Bella dive boat review
Historical Bella photographs: LiveAboard.com and Divezone’s existing Bella 1 collection. These show the documented interiors, not a new inspection.
Bella: a sociable base for northern Red Sea diving
Bella, also pictured here as Bella 1, is an Egyptian Red Sea liveaboard associated with Sharm el Sheikh. A wood-panelled lounge, generous outdoor seating and a practical camera area give the boat its appeal between wreck and reef dives.
The operator still lists Bella 1, but the separate Bella booking profile shows no online departures. Current sailing dates and the assigned vessel need confirmation before you make travel arrangements.
Cabins and the importance of a current deck plan
The established Bella layout has eight twin rooms, a double and a master room, all with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. Storage, bathrobes and towels are part of the documented accommodation. A twin is the natural starting point for friends sharing; couples may prefer one of the double-bed rooms.
The current cabin count is unresolved. Published figures range from 20 to 24 guests and 10 to 11 cabins, while the operator’s main Bella 1 description now gives 22 guests in 11 rooms. A confirmed room number and current deck plan are necessary to establish what you are booking.
| Choice | Established arrangement | What matters when booking |
|---|---|---|
| Twin room | Separate beds; the historical layout places most twins below deck | Deck, window or porthole, and whether both beds are at the same level |
| Double room | Shared double bed with private bathroom | Bed configuration rather than the phrase “double occupancy” |
| Master room | A larger double-bed category in the historical cabin description | Current room size, position and supplement |
The specification used here is 125 feet, approximately 38 metres. The boat’s name and cabin allocation should appear on the booking confirmation; Bella 2, Bella 3 and Eriny are separate fleet listings.
Life aboard Bella
Bella offers roomy social areas where the group can meet, with quieter corners when you want some time to yourself. The indoor lounge has plenty of couches and an entertainment system. Its library and warm wooden interior make it a comfortable place to read or sort photographs after a dive.
The dining room has a buffet station and a drinks counter. Local and international food, snacks and vegetarian options are advertised. The operator asks for dietary needs in advance, which gives the kitchen time to plan; a specific allergy still deserves a direct discussion.
Outside, the top deck is the main place to spend a surface interval. Part of the solarium is shaded, allowing a choice between shelter and sunshine, and the upper deck has additional shaded seating. The historical photographs show the boat’s sociable layout particularly well.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is advertised by the fleet for light use. Reception varies at sea, so it is better suited to occasional messages than a work schedule that depends on being online.
Bella’s routes: northern wrecks and reefs
Bella’s established trip descriptions cover seven-night northern cruises and shorter four-night trips from Sharm el Sheikh. These are historical programme lengths, not confirmed 2026 departures.
| Documented focus | Named areas | Practical character |
|---|---|---|
| Northern reef and wreck cruise | Tiran, Ras Mohammed, Thistlegorm and Dunraven | A mix of reef scenery and wreck history; current and depth vary between sites |
| Wreck-focused coverage | Abu Nuhas, with additional published references to Rosalie Moller, Ulysses and Kingston | More emphasis on wrecks; the list does not establish a fixed order or guarantee every stop |
| Short safari | Northern Red Sea | Four nights were described on the original Bella profile; the exact present route remains unverified |
The fleet also advertises other routes, including southern offshore diving. Those wider options are not automatically assigned to Bella 1. In particular, Brothers–Daedalus–Elphinstone should not be treated as a routine final leg of a northern Sinai trip.
A northern cruise can combine very different dives: a sheltered reef, a current-swept wall and a deeper wreck are not interchangeable experiences. The planned sites and your recent diving experience matter more than a broad “suitable for all levels” label.
Preparing for the diving
Bella’s spacious aft dive deck provides preparation space, storage and rinse facilities. Underwater photographers have a dry camera table, while the stern platform helps with water access. Two tenders are documented for reaching dive sites.
Nitrox is available, but its inclusion is inconsistent across listings; the fleet describes a supplement. Larger cylinders and rental equipment also need advance arrangement. The fleet recommends Advanced Open Water and at least 20 logged dives for most itineraries; that is not an assurance of suitability for every offshore route.
The operator requires dive insurance covering evacuation and hyperbaric treatment, with proof before departure. A surface marker buoy forms part of its required personal equipment.
Travelling with a non-diver?
The fleet welcomes non-divers and snorkelers, but not every dive site is suitable for snorkeling. Confirm Bella 1’s departure, activities and non-diver fare; no verified discount is available here.
Availability and the full trip cost
No current all-in Bella fare has been verified. The operator lists Bella 1, LiveAboard.com shows no online availability, and Divebooker labels its Bella entry as not operating. These conflicting commercial signals do not establish retirement, but they do make a direct availability check essential.
| Part of the cost | Detail to establish in the quote |
|---|---|
| Accommodation and meals | Named boat, cabin, nights aboard, currency and price per person; shared or private occupancy |
| Diving | Dive package, Nitrox, larger cylinders, rental kit and any instruction |
| Mandatory charges | Park and port charges, taxes and any fuel or service supplement for the route |
| Getting there | Flights, visa, insurance, hotel nights and airport or hotel transfers |
| Onboard spending | Drinks, payment method and any gratuities |
A dated written quotation makes a much better comparison than a bare starting price: two apparently similar cabins can come with different inclusions and transfer arrangements.
What guests say
A returning guest’s perspective
In September 2019, Tripadvisor contributor Gitay K described repeated Sinai trips with Bella and an enthusiastic group returning from the latest safari. The manager’s reply specifically identified Bella 1. The account is useful evidence of repeat custom, although it is too old to establish today’s service or condition.
Where the evidence is limited
Divezone’s six visitor votes remain visible separately. The checked Bella partner listing has no written guest rating, while many newer fleet reviews concern Bella 3 or Eriny. There is not enough boat-specific recent feedback to describe a reliable current consensus or invent a recurring complaint.
A short introduction to the Bella fleet
Bella Liveaboard’s short fleet film, published in its Scubaverse profile. It is a fleet introduction, not a verified tour of this individual boat. Cover photograph: Divezone’s Bella 1 collection. Watch on YouTube.
Bella: practical questions
Is Bella available in 2026?
Bella 1 remains in the operator’s fleet, but a dated sailing for the Bella profile was not verified. Confirm the actual vessel and departure directly.
Is Bella the same as Bella 2 or Bella 3?
No. The fleet lists Bella 1, Bella 2, Bella 3 and Eriny separately. The historical Bella photographs here include the Bella 1 name.
How many cabins are there?
The established description has ten, while the operator’s main Bella 1 description gives eleven. Current public figures conflict, so request the deck plan and your assigned cabin.
Is Nitrox included?
Availability is documented, but the fleet charges a supplement. Do not assume that a free-Nitrox badge applies to your booking.
Can I book a four-night trip?
Four-night northern cruises form part of Bella’s documented history. A present departure and route still need confirmation for this boat.
Can a non-diver join?
The fleet accepts non-divers and snorkelers. The suitable itinerary, Bella 1 allocation and fare must be confirmed; water access is not suitable at every dive site.
Are the photographs current?
They are identified historical Bella photographs. They explain the documented layout but do not certify present fittings or condition.
Does a northern trip include Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone?
That is not established for Bella. Offshore southern circuits are separate planning choices and require a confirmed boat programme.
Have you sailed on Bella or Bella 1? Share your experience with the date, route and cabin, including what worked well and what could be improved.
Research checked 23 October 2026. This guide combines the original boat description with published documentation, not a new onboard inspection. Current capacity, cabin allocation and the complete dated programme remain unresolved.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
Hamata
Hamata gives land-based divers access to Fury Shoals: coral gardens, small wrecks and exposed outer reefs, with outings matched to experience and sea conditions.
Eilat
Eilat offers mainly shore-based Red Sea diving, with coral gardens, the Satil wreck and sites for different experience levels. Check recent-dive and insurance requirements before arrival.
Aqaba
Aqaba combines coral gardens and shore diving with the Cedar Pride, aircraft wrecks and underwater military displays. A land-based stay can also include Petra and Wadi Rum.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam combines shore-access bays such as Abu Dabbab with boat trips to offshore reefs including Elphinstone. Choose the base and dive profile to suit your experience; wildlife sightings vary.
Nuweiba
Nuweiba suits unhurried shore diving and underwater photography, with coral gardens and small marine life to explore with a local guide.
Dahab
Dahab combines shore-access reefs and training sites with advanced profiles at the Canyon and Blue Hole. Choose the dive to match your experience.
Hurghada
Hurghada combines day-boat reefs, beginner training and longer wreck excursions. Match the site, transfer and dive profile to your experience.
Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm combines local reef diving with Ras Mohammed, Tiran and separately planned wreck excursions. Match the route and dive profile to your experience.
Red Sea
Red Sea diving ranges from shore reefs and northern wrecks to exposed offshore walls. Choose the base and route around your experience and travel plans.
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Red Sea, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
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