Blogs
Red Sea Safaris – The Way They All Should Be!
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed Big Blue liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd… literally!
What liveaboard diving shouldn’t be but often is!
Diving with crowds. Some boats have 40 divers on board and there can quite often be dozens of boats at a dive site!
Rushing the divers in and out of the water to meet predetermined deadlines.
Following in a procession of inexperienced divers on sites they really aren’t prepared for.
Big Blue’s Unique Selling Point is, quite simply:
SPACE & TIME.
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com /
Space on Board
We have been operating and running safari boats for over 30 years, all of which was leant on when it came to designing the layout of Big Blue.
When you are spending a week on board a confined space with a group of divers, it’s great to have some areas to relax in peace and quiet away from the social areas. Big Blue has these in abundance.
A large lounge area, spacious sun deck and extensive terrace desk.
A large restaurant with 5 tables with up to 6 chairs per table.
A varied and delicious menu is on offer with special dietary requirements catered for (with advanced warning).
Spacious cabins all have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
An ample dive deck for 24 divers, especially when the divers are split into groups.
Did you know Big Blue has two cabins suitable for wheelchairs?
Big Blue welcome all suitably qualified divers!
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com
Space at the Dive Sites
Our itineraries are fluid rather than a fixed plan. We will take in all the featured dive sites on the safari, however we won’t be sure when until we are sailing. We go where the weather is best, the other boats are fewest and the marine life is awesome.
Dive the best Red Sea dive sites with Big Blue, including:
Rocky Island & Zabargad
The Brothers
Elphinstone the Big Blue Way!
Space & Time Diving
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com
Dive with your buddy or dive with your group, guided or unguided, it’s up to you!
Why have all 24 divers jump in the water together? We work with groups of 6 with intervals between each group, so whether you’re off the boat or out by zodiacs, its always in a small group! Enjoy the marine life and topology – it’s not an equipment and bubble showroom!
Sometimes, we just can’t avoid other boats on certain sites, but that’s OK – without doubt the majority of these boats will dump their divers in to the same set schedule, so we just wait and enjoy the reef or wreck to ourselves later.
Small and spaced-out groups avoid situations like mass safety stops on the drop line or all divers trying to get in the pickup boats at the same time. Small groups mean safer and more enjoyable diving is had by all!
The Boat
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com
We are great believers that safaris are about the diving, not the boat. However, clearly there is an optimum standard to maintain in order to ensure the comfort of the guests, and Big Blue delivers: the vessel is purpose built to be very spacious, comfortable and functional for remote diving.
We don’t have an onboard jacuzzi, tv’s in the rooms or other such luxuries, because for us, it’s all about the diving, and we know that’s what it’s all about for you too. We have what you need to have an amazing dive safari with an incredibly attentive crew making it all tick seamlessly.
Your safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board or diving.
Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
Where do we go?
Anywhere and everywhere!
We primarily charter Big Blue to groups and discuss with them what they want to do and see. We offer the benefit of 35 years of exploration of the Red Sea by safari and provide ideas as to the best potential itinerary for that group. If the route is viable and safe, we are good to go!
We have our set outlines to provide some pointers, but no two weeks are ever the same!
Itineraries
For full details of Big Blue’s Ultimate Wreck itinerary, click here.
For full details of Big Blue’s Ultimate Brothers itinerary, click here.
For full details of Big Blue’s Pelagic Encounter itinerary, click here.
For full details of Big Blue’s Pelagic Encounter itinerary, click here.
One of our bespoke SOUTHERN EXPLORER trips from last month:
Your home for the week: Big Blue (Watch Video)
Big Blue’s 2024 Schedule
Big Blue’s schedule for 2024 has just been released! Take a look at the schedule and let us know what trip you are interested in, even if it says its full. The boat is often chartered but may have some spaces available which we can release to you, so always ask 😊
View Big Blue’s 2024 Schedule here: www.mybigblue.com/schedule
View Big Blue’s 2024 Rates here: www.mybigblue.com/rates
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com
Steve & Clare Hosted Safaris
In 2024, Big Blue owners Steve & Clare will be hosting 3 safaris on Big Blue. If you are interested in joining, let them know as soon as possible and they will send full details.
21/9/24 – Northern Highlights, the Brothers and Safaga
Completely random itinerary taking in several wrecks including Numidia, Salem Express, & a choice at Abu Nuhas, along with spectacular reefs along the way.
Sails from and returns to Hurghada
Prices from £1085 per person sharing a standard cabin
Excludes the government fees paid onboard, expected to be €175 per person
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com
12/10/24 – North Wrecks (hopefully the fabulous Turkia)
No, we don’t mean the typical armada of dive boats racing around the set route together. Ideally we will be heading up the Gulf of Suez as far as Zafrana; however, that’s very weather dependent so we need the right window to get north. Even if we don’t make it to Zafrana, we will still be diving the wrecks off the beaten track – The Million Hope and Thor Guardian, among others. Ask for full details.
Sails from and returns to Hurghada
Prices from £1,175 per person sharing a standard cabin
*If we don’t make Zafrana and the Turkia there will be a €100 refund on the cost.
Excludes the government fees paid onboard, expected to be €100 per person.
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com
30/11/24 – South Explorer: annual end of season jaunt
As the title says, we go south and just explore. It’s our annual pilgrimage for regular guests and friends. We have our regular favourites that we could dive all day everyday and still want more, and they are interspersed with exploration and trying new sites. This year we didn’t see another boat for four days! It was just like the early pioneering days – absolutely fabulous.
There will be a few spots open as most of the group rebook instantly, so if you want to have an awesome adventure, don’t delay and get in contact asap.
Sails from and returns to Port Ghaleb
Prices from £1,025 per person sharing a standard cabin
Excludes the government fees paid onboard, expected to be €175 per person
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com
What our guests say!
They hadn’t even got off the boat and sent this post and rebooked for 2024!
Book your next Red Sea Liveaboard Adventure with Big Blue Now!
Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com / 00447958329059/00201065540888
Blogs
Northern Red Sea Reefs and Wrecks Trip Report, Part 3: The Mighty Thistlegorm
Jake Davies boards Ghazala Explorer for an unforgettable Red Sea diving experience…
Overnight, the wind picked up, making the planned morning dive a bit bumpy on the Zodiacs to the drop point on Thomas Reef. There, we would dive along the reef before descending through the canyon and then passing under the arch before ascending the wall with a gentle drift. The site provided great encounters with more pelagic species, including shoals of large barracuda, tuna, and bigeye trevally.
Once back on the boat, it was time to get everything tied down again as we would head back south. This time, with the wind behind us, heading to Ras Mohammed to dive Jackfish Alley for another great gentle drift wall dive before then heading up the coast towards the Gulf of Suez to moor up at the wreck of the Thistlegorm. This being the highlight wreck dive of the trip and for many onboard, including myself, it was the first time diving this iconic wreck. I had heard so much about the wreck from friends, and globally, this is a must on any diver’s list. Fortunately for us, there was only one other boat at the site, which was a rarity. A great briefing was delivered by Ahmed, who provided a detailed background about the wreck’s history along with all the required safety information as the currents and visibility at the site can be variable.
Kitting up, there was a lot of excitement on deck before entering the water and heading down the shoreline. Descending to the wreck, there was a light northerly current which reduced the visibility, making it feel more like the conditions that can be found off the Welsh coast. At 10m from the bottom, the outline of the wreck appeared as we reached the area of the wreck which had been bombed, as our mooring line was attached to part of the propeller shaft. Arriving on deck, instantly everywhere you looked there were many of the supplies which the ship was carrying, including Bren Carrier tanks and projectiles that instantly stood out.
We headed around the exterior, taking a look at the large propeller and guns mounted on deck before entering the wreck on the port side to take a look in the holds. It was incredible to see all the trucks, Norton 16H, and BSA motorcycles still perfectly stacked within, providing a real snapshot in time.
Overall, we had four dives on the Thistlegorm, where for all of the dives we were the only group in the water, and at times, there were just three of us on the whole wreck, which made it even more special, especially knowing that most days the wreck has hundreds of divers. Along with the history of the wreck, there was plenty of marine life on the wreck and around, from big green turtles to batfish, along with shoals of mackerel being hunted by trevally. Some unforgettable dives.
The final leg of the trip saw us cross back over the Suez Canal to the Gobal Islands where we planned to stay the night and do three dives at the Dolphin House for the potential of sharing the dive with dolphins. The site, which included a channel that was teeming with reef fish, especially large numbers of goatfish that swam in large shoals along the edge of the reef. These were nice relaxing dives to end the week. Unfortunately, the dolphins didn’t show up, which was okay as like all marine life they are difficult to predict and you can’t guarantee what’s going to be seen. With the last dive complete, we headed back to port for the final night where it was time to clean all the kit and pack before the departure flight the next day.
The whole week from start to finish on Ghazala Explorer was amazing; the boat had all the facilities you need for a comfortable week aboard. The crew were always there to help throughout the day and the chefs providing top quality food which was required after every dive. The itinerary providing some of the best diving with a nice mixture of wreck and reef dives. I would recommend the trip to anyone, whether it’s your first Red Sea liveaboard in the Red Sea or you’re revisiting. Hopefully, it’s not too long before I head back to explore more of the Red Sea onboard Ghazala Explorer.
To find out more about the Northern Red Sea reef and wrecks itineraries aboard Ghazala Explorer, or to book, contact Scuba Travel now:
Email: dive@scubatravel.com
Tel: +44 (0)1483 411590
Photos: Jake Davies / Avalon.Red
Blogs
Northern Red Sea Reefs and Wrecks Trip Report, Part 2: Wall to Wall Wrecks
Jake Davies boards Ghazala Explorer for an unforgettable Red Sea diving experience…
The second day’s diving was a day full of wreck diving at Abu Nuhas, which included the Chrisoula K, Carnatic, and Ghiannis D. The first dive of the day was onto the Chrisoula K, also known as the wreck of tiles. The 98m vessel remains largely intact where she was loaded with tiles which can be seen throughout the hold. The stern sits at 26m and the bow just below the surface. One of the highlights of the wreck is heading inside and seeing the workroom where the machinery used for cutting the tiles are perfectly intact. The bow provided some relaxing scenery as the bright sunlight highlighted the colours of the soft coral reef and the many reef fish.
Following breakfast, we then headed to the next wreck, which was the Carnatic. The Carnatic is an 89.9m sail steamer vessel that was built in Britain back in 1862. She ran aground on the reef back in 1869 and remains at 27m. At the time, she was carrying a range of items, including 40,000 sterling in gold. An impressive wreck where much of the superstructure remains, and the two large masts lay on the seafloor. The wooden ribs of the hull provide structures for lots of soft corals, and into the stern section, the light beams through, bouncing off the large shoals of glass fish that can be found using the structure as shelter from the larger predators that are found outside of the wreck.
The final wreck at Abu Nuhas was the Ghiannis D, originally called ‘Shoyo Maru,’ which was 99.5m long and built in Japan back in 1969 before becoming a Greek-registered cargo ship in 1980. The ship then ran aground on the reef on April 19th, 1983, and now sits at the bottom at a depth of 27m. Heading down the line, the stern of the ship remains in good condition compared to the rest of the hull. The highlight of the wreck, though, is heading into the stern section and down the flights of stairs to enter the engine room, which remains in good condition and is definitely worth exploring. After exploring the interior section of the ship, we then headed over to see the rest of the superstructure, where it’s particularly interesting to see the large table corals that have grown at the bow relatively quickly considering the date the ship sank. After surfacing and enjoying some afternoon snacks, we made sure everything was strapped down and secured as we would be heading north and crossing the Gulf of Suez, where the winds were still creating plenty of chop.
The next morning, it was a short hop to Ras Mohammed Nature Reserve for the next couple of days of diving. The 6am wake-up call came along with the briefing for the first site we would be diving, which was Shark & Yolanda. The low current conditions allowed us to start the dive at Anemone City, where we would drift along the steep, coral-filled wall. These dives involved drifts, as mooring in Ras Mohammed wasn’t allowed to protect the reefs. As a dive site, Shark & Yolanda is well-known and historically had a lot of sharks, but unfortunately not so many in recent years, especially not so early in the season. However, there was always a chance when looking out into the blue.
The gentle drift took us along the steep walls of the site, with plenty of anemone fish to be seen and a huge variety of corals. It wasn’t long into the dive before we were accompanied by a hawksbill turtle, who drifted with us between the two atolls before parting ways. Between the two reefs, the shallow patch with parts of coral heads surrounded by sand provided the chance to see a few blue-spotted stingrays that were mainly resting underneath the corals and are always a pleasure to see. With this being the morning dive, the early sunlight lit up the walls, providing tranquil moments. Looking out into the blue, there was very little to be seen, but a small shoal of batfish shimmering underneath the sunlight was a moment to capture as we watched them swim by as they watched us.
Towards the end of the dive, we stopped at the wreck of the Jolanda where the seafloor was scattered with toilets from the containers it was carrying. This provided a unique site to make a safety stop, which was also accompanied by a large barracuda slowly swimming by, along with a hawksbill turtle calmly swimming over the reef as the sun rays danced in the distance.
For the next dive, we headed north to the Strait of Tiran to explore the reefs situated between Tiran Island and Sharm El Sheik, which were named after the British divers who had found them. We started on Jackson before heading to Gordons Reef, where we also did the night dive. All the atolls at these sites provided stunning, bustling coral reefs close to the surface and steep walls to swim along, which always provided the opportunity to keep an eye out for some of the larger species that can be seen in the blue. Midwater around Jackson Reef was filled with red-toothed triggerfish and shoals of banner fish, which at times were so dense that you couldn’t see into the blue. Moments went by peacefully as we enjoyed the slow drift above the reef, watching these shoals swim around under the mid-afternoon sun.
The night dive at Gordon’s Reef was mainly among the stacks of corals surrounded by sand, which was great to explore under the darkness. After some time circling the corals, we came across what we were really hoping to find, and that was an octopus hunting on the reef. We spent the majority of the dive just watching it crawl among the reef, blending into its changing surroundings through changes in colour and skin texture. It’s always so fascinating and captivating to watch these incredibly intelligent animals, in awe of their ability to carry out these physical changes to perfectly blend into the reef. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the boat to enjoy a well-deserved tasty dinner prepared by the talented chefs onboard.
Check in for the 3rd and final part of this series from Jake tomorrow!
To find out more about the Northern Red Sea reef and wrecks itineraries aboard Ghazala Explorer, or to book, contact Scuba Travel now:
Email: dive@scubatravel.com
Tel: +44 (0)1483 411590
Photos: Jake Davies / Avalon.Red
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