St Johns Reef Liveaboards – Deep South Caves, Coral and Dolphins
The Deep South is the quiet end of Egypt, close to the border with Sudan. Fewer boats come this far, so the hard coral is in great shape. You swim through the caves of St John’s, dive the coral gardens of Fury Shoal, and snorkel with spinner dolphins in the Sataya lagoon. Only liveaboards can take you there.
Who the Deep South Works For
Open Water Divers
Most sites suit you
Snorkelling Partners
Dolphin lagoon
Photographers
Cave Fans
Easy swim-throughs
Quiet-Trip Seekers
Fewer boats
You Can See
Caves, Coral and Dolphins
St John’s Caves
Shallow caves and swim-throughs full of light.
Snorkel with Dolphins
Spinner dolphins rest in the Sataya lagoon.
Pristine Hard Coral
Healthy reefs with giant clams and reef fish.
Reef Sharks
On the steep walls of Rocky Island.
Photos: @scubadaan (giant clam), Franziska Stier (reef shark)
Ready to pick your boat?
Where You’ll Dive
Deep South Dive Sites
Fury Shoal
A group of reefs with coral gardens, Claudio’s caves and the small Abu Galawa wreck. Sataya, the dolphin lagoon, is part of it.
St John’s
Reefs near the Sudan border, with caves and swim-throughs at Gota Kebir and Habili Ali. Healthy hard coral all around.
Rocky Island
A small island with steep walls and strong current. Reef sharks, and oceanic whitetips in autumn.
Zabargad
A large island with a sheltered lagoon, coral pinnacles and calm dives when the wind is up.
Your guide chooses sites each day based on wind and current.
Hot Picks
Liveaboards We Recommend for the Deep South
Sea Serpent Excellence
A 36 m wooden boat, refitted in 2020, for 24 guests. Runs Fury Shoal and St John’s weeks, with free Nitrox.
View boat →
Sea Serpent Glorious Miss Nouran
Built in 2020, for 26 guests. Mixes St John’s, Fury Shoal and Rocky & Zabargad weeks.
View boat →
Red Sea Aggressor V
Built in 2020, for 26 guests. Goes furthest south, to Elba Reef and Rocky & Zabargad.
View boat →Fury Shoal & St John’s or Rocky & Zabargad?
Fury Shoal & St John’s
Calm reefs, caves and the dolphin lagoon. Good for Open Water divers and for snorkelling partners.
Rocky & Zabargad
Steeper walls, stronger current and more sharks. Better with Advanced Open Water. Some weeks add Daedalus, see our Daedalus page.
Life Aboard
Days and Nights in the South
Photos: @zaina.dives.qa, @malgosja.zmi
Want a special offer for the Deep South?
Message us directly — we’ll match you to the right route, boat and dates.
Chat on WhatsAppGet Ready
Before You Book Your Deep South Trip
Snorkelling with Dolphins at Sataya
Read more →
Private Charter in South Egypt
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What to Pack for a Liveaboard
Read more →Why BookDiveBoat for the Deep South?
Southern routes change from week to week, and the names can be confusing. We check which boat runs Fury Shoal, St John’s or Rocky & Zabargad on your dates, and match it to your level. Travelling with a snorkeller? Tell us, and we’ll pick a week with the dolphin lagoon.
FAQ
St John’s and Deep South Questions
When is the best time to dive the Deep South?
Can I swim with dolphins in the Deep South?
What experience do I need?
What is St John’s Reef?
Where do Deep South trips leave from?
Is the Deep South good for non-divers?
Book Your Deep South Liveaboard
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