Description
Boat
Altaïr took its first cruise in November 2022, It is a 46.5 meters long, 10.5 meters wide deluxe standard professional dive liveaboard. It is the first boat in the Red Sea made of steel, built according to international standards, safety, stability, insulation and ventilation standards, armed with a double hull and equipped with a bow thruster.
Altaïr favours space and comfort, and is positioned in the luxury segment of dive cruises on which only a few boats operate in the Red Sea.
You can also relax on the sky deck where you will find the jacuzzi. Enjoy the Bar that can provide draft beer, Expresso coffee and cocktails (Mojito).
Altaïr is a member of Technical Diving International and is equipped to provide a wide range of technical diving training and services aboard.
For divers who want to rent an underwater scooter (DPV), it is possible too! In the case of Tech Diving, a scooter allows you to cover more distance at depth, reducing efforts and optimizing gas consumption. You can rent as scooter on board without being certified. Should you wish to learn more about DPVs and get certified, a course is also available on board.
Altaïr also allow certificated solo diver to make solo diving, as long as it's within the limits of your certification and providing all safety protocols are checked at the beginning of the week with our dive guides and the crew.
Cabin
Altaïr has 13 cabins and can welcome up to 26 divers.
All cabins are equipped with private bathroom, refrigerator, towels, bathrobe and a large window overlooking the outside.
2 Panorama Cabins
Located on the upper deck, each cabin comes with one double bed, panoramic seaview windows.
4 Deluxe Cabins
Located on the upper deck, each cabin comes with one double bed and one single bed, seaview windows.
1 Panorama Cabin
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with one double bed, panoramic seaview windows.
6 Deluxe Cabins
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with one double bed and one single bed, seaview windows.
Diving
- Usually offer 3 dives per day, about 16 dives per week
- No night dives are allowed in the Egyptian Marine Parks
- Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
- No dives on the day of embarkation and disembarkation.
- All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
- Solo diving only allowed with certification (SDI or PADI).
- Sidemount only allowed with certification and extra cost.
Other Information
- Nitrox：Complimentary for all Nitrox divers
- 15L Tanks：Available with additional cost
- Rebreather Dive：Available with additional cost.
- Technical Dive：Available with additional cost.
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional cost.
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Complimentary for all guests
- Laundry Service：Not available at the moment
- Massage Service：Not available at the moment
- Payment on board：Cash/Credits cards (EUR/EGP)
- Crew Number：14 - 16, include 2 - 3 dive guides
Itineraries
Abyssale Attitude | Hurghada - Hurghada
Departing from Hurghada on the Sunday morning, you will cross the Gubal strait right after a check dive to concentrate all dives till the following Friday morning on this northern part of the Red Sea, from the Ras Mohammed national park to Dahab dive sites (weather permitting).
This circuit is accessible to N2 divers (FFESSM) and Advanced O.W. divers with a minimum of 50 dives.
Latitude 27 | Hurghada - Hurghada
Latitude 27 is the only itinerary proposing so many different and famous dive sites! A trip to the most beautiful wrecks and breath-taking walls such as Rosalie Moller, Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammed, Brothers Islands (2 days), Panorama, Abu Kifan…
For Advanced O.W. divers with a minimum of 50 dives
LONGITUDE 34 | Hurghada - Hurghada
Exploring the northern Red Sea area: Shaab El Erg, Siyul, Abu Nuhas wrecks ( Giannis D , Carnatic), Gubal, Rosalie Moller, Thistlegorm, Beacon Rock, Shaab Mahmoudat, Ras Mohammed Marine Park, Panorama Reef, Abu Kifan…
4 divers N1 or Open Water maximum accepted. For N1 or Open Water, PADI Advanced course compulsory or must dive with a guide.
B.D.E (Golden Triangle) | Hurghada or Marsa Alam
Golden Triangle – Dive the Best Top 3 sites in this area: Big and Little Brothers, Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone. (This program is subject to change according to weather conditions or military requirements). For Advanced O.W. divers with a minimum of 50 dives
Dive area include : Ras Disha or Abu Dabbab (Check dive), Brothers Islands, Deadelus, Elphinstone.
Réserves Australes | Hurghada or Marsa Alam
Deadalus, Zabargad, Fury Shoal
Dive area include : Abu Dabab (check dive), Elphinstone, Daedalus, Zabargad, Rocky island, Shaab Sataya, Shaab Maksur, Shaab Claudia, Abu Galawa Kebir, Abu Galawa Soraya, Malahi, Shiliniate etc.
SAINT JOHN’S REEFS
Dive area include : Abu Dabab (check dive), Habili Ali & Habili Jaffa, Gotta Kebir & Gotta Soraya, St John’s caves, Umm Aruk, Shaab Sataya, Shaab Maksur, Shaab Claudia, Abu Galawa Kebir, Abu Galawa Soraya, Malahi, Shiliniate, Elphinstone…
Elba
It is unlikely that you will have dived in Elba before: it is a region in the far south of Egypt too far away to be included in the classic cruise programme. You will embark on a 9 or 10 day cruise!
Then the programme includes a day on Saint John before descending for 2 or 3 days to the pristine reefs of Elba, on the border with Sudan. After discovering the wreck of the Levanzo and the magnificent reefs that are no match for those of Sudan, you will sail north again to explore the never before dived sites between Elba and Abu Fendira. The boat will then pass through the Fury Shoals on its way up to Port Galep.
Sudan
We propose you to discover new dives: Sanganeb, Shaab Rumi, the intact reefs of Suakin and those close to Eritrea, the hammerhead sharks, the incredible wreck of the Umbria, Précontinent 2, the humpback parrots...
over 10 or 15 days, the Deep South cruise offers the same dives as the 1 week itinerary but adds a number of small deserted islands and unknown reefs which are located in the southernmost part of Sudan, on the border with Eritrea. This is an opportunity to discover an unspoilt marine world: Abu Aisa, Dahrat Qab, Darraka, Ed Domesh, Qab Miyum, Ed Dak and finally the extraordinary Dahrat Abid with its spectacular seabed where any encounter is possible.
Djibouti
Djibouti is an extraordinary diving destination where you don't need to look for the clarity of the water in Sudan... Its rich and busy waters, where visibility rarely exceeds 15m, are the ideal place to meet pelagics, starting with whale sharks. From December to March, when the giants gather, Diving Attitude makes your dream come true and takes you on a cruise for dives that are both sporty and full of emotion in these waters at the junction of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean!
More
| Destinations | Africa & Middle East, Djibouti, Egypt |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Sidemount Friendly, Rebreather Friendly, Tech Friendly, Camera Station, Jacuzzi, Wi-Fi |
| Languages spoken | English, French |
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Nitrox fills
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
- Wi-Fi
- Crew gratuity
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Dive courses on board
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
Useful information
Africa & Middle East
Sudan
Best time for diving
January to May & September to October, liveaboards operate all year round in Sudan. Hammerhead season peaks from January through April when the sea is at its coolest, while August to October might be the best time for you who want to see mantas. Visibility ranges from 20 meters during the rainy season from May to October to beyond 35 meters during the dry season from November through June.
About temperatures
Air : Sudan experiences mean annual temperatures between 26°C and 32°C, with summer temperatures in the north often exceeding 43°C. Rainfall in Sudan is unreliable and erratic, with great variation experienced between northern and southern regions.
Sea : winter months are between 23°C - 26°C, summer months are between 29°C - 32°C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
In the winter months, a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit is recommended. In summer months a rash vest or 3 mm shorty wetsuit is recommended.
Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced, the Sudanese government requires divers to have logged 50 dives before diving in the country, and AOW certification is a good idea as currents in this region can be strong and some points of interest, such as wrecks and schools of hammerheads, can be deep.
You can find out more information about diving in Sudan here : Africa & Middle East.
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Liveaboards diving in Sudan typically sails from an Egyptian port - Hurghada (HRG), Marsa Alam (RMF), clearing customs at Port Sudan before diving within Sudanese waters begins.
Visa Requirements
Guests need two Egyptian Visa entries, one upon your arrival at the Airport, and the other one upon your arrival back from the Sudan trip. The first Egyptian entry visa you can get on arrival at the International airport. The second one will be arranged & paid onboard. For the Sudan entry Visa, most of the liveaboards will organize for you in advance before arrival to Port Sudan and will be issued & stamped on your passport upon our arrival to Port Sudan.
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sudan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Sudanese pound (SDG). However, since Sudan liveaboard trips start and end in Egypt, you will not need any SDG. The only chance you’ll touch Sudan land is when you decide to visit the lighthouse of Sanganeb reef.
Drones
Drone operations are not regulated in Sudan. Please refer to Drone Laws in Sudan for more details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such a service.
Djibouti
Best time for diving
Mid-October to early February is the best time for Whaleshark encounters. During these months, it is common to see many whale sharks including juveniles who stay within the safe confines of the coastline, and massive plankton blooms also attract manta rays. Outside these months, wildlife will back into deeper waters due to the high sea temperature.
About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 24°C - 26°C, summer months are between 29°C - 34°C.
Sea : range between 27°C - 29°C throught out of the year.
Wetsuit Recommendation
Most divers feel perfectly comfortable in a skinsuit or 3 mm shortie.
Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced, strong currents is expected in some dive sites.
You can find out more information about diving in Djibouti here : Djibouti.
Embarkation / Disembarkation
The embarkation and disembarkation are both in Djibouti City, guests need to fly to Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB).
Visa Requirements
All foreigners arriving in Djibouti should have a valid passport (with at least 6 months left before expiry) Visa can be obtained on arrival by all nationalities, valid for one month, and granted on a single entry basis. A tourist visa can also be obtained at the Consulate of Djibouti in your home country.
Vaccinations
If you are visiting Djibouti for longer than 4 weeks, you may be advised to have a booster dose of a polio-containing vaccine if you have not had one in the past 12 months. You should carry proof of having had this vaccination.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Djiboutian Franc (DJF), but Euro is widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. Where credit cards are accepted, visa cards are often required. ATMs are normally available in Djibouti City but may not accept Mastercard.
Drones
Drone operations are not regulated in Djibouti. Please refer to Drone Laws in Djibouti for more details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such a service.
Egypt
Best time for diving
March to May & September to October, however, Egypt can be good for scuba diving any time of the year. The whale shark season occurs from the end of May until the end of July in the northern Red Sea. The plankton blooms bring manta rays in to feed from May to August. From May to July, there is a higher chance to spot schooling of hammerheads in Daedalus, then the hammerheads move to Jackson Reef from July to September. And the turtle nesting season also happens from late May to early July. The Thresher Shark can be best spotted in winter. Grey reef sharks, dolphins, and dugongs can be spotted year-round.
About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 18°C - 25°C, summer months are between 32°C - 40°C.
Sea : winter months are between 20°C - 24°C, summer months are between 27°C - 30°C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
In the winter months, a 5 - 7 mm full wetsuit is recommended. In summer months a rash vest or 3 mm shorty wetsuit is recommended.
Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels depending on which route you are heading to. We do recommend a minimum of 30 logged dives with AOW or equivalent level to enjoy the dives in Egypt.
You can find out more information about diving in Egypt here : Egypt.
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on which route you are heading to, the embarkation and disembarkation can be from Hurghada (HRG), Marsa Alam (RMF), or Sharm El Sheikh (SSH).
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Egypt’s international airports. If you opt for a visa on arrival, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months from your arrival date, a travel itinerary, and documentation to prove accommodation or any booked tours.
Vaccinations
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if traveling from a country with a risk of YF virus transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of YF virus transmission. This includes Eritrea, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Zambia.1 In the absence of a vaccination certificate, the person will be detained in quarantine for up to 6 days after departure from an area at risk of YF virus transmission. An overview of the countries to which this applies can be downloaded here: Yellow Fever Risk Countries.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and ATMs are common, especially in the main tourist areas. Major hotels will usually accept payment by credit card. However, smaller hotels may expect cash and hard currency payments (USD/EUR).
Drones
To bring a drone to Egypt and fly it, you need to receive permission from the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). If you do not have documentation of authorization, your drone will be confiscated at customs. However, getting permission to fly a drone from the CAA is difficult. Should you somehow manage to get your drone in, the onboarding screening will detect your drone and one of two things will happen: 1. your drone will be confiscated at the point of arrival and stored at the airport. 2. the drone will be detected and confiscated when you are leaving the country and you’ll be sanctioned for bringing an illegal commodity to Egypt. - So don't risk it, and leave your drone at home if you’re planning to travel to Egypt.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such a service.
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