Brothers Islands Liveaboards – Daedalus and Elphinstone (BDE)
The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone are the offshore marine parks of Egypt, and divers call the route BDE. These are small reefs in open sea, with steep walls, strong current and the Red Sea’s best chance of big sharks. Only liveaboards can take you there.
Who BDE Works For
Advanced Divers
AOW + about 50 dives
Shark Fans
Photographers
Drift Divers
Repeat Red Sea Divers
You Can See
The Big Sharks of the Red Sea
Oceanic Whitetips
Curious and bold, most active in autumn.
Hammerheads
Out in the blue, mostly in early summer.
Thresher Sharks
Seen in the early morning at the Brothers.
Grey Reef Sharks
Along the walls at all three sites.
Ready to pick your boat?
Where You’ll Dive
The Three Offshore Parks
Big Brother
The larger island, with a lighthouse and two wrecks on its walls, the Numidia and the Aida. Soft coral everywhere.
Little Brother
A small reef with steep walls and strong current. The best spot for threshers and grey reef sharks.
Daedalus
A lone reef far offshore, with a lighthouse and Anemone City. Known for hammerheads in summer. See our Daedalus page.
Elphinstone
A long reef off Marsa Alam with plateaus at both ends. Oceanic whitetips in autumn.
Most dives start from a zodiac, with drift diving along the walls.
Hot Picks
Liveaboards We Recommend for BDE
Grand Discovery
Our newest Egypt boat, launched in 2025, for up to 36 guests. Runs BDE most weeks, with Nitrox made on board.
View boat →
All Star Ghani
A 42 m steel boat, fully renovated in 2025, for 24 guests. Two zodiacs for drop-offs.
View boat →
Serenity
Our best-value pick. Mixes BDE weeks with North & Brothers weeks, and offers courses on board.
View boat →Prefer to Stay on Land?
Dive Elphinstone from Marsa Alam
The Oasis Marsa Alam
A quiet dive resort that runs boat trips to Elphinstone, plus its own house reef. The Brothers and Daedalus are liveaboard-only.
View resort →BDE or North & Brothers?
BDE Week
All three offshore parks in one week. More time with sharks and more crossings. Advanced Open Water and about 50 logged dives.
North & Brothers Week
The northern wrecks and reefs, then the Brothers at the end. A gentler step up. See our Thistlegorm page.
Life Aboard
A Week on the Offshore Route
Photos: @zaina.dives.qa, @scubadaan
Want a special offer for BDE?
Message us directly — we’ll check your dive log and match you to the right boat and month.
Chat on WhatsAppGet Ready
Before You Book Your BDE Liveaboard
Brothers Islands Liveaboard Guide
Read more →
Certification for a Liveaboard
Read more →
Diving Solo on an Egypt Liveaboard
Read more →Why BookDiveBoat for BDE?
BDE is the Red Sea’s most demanding route, and the season decides which sharks you’re likely to see. We work with trusted BDE boats and check your certification and dive count before you book. If your log isn’t ready yet, we’ll say so and suggest a route that gets you there.
FAQ
Brothers Islands Liveaboard Questions
What experience do I need for a BDE liveaboard?
When is the best time to dive the Brothers?
What sharks can I see on a BDE trip?
Are there night dives at the Brothers?
Can I dive Elphinstone without a liveaboard?
How long are BDE trips, and where do they leave from?
Book Your Brothers Islands Liveaboard
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