DIVE ENIGMATIC SAUDI ARABIA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is surrounded by never ending legends, famous stories, and mysteries. Up until a few years ago, entry into the country was permitted only to religious pilgrims and business visitors. However recently, when the country began to issue tourist visas as well, it opened its doors even wider, and travellers can finally explore this enigmatic country, full of cultural and historical sites.

Dive the Farasan Banks, famous for their out-of-this-world reefs and wild islands. Sizeable fish and magical walls are waiting for you this coming spring on our Saudi diving safaris. Jacques Cousteau’s first expedition to the Red Sea aboard his beloved Calypso was in 1963, and exactly in these waters which he called one of the most amazing and most pristine places on Earth.

The Farasan Banks are a large collection of islands made up of islets and coral reefs. The entire region is of volcanic origin. The madrepore (stony coral) columns growing on the rim of the old craters formed these vertical walls from the depths of over 300 metres. The islets, mainly circular or oblong in shape, are often surrounded by an outer coral belt which are testament to their volcanic origins. At first glance the islands and islets seem to be similar however each has its own secret, starting with the different composition of the fossilised coral layers that determined their formation.

The very fine coral sand on the shores is an ideal home for turtles that lay their eggs there all year round. Bird colonies nesting in the low vegetation make this group of islands a rare and beautiful natural oasis.

OUR VESSEL

Step onto our stunning 40-meter steel vessel, designed to combine safety, comfort, and luxury for an unforgettable journey. With four spacious decks, 13 elegantly appointed double cabins, accommodating up to 26 guests, featuring private bathrooms, and a cozy yet expansive layout, you will feel right at home on the water. We are experts in the Red Sea with over 20 years of experience. Our crew is passionate about the Red Sea, offering professional, friendly, and courteous service to ensure every moment of your voyage is exceptional. From scrumptious onboard catering to expertly curated adventures, your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities. Stable, secure, and equipped for safety, this is more than just a vessel—it’s your home away from home. Join us for an unparalleled Red Sea experience where relaxation and exploration meet.

WHY YOU’LL LIKE M/Y ANDROMEDA

• Safety above all!
• We treat you like family.
• A feeling of space and intimacy.
• Experience and trust.
• Western professionalism meets Eastern hospitality.
• 13 well-appointed cabins with all necessary amenities and private bathrooms.
• Comfortable large as well as cozy common areas.
• Arabian-style lounge with Oriental design, a unique feature of our liveaboard.
• Total relaxation.

ACCOMMODATION

• 13 double cabins; 5 queen-bed cabins + 2 twin-bed cabins on the upper deck, 8 twin-bed cabins on the lower deck.
• View, fresh air, windows that open on the upper deck.
• Sizeable cabins, lots of storage space.
• Comfy cotton bed linen and towels.
• Comfortable, sturdy beds.
• Private bathrooms with hot-water shower, sink, and toilet.
• Air-conditioning.

FEATURES

• 13 double cabins with private bathrooms on 2 decks.
• Over 100-square-metre sun deck, partially covered area with tables, comfortable seats, and a spectacular 360° view onto the open sea.
• Covered-deck lounging area in front of the salon with tables, and a bathroom.
• Cozy uncovered deck with soft cushions in front of the bridge, with an amazing view.
• Salon with pillowy soft couches, coffee tables, large TV screen, self-serve bar, fridge, and A/C.
• Arabian-style lounge, soft low seating, pillows, Middle-Eastern decor, and A/C.
• Large dive deck, individual gear/tank spots and boxes, hangers, and a bathroom.
• Spacious dive platform with 2 hand-held showers, 2 stairs on each side for better traffic.
• Charging station off the dive deck.
• Dining room that accommodates up to 30 people with 2 catering areas, windows that open, great view, and A/C.
• 2 zodiacs, 2 lifeboats, fire extinguishers, satellite phone, radar, EPIRB, VHF, radio, GPS, oxygen.
• Stabilising wings underneath the steel hull that provide great stability and balance.
• 2 powerful engines that provide speed and agility.

CATERING

West meets East. Self-serve open buffet. Scrumptious 3 main meals a day, plus savory and sweet snacks, pastries, and fruits all day long. Unlimited servings of mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juices, tea, and coffee. A sample menu:

• Breakfast: pita, toast, cold cuts, cheese, yoghurt, honey, jam, butter, eggs, vegetables, falafel, hummus, eggplant dip, crepes.
• Lunch and dinner: soups, fish, chicken, beef, stews, casseroles, pasta, rice, potatoes, salads, vegetables.

Please contact mike@piscesdivers.co.za for availability and all inclusions and exclusions.