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Description
Boat
Bismarck is a spacious steel-hulled liveaboard designed for divers seeking comfort, safety, and access to some of the most renowned dive sites in the Red Sea. Measuring approximately 46 meters in length and 10.5 meters in width, this five-deck vessel combines generous living spaces with practical diving facilities, making it suitable for both individual divers and larger groups.
Bismarck is built to provide stability and comfort during extended voyages, offers a welcoming atmosphere with modern interiors, spacious communal areas, and multiple outdoor decks where guests can relax between dives. Large lounge areas provide comfortable seating, entertainment systems, and panoramic sea views, creating an ideal place to socialize with fellow divers after a day underwater.
Meals are freshly prepared onboard and served buffet-style, featuring a combination of local Egyptian dishes and international cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and seasonal fruits are provided throughout the trip, ensuring guests remain well-fuelled for the demanding dive schedule.
For relaxation, guests can enjoy several sun decks equipped with loungers, a Jacuzzi, and a dedicated wellness area where massage treatments may be arranged. Multiple bars and comfortable indoor spaces provide additional opportunities to unwind after diving activities.
Diving operations are supported by experienced dive professionals and tender boats, allowing efficient access to reefs, walls, drift dives, and famous wreck sites throughout the Egyptian Red Sea. Guided diving is provided, with small diver-to-guide ratios helping ensure both safety and enjoyment underwater.
Cabin
Bismarck has 17 guest cabins accommodating up to 34 guests:
All cabins are fully air-conditioned and equipped with ensuite bathrooms, storage space, comfortable bedding, and modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay throughout the cruise.
1 Master Suite - #15: Located on the sun deck, a spacious premium cabin featuring a double bed, private ensuite bathroom, and additional living space for maximum comfort.
2 Jacuzzi Deck Suite - #16, #17
Located on the upper deck, each cabin feature double bed, suitable for couples or guests seeking additional comfort and sea views.
6 Sun Deck Cabins - #9 - #14: Located on the sun deck, each cabin feature twin berths or convertible bedding arrangements, suitable for couples or friends.
6 Main Deck Twin Cabins - #3 - #8: Located on the main deck, each cabin comes twin beds and ensuite bathrooms, providing comfortable accommodation for dive buddies and individual travellers sharing a cabin.
2 Lower Deck Twin Cabins - #1, #2 : Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with twin beds and ensuite bathrooms, portholes.
Diving
- Typically up to 3 - 4 dives per day depending on itinerary and weather conditions.
- No diving on embarkation and disembarkation days.
- Guided diving is provided on all dives.
- Maximum 8 - 10 divers per guide whenever possible.
- Night dives are offered when local regulations and itinerary permit.
Other Information
- Nitrox：Available with additional charge
- 15L Tanks：Available with additional charge
- REBREATHER Dive：Not available at the moment
- Technical Dive：Not available at the moment
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with surcharge
- Dive insurance：Mandatory for all divers
- Wi-Fi Internet：Complimentary when signal coverage permits
- Laundry Service：Available onboard with surcharge
- Massage Service：Available with additional cost
- Payment on board：Cash preferred (USD, EUR accepted)
- Crew Number：12 - 15 crew members, including experienced dive guides
Itineraries
Northern Routes.
Tiran - Ras Muhammad - SS Thistlegorm
Abu Nuhas - Ras Muhammad - Tiran
Brothers - Ras Muhammad - SS Thistlegorm Abu Nuhas - Ras Muhammad - Tiran - Dahab
Safaga - Brothers - Tiran
Safaga - Brothers - Ras Muhammad
Safaga - Brothers - Abu Nuhas - SS Thistlegorm
Southern Routes
Elphinstone - St. John's - Sataya (Fury Shoals)
Sataya (Fury Shoals) - St. John's
Safaga - Daedalus - Brothers
Daedalus - Sataya (Fury Shoals)
Rocky & Zabrgad - St. John's - Elphinstone
Rocky & Zabrgad - St. John's - Sataya
Brothers - Daedalus - Elphinstone
Diving Days Itinerary
Brothers - Ras Muhammad - SS Thistlegorm
Day 1: 3 Dives in Hurghada
Day 2: 3 Dives in Brothers Islands
Day 3: 4 Dives, 3 dives in Ras Muhammad and 1 Night Dive in alternatives
Day 4: 3 Dives in SS Thistlegorm, 1 Night dive in gobal island
Day 5: 4 Dives, 1 in Shark Yolanda reef, 1 Jack Fish Ali, 1 Anemone City and 1 Night dive
Day 6: 2 Dives, 1 in Sheab Elerq, 1 Small Gifton Island
Tiran - Ras Muhammad - SS Thistlegorm
Day 1: 3 Dives in Hurghada and 1 in Sheab Abu Nuhas
Day 2: 4 Dives in Ras Muhmmad and 1 Night Dive
Day 3: 4 Dives, 3 dives in SS Thistlegorm and 1 Night Dive
Day 4: 4 Dives in Tiran Island including 1 Night Dive
Day 5: 4 Dives, 2 in Tiran Island and 2 in Ras Muhammad
Day 6: 2 Dives in Hurghada
Brothers - Daedalus - Elphinstone
Day 1: 3 Dives, in 1 in Abu Hashish and 2 Dives in Safaga
Day 2: 3 Dives in Brother Island
Day 3 & 4: 6 Dives in Daedalus reef
Day 5: 4 Dives, 3 in Elphinstone and 1 Night Dive in Abu Dabab
Day 6: 2 Dives, 1 in Abu Dabab and 1 Dive i El Shona
Safaga - Daedalus - Brothers
Day 1: 3 Dives, 1 in Abo Hashish and 1 in Abo Soma
Day 2: 4 Dives, 2 in Abu El Kifan and 1 in Panorama Reef and 1 Night dive
Day 3: 3 Dives in Brothers Islands
Day 4 & 5: 6 Dives in Daedalus reef
Day 6: 2 Dives, 1 in Sheab Marsa Alam and 1 in Abu Dabab
Abu Nuhas - Ras Muhammad - Tiran
Day 1: Check in from 2:00 PM
Day 2: 3 Dives in Hurghada and 1 in Sheab Abu Nuhas
Day 3: 3 Dives in Abu Nuhas Wrecks
Day 4: 4 Dives, 3 dives in Ras Muhammad and 1 Night Dive in Gordon Reef
Day 5 & 6: 7 Dives in Tiran Island including 1 Night Dive
Day 7: 2 Dives in Hurghada
Day 8: Check out at 12:00 PM
Embarkation & Disembarkation
Check-ins for our liveaboards occur on Saturdays between 13:00 and 15:00, with departure on Sunday morning, unless special arrangements or private trips have been scheduled.
The liveaboard will return to port on Friday around 15:00. Check-out takes place on Saturday after breakfast, around 10:00. We will arrange transfers to your hotel or the airport, unless special arrangements or private trips are planned.
The choice of airport will depend on your departure or arrival port, typically Hurghada or Marsa Alam Airport. The pickup point is located outside the main gate of the arrival hall; our driver will be waiting with a sign displaying your name or our Blue Shades Diving logo, which we will confirm with you in advance.
If you arrive a day before embarkation and have a hotel stay, please provide us with the hotel name or address. Our pickup will be around 14:00, and we will confirm the exact time with you in advance.
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
- Wi-Fi
Not included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- VAT and local taxes
- Alcoholic beverage
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Nitrox fills
- Dive courses on board
- Massage/Spa service
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Crew gratuity
Useful information
Northern Egypt
Best time for diving
The best diving conditions are usually from March to May and from September to November, when water temperatures are comfortable and visibility is excellent. During the summer months from June to August, the water becomes warmer and marine life is very active. In winter months, divers can still enjoy great visibility with fewer crowds. Dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, napoleon wrasse, and large schools of barracuda and jacks are commonly seen throughout the year. Wreck diving is one of the main highlights in this region, including the famous SS Thistlegorm, Dunraven, and Abu Nuhas wrecks.
About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 18°C - 24°C, summer months are between 30°C - 38°C.
Sea : winter months are between 21°C - 24°C, summer months are between 26°C - 30°C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
For the Northern Red Sea liveaboard, we recommend a 5mm full wetsuit during the cooler months (Dec – Apr) and a 3mm full wetsuit during the warmer months (May – Nov). Some divers may also prefer a hooded vest during winter dives, especially on repetitive dives and night dives.
Diver requirement
The Northern Routes are suitable for all levels of divers, including beginners on many itineraries. However, some wreck dives and drift dives may require better buoyancy control and experience with currents. Certain wreck penetration dives may require Advanced Open Water certification and previous wreck diving experience. Most liveaboards provide dive guides and detailed dive briefings before every dive. You can find out more information here : Northern Egypt.
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on which route you are heading to, the embarkation and disembarkation can be from Hurghada (HRG), Marsa Alam (RMF), or Sharm El Sheikh (SSH).
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Egypt’s international airports. If you opt for a visa on arrival, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months from your arrival date, a travel itinerary, and documentation to prove accommodation or any booked tours.
Vaccinations
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if traveling from a country with a risk of YF virus transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of YF virus transmission. This includes Eritrea, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Zambia.1 In the absence of a vaccination certificate, the person will be detained in quarantine for up to 6 days after departure from an area at risk of YF virus transmission. An overview of the countries to which this applies can be downloaded here: Yellow Fever Risk Countries.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and ATMs are common, especially in the main tourist areas. Major hotels will usually accept payment by credit card. However, smaller hotels may expect cash and hard currency payments (USD/EUR).
Drones
To bring a drone to Egypt and fly it, you need to receive permission from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). If you do not have documentation of authorization, your drone will be confiscated at customs. However, getting permission to fly a drone from the CAA is difficult. Should you somehow manage to get your drone in, the onboarding screening will detect your drone and one of two things will happen: 1. your drone will be confiscated at the point of arrival and stored at the airport. 2. the drone will be detected and confiscated when you are leaving the country and you’ll be sanctioned for bringing an illegal commodity to Egypt. - So don't risk it, and leave your drone at home if you’re planning to travel to Egypt.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such a service.
Southern Egypt
Best time for diving
The Southern Red Sea in Egypt offers excellent diving conditions year round, with warm water, good visibility, and rich marine life throughout the seasons.
Daedalus, Elphinstone & Brothers : The best time is from March to November when sea conditions are calmer and pelagic encounters are more frequent. Oceanic whitetip sharks are commonly seen from October to December, while hammerhead sharks are most frequently encountered from June to September around Daedalus Reef. Thresher sharks can occasionally be spotted early in the morning at Brothers Islands.
St. Johns & Fury Shoals : Best diving conditions are generally from April to November with warm water and excellent visibility. These southern reefs are famous for colorful coral gardens, reef sharks, dolphins, turtles, and abundant macro life. Encounters with manta rays are possible during spring and autumn seasons.
About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 20°C - 26°C, summer months are between 30°C - 40°C.
Sea : winter months are between 22°C - 24°C, summer months are between 27°C - 30°C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
For the Southern Red Sea liveaboards, we recommend a 5mm full wetsuit during the cooler months (Dec – Apr) and a 3mm full wetsuit or shorty during the warmer months (May – Nov).
Diver requirement
The Southern Red Sea routes are generally recommended for Advanced Open Water divers or experienced Open Water divers due to strong currents, deep dives, and blue water drift diving conditions around offshore reefs such as Daedalus, Elphinstone, and Brothers Islands. For St. Johns and Fury Shoals, some itineraries may be suitable for less experienced divers when sea conditions are calm, however good buoyancy control and comfortable drift diving skills are still recommended.
You can find out more information here : Southern Egypt.
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most Southern Red Sea liveaboard trips depart from either Hurghada, Port Ghalib, or Marsa Alam. Guests usually need to fly into Hurghada International Airport (HRG) or Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF), depending on the itinerary and liveaboard selected.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Egypt’s international airports. If you opt for a visa on arrival, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months from your arrival date, a travel itinerary, and documentation to prove accommodation or any booked tours.
Vaccinations
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if traveling from a country with a risk of YF virus transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of YF virus transmission. This includes Eritrea, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Zambia.1 In the absence of a vaccination certificate, the person will be detained in quarantine for up to 6 days after departure from an area at risk of YF virus transmission. An overview of the countries to which this applies can be downloaded here: Yellow Fever Risk Countries.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and ATMs are common, especially in the main tourist areas. Major hotels will usually accept payment by credit card. However, smaller hotels may expect cash and hard currency payments (USD/EUR).
Drones
To bring a drone to Egypt and fly it, you need to receive permission from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). If you do not have documentation of authorization, your drone will be confiscated at customs. However, getting permission to fly a drone from the CAA is difficult. Should you somehow manage to get your drone in, the onboarding screening will detect your drone and one of two things will happen: 1. your drone will be confiscated at the point of arrival and stored at the airport. 2. the drone will be detected and confiscated when you are leaving the country and you’ll be sanctioned for bringing an illegal commodity to Egypt. - So don't risk it, and leave your drone at home if you’re planning to travel to Egypt.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such a service.
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