Dune Longara Liveaboard, Red Sea

Diving onboard Dune Longara

Dune Longara’s dedicated dive platform is located to the aft of the main deck and is designed to ensure each diving day goes ahead smoothly. Itineraries include several dives each day, with a typical seven-night cruise including 15 dives, and a night dive when possible. 12l aluminium tanks and weights are included, while certified EAN divers receive complimentary nitrox fills. Rental equipment, torches, computers, courses and additional supervision are available at extra cost. Open Water Divers with limited experience may need to dive with a private guide and pay an additional fee.

The vessel’s itineraries range from northern wreck and reef routes to remote offshore expeditions in the south. Northern itineraries can combine Ras Mohammed with the Straits of Tiran and Dahab, while central routes focus on the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone, where steep walls, current and open-ocean conditions attract schooling fish and sharks. Southern voyages explore Fury Shoals, St John’s, Rocky Island and Zabargad, mixing coral gardens, caves, pinnacles and potential dolphin encounters. For divers wanting a more exploratory adventure in the  Red Sea, the longer Best of Egypt and Elba cruises link several diving areas together. 

Diving in Egypt's Red Sea

Egypt’s Red Sea offers an exceptional range of diving, from colourful coral gardens and historic shipwrecks to sheer, offshore walls swept by currents. Highlights in the north include the reefs of Tiran and Ras Mohammed, along with wrecks such as the SS Thistlegorm, Giannis D and Dunraven. Further south, the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone are known for dramatic drop-offs, schooling fish and possible encounters with oceanic whitetip, hammerhead and thresher sharks, while St John’s, Rocky Island and Zabargad reward adventurous divers with flourishing reefs and stunning underwater scenery.

Diving is possible throughout the year, although March to May and September to November often provide a great balance of good weather, abundant marine life and fewer visitor numbers.

Learn more about diving in Egypt on the ZuBlu site here.

ZuBlu’s dive travel experts will help you book the ideal trip onboard Dune Longara, including your preferred cabin type, itinerary, diving, equipment rental, transfers and any special requests. Share your travel dates, group size, diving experience and budget, and we’ll recommend the best options for your trip.

We’ll also help with practical travel planning, including flight routes, arrival timings, embarkation details and transfers, making sure your itinerary works as smoothly as possible from start to finish.

Once you’ve finalised your plans, your travel expert will put a complimentary hold on your preferred cabin and send a final quote that includes accommodation, meals, diving, transfers, rental equipment, port fees or other extras. This quote will also show any costs paid in advance or onboard - there are no hidden fees - as well as a payment schedule and cancellation terms and conditions.

Your booking is confirmed once the required deposit, or full payment when necessary, has been received.

After confirmation, your dedicated guest concierge will take over and assist with flight routes, transfers, any personal information required by the liveaboard, and questions about your reservation. They are there to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.

Ready to start planning your trip? Talk to a travel expert now.

Getting there

The closest airport depends on each itinerary’s embarkation port. Port Ghalib departures are normally best reached through Marsa Alam International Airport, while Safaga cruises may use either Marsa Alam or Hurghada International Airport. Guests are met at the airport by a Dune representative and transferred by road to the marina.

Complimentary airport transfers are offered to guests landing at Marsa Alam or Hurghada after 14:00 on the first day. If arriving earlier, guests will need to book a paid transfer on their own. On departure, free airport transfers are offered to guests flying out before 16:00 on the final day. Embarkation is normally 15:00 and disembarkation by 10:00, and some itineraries require guests to stay in a hotel on the final night.

Other activities

Time onboard can be spent relaxing in the jacuzzi, enjoying the sun and sea views from the relaxation deck or socialising in the indoor and cocktail lounges. Some itineraries also include opportunities to visit the Daedalus lighthouse or snorkel at Sataya’s Dolphin House when conditions are suitable.

Good to know

• WiFi - Free Starlink WiFi is provided, though connectivity can vary offshore.
• Mobile coverage - Coverage is likely to be intermittent or unavailable around remote reefs and islands.
• Electricity - Charging facilities are available onboard, including USB and USB-C connections, and type-C Europlug in the cabins.
• Payments onboard - Payments onboard can be made using cash or card..
• Currency - Egypt uses the Egyptian pound; onboard charges are charged in euros.
• Time zone - Egypt uses UTC+2, changing to UTC+3 during daylight-saving periods.
• Nitrox - Complimentary for suitably certified nitrox divers.
• Dive insurance - Mandatory; cover may be arranged onboard if required.
• Equipment rental - Available at an additional charge.
• Alcohol - Available at an additional charge.
• Diver experience - Entry requirements vary, but some trips accept Open Water Divers with at least 20 logged dives when additional supervision is arranged.
• Snorkelling - The liveaboard is snorkeller-friendly, although not all sites are suitable for snorkelers, and will depend on the exact itinerary and conditions.