The Red Sea, charted.
Every dive site, kite spot, and dolphin destination M/Y Aphrodite visits — from the Sinai wrecks of the North to the pelagic walls of the Deep South. Each one earned its place by being genuinely worth the journey.
Wrecks, Reefs & National Parks
The classic Red Sea — historic wrecks, marine parks, and the strong currents of the Tiran Strait. Where most divers start, and many return.
SS Thistlegorm
The most famous wreck in the Red Sea — and arguably in the world. A British WWII supply ship sunk in 1941, lying at 30 metres with its cargo still intact: motorcycles, trucks, rifles, and train carriages. Two holds to explore, a gun on the stern, and a constant stream of marine life. Part history lesson, part underwater museum.
Ras Mohamed National Park
Egypt’s first national marine park, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Famous for Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef — two pinnacles with walls dropping hundreds of metres and a resident population of grey reef sharks, barracuda, and jacks. Current can be strong and visibility exceptional. One of the Red Sea’s signature sites.
Tiran Strait
Four iconic reef systems — Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse, and Jackson — strung across the narrow passage between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Strong tidal currents push nutrient-rich water through the strait, drawing big schools, occasional sharks, and dense reef life. Best dived as drifts, with the current doing the work.
Salem Express
A passenger ferry that sank in 1991 — a wreck that carries weight. Dives here are conducted with respect for the lives lost. The wreck lies on its starboard side at 30 metres, intact and accessible. A site that experienced divers find moving, both emotionally and technically.
Rosalie Muller
A German WWII cargo vessel resting at 45 metres — deeper than Thistlegorm, less visited, and extraordinary for experienced divers. The hull is dramatically broken but large sections remain intact. Lionfish, moray eels, and coral growth have turned the wreck into a living reef. Advanced certification required.
Pelagics, Walls & Open Water
Where the open sea begins. Sheer walls, schooling pelagics, and dives that consistently rank among the best in the world.
Brothers Islands
Two tiny limestone islands rising from the open sea 60km offshore — and some of the most celebrated diving in the world. Big Brother hosts two wrecks (the Numidia and the Aida) on walls that plunge into deep blue. Small Brother is all about the pelagics — oceanic whitetips, threshers, and hammerheads patrol the deep walls. Strong currents and big-water diving.
Elphinstone Reef
A long, narrow reef rising vertically from the abyss to within metres of the surface — and barely anything else within reach for kilometres around. Nothing but blue water on every side, and nothing. The northern and southern plateaus are where oceanic whitetip sharks patrol regularly — unhurried, curious, and close. Some of the most intact coral in the Red Sea. Strong currents and big fish.
Safaga Reefs
A series of reef systems south of Hurghada, used as warm-up dives before the more challenging southern sites. Good visibility, healthy coral, and accessible for all levels. A useful first day — gets the group calibrated before the open water work begins.
Where the Tourist Trail Ends
Eight days at sea minimum. Remote reefs, pristine coral, and sites that rarely see another boat. For divers who want what most never reach.
Daedalus Reef
A circular reef 80km offshore with a lighthouse on top and very little else for hundreds of kilometres. Thresher sharks, grey reef sharks, and hammerheads are regulars here — drawn by the deep water and strong upwellings. The reef drops away dramatically on all sides. You can spend an entire dive watching what comes up from below. One of the few sites where you genuinely don’t know what will appear.
Rocky Island
A small, steep-sided island in the far south — rarely visited and completely wild. Pristine hard coral on the walls, abundant reef life, and almost no boat traffic. The kind of site that makes divers who’ve seen everything feel like they’re somewhere new. Best approached in calm conditions.
Zabargad Island
Named after the semi-precious peridot (topaz) historically mined here — now an uninhabited remote outpost surrounded by some of the healthiest reefs in the southern Red Sea. Multiple dive sites around the island, including a small WWII-era wreck and several reef pinnacles. Genuinely remote diving.
St. John’s Reef
A complex of reefs at the southernmost reach of Egyptian waters — caves, swim-throughs, walls, and pinnacles spread across a wide area. Dolphins, turtles, sharks, and some of the highest reef biodiversity in the Red Sea. Multiple sites mean every day brings something different. A favourite among divers who prefer reefs to pelagics.
Flat Water Where Nobody Else Goes
The Red Sea archipelagos — uninhabited sandbars, sheltered lagoons, and reliable thermal wind. Reachable only by boat. The world’s best-kept kite secret.
Ashrafi Island
The standout spot of the northern archipelago. A vast waist-deep lagoon sheltered by reef — butter-smooth flat water, consistent thermal wind, and enough space for downwinders, freestyle, foiling, and beginner sessions all at once. Large enough that two groups never interfere with each other.
Geisum Island
Two distinct zones — North Geisum for flat water, South Geisum for open-water freeride. Reliable thermal wind throughout the season, wide shallow areas, and room for large groups. A consistent anchor of any northern kite safari week.
Tawila Island
Long sandbar, shallow entry, wind from multiple directions. Ideal for first water sessions, body dragging, and beginner progression. Often paired with Geisum for variety within a single day.
Gubal Island
Further north, more exposed, stronger and cleaner wind. Best for intermediate and advanced riders wanting uninterrupted sessions. Snorkeling on the reef available between wind sessions.
Abu Mongar
Famous for its low-tide sandbar — a perfectly flat speed zone for freeriders. Shallow enough to stand, fast enough to fly. Best when wind is strong, typically used as a highlight session later in the week.
Hamata Islands
The southern alternative — sheltered lagoons between uninhabited islands, mangrove channels, near-year-round wind. For groups who want something completely off the standard kite safari circuit.
The Dolphins. Two Spots. Both Unforgettable.
Resident pods of spinner dolphins. Calm, sheltered water. No scuba required. Among the most reliably extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world.
Sataya — Dolphin House
A sheltered reef in the southern Red Sea that a resident pod of several hundred spinner dolphins calls home year-round. They come here to rest between feeding runs — and they’re accustomed to boats and calm snorkelers. Enter the water quietly, move slowly, and they’ll come to you. Accessible by snorkel and freediving. No scuba required. One of the most reliably extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world.
Sha’ab El Erg — Dolphin House North
A reef formation near Hurghada with its own resident spinner dolphin community — more accessible than Sataya and perfect for northern route safaris. Shallower, calmer water makes it ideal for children, non-swimmers, and first-time wildlife encounters. The dolphins here are curious and social — encounters are frequent and close.
Found Your Spot? Find Your Route.
Every destination on this page is reachable from M/Y Aphrodite. Choose your safari type and we’ll show you exactly which route gets you there.