Top rated Red Sea liveaboards

The Red Sea is a one of the world’s most popular liveaboard diving destinations, boasting reefs, wrecks and offshore islands strung out along the coasts of Egypt, Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Today, an extensive fleet of dive safari boats and a well-established dive tourism industry offer scuba divers the chance to explore this incredible destination from north to south. 

To help you decide which liveaboard best suits your needs, we’ve combined our own first-hand experiences with feedback and reviews from our guests to identify the Red Sea’s very best liveaboards based on a variety of popular preferences. Read on to find your favourite.

Not sure if a liveaboard is right for you? Learn more about liveaboard scuba vacations with our in-depth guide, or dive into our guide to resort-based diving in the Red Sea.

Blue Horizon features comfortable cabins and spacious communal areas finished in a contemporary style. Guests can expect inviting and elegant furniture surrounded by rich wooden accents and plenty of luxurious details, including an open air hot tub. Plus, dedicated underwater explorers will appreciate amenities such as nitrox, modern camera facilities, and support for both tec and rebreather divers.

As you can see from the description above, Blue Horizon doesn’t fall short when it comes to facilities. And, as part of the trusted Blue O Two fleet, this comfortable vessel guarantees reliably high standards at a surprisingly affordable price.

Discerning divers can expect the best of the best on board the 43-metre Red Sea Aggressor IV thanks to the Aggressor Fleet’s iconic hospitality, which extends to complimentary beer and wine. 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. 

This first-class vessel is one of the most spacious dive liveaboards currently operating in the Red Sea, boasting extensive communal areas 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.

The Snefro Love offers laid-back and free-spirited luxury, underpinned by outstanding customer service, exciting itineraries, and chartered custom voyages. Refurbished in 2019, this fantastic vessel boasts contemporary and comfortable interior details and plenty of little extras to help guests enjoy every minute of their trip. 

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. Plus, this fleet also offers a few additional perks for groups, including free-of-charge spaces on selected group bookings.

Custom designed for adventurous Red Sea liveaboard excursions, 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 offers plenty of space to spread out in between adventures. 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.

Alongside modern photo facilities, Blue also features a range of advanced facilities that seasoned photographers might find particularly useful, such as free nitrox fills and tech diving support. Itineraries also aim to offer up to four dives a day in some of the Red Sea's most legendary sites, providing plenty of opportunity to capture the perfect shot.

Emperor Elite is a 38-metre wooden-hulled vessel, custom-designed and built to the highest standards. The vessel can accommodate a maximum of 26 guests in 12 twin cabins and two suites located on the upper deck. Boasting contemporary and spacious cabins, and a handful of extra perks like free nitrox and complimentary wine, Emperor Elite is well-equipped to cater for the most discerning of divers. 

As part of the reputed Emperor Divers fleet, this award-winning vessel provides free snorkelling kit rental, allowing non-diving guests to share the experience. 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 that is well known for its outstanding family-style service and relaxed social ambience. Guests will appreciate the surprisingly spacious dive deck which 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.

While Amelie offers a wide range of itineraries, 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.

The flagship vessel of the Seafari Fleet, Odyssey is first-class in every aspect but the price. Guests can expect stylish and inviting interior design, complete with modern furnishings and playful splashes of colour. It even features an open air hot tub on the sun deck. And, when it comes to diving, Odyssey guarantees professional and streamlined service from a team with over 25 years of experience in the region. 

While the vast majority of Red Sea dive trips last just one week, this vessel’s “Simply the Best” itinerary spends an entire fortnight exploring the region. And, anyone planning to spend this long on board a boat will appreciate the fact that Odyssey cuts no corners when it comes to comfort.

All Star Scuba Scene is a modern luxury liveaboard launched in 2023. Spread over four sumptuous decks, and measuring 49-metres in length, this is one of the largest vessels currently operating in the Egyptian Red Sea, accommodating up to 28 guests in 14 cabins. On the dive deck, guests will find convenient facilities such as a washer, two dryers, ample equipment storage, and a large camera table, as well as hoses, rinse tanks and showers on the dive platform. 

The vessel is also rebreather friendly, offers side-mounted pony tanks, and the use of nitrox and gas mixtures. Divers can even undertake courses such as PADI Tec 50 and TDI Extended Range whilst on board.