Ambai
At 43 meters (142 feet) length, the New MV Grand Sea Explorer is the epitome of luxury, intended for pampering and a level of service found nowhere else in the Red Sea. She is stable, spacious, and offers smooth cruising. Accommodating up to 28 divers (only 22 divers required for full private charter), this opulent vessel has 14 staterooms split into two [very large] suites, 2 double cabins and 10 twin cabins. All rooms feature air conditioning, stereos, personal fridges, and an en-suite bathrooms with jet showers. There is plenty of space onboard, both on the dive deck and in the extensive and welcoming main deck salon with separate dining area. On surface intervals, divers can unwind on the covered sun decks, watch movies or listen to music on the latest entertainment systems, or use the free WIFI to share their Instagram-worthy day.
The MV Grand Sea Explorer is specifically designed for divers looking for luxury and a well-built vessel for cruising between dive sites. The huge waterline-level dive deck can accommodate all 28 divers with individual seating stations, and 3 professional guides will be in the water on each dive. It is customized for effortless diving. Rest assured, the MV Grand Sea Explorer is fully licensed to cruise the entire Egyptian Red Sea and offers multiple itineraries to do so. Added bonus: Certified divers will also receive free Nitrox for your trip!
Specifications
Length overall: 142ft (43.3 meters)
Beam: 27.2ft (8.3 meters)
Main engines: 2x 720 hp CAT
Generators: 2x 60KW, 1x 80KW
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Water Makers: 2x 8000L/daily
Accommodations: 22 passengers in 14 air-conditioned cabins situated over two decks with private bathrooms and showers. Up to 3 dive guides and 3 tenders.
Safety Equipment: First aid kit, oxygen kit; life jackets; fire fighting system, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors; fire alarms; vhf radio, cb radio, satellite phone, GPS, compass
Air Systems: 3 compressors, with cascade-type storage banks, located in the engine room. Nitrox membrane, producing 32% nitrox
The Upper Deck
The upper deck includes the al-fresco dining area, the bar, Staterooms 9-12, Suite 2 (King bed) and a large lounge area.
The Main Deck
The large main deck contains Suite 1 (King bed), the air-conditioned dining and lounge area, TV viewing area with DVD/CD music system, common restroom, galley, camera charging station and the dive deck with a large camera table.
The Lower Deck
Staterooms 1-6 with twin beds and Staterooms 7-8 with queen beds are located on the lower deck, accessed via stairs from the main deck.
The Grand Sea Explorer will depart primarily from Hurghada and sometimes from Port Ghaleb, Egypt. This unique itinerary offers 7 nights/6 days of diving in 3 famous Red Sea regions. You will explore the revered Brothers Islands, Daedelus Reef and Elphinstone Reef. All part of the Red Sea’s protected Marine Parks, these islands are an oasis of sea life.
Brother’s Islands: The two Brother’s Islands are a remote and low-lying volcanic group. Tops of mighty underwater mountains, these pinnacles offer extraordinary wall diving along their entire perimeters attracting large pelagics. Oceanic whitetips, hammerheads, and schools of tuna can be seen cruising by. A forest of soft corals sprawls over the dive sites, creating a breathtaking underwater scene.
Daedelus Reef: 180km South of Brother’s Islands, lies the even more remote Daedelus Reef. Protected in 1986, it is an isolated lighthouse surrounded by an oval reef. Drop below the surface and you will find some of the most stunning diving in the Red Sea. Typical of Daedalus are its huge and pristine hard coral walls and the possibility of spotting schooling hammerheads. Thresher sharks, mantas and whale sharks are spotted here too.
Elphinstone Reef: Legendary is the word used to describe Elphinstone Reef. The last standalone reef, this is the final stop of the Red Sea itinerary. Its North and South plateaus and walls are covered in vibrant soft corals, and hammerheads and grey reef sharks are regularly seen on dives. Susceptible to currents, Elphinstone is your best chance to see Oceanic Whitetips and many other blue water pelagics.
To maximize the time guests will be able to explore these mesmerizing regions, up to 5 dives will be offered daily (depending on season), and all diving is done from the ease of 3 dive tenders. From May through September, up to 5 dives a day are offered. From October through April, 4 dives a day are offered due to shorter days and less daylight.
