Red Sea Dive Adventure on the Blue Horizon - August 2019 - Bluewater Dive Travel
Red Sea Dive Adventure on the Blue Horizon - August 2019

Red Sea Dive Adventure on the Blue Horizon - August 2019

RED SEA ADVENTURE - August 2019

brothers, Daedelus, and Elphinstone

Words by Trip Leader Craig Dietrich | Photos by Craig Dietrich and Guests Unless Otherwise Stated

 

In early August, a group of adventurers (led by myself) descended on the Hilton Hurghada (on the coast of Egypt) before being transferred to Marsa Alam and boarding the M/V Blue Horizon in anticipation of a week of world-class diving in the Red Sea. We opted for Hurghada due to flight travel from the United States is much easier to Hurghada than Marsa Alam (most U.S.  flights only fly to Marsa Alam a couple of times each week).  Our approximately four-hour transfer was on a large comfortable bus, including snack boxes and water.  

 

Blue Horizon liveaboard

Blue Horizon Blue Horizon

 

Our home during this trip. Photo Courtesy: Blue Horizon Liveaboard.

Upon arrival at Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam, our twenty-two person group was warmly greeted by and introduced to the crew--a group that by the end of the week would be considered friends. The Blue Horizon measures approximately 135 feet (41 meters) and is the flagship fleet vessel of the Blue O Two fleet.  The all-wood ship was updated in 2016 and has a very contemporary yet comfortable feel, including a large salon perfect for our nightly photo workshops, a sundeck with ample seating, televisions in the staterooms, and many other amenities.

View more photos and info on the Blue Horizon liveaboard

Our group was there to experience the “Best Of” itinerary, which included the world-famous sites of Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone.  After our requisite (and important) briefings about the boat, its safety features, and our life vest drill, we were all anxious to start diving!  During the briefings, the crew gave the guests the option of either diving off the platform of the boat, or to take the Zodiac to a spot that couldn’t be reached from the platform.

 

Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report

 

The first two days of our seven-day trip were spent at Brothers, two islands lying approximately 77 miles from Marsa Alam.  Little Brother was first, and the small teardrop-shaped island didn’t disappoint.  This was our first glance of the colorful, healthy reefs we would see throughout our trip.  We caught a glimpse of a hammerhead shark in the blue, but not close enough to photograph.  There was so much activity on the reefs we didn’t even mind.  

 

Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report  Red Sea 2019 Trip Report

 

Big Brother (approximately a half-mile distance away) the next day brought more of the same.  In the shadow of its lighthouse (built by the British in 1883), Big Brother presented more pristine reefs and tons of fish activity.  One dive off the Zodiac took us to the Aida, a shipwreck situated near the northwest tip of Big Brother. Reaching the bow at approximately 80 feet, the dive was deep but the visibility on the wreck was incredible. 

 

Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report

 

The next day brought us to Daedalus Reef, where more vibrant reefs, huge gorgonians, friendly Napoleon Wrasse, green turtles, and fish of every color greeted us.  One highlight of the dives here were huge elephant ear coral that are taller than our divers!  Another highlight was an anemone colony on a shallower part of the reef where clownfish were plentiful in each anemone (we saw up to nine clownfish sharing the anemone).

See also: Best Coral Reefs in the World


Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report

 
After Daedalus, the Blue Horizon headed to Elphinstone, which is a small island located fifteen miles from Marsa Alam.  The southern part of Elphinstone is known for its oceanic whitetip shark activity, and we were lucky enough to have one of the sharks off the back of the boat (with another one joining later).  The crew was very specific about briefing us on the correct protocol when sharks are in the area.  Everyone abided by these rules and a few of us were lucky enough to have close interaction with the sharks and got some great images of the sharks and their accompanying pilot fish. 
 
 
Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report
 
 
Our last evening brought another successful slideshow of the guest images along with the awards (judged by the divemasters) given to guests Josh Seamans and Chris Pepper.  Overall, everyone was thrilled with the diving, the images, the boat, the camaraderie, and friendships forged on this trip.  
 
After the dive trip concluded, fourteen of us went onto Luxor for the beginning of an amazing seven-day land tour arranged by Bluewater’s Katie Yonker. After visiting Valley of Kings, Valley of the Queens, and Karnak and Luxor Temples, we flew to Cairo for tours of the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and a visit to the Egyptian Museum (including King Tut’s treasures).  This topped off two weeks of adventure and checked a box off on many a bucket list.  

 

Red Sea UW Image Gallery 

We’ve got many more beautiful pictures from our guests and trip leader for you to enjoy! 
 
Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report
 
 Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report 
 
Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report Red Sea 2019 Trip Report 
 
 
 
 

PHOTO EQUIPMENT USED 

In case you’re wondering, here is a list of the photography equipment used by trip leader Craig Dietrich to take his photos: 

 

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