Brothers Islands Liveaboard Diving

Rising dramatically from the depths of the Southern Red Sea, the Brothers Islands, or El Akhawein as they are known locally, offer some of the most exhilarating underwater experiences in Egypt diving. Located roughly 67 kilometres offshore from El Quseir, these two isolated pinnacles are a magnet for pelagic species and a bucket-list destination for serious enthusiasts. Because of their remote location, a Brothers Islands liveaboard is the only way to access these pristine waters.
 

Wrecks and walls

For those who crave history alongside marine biodiversity, the Big Brother Island serves as the resting place for two iconic Red Sea wrecks. The Numidia Wreck, a railway cargo ship, lies vertically on the reef, adorned in vibrant soft coral and hard coral that have transformed the twisted metal into a living masterpiece. Nearby, the Aida Wreck, a former lighthouse supply vessel, offers a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for photographers. Both sites feature steep wall diving where Gorgonian fans filter the nutrient-rich currents, creating a kaleidoscope of colour against the deep blue.
 

Dived by liveaboard

As a protected marine park, El Akhawein, the Arabic name for the Brothers Islands, is accessible only by liveaboard, making every descent feel like a privilege reserved for those who venture far offshore. A Brothers Islands liveaboard or Brothers Islands diving liveaboard gives divers front-row access to towering pinnacles, exposed drop-offs, and the distinctive plateau dive site on Big Brother Island, where pelagic creatures sweep in from the blue. Whether you board one of the Brothers Islands liveaboard boats, choose premium charter dive boats in the Brothers Islands, or join a classic Red Sea liveaboard, you’ll find an itinerary crafted around drift dives, deep-water sightings, and days shaped by the rhythm of the open ocean. Because conditions fluctuate quickly, night dives are prohibited, and an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) is mandatory.
 

Delight for shark lovers

Few places in Egypt diving offer shark encounters of this calibre. These volcanic islands sit along a migratory highway where pelagic species cross between deep basins, drawing in hammerhead sharks, elusive thresher sharks, sleek grey reef sharks, shimmering silvertip sharks, and the unmistakable oceanic whitetip shark, known for circling the plateaus with effortless authority. Add in clouds of barracuda, powerful tuna, passing manta rays, and the charismatic Napoleon wrasse, and the Brothers become a genuine delight for shark lovers. Divers sometimes drift along the walls to the soundtrack of distant dolphin clicks dolphin sightings are not unusual in this offshore wilderness

Big Brother

Marked by its iconic lighthouse, Big Brother is a deep-water oasis where steep walls descend into cobalt-blue nothingness. The north plateau is a magnet for pelagics, especially hammerhead sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks, while the western wall hides the magnificent Numidia Wreck, colonized by brilliant coral growth and patrolled by the occasional grey reef shark. The Aida Wreck, resting along the island’s flank, adds another layer of history and character, its skeletal remains home to swarms of reef fish and shy moray eels. The diving is raw, exhilarating, and intensely atmospheric.

Little Brother Island

Though smaller in size, Little Brother offers some of the region’s richest biodiversity. Its seamount structure brings in thresher sharks from the depths, alongside schools of barracuda and sleek silvertip sharks. The walls are draped in gorgonian fans, their delicate branches sheltering anthias clouds and the occasional Napoleon wrasse grazing along the reef top. Strong current is common, making each dive a dynamic dance between vibrant coral life and pelagic drama