Red Sea/Middle East

The choice of liveaboard vessels in the Egyptian Red Sea is unprecedented. More than 200 Egyptian-built vessels are registered as liveaboards and at least 100 are in active service.

Fuel supplies are subsidized by the Egyptian government and labour costs are low, so the daily rate for passengers represents the best value of anywhere in the world. Of course you will never be on the only vessel at a dive site.

Despite the low cost, many Egyptian liveaboards operate to a high standard with luxury akin to a hotel and experienced pick-up boat drivers. No wonder they are so popular with European divers.

Areas such as the Sudan and Djibouti now have a number of liveaboard vessels operating whereas, around Oman and its environs, less than a handful are available.