Diving the Red Sea with Discovery I: A Memorable Liveaboard Experience

My recent dive adventure aboard the Discovery I in the Red Sea was an incredible experience. The itinerary included some truly beautiful and diverse dive spots, but like any trip, there were highs and a few areas for improvement. Overall, it was great value for money, with some unforgettable underwater moments.

The Itinerary: Exploring the Red Sea’s Top Dive Sites

The Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone were the highlights of our itinerary. Each dive site brought something unique:

• The Brother Islands: These pinnacles rise from the abyss, offering spectacular wall dives and an abundance of marine life. The rich variety of soft corals and gorgonians covering the walls is breathtaking. Big Brother, with its iconic lighthouse, is home to the wrecks of the Aida II and Numidia, both draped in a mix of hard and soft corals. This site is known for sightings of tuna, barracuda, and various species of sharks, including hammerheads, silky sharks, and oceanic whitetips. The promise of seeing Grey Reef Sharks on Small Brother’s plateaux didn’t disappoint, as they were almost guaranteed in this area.

• Daedalus Reef: A remote, oval-shaped reef that’s home to some of the most pristine hard coral formations I’ve ever seen. Here, there’s also a strong chance to see schooling hammerheads and grey reef sharks, making for an exciting dive every time we descended.

• Elphinstone: Known for its sheer walls covered in soft corals, this site offers encounters with Grey Reef Sharks and Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, providing that thrilling shark experience you hope for in the Red Sea.

Though the pelagic sightings were less frequent due to the time of year, it was still an incredible lineup of dive sites with something for everyone, whether you’re into wrecks, walls, or big marine life.

The Diving Experience

The diving on Discovery I was well-organized, with a lot of focus on safety. Oxygen and other emergency equipment were always on hand, which gave me peace of mind. However, some dives were challenging, especially for those of us hoping to spot more pelagics. It would have been nice to have an option to explore the reefs more, particularly given that it wasn’t the best season for larger pelagics. Dividing the group into those looking for pelagics and those who prefer reef dives might have enhanced the experience for everyone.

Onboard Life: The Good and the Could-Be-Better

The crew on Discovery I were exceptional. They were always friendly, helpful, and attentive. Whether it was guiding us through the dive briefings or ensuring we had everything we needed on board, the service was top-notch. The food was another highlight—delicious and plentiful, keeping us energized for long days of diving.

Cabins and Comfort

The cabins were decent, though I found the temperature a bit uncomfortable. Even with the AC on, it stayed around 30°C, which made sleeping a bit challenging. I managed, but a cooler temperature would have been appreciated. The linen also felt a bit worn and coarse, so I’d recommend bringing your own if comfort is a priority for you. It’s a small thing, but upgrading the linen would make a noticeable difference.

Communication and Connectivity

One issue I had was the communication about cell phone coverage. We were told we’d be out of coverage for three days, but the crew seemed to know the exact times we’d lose and regain coverage. It would have been helpful if they shared that information more accurately upfront, so we could inform loved ones. It’s a small thing, but it would improve the overall experience.

Travel and Transfers

Getting to the boat requires careful planning. The boat departs from Marsa Ghalib, and the free transfer service from Hurghada or RMF airports is only available on Saturdays, which means you need to plan your flights accordingly. Transfers from places north of Hurghada or south of Marsa Alam come with extra charges, so factor that into your trip costs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my trip aboard Discovery I was a wonderful experience. The diving spots were amazing, and the crew’s professionalism and friendliness made the journey enjoyable. A few improvements—such as better communication, cooler cabin temperatures, and maybe more diving options—would elevate the experience even further. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for an affordable, safe, and enjoyable liveaboard in the Red Sea, but keep in mind the small adjustments that could make your trip even better.

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Summary:
I spent two weeks aboard Discovery I diving the stunning reefs and wrecks of the Red Sea, including the Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone. The diving was fantastic, though it wasn’t the best season for pelagic sightings. The food and crew were excellent, though improvements like better communication and cooler cabins could enhance the experience. All in all, it’s great value for money and worth considering for any diving enthusiast.