge.

Highlights:

  • Soft drinks and alcohol extra
  • High quality food and good portions
  • Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice

Things we like:

  • Friendly, helpful, and experienced crew
  • Excellent, abundant food
  • Detailed dive briefings and exceptional guides
  • Incredible pelagic encounters

Things we don't like:

  • Air conditioning loud in some cabins
  • Only 5 days of diving on 7-night itinerary
  • Required gratuities and national park fees extra
Key Facts
Year Built 2003
Max Divers 18
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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