The Rocky Zabargad St John’s Diving Safari is a true expedition-style Red Sea liveaboard that takes divers deep into the southern reefs, combining remote offshore islands with vast coral systems and legendary pelagic encounters. This itinerary blends the dramatic walls of Rocky Island, the vibrant coral landscapes of Zabargad, the maze-like reefs of St John’s, the lagoons of Fury Shoals, and the iconic shark encounters of Elphinstone. Designed for adventurous divers, the Rocky Zabargad St John’s Diving Safari offers exceptional biodiversity, varied underwater topography, and unforgettable long-range diving experiences.
Rocky Island is one of the most thrilling offshore dive sites in the southern Red Sea and a highlight of any Rocky Safari. Rising sharply from deep blue water, this small rocky outcrop features steep walls, strong currents, and outstanding visibility. These conditions attract large pelagic species, including grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, barracudas, and hunting tuna. The walls are covered with sea fans, black corals, and colorful soft corals, while reef crevices hide moray eels, nudibranchs, and schooling snapper. Diving Rocky Island is fast-paced, dynamic, and ideal for wide-angle photography.
Zabargad Island adds balance and diversity to the Zabargad Safari portion of the itinerary. Known for its sloping reefs, coral gardens, and swim-throughs, Zabargad offers slightly calmer conditions while still delivering rich marine life. Divers can expect encounters with turtles, eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, and large schools of reef fish moving across the reef slopes. The varied underwater terrain makes Zabargad ideal for relaxed exploration dives, macro photography, and extended bottom times between more adrenaline-filled offshore dives.
St John’s is one of the most extensive and visually stunning reef systems in the Red Sea and the heart of the St John’s Safari experience. This remote area is famous for its coral labyrinths, pinnacles, and swim-through caves, offering endless variety across multiple dives. Sites such as Big Gota, Small Gota, and Umm Khararim are home to pristine hard and soft corals, schooling anthias, reef sharks, rays, and occasional dolphins. The complexity of the reef structure makes St John’s ideal for both wide-angle scenery and macro life spotting.
The Fury Shoals Safari introduces divers to a unique mix of shallow lagoons, coral gardens, and vibrant reef systems. This region is known for its sheltered conditions and exceptional coral health. At sites like Shaab Satayah, divers and snorkelers often encounter large pods of wild spinner dolphins, while reefs such as Claudia and Malahi feature dramatic coral formations and swim-through tunnels. Marine life includes turtles, giant moray eels, reef sharks, and dense schools of reef fish, making Fury Shoals both relaxing and visually spectacular.
Elphinstone Reef is one of the Red Sea’s most legendary dive sites and the grand finale of the Elphinstone Safari. This narrow offshore reef is famous for its deep walls, strong currents, and consistent shark encounters. Divers frequently spot oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, and grey reef sharks along the reef’s northern and southern plateaus. Covered in soft corals, sea fans, and gorgonians, Elphinstone offers dramatic scenery and adrenaline-filled dives that perfectly conclude the Rocky Zabargad St John’s Tour.
The itinerary is approximate and may change due to weather conditions, coast guard restrictions, or other factors. Dive sites may be adjusted or visited in a different order to ensure safety and the best experience for our guests.
Boarding for the Rocky Zabargad St John’s liveaboard begins at 18:00. A free group transfer from Hurghada to Port Ghalib is available in the evening, usually around 20:00. Private transfers from Hurghada and Marsa Alam airports can be arranged upon request. Guests settle into their cabins and prepare equipment for the journey ahead.
The Rocky Zabargad St John’s itinerary officially begins after morning departure, once port clearance and Coast Guard permission are received. Guests attend a full boat, safety, and dive briefing before completing 1–2 check dives at a sheltered site. In the evening, the yacht sails overnight toward Rocky Island.
Enjoy up to three dives at Rocky Island and Zabargad Island as part of the Rocky Zabargad St John’s Trip. Expect dramatic wall dives, vibrant coral coverage, and encounters with pelagic species. A night dive is conducted at St John’s, introducing the reef system under completely different conditions.
This day is dedicated to intensive exploration of St John’s Reef system, with up to four dives showcasing coral tunnels, pinnacles, and pristine reef formations. After the final dive, the yacht sails overnight toward Fury Shoals, continuing the St John’s Safari experience.
Begin the day with a morning dive at Shaab Satayah, followed by a snorkelling session with wild spinner dolphins at Satayah West. The journey continues with dives at Claudia and Malahi, famous for their coral labyrinths and swim-throughs. Overnight sailing to Elphinstone Reef.
Two exhilarating dives are completed at Elphinstone Reef, the highlight of the Elphinstone Safari, offering chances for shark encounters and dramatic wall diving. A third dive and optional night dive take place at Abu Dabbab and Shouna, known for macro life and calm conditions.
Complete the final two dives of the Rocky Zabargad St John’s Tour at Marsa Shouna before returning to Port Ghalib in the afternoon. A free group transfer to Hurghada is organized at approximately 14:00.
Check-out is completed before 09:00, marking the end of your unforgettable Rocky Zabargad St John’s liveaboard adventure.
These species might be seen on this itinerary: