BEST OF THE RED SEA

Simply the Best lives up to its formidable reputation. Diving here can be unpredictable and you never know what is passing in the blue. After a check dive local to Marsa Alam, the Brothers is always your first big wall stop off. Sailing overnight means you can wake up to be where the action is. Little Brother is the stage for adrenalin-fuelled shark diving, whilst Big Brother sports the highlights of the Numidia and Aida wrecks. Another overnight journey and you are whisked to Daedalus Reef. Daedalus is a huge triangular chunk of a reef, whose vertical drop-offs rival the Brothers. Giant hard coral structures sprawl the walls and schooling hammerheads are frequently found off the northern point (spring). Currents pulse over a garden of splendid anemones, whose damsel residents dart between tentacles. Rounding off the week is Elphinstone reef, completing a trio of unparalleled wall dive destinations. Elphinstone has earned a reputation in recent years as the place to see oceanic white tips. Manta passes over the northern plateau, together with grey reef sharks. Barracuda, snapper and tuna are stapled spots on all sites.