Steep walls descending into deep,
clear water Opportunities to encounter oceanic whitetip, thresher, grey reef, and hammerhead sharks.
Liveaboard Diving at The Brothers in the the Read Sea
Remote offshore reefs, dramatic walls, historic wrecks, and thrilling blue-water encounters make the Brothers Islands one of Egypt’s most exciting liveaboard diving destinations.
Why choose The Brothers for a liveaboard trip
The coral-covered wrecks of the Numidia and AidaStrong
populations of reef fish and schooling pelagics
Remote diving away from the busy coastal reefs
Classic Red Sea liveaboard itineraries combining multiple offshore sites
Excellent visibility and dramatic blue-water scenery
Colorful soft corals, fans, and overhangs
Plan the experience
Far from the Egyptian mainland, the Brothers Islands rise from deep water as two isolated outposts in the middle of the Red Sea. Big Brother and Little Brother are surrounded by steep walls, strong currents, and open ocean, creating the conditions for adventurous diving and impressive marine encounters.
Big Brother combines colorful wall diving with two of the Red Sea’s best-known wrecks: the Numidia and the Aida. Both have become part of the reef, with coral growth and abundant fish life covering their structures. The island’s lighthouse provides a distinctive landmark above the water.
Little Brother is smaller but equally dramatic. Its walls and plateaus attract reef fish, schooling pelagics, and patrolling sharks. Divers often spend part of the dive watching the reef and the rest looking into the blue, where some of the destination’s most memorable encounters occur.
The Brothers are exposed to wind, waves, and changing currents. Dive conditions can be demanding, making the area best suited to experienced divers who are comfortable with negative entries, drift diving, and open-water ascents. Reached only by liveaboard, the islands are often included in itineraries combining Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone.
Best for
Who this destination suits
Experienced and advanced divers Shark and pelagic enthusiasts Wreck divers Photographers interested in wide-angle and blue-water subjects Divers comfortable with currents and negative entries Guests looking for remote, expedition-style liveaboard diving
Best season
When to travel
The Brothers can be visited throughout much of the year, although conditions and marine encounters vary by season.
March to May usually brings pleasant temperatures and good diving conditions, with active marine life around the offshore reefs.
September to November is another popular period, offering warm water, good visibility, and strong potential for pelagic encounters.
The summer months provide warmer water but can be very hot above the surface. Winter can still offer excellent diving, although stronger winds and rougher crossings may occasionally affect the itinerary.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Currents, water temperature, and natural feeding patterns influence which species are present during each trip.
Getting there
Arrival planning
The Brothers Islands can only be reached by liveaboard. Depending on the itinerary and operator, cruises commonly depart from Hurghada or Port Ghalib and may combine the islands with Daedalus, Elphinstone, Safaga, or northern Red Sea sites.
For departures from Hurghada, guests normally fly into Hurghada International Airport. Port Ghalib departures are most conveniently reached through Marsa Alam International Airport, although transfers from Hurghada may also be available.
The crossing to the Brothers takes several hours and travels through exposed open water. Exact routes and dive schedules remain flexible because the captain and dive team must consider wind, waves, currents, and local marine-park regulations.
