Top rated Red Sea liveaboards

The Red Sea is a hugely popular liveaboard diving destination, as liveaboards allow visitors to reach offshore reefs and faraway wrecks with ease. As a result, the area boasts a well-established dive tourism industry and a tempting selection of safari vessels to choose from.

To help you decide which boat best suits your needs, we’ve reviewed our favourite liveaboards - the best-of-the-best in the Red Sea. Read on to find your favourite.

Not sure if a liveaboard is right for you? Learn more about liveaboard scuba vacation with our in-depth guide.

We appreciate that different divers have different needs, and there's no one-size-fits-all scenario when it comes to finding your perfect dive holiday. So, we’ve selected the best Red Sea liveaboards based on the most popular preferences - including tec diving, affordable trips and groups.

Part of the trusted Blue O Two fleet, this comfortable vessel offers a reliable standard of service and high-quality facilities at a surprisingly affordable price. Featuring stylish interior design, contemporary cabins and spacious communal areas, this impressive vessel is able to hold its own amongst other more costly counterparts. Accommodating up to 22 guests, Blue Adventurer creates a casual and fun setting for adventure. Divers can expect beanbag furnished open-air social spaces and buffet-style dining alongside sophisticated scuba diving facilities including nitrox fills and amenities for underwater photographers.

Discerning divers can expect the best of the best on board the 43-metre Red Sea Aggressor IV. This first-class vessel is one of the most spacious and luxurious dive liveaboards currently operating in the Red Sea, boasting extensive communal spaces both above and below deck. It even features a pair of indulgent open-air hot tubs for soothing tired muscles while soaking up the views. When it comes to diving, the Red Sea Aggressor IV offers a sizable dive deck and easy access to the swimming platform and tenders. Nitrox fills are also available and underwater photographers will find the in-cabin TVs useful for image editing. Of course, all of this comes alongside Aggressor Fleet’s iconic onboard hospitality, which extends to complimentary beer and wine. 

The Snefro Love offers laid-back and free-spirited luxury, underpinned by outstanding customer service, exciting itineraries, and chartered custom voyages. One of the region's most spacious options, Snefro Love sleeps 20 guests in ten cabins, and offers multiple air-conditioned indoor areas, and several sun decks – ideal for a large group getaway. But truth be told, any one of the Snefro Fleet’s boats could have taken this title, with several smaller vessels accommodating between eight and 18 guests. Plus, this fleet also offers a few extra perks for groups, including free-of-charge spaces on selected group bookings.

Custom designed for adventurous Red Sea liveaboard excursions, MY Blue offers a stylish setting for exploring some of Egypt's most impressive diving areas. One of the region's bigger boats, Blue sleeps up to 24 guests in absolute comfort, and offering plenty of space to spread out in between adventures. Make the most of your time in the water with up to four dives a day in some of the Red Sea's most legendary sites, plus nitrox, modern photo facilities, and support for tech divers. You'll also be looked after by one of the region's most energetic and dedicated teams – ensuring your total comfort and satisfaction around the clock.

Compared to some other dive destinations, Red Sea liveaboards are very much diver-focussed, with fewer frills such as onboard spas and watersports equipment. That said, if you’re travelling with non-divers, the Emperor Elite is probably the boat for you. As part of the reputed Emperor Divers fleet, this award-winning vessel provides free snorkelling kit rental, allowing non-diving guests to share the excitement of this unique underwater environment. Combine this with extra perks such as a €35 voucher to spend on board, complimentary red wine with dinner, and one of the most spacious cabins in the region, and you’re guaranteed a relaxing trip for every type of guest.

Amelie is a highly-affordable liveaboard offering a range of itineraries in the Red Sea, but its three-day mini-safaris are among the best in the region. These concise circular routes hit many of the most iconic sites in the northern Red Sea, and are perfect for first-time liveaboard divers or those looking to add a quick dive safari to a resort-based getaway. This vessel is also well known for its outstanding family-style service and relaxed social ambience. DIvers will appreciate the surprisingly spacious dive deck and comes equipped with convenient amenities including a two-tiered camera table and hot-water showers. Nitrox fills and sidemount support are also available for certified guests.

Royal Evolutions is a modern, 39-metre motor yacht delivering extended liveaboard expeditions in the Red Sea. Its two-week voyages regularly cross international borders, helping divers explore the very best sites in a single trip. Despite the adventurous nature of its itineraries, Royal Evolution cuts no corners when it comes to comfort. The vessel is stylishly appointed and provides plenty of space for guests to spread out, including an inviting sun deck furnished with cushioned seating and an open-air Jacuzzi. With so many creature comforts on offer, it’s possible to forget that frontier diving is the focus of these trips. Thankfully, Royal Evolution comes equipped for that too, offering state-of-the-art safety equipment, photography coaching, and more. 

Altair is a brand-new liveaboard operated under the reputed Diving Attitude fleet. Designed by expert naval architects, and coming with plenty of onboard luxuries, this 47-metre vessel is certainly one of the most striking options in the Red Sea. But, beneath all of the style, you’ll find plenty of substance too. Whether you favour recreational, technical, sidemount or solo diving, Altair has you covered. Championing the fleet’s signature “dive as you like” ethos, Altair comes well-prepared for almost any request, including equipment and scooter rental, deco diving, complimentary dive planning, gas blending, and more.