Ocean Tribe Fleet — Local services in Red Sea

Embarking on a journey with the Ghazala Explorer early March 2024 proved to be an extraordinary adventure that exceeded all expectations, especially with the inclusion of diving the Mikkion Hope wreck near Sharm El Sheikh. The itinerary, rich with numerous wrecks, provided a unique and thrilling diving experience that was both enriching and unforgettable.

The dive guides, Achmet and Achmet, brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to our expedition. With over 15 years on liveaboards, their expertise in navigating the intricacies of the Red Sea's underwater marvels was unparalleled. They were not only guides but also educators, imparting invaluable dive training that enhanced my skills and confidence under the sea. Their passion and dedication to diving were contagious, making every dive a learning adventure.

The crew, from the saloon staff to the chefs and sailors, were remarkable in their service. They anticipated every need, often before we even realized it ourselves, embodying the true essence of hospitality. The attention to detail, the warm smiles, and the constant readiness to assist made us feel more like honored guests than passengers. It was evident that they took great pride in their roles, ensuring our comfort and satisfaction at every turn.

The cuisine onboard the Ghazala Explorer was a delightful journey in itself. Every meal was a celebration of flavors, with chefs showcasing their culinary talents through a variety of dishes that catered to all tastes and preferences. The full-board meal plan, including snacks and welcome cocktails, added a luxurious touch to our diving experience, fueling our bodies and spirits for the underwater adventures that awaited us.

The accommodations and facilities on the Ghazala Explorer were top-notch, providing a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The cabins were spacious and well-appointed, offering a serene retreat after a day filled with diving and exploration. The boat's design and amenities, including Wi-Fi internet and deck towels, catered to our every need, making our stay onboard both enjoyable and convenient.

In summary, my journey on the Ghazala Explorer was nothing short of exceptional. The dives, the crew, the food, and the training all contributed to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking adventure and beauty in the Red Sea. The professionalism and warmth of everyone onboard turned this trip into an unforgettable memory, and I look forward to my next...

I have just returned from my latest live aboard diving holiday on their NEW SHIP the Ghazala Adventurer; after a recommendation from a dive buddy. I can honestly say it was one of the best diving holidays I've been on to date.

The Ghazala's Team of Instructors, dive guides, Ships crew, chief, and everyone involved were the perfect balance of professionalism and fun. The cabins were clean and spacious, and the showers were better than many hotels I've stayed in. The food was all freshly prepared with something different to choose from every day. Even the coffee was Freshly ground (sorry I'm a coffee snob !)

The itinerary (northern wrecks and reefs) is fabulous. The Guides and the Captain are very skilled at choosing the right sites for the weather conditions and the ability levels of the customers on board, even down to making sure we had at least Two options available at almost every site; to avoid highly skilled divers getting bored or even worse having new divers out of their comfort zone.

As a professional diver myself I know this is not easy to achieve, so I was very impressed to see that the team of guides were really aware of keeping everyone safe yet entertained at the same time.

I had the good fortune to have booked a week that the Owner of Ocean Tribe was actually holidaying on board with his amazing family. What lovely people; kind, friendly and great fun. I even got the privilege of buddying up on a couple of dive with them. It was great to know that my hard earned money was going towards a family run business who genuinely care about their crew and customers alike. They made me feel like part of their Family.

Safety on board the ship was of a very high standard from the proper Fire alarm system and extinguishers, right through to the briefings and emergency drill that were carried out.

It was an amazing holiday with first class treatment and great value for money. A huge thank you to all that were involved in making it a holiday to remember (for all the right reasons) You will not want for anything.

If I could leave six stars...

Go ahead and book that trip! Being on the Ghazala Explorer is one amazing liveaboard experience. The boat, the staff, the food, the diving experience and assistance is extraordinary. The boat is immaculately clean, the staff is always smiling and ready to help and the briefings are always entertaining and very informational. Having beach towels and plush terry cloth robes is an amazing touch! Also, all the toilets have a bidet! WOOHOO! But its this huge white doorknob thing close to the base, unlike the "bum guns" you find all over Southeast Asia. (this, to me, is exceptionally important!)

The customer service is TOP NOTCH. I cannot ask for anything more - they have been immeasurably assuring and very attentive to all of my questions. The dive guides are amazing and you cannot ask anything more! I think I found the best falafels on this boat, and I have a suspicion everything else I taste will fail in comparison.

The experience on the boat is fun and very congenial. The dive guides caught me dancing and singing while diving so eventually they joined in right after safety stops and we had some fun scuba dancing. Though, I'd say I got extremely lucky since I do have the same name as the local beer, so they do remember my name almost instananeously!

Some tips and travel advice: BRING ALL YOUR COMFORT STUFF. Vicks Vaporub/Tiger Balm type of stuff is NOWHERE to be found in Hurghada, and if you do find it, it's not the same smell. There are no Asian stores around and the pharmacies don't carry it. Trust me, I looked. Tampons are not everywhere, so if there's a specific brand you like, bring that with you too.

Also, Red Tiger Balm is GOLD around these parts. So if you are carrying them (or something similar) from wherever you are coming from, please bring an extra jar or two for the crew. They will forever remember the amazing gesture! (Diving tip: I massage a little red tiger balm around my ears so i equalize better...