Star Jet | Northern Egypt, Southern Egypt

Boat

M/Y Star Jet combines the volume of a steel safari vessel with a bright, contemporary finish following her 2025 renovation. The current detailed sales specification gives a length of 35 metres and a beam of 8.9 metres. Her working layout is designed around week-long Red Sea expeditions: accommodation is separated across three decks, meals and briefings take place in an air-conditioned interior, and two extensive sun decks give guests somewhere to spread out between dives.

The indoor salon uses wraparound seating, pale finishes and broad windows to keep the room open and social. It incorporates a bar and entertainment area with television and DVD facilities, while Wi-Fi is available when the vessel’s offshore connection permits. The adjoining dining room is arranged for buffet service. Menus combine Egyptian and international cooking, with fish, seafood, chicken, beef and advance-request vegetarian or vegan options. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks remain accessible between the main meals.

Outside, shaded sofas, open sunbeds and a separate bar area allow guests to choose between breeze, sun and shelter. This is particularly valuable on an intensive itinerary: the dive deck can stay organised for cylinders and equipment while non-divers or resting divers retain comfortable outdoor space. Snorkelling equipment, paddleboards and kayaks are listed among the leisure options, but their availability should be reconfirmed for the chosen departure rather than assumed for a private charter.

Star Jet’s stern is purpose-built for repeated entries. The broad shaded dive deck provides individual working positions, storage crates, rinse hoses, outdoor freshwater showers and two speedboats for sites where the main hull cannot approach. Underwater photographers have a camera table, charging points, dedicated storage and a separate camera rinse. Nitrox, sidemount and rebreather support are advertised, but gases, cylinders and compatible consumables must be ordered before arrival.

The current technical record lists two Mercedes engines, 15-knot cruising and a 25-knot published maximum. Navigation and emergency equipment includes radar, depth sounder, GPS, VHF/DSC/SSB radio, EPIRB, emergency rafts, life jackets, fire detection and extinguishers, oxygen, first-aid kits, a bilge alarm, searchlight, engine-room CCTV and flares. Equipment lists cannot replace the captain’s embarkation briefing: guests should locate their life jacket, nearest exit and muster point before sailing.

Cabin

The current bookable inventory accommodates 28 guests in 14 air-conditioned ensuite cabins. Its five categories reconcile exactly:

• 7 Lower Deck Share Cabins — approximately 11 m²: sold under the Lower Deck Twin category; the detailed room text shows one double bed plus one single bed in most rooms, while the inventory note says two rooms have two twin beds and five have a double-plus-single arrangement; porthole, mini-fridge, storage, private shower and toilet, individual air-conditioning control; maximum 2 guests per cabin
• 1 Main Deck Double Cabin — approximately 12 m²: one double bed, porthole, mini-fridge, storage, private shower and toilet, individual air-conditioning control; maximum 2 guests
• 3 Main Deck Twin Cabins — approximately 12 m²: two separate single beds, standard exterior window, mini-fridge, storage, private shower and toilet, individual air-conditioning control; maximum 2 guests each
• 2 Sun Deck Suite Cabins — approximately 14 m²: one queen-size bed, outward view through a standard window, mini-fridge, storage, private shower and toilet, individual air-conditioning control; maximum 2 guests each
• 1 Sun Deck Twin Cabin — approximately 14 m²: two separate single beds, panoramic window, mini-fridge, storage, private shower and toilet, individual air-conditioning control; maximum 2 guests

The arithmetic is complete: 7 + 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 equals 14 sellable cabins, and every category has a two-person maximum, giving 28 berths. The lower-deck wording deserves attention. “Twin” is the sales category name, but five of those rooms are described as a double bed plus a single rather than two equivalent singles. Only two occupants are accepted even where two different bed surfaces are present. Dive partners who require two separate beds must have that arrangement written into the confirmation.

The main deck offers the clearest distinction between couples and sharing divers: one double room and three true twins. Its three twin rooms have standard windows, while the sole double is currently listed with a porthole. On the sun deck, the two queen suites are the named couple category. The single sun-deck twin has the strongest published window description—a panoramic window—and is the only room of its category, so early reservation is sensible.

All fourteen guest cabins include a private bathroom with shower and toilet, individually controlled air conditioning, a mini-fridge and storage. Towels, toiletries, daily housekeeping and hair dryers are listed in current seller data. No mattress dimensions are published, and the approximate room areas come from the current category inventory rather than a measured architectural plan.

The operator’s own page remains internally inconsistent: its header says 15 rooms and 28 guests, while the text says 13 guest cabins plus two instructor cabins and a 26-guest maximum. A current booking record instead publishes 14 cabins and 28 guests, with the complete room split used above. For an actual sale, the dated rooming list must identify deck, bed layout and cabin number; the website headline alone is not sufficient.

Diving

Star Jet is scheduled across both the northern wreck corridor and the more exposed central and southern reefs. Northern programmes combine Abu Nuhas, Ras Mohammed, Tiran, Dahab and the SS Thistlegorm, sometimes adding Brothers or Safaga. Southern options include Brothers–Daedalus–Elphinstone, Daedalus–Fury Shoals, St. John’s, Sataya, Rocky and Zabargad. This range makes the boat suitable for clubs whose next trip may focus on wrecks, sharks, coral architecture or a mixture of all three.

The representative Abu Nuhas–Ras Mohammed–Tiran itinerary is published for Open Water divers with at least 25 logged dives and plans about 19 dives over seven nights. Other routes are more demanding. Brothers–Daedalus–Elphinstone and combinations that include exposed walls, deeper plateaus or blue-water exits normally require Advanced Open Water or equivalent, recent experience and at least the minimum logbook total stated for that departure.

At Abu Nuhas, guides choose among historic wrecks and surrounding reefs according to current, visibility and group competence. Ras Mohammed adds dramatic reef corners and concentrated fish life, while the Straits of Tiran offer current-shaped walls and coral gardens. The southern marine parks exchange wreck focus for offshore drop-offs and the possibility of hammerheads, threshers, oceanic whitetips, tuna and other pelagics. No species is guaranteed, and guides do not control whether an animal approaches.

The standard diving package is included in the current seller record, but Nitrox is optional and paid. Published examples are €12 per day or €70 per trip, with a Nitrox course at €150. A 15-litre cylinder, private guide, rental equipment and training courses are also extra. Rental stock must be reserved with sizes and certification details; technical, sidemount or rebreather guests require written confirmation of gases, cylinders, valves, sorb, oxygen-clean equipment and guide support.

Other Information

• Destination: Egyptian Red Sea
• Typical duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Construction: steel
• Current detailed build record: 2004, renovated in 2025
• Length / beam: 35 m / 8.9 m in the current detailed seller specification
• Bookable capacity used here: 28 guests in 14 ensuite cabins
• Cabin split: 7 lower share cabins, 1 main-deck double, 3 main-deck twins, 2 sun-deck suites and 1 sun-deck twin
• Engines: 2 × Mercedes
• Published cruising / maximum speed: 15 / 25 knots
• Dive tenders: 2 speedboats
• Electricity: European-style 220 V outlets
• Internet: Wi-Fi, subject to offshore coverage
• Dive support: shaded deck, camera station, camera rinse, charging, outside showers, Nitrox, rental equipment and specialist configuration by advance request

Confirmed in the current standard seller package: seven nights’ accommodation; VAT; drinking water, soft drinks, tea and coffee; full-board meals; snacks and a special dinner; the booked diving programme; route-permitted night dives; cabin, beach and deck towels; and Wi-Fi. A second current inventory also confirms dive guides, standard 12-litre cylinders and weights. The number of dives is a plan, not a guaranteed entitlement when weather, regulation, health or safety changes the programme.

Required extras currently shown: €100 per person per trip mandatory service charge and €100 per person per trip park and port fees. The same seller page uses broad “included” labels for certain taxes and port-related costs while still displaying the separate compulsory park/port charge. The safe customer budget is therefore the two explicit required payments until the dated invoice states otherwise.

Optional or excluded: international and domestic flights; Egyptian visa; airport transfer (€17–90 in current examples); hotel transfer (€30–90); Nitrox; Nitrox course; 15-litre cylinder; private dive guide; rental scuba or snorkelling equipment; additional dives; training courses; alcoholic drinks; insurance; and personal expenses. Current rental examples include €50 per trip for regulator, BCD, computer or 15-litre cylinder; €20–50 for smaller individual items; and €210 for a complete recreational set. These are examples only and must be reconfirmed.

Star Jet’s published programme covers more than a dozen northern and southern combinations. The itinerary below expands the current Abu Nuhas–Ras Mohammed–Tiran outline into original visitor-facing copy. It represents 8 days / 7 nights, about 19 planned dives and a Hurghada round trip for Open Water divers with at least 25 logged dives. Sites, order and dive count remain subject to weather, traffic, permissions and the group’s real ability.

Abu Nuhas, Ras Mohammed & Tiran — Representative 8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1 — Hurghada embarkation and preparation
Boarding begins at the published afternoon time after guests have received the confirmed marina instructions. The crew allocates cabins and working stations, checks certification and rental orders, and explains the salon, decks, charging rules and equipment storage. The safety briefing covers exits, life jackets, fire response, oxygen, tenders and muster procedure. Divers assemble their kit before dinner so missing or unsuitable components can be addressed while the vessel is still accessible from shore. Sailing time depends on clearance and the captain’s plan; no dive is scheduled on embarkation day.

Day 2 — Hurghada check dives and the approach to Abu Nuhas
The published outline plans three Hurghada-area dives followed by a possible fourth at Shaab Abu Nuhas. The first entry is operational as well as scenic: guides observe weighting, buoyancy, air use, DSMB deployment and buddy communication in a more forgiving setting. Subsequent reefs can add coral gardens, pinnacles and schools of fusiliers while the team settles into the deck rhythm. If distance, daylight and conditions allow, a late dive near Abu Nuhas introduces the reef that caused several famous shipwrecks. The captain may reduce the day rather than compress unsafe turnarounds.

Day 3 — The wrecks of Abu Nuhas
Three planned dives allow the guides to select from the wreck field according to visibility and other boats. Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M are among the names associated with the reef, but no particular hull is guaranteed. Each has a different orientation, history and depth range. Exterior routes can combine propellers, broken holds, coral growth and dense fish life. Penetration is undertaken only when the guide expressly includes it and the diver has appropriate training, gas, light and control; an open doorway is not permission to enter.

Day 4 — Ras Mohammed and a permitted night dive near Gordon Reef
Star Jet moves toward the Sinai sector for three daylight dives around Ras Mohammed, followed in the published plan by a night dive in the Gordon Reef area. Shark and Yolanda Reef can bring steep walls, current-fed coral, schooling snapper, barracuda and the scattered cargo of the Yolanda, while other sites offer different shelter and depth. Entry points are selected after a current check, not from a fixed marketing map. At night the reef’s smaller animals become the focus. The night dive proceeds only outside prohibited marine-park zones and when mooring, weather and experience are suitable.

Day 5 — First full day in the Straits of Tiran
The four reefs of Tiran sit across a channel where moving water can generate exhilarating drifts. Guides may consider Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse or Jackson, but vessel traffic, wind and current decide the safe side and timing. Coral walls, plateaus and blue-water edges can hold turtles, rays, large schools and occasional pelagics. Divers listen carefully to pickup instructions because the speedboat may collect the group away from the entry point. The day contributes to a combined seven dives across Days 5 and 6 rather than guaranteeing four entries today.

Day 6 — Tiran revisited, with the week’s second eligible night dive
A second Tiran day lets the team use a different reef face or return under improved conditions. Morning light can favour wide coral scenes; afternoon current may concentrate fish at a corner. One night dive is included in the two-day outline where regulations permit. Guests who skip an entry retain the benefit of Star Jet’s shaded lounges and sun decks without needing to occupy the equipment area. After the final session, the crew secures cylinders and the vessel begins its return passage toward Hurghada.

Day 7 — Two final Hurghada dives and equipment care
Two coastal dives complete the planned programme while preserving a sensible no-fly interval. The captain chooses sheltered reefs compatible with the return distance, often giving photographers a calmer finale and divers time to refine buoyancy after the more dynamic northern sites. Once diving ends, equipment is rinsed, drained and placed where the crew directs; wet suits and cylinders should never obstruct exits. Guests complete logbooks, settle required and optional charges, confirm transfer arrangements and pack dry belongings while Star Jet returns to port.

Day 8 — Breakfast and disembarkation
After the final night aboard, breakfast precedes checkout at approximately the published late-morning time. Guests inspect the cabin, return rental equipment and verify that computers, chargers and documents have not been left behind. Any airport or hotel transfer must appear on the booking because it is an optional service in the current exact-vessel listing. Flight departure should respect the diver’s computer, agency guidance and the operator’s required no-fly interval.

Before choosing this route

This is one of Star Jet’s more accessible itineraries, but “Open Water plus 25 dives” is a minimum, not a promise that every person will enter every wreck or current. Recent buoyancy practice, comfortable boat entries, DSMB use and the ability to follow a moving reef improve both safety and enjoyment. A diver who has not been in the water recently should arrange a refresher before travel rather than relying on the first safari dive as training.

The same vessel also runs Tiran–Ras Mohammed–Thistlegorm, Brothers–Ras Mohammed–Thistlegorm, Safaga combinations, Brothers–Daedalus–Elphinstone, St. John’s–Sataya, Daedalus–Fury Shoals and Rocky–Zabargad programmes. Those names do not describe interchangeable products: departure port, certification, minimum experience, marine-park fees and night-dive access can differ. Always match the customer to the dated itinerary and qualification line, not simply to the boat.

The captain has final authority over navigation and site choice. Strong wind, exceptional current, port direction, marine-park regulation, congestion, mechanical needs or a medical situation can change the sequence and total. Sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays and large schools remain natural encounters. Responsible sales language offers the opportunity to explore a remarkable wreck-and-reef corridor without turning wildlife or weather into a contractual promise.

How the week works aboard

The route’s published dive count is concentrated into five active days, so organisation begins before the first briefing. Each diver keeps the assigned crate and station orderly, labels personal accessories and brings the correct exposure protection to the platform. A small dry bag for the Zodiac, a working DSMB and reel, whistle, computer and suitable surface protection remove avoidable delays. Cameras are prepared at the designated table, never on the floor between stations. These simple habits matter when several teams are entering in succession and the crew must fill, analyse and move cylinders safely.

Daily timing is announced aboard and may shift with sunrise, current, traffic and the distance still to cover.

Meals and crossings form part of the itinerary rather than empty time. Breakfast may follow the first dive, with lunch after the late-morning session and snacks around the afternoon plan. A longer passage offers time for logbooks, camera maintenance and rest, but loose items must be secured before Star Jet leaves a sheltered reef. Guests prone to seasickness should discuss medication with a clinician before travel and take it according to professional advice, not after the offshore motion has already become uncomfortable.

The guide briefing is specific to each site. It identifies maximum depth and time, entry direction, current, relevant wreck openings, marine-park restrictions, ascent method and pickup signal. A previous visit does not replace listening: current direction, mooring and traffic can transform the same reef. Buddy teams repeat their own gas, lost-buddy and separation plan before entering. If a diver is uncertain about penetration or a negative entry, saying so early gives the guide time to offer a safer exterior route or place the diver in a compatible team.

On the final afternoon, drying and departure logistics should not compromise the working deck. The crew indicates where suits, boots and luggage belong while the vessel is still moving. Customers settle only the charges shown on their account and ask for clarification before payment if the mandatory fees differ from the confirmation. The aim is to finish the week as deliberately as it began: equipment accounted for, flights safely timed and the memories centred on what the Red Sea actually delivered rather than on a checklist that conditions never promised.