Diving on the Sea Dragon
Stationed in Hurghada, Sea Dragon sails year-round to some of the best dive sites in the Southern Red Sea. In this region, there are many islands, shallow lagoons, drop-offs, and coral gardens.
When diving in Egypt, you can expect excellent visibility (over 131 feet/30 m), but depending on where and when you dive, you must pack accordingly. For example, some dive sites have strong currents, so you’ll need an SMB.
As for your wetsuit thickness, the water temperatures can be as low as 70 F (21 C) in the winter but over 91 F (33 C) in the summer. If you’d rather pack light, you can rent your scuba gear onboard for an extra charge.
Water conditions aside, Sea Dragon has two main itineraries.
The first itinerary, “The Best of Hurghada,” lasts either four or eight days. Perfect for beginners, advanced divers, wreck lovers, and photographers, this trip includes some favorite dive spots like Bluff Point (small Gubal island), Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House), wreck of Ulysses, and many other wrecks.
The second itinerary, “The Best of Fury Shoals,” is for divers who are at least Open Water certified with 30 logged dives. This dive trip covers a vast reef system—Fury Shoals, Elphinstone Reef, and Daedalus Reef. It has some of the best diving in Egypt, with thrilling drift dives and close-up encounters with sharks, including reef sharks, hammerheads, and oceanic whitetips. Other pelagics include manta rays and dogtooth tuna.
If these itineraries seem too long, you can also opt for overnight trips or even day trips. These are good alternatives if you don’t want to spend your entire vacation on a boat. Alternatively, you can also hire Sea Dragon for private charters and design your own dive itinerary.
One thing’s for sure—there’s a lot to see. That’s why Sea Dragon has a naturalist guide onboard to point out interesting marine life, allowing you to learn about local wildlife. And, if you want to dive at your own pace and perfect your photography skills, you can hire a private dive guide and enroll in private photography training.
You’ll be diving from the back of the boat or tenders, with the option of two or three dives per day plus one night dive. Diving with nitrox is free if you’re already certified.
Speaking of certificates, you can also get certified in many PADI courses while onboard Sea Dragon, including Discover Scuba for non-divers, Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, Emergency First Response, Rescue, and the specialty courses.
Highlights:
- Best dive sites in the Southern Red Sea
- Free nitrox
- Naturalist onboard
- PADI courses available
- Private guide & photography training (surcharge)
Onboard the Sea Dragon
Sea Dragon was custom built for diving in 2019. It is an elegant and modern dive safari yacht that measures 98 feet (30 m) and accommodates up to 22 guests in 11 cabins. For a hassle-free start to your dive vacation, Sea Dragon also offers complimentary airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off.
There are seven twin cabins on the lower deck and four suites on the upper deck. All cabins have ocean-view windows, an attached private bathroom, storage space, and air conditioning. There’s also daily housekeeping and free Wi-Fi throughout the boat.
The main deck has an indoor dining area and a large indoor salon with a small library, TV, and audio system.
On the upper deck you’ll find a large shaded open area with tables, a wrap-around couch, and bean bags. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the views of the Red Sea, socialize, and even nap between dives. There’s also a minibar for refreshments. And if you want to sunbathe, there’s also a large sundeck on the upper level with benches that you can use to lie down.
The dive deck is at the back of the boat. It’s large enough to give everyone space to kit up. There’s basic storage space and a camera table. A few steps lead onto the spacious dive platform, making it easy to get in and out of the water.
Highlights:
- Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Free Wi-Fi
- Daily housekeeping
- Camera station
Dining onboard the Sea Dragon
As soon as you step onto Sea Dragon, you’re greeted with a welcome cocktail.
After that, you’re in for delicious local and Western food, including BBQ, vegetarian, and vegan options. Although the menu is quite varied, if you have any dietary requirements, let the crew know upon booking.
While soft drinks and snacks are included, beer and wine come at an extra cost.
Highlights:
- Welcome cocktail
- Local & western food
- Caters to special dietary requirements
- Beer & wine not included
