Red Sea Safaris – The Way They All Should Be!

Published 2 years agoon January 2, 2024

Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed Big Blue liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd… literally!

What liveaboard diving shouldn’t be but often is!

Diving with crowds. Some boats have 40 divers on board and there can quite often be dozens of boats at a dive site!

Rushing the divers in and out of the water to meet predetermined deadlines.

Following in a procession of inexperienced divers on sites they really aren’t prepared for.

Big Blue’s Unique Selling Point is, quite simply:

SPACE & TIME.

Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com /

Space on Board

We have been operating and running safari boats for over 30 years, all of which was leant on when it came to designing the layout of Big Blue.

When you are spending a week on board a confined space with a group of divers, it’s great to have some areas to relax in peace and quiet away from the social areas. Big Blue has these in abundance.

A large lounge area, spacious sun deck and extensive terrace desk.

A large restaurant with 5 tables with up to 6 chairs per table.

A varied and delicious menu is on offer with special dietary requirements catered for (with advanced warning).

Spacious cabins all have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.

An ample dive deck for 24 divers, especially when the divers are split into groups.

Did you know Big Blue has two cabins suitable for wheelchairs?

Big Blue welcome all suitably qualified divers!

Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com

Space at the Dive Sites

Our itineraries are fluid rather than a fixed plan. We will take in all the featured dive sites on the safari, however we won’t be sure when until we are sailing. We go where the weather is best, the other boats are fewest and the marine life is awesome.

Dive the best Red Sea dive sites with Big Blue, including:

Rocky Island & Zabargad

The Brothers

Elphinstone the Big Blue Way!

Space & Time Diving

Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com

Dive with your buddy or dive with your group, guided or unguided, it’s up to you!

Why have all 24 divers jump in the water together? We work with groups of 6 with intervals between each group, so whether you’re off the boat or out by zodiacs, its always in a small group! Enjoy the marine life and topology – it’s not an equipment and bubble showroom!

Sometimes, we just can’t avoid other boats on certain sites, but that’s OK – without doubt the majority of these boats will dump their divers in to the same set schedule, so we just wait and enjoy the reef or wreck to ourselves later.

Small and spaced-out groups avoid situations like mass safety stops on the drop line or all divers trying to get in the pickup boats at the same time. Small groups mean safer and more enjoyable diving is had by all!

The Boat

Book Now: info@mybigblue.com / www.mybigblue.com

We are great believers that safaris are about the diving, not the boat. However, clearly there is an optimum standard to maintain in order to ensure the comfort of the guests, and Big Blue delivers: the vessel is purpose built to be very spacious, comfortable and functional for remote diving.

We don’t have an onboard jacuzzi, tv’s in the rooms or other such luxuries, because for us, it’s all about the diving, and we know that’s what it’s all about for you too. We have what you need to have an amazing dive safari with an incredibly attentive crew making it all tick seamlessly.

Your safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board or diving.

Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.

Where do we go?

Anywhere and everywhere!

We primarily charter Big Blue to groups and discuss with them what they want to do and see. We offer the benefit of 35 years of exploration of the Red Sea by safari and provide ideas as to the best potential itinerary for that group. If the route is viable and safe, we are good to go!

We have our set outlines to provide some pointers, but no two weeks are ever the same!

Itineraries

For full details of Big Blue’s Ultimate Wreck itinerary, click here.

For full details of Big Blue’s Ultimate Brothers itinerary, click here.

For full details of Big Blue’s Pelagic Encounter itinerary, click here.

One of our bespoke SOUTHERN EXPLORER trips from last month:

Your home for the week: Big Blue (Watch Video)

Big Blue’s 2024 Schedule

Big Blue’s schedule for 2024 has just been released! Take a look at the schedule and let us know what trip you are interested in, even if it says its full. The boat is often chartered but may have some spaces available which we can release to you, so always ask 😊

View Big Blue’s 2024 Schedule here: www.mybigblue.com/schedule

View Big Blue’s 2024 Rates here: www.mybigblue.com/rates

Book Now: info@mybigblue.com

Steve & Clare Hosted Safaris

In 2024, Big Blue owners Steve & Clare will be hosting 3 safaris on Big Blue. If you are interested in joining, let them know as soon as possible and they will send full details.

21/9/24 – Northern Highlights, the Brothers and Safaga

Completely random itinerary taking in several wrecks including Numidia, Salem Express, & a choice at Abu Nuhas, along with spectacular reefs along the way.

Sails from and returns to Hurghada

Prices from £1085 per person sharing a standard cabin

Excludes the government fees paid onboard, expected to be €175 per person

Book Now: info@mybigblue.com

12/10/24 – North Wrecks (hopefully the fabulous Turkia)

No, we don’t mean the typical armada of dive boats racing around the set route together. Ideally we will be heading up the Gulf of Suez as far as Zafrana; however, that’s very weather dependent so we need the right window to get north. Even if we don’t make it to Zafrana, we will still be diving the wrecks off the beaten track – The Million Hope and Thor Guardian, among others. Ask for full details.

Sails from and returns to Hurghada

Prices from £1,175 per person sharing a standard cabin

*If we don’t make Zafrana and the Turkia there will be a €100 refund on the cost.

Excludes the government fees paid onboard, expected to be €100 per person.

Book Now: info@mybigblue.com

30/11/24 – South Explorer: annual end of season jaunt

As the title says, we go south and just explore. It’s our annual pilgrimage for regular guests and friends. We have our regular favourites that we could dive all day everyday and still want more, and they are interspersed with exploration and trying new sites. This year we didn’t see another boat for four days! It was just like the early pioneering days – absolutely fabulous.

There will be a few spots open as most of the group rebook instantly, so if you want to have an awesome adventure, don’t delay and get in contact asap.

Sails from and returns to Port Ghaleb

Prices from £1,025 per person sharing a standard cabin

Excludes the government fees paid onboard, expected to be €175 per person

Book Now: info@mybigblue.com