MV Tala

Destination: Egypt

North, Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone, Rocky, Zabargad and Wrecks  (7 Nights) | From $160++/night

MV tala Quick Pitch

MV Tala is a robust 37m steel-hulled vessel designed to accommodate 22 guests in comfort and style. Boasting spacious air-conditioned lounges and outdoor relaxation areas, the ship features 11 cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms.  

Location

At Red Sea Explorers, guests enjoy a hassle-free experience from airport arrival to liveaboard boarding. Their dedicated staff greets guests at the airport, facilitating smooth transfers to the port where MV Tala awaits. Whether traveling solo or in a group, they prioritize convenience, ensuring a seamless journey. The attentive staff guides guests through boarding, ensuring a swift and comfortable transition for an unforgettable diving expedition.

Dive Overview

The Red Sea stands as a marine paradise, captivating marine enthusiasts with its crystal-clear waters and diverse underwater wonders. The sea is home to thousands of fish species, creating a vibrant and thriving ecosystem. Beneath the surface, one can explore enchanting coral gardens, discover the allure of historical shipwrecks, and witness the beauty of breathtaking soft corals and imposing pinnacles. This underwater landscape is a true spectacle, showcasing the Red Sea's unique and diverse marine life. With over a thousand fish species, an impressive 20 percent of which are exclusive to the region, the Red Sea offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the richness of its underwater world.

[See: Red Sea Dive Travel Guide]

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Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

mv tala Accommodation Overview

MV Tala's cabins offer a haven of comfort and sophistication, enhancing the overall maritime experience for its guests. With a total of 11 cabins, including 3 on the Upper Deck and 2 Double Cabins, the vessel ensures a diverse range of accommodation options. Each cabin is designed with the guest's utmost comfort in mind, featuring en-suite bathrooms for added convenience and privacy. 

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General Facilities

mv tala Boat Features

• Beautiful outdoor lounge
• Bar
• Spacious salon
• Indoor dining area
• Air-conditioned rooms
• Ensuite Bathrooms
• Dive deck

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Schedule, Rates & Availability

MV Tala Schedule & Rates

Prices are in USD, per person and are based on the lowest priced cabin. Port and park fees are not included.

[See also: Inclusions & Exclusions]

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Inclusions

• Airport meet and assist
• Local transfers
• Dive guides
• 7 nights in a shared double ensuite cabin
• 3 nutritious and varied buffet meals a day. Snacks + soft drinks
• 6 days of diving, 3-4 dives a day (first day and last day 2-3 dives)
• 12L tank, weights and weight belt

Exclusions

• Flights
• Egypt entry visa €25
• Route fees & environmental taxes €150 (to be paid cash onboard)
• Rental equipment not mentioned above
• Alcohol (beer & wine), Barista-style coffee are available at affordable prices
• Tip to the guides and crew members. Recommended gratuity is €80 per person
• Dive and travel insurance

RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more information on other departure dates, rates, and on availability email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!

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Dive Information & Destinations

north & wrecks

• This is a classic route of the northern Red Sea.
• Wrecks, wrecks and more wrecks!
• It's a chance to visit the beautiful island of Gubal.
• It takes you to the stunning protected area of Ras Mohamed.

Itinerary Highlights

• Dolphin House
• A reef shaped like a horseshoe, the Dolphin House is an easy, lighthearted dive site that is ideal for recreational diving. As its nickname suggests, dolphins tend to fluctuate there and it is usually quite possible to encounter them and spending a bit of time swimming together.
• Gubal
• A lot of life can be found around Gubal Island, including an eel garden - look out for George the Eel! - and a reef filled with lots fish such as octopus, clownfish, parrotfish and butterfly fish. The barge at Bluff Point is a wonderful choice for a night dive, while wreck divers can visit the Ulysses (5-28m) that lies on her port side and allows for easy, straightforward penetration. Scattered around the wreck on the seabed are bits and pieces from the ship, including a bathtub.
• Ras Mohamed
• On the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula, this national park offers some of the best diving worldwide. Due to its location and the varying salinity of the water, a remarkable array of marine life and plush sea walls are found there. Standout reefs include Shark and Yolanda, and whether you are new to diving or you are an experienced technical diver, Ras Mohamed promises a spectacular experience for all.
• Rosalie Moller
• A sister ship of the SS Thistlegorm (and bombed just the day after) Rosalie Moller is located at 30-50m, making it suitable for experienced divers only. Covered in hard and soft coral, the wreck also attracts a range of species, including barracudas, tuna, jackfish and trevallies; meanwhile glass fish, lion fish and groupers can be spotted inside the wreck.
• SS Thistlegorm
• The SS Thistlegorm is one of the most renowned wrecks in the world, regarded as a giant underwater museum and a special piece of history. Having sunk in 1941 after a bomb attack, today the Thistlegorm lies at 15-30m and offers a playground for divers that includes military trucks and motorcycles as well as boots, ammunition and a lot more.
• Wrecks of Abu Nuhas
• The four wrecks of Abu Nuhas - Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M - are all suitable for recreational diving. At a depth range of 5-30m, their proximity to each other is what makes Abu Nuhas an especially notable wreck diving site. Covered in both soft and hard corals, the wrecks are an underwater dream for the avid photographer. Easy access to the machine rooms and engine room on both the Chrisoula K and Giannas D make it a perfect site for the explorer as well.
• Abu Nuhas is not only revered for its wonderful wreck diving though, there is also a good chance of encountering dolphins. 

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North & Dahab

• The route includes some of the best wrecks in the Red Sea, including the underwater museum: SS Thistlegorm.
• It crosses over to the stunning protected area of Ras Mohamed.
• The trip visits renowned sites such as the Blue Hole and the Canyon in Dahab.
• It's a chance to swim and dive with countless dolphins.

Itinerary Highlights

• Dahab
• The Bells & The Blue Hole: Dropped by zodiac near the Bell, this is essentially a drift dive that moves southward until you reach the Blue Hole. You enter the hole through a break in the reef at around 7-5m; you will have time for a little swim in the Blue Hole before heading back over the reef wall to end your dive.
• The Canyon: Also a drift dive, the boat’s zodiac will drop you near one of the entrances to the Canyon, where you begin to move along the coral wall in a southwardly direction. Expect to see big colonies of star coral, gorgonians, as well as soft and black corals. You may also come across butterfly fish, angelfish and clownfish.
• Dolphin House
• A reef shaped like a horseshoe, the Dolphin House is an easy, lighthearted dive site that is ideal for recreational diving. As its nickname suggests, dolphins tend to fluctuate there and it is usually quite possible to encounter them and spending a bit of time swimming together.
• Ras Mohamed
• On the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula, this national park offers some of the best diving worldwide. Due to its location and the varying salinity of the water, a remarkable array of marine life and plush sea walls are found there. Standout reefs include Shark and Yolanda, and whether you are new to diving or you are an experienced technical diver, Ras Mohamed promises a spectacular experience for all.
• Rosalie Moller
• A sister ship of the SS Thistlegorm (and bombed just the day after) Rosalie Moller is located at 30-50m, making it suitable for experienced divers only. Covered in hard and soft coral, the wreck also attracts a range of species, including barracudas, tuna, jackfish and trevallies; meanwhile glass fish, lion fish and groupers can be spotted inside the wreck.
• SS Thistlegorm
• The SS Thistlegorm is one of the most renowned wrecks in the world, regarded as a giant underwater museum and a special piece of history. Having sunk in 1941 after a bomb attack, today the Thistlegorm lies at 15-30m and offers a playground for divers that includes military trucks and motorcycles as well as boots, ammunition and a lot more.
• Tiran
• Visible on the surface and named after British cartographers, the four coral reefs of Gordon, Woodhouse, Thomas and Jackson are lined up in a row and renowned for their extraordinarily diverse corals. Sightings of sharks, turtles and other big fish are also possible there, so always keep an eye out into the blue.
• Wrecks of Abu Nuhas
• The four wrecks of Abu Nuhas - Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M - are all suitable for recreational diving. At a depth range of 5-30m, their proximity to each other is what makes Abu Nuhas an especially notable wreck diving site. Covered in both soft and hard corals, the wrecks are an underwater dream for the avid photographer. Easy access to the machine rooms and engine room on both the Chrisoula K and Giannas D make it a perfect site for the explorer as well.
• Abu Nuhas is not only revered for its wonderful wreck diving though, there is also a good chance of encountering dolphins.

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North & Brothers

• It's the perfect combination of wrecks and reefs.
• The route stops at the best of the northern wrecks including SS Thislegorm and the site of Abu Nuhas.
• Part of a National Park, the Brothers Islands are exclusive to liveaboards and more often than not you can spot sharks!
• Route may include the protected area of Ras Mohamed.

Itinerary Highlights

• Brothers Islands
• Both Brothers offer incredible wall diving, covered in soft corals and forests of gorgonians. The islands attract a wide variety of species including large tuna, jackfish and snappers, not to mention the hammerheads, oceanic white tips, silky sharks and mantas. Even the rare thresher shark is commonly spotted around these stunning islands.
• There are two wrecks on the Big Brother; Aida(30-60m), an Egyptian supply vessel, and the Numidia(10-85m), a cargo ship that lies against the wall of the Big Brother. Both wrecks are covered in soft and hard corals.
• Dolphin House
• A reef shaped like a horseshoe, the Dolphin House is an easy, lighthearted dive site that is ideal for recreational diving. As its nickname suggests, dolphins tend to fluctuate there and it is usually quite possible to encounter them and spending a bit of time swimming together.
• Gubal
• A lot of life can be found around Gubal Island, including an eel garden - look out for George the Eel! - and a reef filled with lots fish such as octopus, clownfish, parrotfish and butterfly fish. The barge at Bluff Point is a wonderful choice for a night dive, while wreck divers can visit the Ulysses (5-28m) that lies on her port side and allows for easy, straightforward penetration. Scattered around the wreck on the seabed are bits and pieces from the ship, including a bathtub.
• Ras Mohamed
• On the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula, this national park offers some of the best diving worldwide. Due to its location and the varying salinity of the water, a remarkable array of marine life and plush sea walls are found there. Standout reefs include Shark and Yolanda, and whether you are new to diving or you are an experienced technical diver, Ras Mohamed promises a spectacular experience for all.
• Rosalie Moller
• A sister ship of the SS Thistlegorm (and bombed just the day after) Rosalie Moller is located at 30-50m, making it suitable for experienced divers only. Covered in hard and soft coral, the wreck also attracts a range of species, including barracudas, tuna, jackfish and trevallies; meanwhile glass fish, lion fish and groupers can be spotted inside the wreck.
• SS Thistlegorm
• The SS Thistlegorm is one of the most renowned wrecks in the world, regarded as a giant underwater museum and a special piece of history. Having sunk in 1941 after a bomb attack, today the Thistlegorm lies at 15-30m and offers a playground for divers that includes military trucks and motorcycles as well as boots, ammunition and a lot more.
• Wrecks of Abu Nuhas
• The four wrecks of Abu Nuhas - Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M - are all suitable for recreational diving. At a depth range of 5-30m, their proximity to each other is what makes Abu Nuhas an especially notable wreck diving site. Covered in both soft and hard corals, the wrecks are an underwater dream for the avid photographer. Easy access to the machine rooms and engine room on both the Chrisoula K and Giannas D make it a perfect site for the explorer as well.
• Abu Nuhas is not only revered for its wonderful wreck diving though, there is also a good chance of encountering dolphins. 

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Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone (BDE)

• This route is the Holy Trinity of the Red Sea.
• BDE is an offshore national park and a must-see for any avid diver.
• The area is known for all the different types of sharks, including tiger sharks, hammerheads, oceanic white tips, whale sharks, as well as threshers, silky and reef sharks.
• These are exclusive dive sites with no daily boats in sight.
• The area is home to some of the rarer species of the Red Sea.

Itinerary Highlights

• Abu Dabbab
• The reefs of Abu Dabbab are located nearby Elphinstone in the Marsa Allam area and offer beautiful coral gardens and swim through a canyon system. Here divers will also find a small shipwreck of a liveaboard from 2004. Depths reach up to 30-40 meters and currents may be strong.
• Brothers Islands
• Both Brothers offer incredible wall diving, covered in soft corals and forests of gorgonians. The islands attract a wide variety of species including large tuna, jackfish and snappers, not to mention the hammerheads, oceanic white tips, silky sharks and mantas. Even the rare thresher shark is commonly spotted around these stunning islands.
• There are two wrecks on the Big Brother; Aida(30-60m), an Egyptian supply vessel, and the Numidia(10-85m), a cargo ship that lies against the wall of the Big Brother. Both wrecks are covered in soft and hard corals.
• Daedalus
• Located 80km east of Marsa Allam, this isolated offshore reef offers some of the more impressive dives in the Red Sea.  Less than a kilometre wide, the reef is adorned with coral walls and filled with a handsome variety of typical Red Sea species. Always remember to keep an eye in the blue where anything can be passing by; oceanic white tips, thresher sharks, mantas and reef sharks are often spotted there. Daedalus is especially known for scalloped hammerhead sharks, which during the summer months can be seen in large schools.
• Also located on Daedalus reef is the Zealot, a loaded cargo ship from the late 1880s. Beginning at 75m and plunging deep down to 110m, this site is exclusive to advanced, technical divers.
• Elphinstone
• The Elphinstone reef is located 12km offshore and about 30km from Marsa Alam. Famous for drift dives, these take you along the wonderful deep walls, rich with coral. If you´re lucky you could come across oceanic white tips, hammerheads or reef sharks. With outstanding plateaus on both the north and south sides, you will need a minimum of three dives to fully explore this fantastic dive site.
• Wadi El Gemal
• A national park that is located south of Marsa Alam and north of Ras Banas, the marine area makes up 2100 square km and boasts coral reefs with hundreds of coral species and over a thousand species of marine life; islands in this area are breeding grounds for numerous species of birds. Notable reefs include Shaab Sharm, Habili El Ghadeer and Shaab Marsa Alam. Depths reach a maximum of 20m.

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Deadalus, Rocky, Zabargad (DRZ)

• This route offers top notch reef and shark diving opportunities.
• Expect to see all sorts of sharks, mantas, turtles, dugong and more.
• These are exclusive dive sites with few daily boats in sight.
• Ideal for deep and tech diving due to deeply hidden treasures.

Itinerary Highlights

• Daedalus
• Located 80km east of Marsa Allam, this isolated offshore reef offers some of the more impressive dives in the Red Sea.  Less than a kilometre wide, the reef is adorned with coral walls and filled with a handsome variety of typical Red Sea species. Always remember to keep an eye in the blue where anything can be passing by; oceanic white tips, thresher sharks, mantas and reef sharks are often spotted there. Daedalus is especially known for scalloped hammerhead sharks, which during the summer months can be seen in large schools.
• Also located on Daedalus reef is the Zealot, a loaded cargo ship from the late 1880s. Beginning at 75m and plunging deep down to 110m, this site is exclusive to advanced, technical divers.
• Elphinstone
• The Elphinstone reef is located 12km offshore and about 30km from Marsa Alam. Famous for drift dives, these take you along the wonderful deep walls, rich with coral. If you´re lucky you could come across oceanic white tips, hammerheads or reef sharks. With outstanding plateaus on both the north and south sides, you will need a minimum of three dives to fully explore this fantastic dive site.
• Fury Shoal
• Located far south, this area of the Red Sea is unique and well worth a visit. A collection of reefs that includes the horseshoe-shaped dolphin house of Satayeh and the playful cave-like systems of Claudio and Malahi, as well as Shoab Maksour, Fury Shoal really offers a little bit of everything. Wall diving, shark sightings, spinner dolphins, shallow or deep waters - the reefs are popular with all levels of divers.
• Marsa Shouna (Turtle Bay)
• Close to the shore, shallow and distinct with a grassy bottom, this area of the Red Sea is known for its giant turtles and the occasional dugong sighting. Alongside these attractions, divers may also enjoy beautiful coral gardens, wall diving, pinnacles and some cave-like systems.
• Rocky Island/SS Maiden
• A diver’s dream, the reef that encircles Rocky Island drops to extreme depths, leaving walls covered in softs corals and black coral trees. Due to the constant currents that flow throughout the year, marine life is fruitful and abundant. However, the true treasure is hidden at 80-110m. Arguably one of the most beautiful historic wrecks in the Red Sea, the SS Maiden sits on a plateau, extending out to 100m before it drops off and into the abyss.
• Zabargad
• The biggest and southernmost island of the Egyptian Red Sea, Zabargad is an incredible dive location that offers wall diving and shallow diving, both of which afford you with a spectacular view of the unspoiled hard and soft coral gardens found there. 

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Rocky, Zabargad, St. John's (RZS)

• This is a chance to explore the southern area of Egypt's Red Sea.
• The route includes plush coral gardens and drop-off walls.
• Sharks, mantas, turtles and Rosso dolphins are expected on this route.
• The locations are exclusive to safari boats, with no daily boats in sight.

Itinerary Highlights

• Abu Dabbab
• The reefs of Abu Dabbab are located nearby Elphinstone in the Marsa Allam area and offer beautiful coral gardens and swim through a canyon system. Here divers will also find a small shipwreck of a liveaboard from 2004. Depths reach up to 30-40 meters and currents may be strong.
• Marsa Shouna (Turtle Bay)
• Close to the shore, shallow and distinct with a grassy bottom, this area of the Red Sea is known for its giant turtles and the occasional dugong sighting. Alongside these attractions, divers may also enjoy beautiful coral gardens, wall diving, pinnacles and some cave-like systems.
• Rocky Island/SS Maiden
• A diver’s dream, the reef that encircles Rocky Island drops to extreme depths, leaving walls covered in softs corals and black coral trees. Due to the constant currents that flow throughout the year, marine life is fruitful and abundant. However, the true treasure is hidden at 80-110m. Arguably one of the most beautiful historic wrecks in the Red Sea, the SS Maiden sits on a plateau, extending out to 100m before it drops off and into the abyss.
• St. John's
• Located on the Tropic of Cancer, this collection of reefs - Habili Gaafar, Habili Ali, Gotaa Kibeera, Gotaa Soghayara and St. John’s caves - offers a number of excellent dives spots. Part of the Elba National Park, its expansive underwater plateau is varied with drop-offs, breathtaking coral formations and gardens with lots of tunnels and caves to explore. There is a flourishing reef life and shark sightings are very likely. Its high visibility and good temperatures in winter make this a must-see destination.
• Wadi El Gemal
• A national park that is located south of Marsa Alam and north of Ras Banas, the marine area makes up 2100 square km and boasts coral reefs with hundreds of coral species and over a thousand species of marine life; islands in this area are breeding grounds for numerous species of birds. Notable reefs include Shaab Sharm, Habili El Ghadeer and Shaab Marsa Alam. Depths reach a maximum of 20m.
• Zabargad
• The biggest and southernmost island of the Egyptian Red Sea, Zabargad is an incredible dive location that offers wall diving and shallow diving, both of which afford you with a spectacular view of the unspoiled hard and soft coral gardens found there.

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other itineraries

The Red Sea Explorers also offers itineraries such as Coastal, Mini Safari, and SS Thistlegorm. Contact Us for more details.

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Other Information

Boat Specifications

• Construction Material: Steel hull, wood/fiberglass super structure
• Engine: 2 x 580 diesel caterpillars
• Generator: Two providing 240 volts to the boat
• Fuel Tanks: 12000 Liters
• Fresh Water: 10000L
• Desalination Unit: 2 x 4500 L/day each
• Compressor: Coltri Sub 200L/min
• Fill Station: TriMix - 6 whips - Full He/O2 partial pressure
• Passengers: 22
• Number of cabins: 11

Practical Information

• Time Zone: GMT+2
• Local Currency: EGP (Egyptian Pound)
• Languages Spoken: Arabic, English & French
• Electricity: 220v
• Payment Onboard: Visa, Mastercard, or cash

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Underwater Gallery 

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