Golden Dolphin II, Egypt

Since space is limited on safari boats, packing efficiently is fundamental. Cabins are usually small, and once aboard, you will not need any shoes. Towels are also provided. Travel-sized toiletries are best, as are backpacks or foldable luggage, to save space. If you bring a suitcase, the crew will stow it away after you retrieve your essentials. It will be returned to you on departure day for packing

Yes, it is recommended to use reef-friendly shampoo, shower gel, and sunscreen in order to protect the marine environment of the area. Wastewater is discharged directly into the sea, so using eco-friendly products helps in preserving the reefs. Also, for toilet paper, you are allowed to throw it in the trash can provided, not in the toilet itself

The Red Sea area has dry desert climate. In summer, the temperature of the air often reaches more than 35°C. During winter time, it cools down considerably during nights. Onboard, light summer clothes, only at cooler evenings is a warm pullover recommended. Ear protection and warm socks are also a good idea, especially during windy months

The best diving season is from November to May. Whale sharks are best seen in November and December, humpback whales from February to March, while bait balls and whale sharks can be spotted in May and June. Water temperature is at its lowest in February, at 22°C, with the warmest reaching 30°C during summer. Air temperature can get as high as 40°C during August and as low as 20°C during winter, which influences exposure suit choices. A 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is recommended in winter, while a 3mm suit or shorty is suitable in summer

Whale sharks: Commonly seen in the northern Red Sea from May to July and occasionally in the south. Summer months bring plankton blooms, attracting manta rays and nesting turtles. Hammerhead sharks are very common at this time. Winter months bring superior visibility, and cooler water attracts other species, such as thresher sharks. Grey reef sharks, dolphins, and dugongs can be seen throughout the year

St. Johns reefs in the southern Red Sea provide breathtaking drop-offs covered in gorgonians and soft corals, extremely colorful. Big Habili and Small Habili are teeming with reef life, and the blue water offers opportunities to see barracudas, sharks, dolphins, or manta rays. At Umm Erug, the coral formations take on shapes resembling everyday things, while schools of small reef fish and cryptically camouflaged critters add to the fun. The SS Thistlegorm is considered the Red Sea's most famous wreck. Lying upright at 32 meters, this British cargo ship sank in 1941, carrying military equipment like tanks, trucks, motorcycles, and railway engines. Abu Nuhas reef hosts four wrecks, including the Greek cargo ship Giannis D, which sank in 1984, now covered with corals. The Dunraven was a spice and timber transporter that broke in two after running aground in 1876; it rests on the sea floor in two sections. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are part of the Ras Mohamed marine park, situated on a plateau which falls from 10 to 20 meters down to over 200 meters. These reefs are known for their numerous different corals and fish life. Yolanda Reef has the cargo of the Cypriot freighter that was wrecked there, including toilets and bath tubs, making this dive site slightly different