Silky Liveaboard Overview

Laughing woman in a Scubapro wetsuit and dive gear standing on a boat deck at seaDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By Kiani VersluysRebecca Strauss
aerial view of the Silky liveaboard cruising over turquoise water
Built in 2020, Silky joins the Dune Red Sea fleet.
Scuba tanks lined up on the nitrox fill station aboard the Alia liveaboard
The dive deck of the Silky is equipped with separate gear stations and a dedicated rinse area for underwater cameras.
guests relaxing on the foredeck of the Silky liveaboard underway at sea
With its sturdy steel hull and spacious design, the recently constructed 144-foot (44 m) Silky liveaboard offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Twin cabin aboard the Alia liveaboard with wood-slat lighting accents
With a total of 13 cabins, the Silky offers accommodation for up to 26 guests.
Ensuite bathroom aboard the Alia liveaboard with a walk-in shower
Each cabin offers sea views and a private bathroom.
Aerial view of the Alia liveaboard anchored beside a shallow coral reef
Mooring lines keep the boat clear of the reef below, a small detail that protects the coral guests come to dive.
Reef sharks cruising over a coral reef
With crystal-clear waters featuring 100-plus-foot (30 m) visibility and a balmy average temperature of 78 (25 C) degrees, the Red Sea is truly a divers’ paradise.
Bottlenose dolphins swimming together underwater
Marine life includes whale sharks, turtles, dolphins, hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and manta rays.
Diver descending onto a large sunken shipwreck
The Silky offers a variety of itineraries tailored to different preferences and experience levels.
Two divers hovering inside an underwater cavern lit by shafts of sunlight
Cavern dives like this reward divers who take their time, letting their eyes adjust before the light show above really pops.
Close-up of a shipwreck's stern encrusted with soft coral and reef fish
Many Silky itineraries feature world-famous wreck sites.
Orange and white striped nudibranch with feathery gills
Don't forget to watch for the little stuff.

Where to book

With crystal-clear waters featuring 100-plus-foot (30 m) visibility and a balmy average temperature of 78 (25 C) degrees, the Red Sea is truly a divers’ paradise. Marine life includes whale sharks, turtles, hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and manta rays–all swimming amidst stunning reef formations.

Built in 2020, Silky liveaboard (formerly known as Alia) joins the Dune Red Sea fleet. With its sturdy steel hull and spacious design, this recently constructed 144-foot (44 m) vessel offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Accommodating up to 26 guests in 13 cabins, the Silky offers an ideal option for everyone from seasoned underwater photographers to novice divers on their first liveaboard trip.

Let’s dive into our review of Silky.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Disclosure: We are reader supported, and may earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.

Things we like:

  • Free nitrox for certified divers
  • Modern and spacious accommodations
  • Itineraries for both novice and experienced divers

Things we don't like:

  • Only 2-3 dives per day
  • No daily night dives
  • Alcoholic beverages are not included

Where to book

aerial view of the Silky liveaboard cruising over turquoise water
Liveaboard.comNo booking feesDivebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on Silky liveaboard

Scuba tanks racked on the dive deck of the Alia liveaboard
A whitetip reef shark swims past schooling fish near the reef
Diver exploring a coral-encrusted shipwreck underwater
Dense school of small fish forming a swirling bait ball

With its diverse range of dive sites and abundant marine life, the Red Sea offers an unparalleled experience for divers of all skill levels. Diving from the Silky is facilitated by zodiacs, which grant easy access to dive sites. Note though that there are typically only two to three dives per day.

The Silky offers a variety of itineraries tailored to different preferences and experience levels. Novices can explore wrecks and shallow reefs, while experienced divers can enjoy swift drifts and deeper dives.

Itineraries starting from the end of 2024 will expand to include trips to Djibouti, followed by trips to Sudan from 2025. These new destinations promise untouched dive sites and unique experiences in diverse marine environments.

Generally, the Silky requires Open Water certification and a minimum of 20 dives for novice trips, while advanced certification, with at least 50 dives, may be necessary for more challenging dives. Additionally, there’s a special trip tailored for junior divers and snorkelers, offering a unique opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.

Gear rentals are available onboard the Silky at an extra cost.

Highlights:

  • New itineraries in untouched environments
  • Marine life sightings including frequent hammerheads and whale sharks
  • Dive sites ranging from walls to wrecks

Onboard Silky

Scuba tanks lined up on the nitrox fill station aboard the Alia liveaboard
Twin cabin aboard the Alia liveaboard with wood-slat lighting accents
Indoor lounge with blue sofas and a world map wall aboard the Alia
Cabin aboard the Alia liveaboard with red bedding and wood-slat headboard

With a total of 13 cabins, the Silky liveaboard offers accommodation for up to 26 guests. The lower deck features nine cabins equipped with convertible beds for twin or double occupancy, making them ideal for families or groups traveling together.

Each cabin offers sea views and a private bathroom. On the upper deck, guests will find four more cabins, a bar, and a spacious indoor lounge complete with a flatscreen TV, sound system, video game console, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Exterior spaces on the Silky include a spacious sundeck, which provides the perfect setting for topping up that tan after a dive. For those seeking adventure, on-board kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are available as well. Heated water showers and dedicated rinse areas for underwater cameras ensure that guests can refresh and maintain their equipment after each dive.

The dive deck of the Silky is equipped with separate gear stations and a dedicated rinse area for underwater cameras. After each dive, guests can indulge in comfort with provided dressing gowns to keep warm.

Highlights:

  • Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available
  • Warm dressing gowns offered after each dive
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Dining onboard Silky

Dining room aboard the Alia liveaboard with a wave-patterned wood ceiling
Bar counter with stools aboard the Alia liveaboard
Dining tables and blue velvet chairs aboard the Alia liveaboard

The diverse menu features a combination of Western favorites and local delicacies. Vegetarian options are also available, ensuring that all guests are provided for. Throughout the day, guests can indulge in snacks and refreshments, including free soft drinks and water to keep hydrated.

Please note that while alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and rum are available for purchase onboard, they are not included in the trip package.

Highlights:

  • Buffet-style meals and plated meal options
  • Catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions
  • Included soft drinks and snacks
Key facts
Year built:2020
Max divers:26
Rental equip:Yes ($)
Camera station:Yes
Internet:Yes (free)
Min logged dives:21-50
Nitrox:Yes (free)
Aircon:Yes
Trip length:5-7 Nights
Price range:Mid-range

Where to book

aerial view of the Silky liveaboard cruising over turquoise water
Liveaboard.comNo booking feesDivebooker.comFree DAN insurance
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