Red Sea Aggressor V Liveaboard, Red Sea

Diving at Red Sea Aggressor V

Red Sea Aggressor V is designed around making the most of every day underwater, with each diver assigned an individual preparation station and storage space on the dive deck. A typical seven-night voyage offers around 20–22 dives, with up to five dives possible on some days depending on the route and conditions. Entries are made either from the spacious stern platform or from two 7.5m tenders, opening up isolated reefs, current-swept walls and sites that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Standard 12-litre aluminium cylinders are supplied, with larger 15-litre tanks available to rent. Nitrox blends of 32% are also available to certified divers for an additional charge. Rental equipment includes BCDs, regulators, computers, masks, fins, dive lights, surface marker buoys, exposure suits and Nautilus rescue radios. The vessel also has a large camera table, an outdoor charging station and photography coaching, making it well suited to guests travelling with underwater imaging equipment.

Diving in Egypt

Egypt’s southern Red Sea feels markedly different from the busy dive centres farther north. Beginning around 100 kilometres south of Marsa Alam, its reefs and islands extend towards the Sudanese border, encompassing the likes of Fury Shoal, St John’s, Zabargad, and Rocky Island. Much of the region can only be explored properly by liveaboard, rewarding divers with vibrant coral, blue-water walls, shallow caves, wrecks and strong currents with large schools of fish.

Zabargad’s bays shelter turtles, rays, octopus and abundant reef life, while its outer walls can attract sharks and other pelagics. Nearby Rocky Island rises from deep water and is known for current-swept drop-offs, schooling fish and passing predators. St John’s adds intricate tunnel systems and some of Egypt’s healthiest reefs. Conditions are suitable for diving throughout the year, although March to May and September to November often bring a favourable balance of water temperature and weather. Advanced certification and around 50 logged dives are recommended for making the most of the stronger currents and exposed sites.

Learn more about the diving in St Johns, Rocky Island and Zabargad on the ZuBlu site here.

ZuBlu’s dive travel experts will help you create the ideal itinerary aboard Red Sea Aggressor V, including your preferred cabin type, diving, excursions, 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 and vessel 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 room and send a final quote that includes accommodation, meals, diving, transfers, rental equipment or excursions. This quote will also show any extras 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 operator, and questions about your reservation. They are there to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.

Getting There

Red Sea Aggressor V departs from Port Hamata Marina on Saturdays, with boarding between 15:00 and 18:00. All guests must be onboard by 18:00 for port-clearance, and arriving in Egypt one day early is recommended should there be any flight delays.

Marsa Alam International Airport is the closest gateway, around two and a half hours away by road, while Hurghada International Airport is approximately five hours away. Paid scheduled Saturday transfers operate from Hurghada and Port Ghalib, with private transfers available when flight times do not match. The vessel returns on Friday afternoon, with disembarkation by 08:00 on Saturday.

Other Activities

Life onboard centres firmly on diving, although the spacious decks, hot tub, onboard films, games and marine-life presentations provide relaxed ways to spend surface intervals and evenings. Guests may also be able to snorkel between dives, and the Rocky and Zabargad itinerary can include a dedicated dolphin-snorkelling encounter when conditions and wildlife activity allow.

Good to Know

• WiFi: Available only while the vessel is in port.
• Mobile coverage: Coverage is likely to become limited or unavailable on remote itineraries.
• Electricity: 220V, 50Hz throughout the vessel.
• Plug type: Type C and F; some cabin charging points are USB-C.
• Payments onboard: Cash in USD, EUR, GBP or EGP, plus Visa and Mastercard.
• Currency: Egyptian pound; but onboard fees are charged in US dollars.
• Time zone: Eastern European Time, UTC+2, with seasonal changes where applicable.
• Nitrox: Available to certified divers for an additional fee.
• Rocky and Zabargad fees: USD 45 port fee, USD 105 marine-park fee and USD 50 fuel surcharge.
• Elba Reef fees: USD 45 port fee, USD 205 marine-park fee and USD 50 fuel surcharge.
• Onboard VAT: A 14% tax applies to onboard purchases and services, including nitrox and courses.
• Languages: Arabic is Egypt’s official language; English is widely used by the liveaboard team.
• Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is recommended because cabin storage is limited.
• Documents: Passport information must normally be submitted at least 14 days before departure.
• Drones: Visitors are not permitted to bring drones into Egypt.