RED SEA • JUNE 7-14, 2025

Due to “global events” Seasick patiently waited almost 20 years to discover the Red Sea, but in 2022 the day finally arrived. And hot damn was it worth the wait! “Exceeded expectations” defined the experience. Aside from the legend and lore, the diving in the Red Sea is outright awesome. The reefs are colorful and abundant. The dolphin encounters (while on scuba) are reliable and predictable. The marine life is impressive — the sheer variety of fish are unexpected. And then there are the wrecks. Normally wrecks are a sideshow (unless it’s Truk Lagoon) but the Thistlegorm wreck is no ordinary sunken vessel. It is an underwater museum featuring trucks, armored vehicles, motorcycles, guns, cases of ammunition, rifles, and even two steam locomotives. The wreck is so big, so good, so chock-full of history, that four consecutive dives were needed. ‘Nuff said.

Return trips were imminent (hence the multiple 2025 offerings). Yet, keep in mind that swimming around underwater and seeing cool stuff is only part of the equation for a successful dive adventure in the Middle East. There is still the question of quality accommodations and crew. Diving can be done from a land-based resort, but the best way to experience the Red Sea is by liveaboard. Search “Red Sea liveaboard” and it’s obvious that there are dozens of choices ranging in price, size and quality. Don’t be fooled. A 5-Star rating in this part of the world doesn’t guarantee anything.

Drum roll please. “Introducing the MY Turquoise”. Built in 2021, 5 decks, 17 cabins, and 148' in length, she is a beast! A beast that will serve as the hotel, restaurant, and dive shop for a lucky few. And to throw in a little more “value”, the months of April to July feature spawning aggregations near Ras Mohammed National Park in the Northern Red Sea. That means large schools of large fishies.

Lastly, no trip to Egypt would be complete without a tour of the 2.3 million stacked stone blocks commonly called the Great Pyramids. Yeah, Seasick has that covered too as an optional weeklong extension.

RED SEA

The Red Sea is an extension of the Indian Ocean separating the coasts of Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea to the west from those of Saudi Arabia and Yemen to the east. It contains some of the world’s warmest and saltiest seawater due to the areas high levels of heat combined with a severe lack of precipitation. The body of water is connected to the Mediterranean Sea (in the far north) making the Red Sea one of the most heavily traveled waterways in the world, carrying maritime traffic between Europe and Asia (numerous vessels + numerous hidden coral pinnacles = numerous wrecks). The name “Red Sea” has several theories pertaining to its origin, but the common belief derives from the seasonal blooms of algae, which turn the sea a reddish-brown color upon dying off. 

Name: translation of the Ancient Greek Erythra Thalassa (literally ‘Red Sea’) • Location: Between Africa and Asia • Bordering Countries: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti • Surface Area: 169,000 sq mi • Max Length: 1,400 mi • Max Width: 221 mi • Average Depth: 1,610' • Max Depth: 9,970' • Primary Inflows: Barka River, Haddas River, Anseba River • Primary Outflows: Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

The Red Sea receives warm sunshine year-round with little precipitation. The climate is defined as “subtropical desert” which features mild winters and very hot summers (as in cooking falafel on asphalt hot). From mid-May to September it is full blown summer time in Egypt. Temperatures can reach 100°F+ with high humidity. So why visit then? Water temperature silly. In the winter months the Red Sea can dip below 70°F. No joke, it gets super cold. Diving the Red Sea in certain months even requires dry suits for those with low exposure tolerance. Seasick says “no thanks”. Warm water = happiness. Nobody wants to pay thousands of dollars and take a dream vacation to then freeze their hamburger buns off. Thus, when the Red Sea water is warm, consequently it is very warm on land as well. Makes sense. Fortunately, the heat is not oppressive while on the liveaboard. The land tours are a different story.

June Averages (Hurghada) - High Temp: 97°F • Low Temp: 79°F • Sea Water Temp: 79°F • Daylight Hours: 13.75 • Sunshine Hours: 11.5 • Rainy Days: 0 • Precipitation Totals: 0.0 in

MY TURQUOISE

Launched in 2021, the MY Turquoise is one of the finest liveaboard diving boats in the Red Sea. It is elegant, it is comfortable, it is functional. Oh yeah, and it’s sorta massive too. On board guests will find everything needed to enjoy great diving, leisurely surface intervals, and comfortable evenings in and around the waters of the Red Sea.

IMPORTANT: 17 well-appointed cabins can accommodate 34 guests (massive might be an understatement). But don’t fret! Seasick would never cram 34 guests onto this vessel (shame shame for those who do). Rather, Seasick has designed this package as a limited load vessel. This private charter will have only 23 guests! Here is how it works: on the boat’s assorted decks there are six suites, each with double beds. So that’s 12 guests. Then there are another eleven cabins (on the assorted decks) each with two twin beds. So that’s 22 additional guests. Nope. The twin bed cabins will be allocated as single supplement. Yep, only one guest per cabin. So that’s only 11 more guests. 23 guests total. Thanks for the math exercise but what does this all mean? That means more space, more comfort, more personal attention, and more opportunities underwater.

The boat has a very large swim platform, multiple social (or common) areas to chill, an upper deck lounge, an upper upper deck lounge, a sun deck, and three bars (is this a dive boat or a booze cruise?). Oh yeah, it also has a bakery that produces fresh pastries daily. Yum. Don’t forget, a fancy boat is great, but it is the crew that makes a trip special. The MY Turquoise crew have years (some have decades) of experience and will do everything they can to put the group on the action while keeping everyone safe.

Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2021 • Length: 148' • Beam: 30' • Cruising speed: 12 knots • Passengers: 34 (23 for Seasick/Haas Photography) • Hull: steel • Decking: teak • Compressors: 3

ADDED BONUS: Another reason why Seasick hand-picked the MY Turquoise (aside from her age, size, amenities, and crew) is her unique layout. Most liveaboards use the lower deck exclusively for cabins and the interior portion of the main deck for communal space — typically a salon (living room) and mess (dining room). Problem is that guests don’t like sleeping on the lower deck. They prefer their cabins/suites to be on higher decks either for safety reasons (no comment) or to avoid excessive noise (engines, generators, anchor chains, etc). The MY Turquoise is designed different. She is designed better. The MY Turquoise’s lower deck is primarily the mess where the group spends limited time eating each day. The view when dining isn’t critical since guests are literally living on a boat in the middle of the sea and can appreciate their surroundings anytime. The lower deck still includes two suites and one cabin for those who seek ultimate privacy. A majority of the group will be on the main deck or higher. Now that’s important.

SUITES + DELUXE CABINS
Suites (6) are located on the Upper Deck, Main Deck, and Lower Deck. Deluxe Cabins (11) are located on the High Deck, Upper Deck, and Lower Deck. Views, window size, and layouts vary by location. Please note: safes, shampoo, and conditioner are not provided.

DIVING

The Red Sea is vast. Extremely vast. As previously stated, at its max, it is 1,400 miles in length. That’s the same distance as Los Angeles to Dallas. As a result, there are many areas to choose from and many routes. For first timers or divers who want the “best of” experience, the Northern Route is typically recommended. And guess what? That’s exactly what Seasick has selected. The North Route (aka the Wrecks and Reefs Route) is a complete and simple route, matching all diving levels. The sailing from Hurghada is short and pleasant, reaching the furthest dive sites in about two hours.

Depth: 10' - 130' • Visibility: 65'-100'+ • Currents: Nonexistent - Light • Skill Level: Beginner - Advanced • Water Temp: 78°F-82°F • Dive Sites: 250+

ROUTE

WRECKS AND REEFS ROUTE (NORTHERN ROUTE): the North Route is diverse — a lil’ of this and a lil’ of that. It includes a catalog of attractions, avoids long overnight runs (boat repositioning), and is suitable for all levels of diving experience. Guests will dive the Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran, visit a living WWII museum at the wreck of Thistlegorm, and explore spectacular wrecks like the Dunraven, Giannis D, Carnatic, and the Kingston. The remainder of the route features reef dives in pristine sites like Small Crack or Shag Rock. And for some bigger animal action, there is the possibility (no guarantees) to snorkel with dolphins. Being face to face with a pod of blowholes is something special.

STRAITS OF TIRAN

The Straits of Tiran are a submerged ridge that rises from a 1000'+ depth and extends from the southeast point of Sinai to the island of Tiran. It is basically a passage between the Gulf of Aqaba and the main basin of the Red Sea, forming an area of strong tidal currents. The reefs are famous for the quality of their coral, abundant sea life, and oceanic animal sightings.

GORDON REEF: A circular reef with a large sandy plateau and prominent shipwreck. Since 1983, the wreck of the Lullia has sat atop the reef making her a superb landmark. Very suitable for check dives on the South Plateau and also some super nice drift dives along the east and west walls.

THOMAS REEF: Thomas is the smallest of the four reefs of Tiran, and if conditions are calm, it is possible to circle around the entire reef. There are no moorings, so all dives are drift. In the blue there is always the possibility of finding large pelagic fish cruising by and even hammerhead sharks.

JACKSON REEF: Considered the best reef in the area due to the coral quality, loads of marine life, and encounters with pelagic creatures. It is a round reef with vertical walls and a shallow coral garden on the west side. Continually swept by strong currents (sometimes extremely strong), Jackson Reef is great for wild drift dives. During the summer months, hammerhead sharks reside in the northern area.

RAS MOHAMMED NATIONAL PARK

ANEMONE CITY, SHARK REEF & YOLANDA REEF: Anemone City hosts dozens of huge anemones each with a variety of clownfish and damsels. While crossing over the walls of Shark Reef possible sightings include sharks, tuna, red snapper and more. The dive continues in the shallows with parts of the Yolanda freighter ship which struck the reef and gave it its name. Among the debris, there is a large collection of toilets and the remains of the captain’s BMW. The area around the wreck is home to lionfish, blue-spotted stingrays and moray eels.

RAS GHOZLANI: Consists of table coral covered pinnacles (that’s a mouthful) in different shapes and sizes, Gorgonian fans and soft corals. The pinnacles are teeming with Anthias and other colorful reef fish.

STRAITS OF GUBAL

S.S. THISTLEGORM: One of the world’s most famous wrecks, it is located in Shaab Ali, about 30 miles from Sharm El Sheikh. It was sunk by German aircrafts in October 1941 and later discovered by Jacques Cousteau. It offers spectacular dives with its sunken cargo of trucks, cars, motorcycles, locomotives, weapons, ammunitions, wagons, aircraft wings, boots, and more.

ULYSSES: The cargo ship is 310' long. On August 16th, 1887, she ran aground on the reef and finally sank four days later, with much of her cargo. She lies at a depth of 92' and only her stern remains intact.

THE BARGE: The old barge lies at a max depth of 46' (super chill dive). Residents include moray eels, lionfish, stone fish, crocodile fish, angel fish, and possibly Napoleon wrasse.

CARNATIC: The British cargo ship, sunk in 1869, is at a max depth of 85'. This beautiful and very authentic old ship lies on her port side, and her wooden beams and internal structures are covered in soft corals and glass fish. Her bow and stern are intact, yet the mid ship has disappeared. Barrels and a few broken wine bottles are all that remain of her cargo.

GIANNIS D: The Greek cargo ship lies at a depth of 78', with her whole mid ship completely destroyed yet her bow and stern, which lies on a 45-degree angle, are intact. Her cabins, helms room and common quarters have been cleared up to permit safe dives through the ship.

KINGSTON: On February 22nd, 1881, the Kingston sank while transporting a cargo of coal. Only the stern of the ship remains intact, but the corals and number of fish that reside on her make it a worthy dive.

SMALL CRACK: A shallow corridor with table corals, grape corals, soft corals, stag corals and sponges. In the corridor there are residents like an enormous Hatchet fish family and yellow tail barracudas.

Note: The route and dive sites listed are examples only and are not guaranteed. All dive sites are subject to weather conditions and are at the absolute discretion of the captain and dive guides.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF AUGUST 30, 2024
RED SEA

Notes:
• June 5: Depart Los Angeles Airport 4:20pm (Group flight)
• June 6: Arrive Cairo International Airport 11:50pm (Group flight)
• June 6: Guest must make Cairo hotel reservations. Recommended hotel is Le Meridien Hotel Cairo Airport
• June 7: Depart Cairo International Airport 10:00am (Group flight)¹
• June 7: Arrive Hurghada International Airport 11:00am (Group flight)
• June 7: Group transfer included Hurghada International Airport to MY Turquoise 12:00pm
• June 7: Drop-off luggage at MY Turquoise 1:00pm. Eat, drink, relax in New Marina 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• June 7: Embark MY Turquoise in New Marina 4:00pm - 6:00pm
• June 7: MY Turquoise serves dinner
• June 7: Guests not on Group flight/transfer must provide own airport/hotel transfer to MY Turquoise
• June 7: Airport/hotel to MY Turquoise taxis available for $15-$25
• June 7: MY Turquoise remains in New Marina all night
• June 8: MY Turquoise departs New Marina in morning
• June 13: MY Turquoise returns to New Marina in afternoon
• June 14: Disembark MY Turquoise in Hurghada before 10:00am
• June 14: Guests on Group flight disembark 9:00am
• June 14: Group transfer included MY Turquoise to Hurghada International Airport 9:00am
• June 14: Guests not on Group flight/transfer must provide own transfer MY Turquoise to airport/hotel
• June 14: MY Turquoise to airport/hotel taxis available for $15-$25
• June 14: Depart Hurghada International Airport 11:40am (Group flight)
• June 14: Arrive Cairo International Airport 12:40pm (Group flight)
• June 14: Guests can stay at Le Meridien Hotel Cairo Airport or in airport lounge
• June 14: Depart Cairo International Airport 8:05pm (Group flight)

¹ Nile River Cruise + Cairo May 31 - June 7 Guests check-out Four Seasons Hotel 7:00am
• Detailed itinerary and additional information: Nile River Cruise + Cairo May 31 - June 7

LOS ANGELES - CAIRO
DEPARTING: THURSDAY, JUNE 5 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, JUNE 14
ESTIMATED COST: $1,600

CAIRO - HURGHADA
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, JUNE 7 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, JUNE 14
ESTIMATED COST: $185

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF AUGUST 30, 2024
RED SEA AND ALEXANDRIA + CAIRO + LUXOR

Notes:
• June 5: Depart Los Angeles Airport 4:20pm (Group flight)
• June 6: Arrive Cairo International Airport 11:50pm (Group flight)
• June 6: Guest must make Cairo hotel reservations. Recommended hotel is Le Meridien Hotel Cairo Airport
• June 7: Depart Cairo International Airport 10:00am (Group flight)¹
• June 7: Arrive Hurghada International Airport 11:00am (Group flight)
• June 7: Group transfer included Hurghada International Airport to MY Turquoise 12:00pm
• June 7: Drop-off luggage at MY Turquoise 1:00pm. Eat, drink, relax in New Marina 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• June 7: Embark MY Turquoise in New Marina 4:00pm - 6:00pm
• June 7: MY Turquoise serves dinner
• June 7: Guests not on Group flight/transfer must provide own airport/hotel transfer to MY Turquoise
• June 7: Airport/hotel to MY Turquoise taxis available for $15-$25
• June 7: MY Turquoise remains in New Marina all night
• June 8: MY Turquoise departs New Marina in morning
• June 13: MY Turquoise returns to New Marina in afternoon
• June 14: Disembark MY Turquoise in Hurghada at 6:00am²
• June 14: Depart Hurghada International Airport 9:10am (Group flight)
• June 14: Arrive Cairo International Airport 10:10am (Group flight)
• June 21: Check-out Sofitel Winter Palace (time varies)
• June 21: Group transfer included Sofitel Winter Palace to Luxor International Airport (time varies)

¹ Nile River Cruise + Cairo May 31 - June 7 Guests check-out Four Seasons Hotel 7:00am
• Detailed itinerary and additional information: Nile River Cruise + Cairo May 31 - June 7

² Alexandria + Cairo + Luxor June 14-21 Guests fly Hurghada to Cairo
• Detailed itinerary and additional information: Alexandria + Cairo + Luxor June 14-21

LOS ANGELES - CAIRO
DEPARTING: THURSDAY, JUNE 5 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, JUNE 21
ESTIMATED COST: $1,600

CAIRO - HURGHADA
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, JUNE 7 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, JUNE 14
ESTIMATED COST: $185

LUXOR - CAIRO
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, JUNE 21
ESTIMATED COST: $120

RECOMMENDED CAIRO HOTEL

Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel
Inbound: if applicable, dates vary. The recommended Group flights require a Cairo layover (not included in Seasick package)
Outbound: if applicable, dates vary. The recommended Group flights do not require a Cairo layover (not included in Seasick package)
• Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel is connected to the Cairo International Airport (CAI) via a skybridge

Room types: Deluxe King or Twin (≈$195 Double Occ including taxes and fees).
Day use rooms may be available. Contact hotel for rates and availability.

RECOMMENDED HURGHADA HOTEL

Jaz Casa Del Mar Beach Resort (All Inclusive)
Inbound: if applicable, dates vary. The recommended Group flights do not require a Hurghada hotel (not included in Seasick package)
Outbound: if applicable, dates vary. The recommended Group flights do not require a Hurghada hotel (not included in Seasick package)

Room types: Superior Garden View (≈$250 Double + ≈$185 Single), Superior Sea View (≈$285 Double + ≈$210 Single), Deluxe Garden View (≈$300 Double), Executive Suite Sea View (≈$495 Double)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, David Haas, Haas Photography Inc., its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $1,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $1,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.