The Brothers Liveaboard Diving in the Red Sea

Located in the Red Sea, The Brothers offer an unparalleled underwater spectacle that draws divers from across the globe. From vibrant coral reefs to bustling marine life, and even historic shipwrecks, this diving hotspot has it all.

The Brothers Islands, also known locally as El Akhawein, comprise two remote islands, Big Brother and Little Brother, located roughly 70km off the coast of El Quseir, Egypt.

They are part of a marine protected area, ensuring that the pristine condition of the reefs and marine life is preserved. The islands are a pinnacle of underwater biodiversity, offering an array of dive experiences suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.

About The Brothers Liveaboard Diving

The Brothers islands, Big Brother and Small Brother boast an array of dive sites, each promising a unique underwater experience.

The coral landscapes at The Brothers Islands serve as a natural habitat for an impressive range of marine life, including majestic napoleon wrasse and sleek barracudas, along with abundant populations of colorful reef fish.

Additionally, divers stand a good chance of encountering various species of sharks, such as oceanic whitetips, grey reef sharks, and occasionally, the elusive hammerheads. Many liveaboard diving trips in the Red Sea feature stops at The Brothers Islands, making it a staple destination in numerous itineraries.

The Brothers Dive Sites

Big Brother: Big Brother Island is the larger of the two Brothers Islands and is situated approximately 70km off the coast of El Quseir, Egypt. It's a popular stopover in liveaboard itineraries, given its location within the Marine Protected Area of the Red Sea.

Numidia Wreck : One of the main attractions at Big Brother is the Numidia Wreck, a cargo ship that sank in 1901. The shipwreck lies at depths ranging from 10 to 80 meters, offering divers a multi-level exploration experience. It is adorned with beautiful soft corals and is a popular haunt for schools of jackfish and tuna.

Aida Wreck : Another fascinating shipwreck to explore is the Aida, which sank in 1957. Covered in an array of soft and hard corals, the shipwreck offers spectacular photo opportunities.

South Plateau : This dive site features a stunning plateau with various caves, overhangs, and even a drop-off where you can enjoy drift diving. Look out for schools of barracuda, trevallies, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a shark or two.

Little Brother: Little Brother Island lies in close proximity to its larger counterpart and is another frequent inclusion in liveaboard dive itineraries within the Red Sea Marine Protected Area.

The West Wall : A vertical wall dive that descends into the abyss, The West Wall is known for its mesmerizing gorgonian fans and vividly colored soft corals.

The East Wall : This site features a steep drop-off and offers divers the chance to explore deeper territories. The East Wall is popular for spotting large pelagic species like hammerhead sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks.

The water temperature around The Brothers Islands varies depending on the season: Winter (December to February): Around 22–24°C (72–75°F). Summer (June to August): Around 27–30°C (80–86°F). A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for winter diving, while a 3mm wetsuit should suffice during the summer months.

Most of the Egypt liveaboards include The Brothers in their itineraries together with Daedalus Elphinstone

When To Go To The Brothers?

While The Brothers can be visited year-round, the best time for liveaboard diving is during the months of April to November. During this period, the seas are relatively calm, and the visibility is excellent, often exceeding 30 meters. The summer months are great for spotting sharks, especially hammerheads and oceanic whitetips.

Tips For Travelers

Withdraw some Egyptian Pounds (EGP) from ATMs at the Marsa Alam International Airport or exchange currency for tipping and additional expenses.

Confirm if your liveaboard package includes airport transfers. If not, negotiate with a taxi at the airport or book a car service to reach Marsa Ghalib Port.

Egypt uses Type C and Type F electrical sockets. Bring appropriate adapters to charge your devices.

Invest in comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergencies, including hyperbaric chamber treatments and evacuation.

How to get there & Ports of Departure?

The journey begins with your arrival at Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) and ends with your embarkation at Marsa Ghalib Port, setting you on course for a spectacular diving adventure.

Transportation to the Port of Embarkation: Marsa Ghalib Port

By Road: Marsa Ghalib Port is the most common embarkation point for Daedalus liveaboards. The port is about a 45-minute drive from Marsa Alam International Airport.

Liveaboard Transfers: Many liveaboards offer airport-to-port transfers, often at an additional cost. Confirm this service when booking your liveaboard package.

Local Taxi: If you prefer to make your way, local taxis are available, but make sure to negotiate the fare in advance or insist on using the meter.

Essential Travel Tips for Liveaboard Adventures

Marine Park Fees: Be aware of per person, per day marine park fees. Some liveaboard packages include these fees, while others require onboard payment. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, cash, or travelers checks.
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned entry date. Most countries require this, along with a return ticket. Check visa requirements in advance.
Health Preparations: Consult your doctor 8 weeks prior to your trip for vaccinations or preventive measures recommended for your destination.

Note: Please review the specific terms and conditions of your chosen liveaboard for any additional marine park fees or travel requirements.