Anemone Liveaboard Overview

There are many theories as to how the Red Sea got its name, including the occasional blooms of microorganisms that cause the usually blue-green waters to look red. No matter the nomenclature, the diving in the Red Sea is spectacular.

The northern Red Sea is one of the Seven Wonders of the Underwater World, and unsurprisingly features some of the best dive sites in the world. Surround yourself with over 1,100 species of fish, approximately 15% of which are endemic, like the eight-lined wrasse.

The Anemone liveaboard sits like a turquoise flower on the surface, ready to float you away in affordable luxury. For eight days and seven nights, divers of all abilities will revel in resplendent reefs, historic wrecks, and one of the newest liveaboards in the region.

Let’s dive in to learn more about diving the Red Sea on the Anemone.

Where to book

The Anemone liveaboard dive boat anchored at dusk with lights glowing across calm water

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Diving on the Anemone

Diver hovering behind a large orange gorgonian sea fan on the reef

Dugong resting on a sandy seabed with remora fish attached to its back

Longnose hawkfish resting on an orange sea fan

Dive deck of the Anemone liveaboard loaded with scuba gear ready for a dive

Diving in the Egyptian Red Sea is possible year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 70 to 86 F (21 to 30 C). Water visibility averages 50 feet (15 m) on the low end and soars to over 200 feet (60 m) on the high end. Due to factors including lack of rain and tributaries, and being a narrow sea with little turbulence, visibility is usually on the higher end of the spectrum. Sites with sandy bottoms and currents are apt to have less visibility.

The Red Sea has notably high salinity, especially in warmer months. These dry and salty conditions make staying hydrated extra-important, so don’t be surprised if you need more weight than usual to descend.

Onboard the Anemone, dives are conducted from tenders after preparing on the shaded dive deck. Complimentary nitrox is provided to certified divers, and a nitrox certification class is offered onboard. Rental gear is also available for an additional fee. Up to 18 dives are offered each trip, including one night dive.

Once underwater, you can see endemic Red Sea flasher wrasse and Red Sea pipefish. Hundreds of colorful hard and soft corals and thousands of invertebrates will keep macro divers occupied. Sharks are common, and whale sharks may appear from late May through late July. For the extremely fortunate, rare dugong sightings are possible at Quseir and Marsa Alam.

Famous wrecks on most northern itineraries include the SS Thistlegorm and the Yolanda. The Thistlegorm is a WWII supply ship struck down by bombs in a twist of poor luck. Much of the cargo, including locomotives and motorcycles, make for iconic underwater images. The Yolanda is a more recent wreck that scattered toilets and bathtubs across the Ras Mohammed Reef, making for quirky photo poses.

Brothers Islands are iconic dive sites for a reason, offering the best of everything from wrecks to corals and pelagics. Shark cleaning stations and the offshore location make thresher and oceanic whitetip encounters possible. Multiple Anemone itineraries are offered, including private charters and non-scuba trips, so select carefully when booking.

Highlights:

Nitrox included
Variety of itineraries
Copious corals and endemic fish
Rare creature encounters (dugongs & oceanic whitetips)

Onboard the Anemone

Shaded upper deck of the Anemone liveaboard with cushioned sofas and a sea view

Bar and bean bag seating area on the Anemone liveaboard's deck

Wooden dining table and chairs set on the Anemone liveaboard's outdoor deck

Spacious lounge with beige sofas and blue curtains aboard the Anemone liveaboard

Cabin bed on the Anemone liveaboard with towels folded into a swan shape

Built in 2022, the Anemone is one of the newest liveaboards in the Red Sea. At 148 feet (45 m) long, it accommodates up to 32 guests in 16 cabins. The Anemone is sleek and modern, with decorative touches nodding to Middle Eastern décor, such as ample poufs and ottomans. Cabins come in a variety of configurations; all have private en suites and air-conditioning. Calming blue, white, and gray colors lull you to sleep each night.

The indoor lounge is designed with enough seating for all guests. Drink holders and side tables are strategically placed, in addition to multi-purpose ottomans. A TV/DVD/audio system is front-and-center for entertainment, or you can simply sink into sofas and socialize with other divers.

The upper sun deck offers lounge chairs and a hot tub. If this isn’t enough to ease your aches away, on-board massage is available for an additional fee. A viewing platform provides the best views onboard and is perfect for dolphin scouting.

The spacious dive deck includes outdoor showers and plenty of room to move around. Individual storage is available underneath the benches. A charging station and separate camera rinse caters to photographers.

Highlights:

Wi-Fi included
Massage available for charge
Viewing platform for wildlife spotting

Dining on the Anemone

Dining area aboard the Anemone liveaboard set with plates and place settings

Crew member preparing food at the outdoor galley counter on the Anemone liveaboard

Plate of sliced tropical fruit served aboard the Anemone liveaboard

The Anemone boasts an open-air bar area in addition to a dining area on the lower deck. Meals are served buffet-style in the dining room. Fruit and other snacks are available throughout the day. Dietary restrictions are catered to, and staff strives to maintain upscale presentation and quality standards.

Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited onboard, and multiple varietals of wine and beer are available for purchase. Guests are also welcome to bring their own duty-free alcoholic beverages.