Red Sea 8-Day Diving Itinerary
Experience world-class diving and pristine coral reefs on this round-trip journey from El Gouna, exploring Ras Mohamed, the SS Dunraven wreck, Sharm El Sheikh luxury, and remote Tawila Island.
Day 1: El Gouna
Your Red Sea odyssey begins in El Gouna, Egypt's Venice of the Red Sea, a purpose-built resort town spread across lagoons connected by bridges. After morning airport pickup from Hurghada, you arrive at the marina where your yacht awaits in crystalline turquoise waters. Following noon embarkation and safety briefing, the crew provides a complete yacht tour. El Gouna's unique lagoon system offers protected swimming in remarkably clear waters. Originally conceived in the 1990s by Egyptian entrepreneur Samih Sawiris, El Gouna transformed barren coastline into sophisticated resort. The town boasts luxury marinas, championship golf courses, and vibrant nightlife centered on Abu Tig Marina. As evening approaches, sunset paints the lagoons gold and rose, desert mountains beyond providing dramatic backdrop.
Mooring Options: Marina at El Gouna, Abu Tig Marina, Mangroovy Beach anchorage
Recommended Beach: Mangroovy Beach
Dining: Aurora Club
Activities: Airport pick-up and transfer to El Gouna 08:00, Welcome onboard, refreshments, and safety briefing 12:00, Yacht tour and cabin orientation, Swimming at Mangroovy Beach, Exploration of lagoons by tender, Sunset dinner onboard, Optional night out at Aurora Club 18:00
Day 2: Siyul (Shaab Siyul)
The morning passage northeast carries you from El Gouna's lagoons into open Red Sea. Siyul, also known as Shaab Siyul, rises from depths exceeding fifty meters to create protected reef system where coral gardens flourish. The area earned its nickname "Dolphin House" from spinner dolphins that frequent these waters, their morning hunts often visible from the yacht. The yacht anchors in sand pockets between coral heads, allowing tender access to snorkeling sites where parrotfish, triggerfish, and occasional turtles glide past. The reef descends in steps and walls covered in soft corals that sway with current. Afternoon brings diving opportunities for certified guests, revealing cave systems and coral pinnacles rising from sandy channels. As desert sun descends toward western mountains, crew prepares beach bonfire on a nearby sandbank exposed at low tide while stars emerge with clarity impossible near cities.
Sailing: 2 hours (18 nautical miles)
Mooring Options: Siyul reef anchorage, Shaab Siyul protected waters, Dolphin House area
Recommended Beach: Beach bonfire at Siyul
Dining: Lunch onboard
Activities: Depart for Dolphin House 09:00, Anchor for watersports, dolphin spotting, and snorkeling 11:00, Lunch onboard 13:30, Afternoon sunbathing and cocktails, Diving at Siyul reef 15:00, Beach bonfire and stargazing 19:00, Traditional Egyptian BBQ dinner
Day 3: Ras Mohamed (via SS Dunraven)
The passage south follows Egypt's mainland coast before turning east toward Sinai Peninsula, crossing Gubal Strait where depths exceed 800 meters. First stop brings you to SS Dunraven wreck, a British steam cargo ship that struck Beacon Rock in 1876 and now rests upside-down in 18-30 meters. The wreck harbors glassfish schools, groupers, and occasional reef sharks. Continuing southeast, Ras Mohamed appears as Sinai's southern tip, where Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba meet in powerful currents. The area achieved national park status in 1983, Egypt's first marine reserve, protecting coral reefs that Jacques Cousteau declared among the world's finest. Yolanda Reef gained fame through a 1980 wreck whose cargo of bathroom fixtures now decorates the sandy bottom at 20 meters. The reef offers sheer walls dropping to abyssal depths, coral coverage so dense it appears painted. Shark Reef and Jolanda Reef create diving experiences that justify Red Sea's reputation, visibility often exceeding 30 meters.
Sailing: 3.5 hours (32 nautical miles)
Mooring Options: Ras Mohamed anchorage, Abunahas reef area, Protected waters near Yolanda Reef
Recommended Beach: Yolanda Reef
Dining: Dinner onboard
Activities: Early arrival at Abunahas 06:00, Wreck diving at SS Dunraven, Snorkeling at Yolanda Reef 10:00, Lunch onboard 12:30, Cruise Ras Mohamed coastline 14:00, Swimming in protected bays, Dinner onboard 18:30, Stargazing from sundeck
Day 4: Sharm El Sheikh
The brief morning passage north brings you to Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai's premier resort destination that grew from Bedouin fishing village into sophisticated international playground. Docking at Four Seasons Marina provides access to one of Red Sea's finest resort complexes, where luxury accommodations blend Moorish architecture with contemporary design. For adventure-seeking guests, desert safaris venture into Sinai's interior, whether by quad bike or traditional camel treks to Bedouin camps. Sharm divides into distinct districts: Naama Bay's tourist promenade, Old Market's narrow lanes selling spices and textiles, Sharks Bay's upscale resorts. The town established itself as diving mecca in the 1980s. Shopping opportunities range from hotel boutiques to traditional markets where haggling remains expected.
Sailing: 0.75 hours (6 nautical miles)
Mooring Options: Four Seasons Marina, Sharm El Sheikh Marina, Naama Bay anchorage
Recommended Beach: Four Seasons Beach
Dining: Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh
Activities: Short morning sail to Sharm 08:00, Docking at Four Seasons 10:00, Optional spa treatment at Four Seasons 11:00, Desert safari by quad or camel, Explore Naama Bay promenade, Shopping at Old Market, Dinner at Four Seasons 19:00, Optional nightlife at Pacha nightclub
Day 5: Gubal Island
The passage northwest crosses back toward Egyptian mainland coast through Gubal Strait's strategic narrows. Gubal Island rises from historic waters, small landmass surrounded by reefs that claimed vessels from British steamers to modern cargo ships. The area contains several famous wrecks: Rosalie Moller, a British cargo ship torpedoed in 1941; Thistlegorm, perhaps the world's most celebrated wreck dive, sunk in 1941 with cargo of motorcycles, trucks, and munitions; and Carnatic, a P&O passenger steamer wrecked in 1869. The reefs surrounding Gubal offer pristine diving and snorkeling distinct from more frequented sites further south. The island provides desert beach landing opportunities where sand meets scrub vegetation, the interior home to nesting seabirds and migrating species. As afternoon mellows toward evening, the yacht anchors in protected waters where night sky reveals stars with exceptional clarity.
Sailing: 3.75 hours (33 nautical miles)
Mooring Options: Gubal Island anchorage, Protected bay on eastern shore, Reef anchorage points
Recommended Beach: Gubal sandy beach
Dining: Picnic lunch onboard
Activities: Sail northwest to Gubal 08:00, Diving at Gubal wrecks 12:00, Snorkeling pristine reefs, Lunch onboard 14:00, Beach exploration and swimming, Sunset cocktails on deck, Stargazing session 17:00, Astronomy briefing by crew
Day 6: Tawila Island
The brief morning passage brings you to Tawila Island, a 5,000-acre development representing new generation Red Sea luxury tourism. Located 22 kilometers from El Gouna, the island features beachfront bungalows, overwater units suspended above crystalline shallows, and presidential suite. Unlike mainland resorts, Tawila's island location provides genuine escape, access only by boat ensuring tranquility. The island showcases diverse ecosystems: coral reefs offshore, mangrove stands in protected bays, natural rocky shores alternating with sandy beaches. Birdwatchers find Tawila rewarding, hosting rare species including Sooty Falcon, Brown Booby, and Black-winged Stilt. As afternoon transitions to evening, tables are set directly on sand, waves providing soundtrack, stars emerging overhead.
Sailing: 0.75 hours (6 nautical miles)
Mooring Options: Tawila Island Marina, Resort anchorage, Protected bay
Recommended Beach: Tawila resort beach
Dining: Tawila Island Resort
Activities: Short sail to Tawila Island 08:00, Dock at resort marina 10:30, Enjoy resort hotel facilities, Beach club relaxation, Beach picnic lunch 13:00, Watersports: paddleboarding, kayaking, Birdwatching (Sooty Falcon, Brown Booby), Dinner under stars 17:00
Day 7: Siyul (Return)
The passage northeast returns you to Siyul, familiar waters now recognizable from your first visit. Returning to this exceptional dive site allows you to explore areas missed previously, appreciating nuances that single visits often miss. The reef reveals new aspects at different times of day, marine life patterns shifting with tides. For those who spotted dolphins on Day 2, chances exist for second encounter. The day unfolds at leisure, allowing guests to pursue preferred activities: extended snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, or floating in warm buoyant water. As sun descends toward western horizon, crew prepares final beach BBQ. The bonfire blazes as stars emerge, traditional farewells shared, guests reflecting on the week's journey through waters that have supported civilizations for five millennia.
Sailing: 0.9 hours (8 nautical miles)
Mooring Options: Siyul reef anchorage, Shaab Siyul protected waters, Dolphin House area
Recommended Beach: Siyul beach BBQ
Dining: Beach BBQ prepared by crew
Activities: Sail back to Siyul 08:00, Arrival and anchoring 09:00, Morning snorkeling at favorite spots, Last diving session for certified guests, Swimming and watersports, Beach preparation for BBQ, Sunset BBQ on beach, Bonfire and farewell celebration
Day 8: El Gouna (Return & Disembarkation)
Your final morning breaks clear over Siyul, sunrise painting the reef shallows in shades of turquoise and gold. One last swim beckons, water temperature perfect, visibility extending to the sandy bottom six meters below. Breakfast aboard carries particular poignancy, the last meal your crew will prepare. The yacht weighs anchor and turns southwest, retracing the route taken eight days prior. The passage provides time for reflection: from El Gouna's modern luxury through Siyul's pristine reefs, from historic wrecks at Ras Mohamed to Sharm's sophisticated pleasures, from Gubal's remote diving to Tawila's island exclusivity. The Red Sea revealed its treasures: coral reefs rivaling any on Earth, visibility exceeding 30 meters, marine diversity spanning from tiny nudibranchs to cruising sharks. As the yacht approaches El Gouna's marina, crew handles lines with practiced efficiency, journey concluding where it began.
Sailing: 2 hours (18 nautical miles)
Mooring Options: Marina at El Gouna, Abu Tig Marina
Recommended Beach: Final morning swim at Siyul
Dining: Farewell breakfast aboard
Activities: Leisurely breakfast at Siyul anchorage, Final swim in Red Sea waters, Sail back to El Gouna, Approach to Marina 10:00, Packing and preparation underway, Arrival at El Gouna Marina, Disembarkation and crew farewells, Optional exploration of El Gouna before flights
