Since her completion in 2009, the steel-hulled MY Andromeda liveaboard has built a solid reputation among seasoned divers exploring the Red Sea’s northern wrecks, the deep south around St. John’s, and the remote reefs of Sudan. At almost 40 metres, Andromeda offers a stable base for adventure, accommodating 26 guests across a choice of 7 and 14-night diving cruises. It is known for consistent, well-managed operations in these waters.
The accommodation onboard the Andromeda is arranged across 13 cabins, all with private en-suite facilities and individually controlled air-conditioning. On the main deck, you will find a Honeymoon Suite, 2 queen-bed cabins, and 2 twin cabins with large windows. The 8 twin cabins on the lower deck offer comfortable porthole accommodation. Beyond the cabins, the social spaces are designed for genuine downtime. There is a European-style saloon where you can escape the sun, and a 100 sqm sundeck with both open and shaded seating.
One of the most distinctive features of the M/Y Andromeda liveaboard is the Shisha room. Set out like a traditional Egyptian café, it is a space to relax with a hot drink or smoke shisha while oriental music plays. It is an authentic touch that sets this boat apart from others. For those wanting to stay connected, complimentary wi-fi is available throughout the cruise.
Practical considerations for scuba divers have clearly influenced the design of the Andromeda liveaboard. The dive deck is large and uncluttered, with ample room for kitting up, storage for cameras, and rinse tanks. Importantly, the vessel is equipped with a Nautilus diver locator system, providing an added layer of safety for guests in the water. 2 x 40 HP tenders ensure flexibility when accessing the best dive sites, whether you are there for the famous wrecks like the Thistlegorm or the pelagic action at Daedalus.
The cruises cover the full spectrum of Red Sea diving. In Egypt, routes frequently include the marine parks of Ras Mohamed, the straits of Tiran, and the deep southern reefs. When MY Andromeda moves into Sudanese waters between February and May, guests can explore pristine areas like Sanganeb and the remote reefs where encounters with hammerheads and grey reef sharks are a real possibility. The crew, a mix of experienced Egyptian sailors and dive guides, manage the logistics so you can focus on the diving.
The MY Andromeda liveaboard represents a reliable choice for divers who value comfort without excess, and authentic service over formality. With Sunday departures from Hurghada or Port Sudan, and a policy that includes soft drinks and water in the cruise price, it is a straightforward way to access some of the best diving the Red Sea has to offer.
The Andromeda liveaboard accommodates 26 divers in 13 cabins. There is 1 Honeymoon cabin with a queen size bed, and 2 Queen cabins on the main deck. There are also 2 twin bed cabins on the main deck. All these cabins have windows. On the lower deck there are 8 more twin bed cabins, with portholes. All cabins have private en-suite bathroom facilities and a TV player.
All the cabins have:
- Air-conditioning
- En-suite bathroom with hot-water shower and hand basin
- Toiletries and towels
- Windows or portholes
- Cabinet, mirror & shelves
- Bedding
- 24-hour, 220V electricity supply
- European-style 2-pin plugs
- Fire warning system
- Life jackets & fire extinguishers
- Space for luggage
No. of bathrooms / showers - 13 / 13 - hot water
Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Big Brother, Little Brother, Daedalus Reef, Gota Marsa Alam, Habili Marsa Alam, Gota Marsa Alam, Abu Dabab and Elphinstone
Day 1
Your long-awaited diving expedition begins in Hurghada as you step aboard the magnificent MY Andromeda. You will be welcomed by the crew, introduced to the boat's amenities, and shown to your private cabin. A full safari briefing will follow once all guests have arrived. Enjoy dinner in the saloon, where you will have the first opportunity to meet your fellow divers before the Andromeda liveaboard departs in the early hours of the morning.
Core Days
This route visits the Red Sea's most iconic offshore magnets, positioning the Andromeda for the best possible access to significant pelagic activity, making it an essential trip for all experienced divers. The walls of the Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone are characterised by impressive drop-offs and vibrant, healthy corals. Descend alongside towering walls festooned with immense gorgonian sea fans and brightly hued soft corals that host a fascinating array of smaller reef inhabitants, from octopus and lionfish to colourful nudibranchs and shy frogfish.
The world-famous Big Brother and Little Brother Islands are reliable spots that consistently draw large species to their exposed points. Divers frequently report sightings of scalloped hammerheads, oceanic whitetip sharks, and the distinctive thresher sharks patrolling the deep blue. Big Brother also offers the unique opportunity to explore 2 historical wrecks - the Numidia and the Aida - which are completely colonised by corals, creating spectacular artificial reefs that shelter countless reef fish.
Further south, the isolated Daedalus Reef boasts dense, healthy coral growth and is recognised as a prime location to encounter schooling hammerhead sharks, especially during the summer months. The final main dive area, Elphinstone, provides thrilling drift diving along its knife-edge reef, famous for potential encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks and curious turtles. Throughout your time, common sightings include Napoleon wrasse and whitetip reef sharks, ensuring every dive is packed with life. The crew aboard the Andromeda will utilise their extensive local knowledge to maximise your time in the water.
Day 8
After enjoying a final breakfast on board the Andromeda liveaboard, you will exchange goodbyes with your new diving friends and disembark.
Note: this itinerary might use the ports of Hurghada or Port Ghalib. Check your trip for details.
Fury Shoals & Elphinstone (8 Days / 7 Nights - 21 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs/manatees, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Fury Shoals: Sataya (Dolphin House), Shaab Maksour, El Malahi, Claudio, Heaven, Abu Galawa, Selenyat, El Dahra; Marsa Alam area: Shaab el Gadir, Shaab Sharm; Gota el Sharm, Habili el Ghadir, Habili Marsa Alam; Elphinstone
Day 1
Your dive trip begins in Port Ghalib, where the Andromeda is ready to welcome you on board. Upon arrival, the professional crew will show you to your private cabin and provide a detailed orientation of the vessel's facilities and diving operations. Dinner in the saloon is an excellent opportunity to relax and connect with fellow divers before the boat makes its overnight crossing to the deep south Red Sea dive grounds.
Core Days
This specific Andromeda tour is designed to immerse scuba divers in the famed coral gardens and dramatic topographies of the deep south, culminating with the legendary pinnacle of Elphinstone. The heart of the trip focuses on the sprawling Fury Shoals reef system, a diverse environment where every dive offers a new perspective.
The Fury Shoals are home to several signature dive sites. At Sha'ab Claudio, divers navigate intricate, cathedral-like swim-throughs and encounter enormous porites coral heads. Nearby, El Malahi presents a fascinating maze of reef structures, often hosting green and hawksbill turtles. For photographers, Abu Galawa Soraya is a must-visit, offering a fantastic coral garden complete with the photogenic wreck of a small sailing boat, now encrusted with soft corals and thick schools of glassfish. Further highlights in this extensive area include the steep drop-offs of Shaab Maksour and the striking reefscape of Heaven, alongside the less-visited sites of Selenyat and El Dahra. Beyond the sheer scope of the diving, Sataya (known as 'Dolphin House') provides the unique opportunity to snorkel with its resident population of spinner dolphins during surface intervals.
Moving north, the Andromeda liveaboard explores the remote sites in the Marsa Alam vicinity. These sites are renowned for their healthy reefs and potential for pelagic sightings. Dive sites such as Shaab el Gadir and Shaab Sharm are excellent examples of the area's rich reef life. Further out, sites like Gota el Sharm, Habili el Ghadir, and Habili Marsa Alam are true offshore pinnacles, known for their strong currents and vibrant fish activity. The flexibility of the Andromeda allows the dive schedule to be adapted to best catch the activity on these exposed reefs.
The final highlight of this southern diving safari is Elphinstone Reef. This iconic submerged finger reef offers exhilarating drift dives along its northern and southern plateaus, which are famous for attracting oceanic whitetip sharks, especially during the autumn months. The sheer concentration of life and the vertical walls of Elphinstone provide a memorable finish to the diving portion of the safari.
Note that the last full day of the tour will feature 2 dives, before the vessel returns to Port Ghalib.
Day 8
Following a final breakfast on the Andromeda, disembarkation takes place in Port Ghalib. The crew will be available to assist with transfers back to Marsa Alam International Airport or local accommodation.
Red Sea North, Wrecks & Tiran Straits (8 Days / 7 Nights - 21 Dives)
Trip highlights: hammerhead sharks, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Shaab El Erg, Abu Nuhas Wrecks (Carnatic, Ghiannis D), Shaab Mahmoud, Tiran: Jackson Reef, Thomas Reef, Gordon Reef, Tiran Island lagoon, Ras Mohamed: Shark and Yolanda Reefs, Anemone City, Jackfish Alley, The Alternatives, Small Passage Reef, Thistlegorm, Gubal Island, Bluff Point, Rosalie Moeller Wreck, Siyul or Giftun Island
Day 1
Your Red Sea diving expedition begins at Hurghada marina to board the MY Andromeda.The team will provide a warm welcome, an essential vessel orientation, and guide you to your accommodation. After settling in, enjoy dinner in the saloon where you can connect with your fellow divers. The boat will then slip away from the dock in the quiet of the night, positioning you for an early start to the diving.
Core Days
This northern route is specifically tailored for scuba divers keen to experience the Red Sea's dual highlights: world-class wreck diving and the immense health of its current-swept pinnacle reefs. The initial diving focuses on the Shaab Abu Nuhas coral reef, often referred to by divers as the ‘Wreck Graveyard’. Here, you will descend upon the remains of vessels like the 19th-century steamer Carnatic, whose skeleton is now an open frame of iron, and the Giannis D, offering penetration opportunities for those qualified. Further wreck diving opportunities are available at Gubal Island, including the site at Bluff Point.
A major draw of this Andromeda diving tour is the opportunity to dive 2 colossal British WWII wrecks. The SS Thistlegorm rests intact on the seabed at 32 metres. Descending into its cavernous holds is an exercise in history, revealing a cargo of military vehicles, motorcycles, and spare parts frozen since 1941. Similarly, the Rosalie Moeller wreck stands upright in excellent condition, with its intact winches, coal cargo, and galley fittings providing stunning photographic subjects, all while schooling trevally and tuna patrol the decks in the morning.
Continuing north, the Andromeda will target the Tiran Straits, an area of exposed reefs renowned for their spectacular hard and soft coral systems fuelled by strong currents. Signature dive sites here include Jackson Reef, Thomas Reef, and Gordon Reef. The visibility and sheer scale of the coral structures are striking. The final stretch focuses on the protected waters of the Ras Mohamed National Park. Sites like Shark and Yolanda Reefs, Anemone City, and Jackfish Alley offer invigorating drift dives over stunning drop-offs. Ras Mohamed’s nutrient-rich waters attract pelagics, with the potential for encountering scalloped hammerheads during the summer months.
The Andromeda cruise balances these major dive sites with local sheltered reefs such as Shaab El Erg, Shaab Mahmoud, the Alternatives, and the reefs around Siyul or Giftun Island. These calmer spots allow for prolonged observation of reef fish and smaller macro life, ensuring a complete diving experience before the final 2 dives take place on the last afternoon.
Day 8
After enjoying a final breakfast onboard the Andromeda liveaboard, guests will disembark in Hurghada. The crew will gladly assist with arranging transport for your onward connection to the airport or a local hotel.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
On the MY Andromeda liveaboard, the daily rhythm is set by the sea, the dive schedule, and the simple, essential moments between dives. The experience balances focused time underwater with a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere above it. The day begins early. A light pre-breakfast is typically laid out around 6 am, offering coffee, tea, biscuits, and toast. It is a practical start, designed to give you something in your stomach before the first dive briefing. After the morning dive, the main breakfast is served, a full buffet with a range of options to refuel for the day ahead.
The structure is built around 4 main meals, with snacks available at all hours. Between dives, you will find fresh fruit, cookies, and candy bars on hand. The goal is to keep your energy up, stay hydrated with water and soft drinks, and let you focus on the diving. Tea and coffee are always available throughout the day, a constant for those quiet moments on the shaded upper deck reviewing the morning’s sightings. Lunch is served after the second dive, typically around 1 pm. Meals with Andromeda are buffet-style, and the variety reflects the kitchen team’s flexibility. Menus are not fixed, changing to incorporate fresh ingredients and cater to the mix of guests on board. The cooking draws from international, Italian, and local Egyptian traditions. One day you might find a spread that includes a slow-cooked beef stew, the next a tray of baked fish with simple Mediterranean herbs. Grilled chicken is a common staple, always paired with a selection of vegetables, rice, and salads.
Vegetarians are catered for without fuss, and the kitchen is used to the varied preferences of dive groups. The catering begins from the moment you arrive on the first day, ensuring that no part of the trip feels like a wait. The third dive of the day usually finishes by mid-afternoon, leaving time for a snack and a proper surface interval before sunset. Dinner is the main social meal, served as the boat settles for the night. It might feature a different style of fried fish, a pasta dish with an Italian influence, or a traditional Egyptian spread with local flavours. The atmosphere is relaxed. There is no set dress code or formal service on the Andromeda liveaboard; it is a group of divers sharing a table, comparing dive logs, and watching the coastline shift in the evening light.
Beer and spirits are available for purchase, but the rhythm of the day tends to be self-regulating. Most guests opt for a drink with dinner, then turn in early to be rested for the next morning’s pre-breakfast. What makes the routine work on the MY Andromeda is its simplicity. The crew keeps the schedule consistent without being rigid. If a dive runs late, the meal waits. If you need an extra coffee before a night dive, someone will make it. The focus is on the diving, and the dining experience is designed to support that. It is about being well-fed with honest, solid cooking, having the space to relax between dives, and settling into a daily pattern that leaves you free to think about nothing except the next site.
