Freedom III dive boat review
Photographs: Umbi Sharks Bay.
Freedom III: a northern Red Sea safari that can fit a shorter holiday
Freedom III carries up to twenty guests in nine en-suite cabins from Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Its three- and four-night safaris are a useful way to combine northern reef and wreck diving with a stay ashore. Longer programmes also appear, including Dahab’s Deep North route; the name on your departure matters as much as the number of nights.
Availability: the three displayed late-2026 departures were all full on 2 November. Enquire about other dates before arranging flights.
The 28-metre boat has a family cabin as well as doubles and twins, two sun decks and a spacious working platform. Eight guests are the published minimum for a departure.
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A cabin for buddies, couples or a family
At 28 × 7.5 metres, Freedom III offers nine air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms. Mini-fridges, safes and TV/DVD facilities are listed in the cabins, keeping useful comforts close to hand between dives.
| Cabin type | Number | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-deck twin | 6 | Two single beds, a porthole and a private bathroom. |
| Main-deck master | 1 | A double bed, porthole and private bathroom; a supplement applies. |
| Upper-deck master | 1 | A double bed, panoramic window and private bathroom; a supplement applies. |
| Lower-deck family / quad | 1 | A double bed with two single berths, for an agreed family or group allocation. |
The family cabin is a distinctive option if you prefer staying together, while a twin can make sharing simpler for friends. Published deck labels differ between booking sources, so a specific cabin number and window arrangement should be part of the confirmation if a sea view matters. Sole occupancy and double-cabin supplements need a dated quote.
Room to relax after the last bubbles
The indoor salon and dining room are air-conditioned, with wood panelling, upholstered seating and several tables. A television, music system and small library give the room a life beyond mealtimes. Camera rinsing and charging facilities are also listed, useful for keeping the day’s photography organised.
Outside, there’s a partially shaded, spacious sundeck on the very top. You’ll find cushioned seating and tables as well as an open view of the Red Sea. The sunbathing area at the bow gives another place to stretch out; the canopy is an appealing alternative when you would rather enjoy the scenery from the shade.
Meals and drinks
Full board covers three meals, snacks, water, soft drinks, tea and coffee. The food offering includes local cooking, and dietary arrangements are available by advance request. Guests repeatedly mention generous food, but individual dishes described in reviews belong to those trips rather than a fixed menu.
Wi-Fi is available aboard, subject to coverage. The better plan for a long passage may be a book from the salon rather than an appointment that depends on a connection.
Travelling with a non-diver?
Non-divers and snorkellers are welcomed, and a snorkelling guide is listed in the partner package. The non-diver fare and suitable activities depend on the booked departure; optional shore or watersport services should not be assumed to run at each offshore stop.
Short safaris and the longer northern programme
These are Egyptian itineraries leaving from the Umbi Sharks Bay jetty in Sharm El Sheikh. Tiran, Ras Mohammed and the Gubal wrecks are different parts of the northern circuit. Adding Thistlegorm means a different journey from staying around the Tiran reefs, while Deep North continues towards Dahab along Sinai.
| Itinerary | Nights and ports | The practical difference |
|---|---|---|
| Dunraven, Ras Mohammed & Tiran — mini | 3 nights; Sharks Bay return | A compact reef-and-wreck safari, suited to combining boat days with a hotel stay. |
| Thistlegorm, Dunraven, Ras Mohammed & Tiran | 4-night mini-safaris; also 7-night agent listings | More emphasis on wrecks, with Gubal crossings as well as reef diving. |
| Dunraven, Ras Mohammed & Tiran — longer | 5-night agent example; Sharks Bay return | More days around the northern circuit; the longer fleet outline also names Million Hope. |
| Deep North / Dahab | 7-night agent examples; Sharks Bay return | Tiran and the Dahab coast, for a different mix of Sinai reefs and walls. |
The three-night Dunraven–Ras Mohammed–Tiran trips listed for 9–12 November, 28 November–1 December and 20–23 December 2026 were all full when checked on 2 November 2026; the €570 fare is therefore a reference, not an available offer. Agent listings checked on 23 October included northern wrecks for 7–14 November, a five-night northern circuit for 21–26 November and Deep North for 5–12 December. Those January and February 2027 listings repeated the week-long wreck and Deep North families. Availability differs between calendars and requires a fresh confirmation.
A generic three-night Mini Safari is also listed for 19–22 December without enough detail to assign its route. Abu Nuhas wrecks appear in the boat’s broader description, but no distinct current departure with a complete Abu Nuhas plan was verified. A private charter can be tailored, subject to permissions and conditions; it is not an assurance that every named northern site will be visited.
Route outlines
- Dunraven, Ras Mohammed & Tiran — mini: Illustrative three-night sequence: boarding → Sharks Bay check dive / Jackfish Alley / Alternatives → Dunraven / Shark & Yolanda / Jackson / South Lagoon → Thomas OR Woodhouse / Gordon → Sharks Bay.
- Thistlegorm, Dunraven, Ras Mohammed & Tiran: Programme outline: Thistlegorm / Shag Rock / Shaab Mahmoud and Dunraven → Ras Mohammed → Tiran. Order and repeat dives vary by departure.
- Dunraven, Ras Mohammed & Tiran — longer: Dunraven → Ras Mohammed → Tiran, with Million Hope named in the longer programme. This is not a guaranteed daily plan.
- Deep North / Dahab: Tiran / Million Hope → Ras Mamlah / Blue Hole / Canyon / Ras Abu Galum / Gabr el Bint. The fleet description identifies highlights, not a fixed day-by-day order.
These plans are indicative. Weather, access permissions and the group determine the actual diving. A Blue Hole visit does not imply an arch dive, and wreck penetration is not automatically included in a wreck itinerary.
Itinerary reference map
Each layer plots verified site references for its route family. The exact jetty, Dahab sites, Million Hope and other unverified positions remain unplotted, so these are partial maps without implied sailing tracks.
The reefs and wrecks in context
Dunraven and Thistlegorm offer distinct wreck dives, while Ras Mohammed and the four Tiran reefs bring walls, coral and current-dependent diving. A repeated site can feel different as conditions change; the briefing and the guide’s plan matter more than an assumed universal route around a reef.
This separate map includes the verified northern references and Abu Nuhas, which is mentioned in the broader programme. Its marker does not establish a visit on your trip.
Diving from Freedom III
The roomy dive deck has individual equipment space, a large platform and two toilets/showers. Two tenders support diving operations. Standard tanks and weights are included, while larger cylinders, rental kit and Nitrox are extra.
The operator’s minimum is Advanced Open Water or equivalent with 30 logged dives. Recent experience also matters: a diver returning after a long break may need a refresher or skills check. The price and format of any required check belong in the booking discussion. Dive counts depend on the route and conditions, particularly on joining and leaving days.
A Freedom III trip on film
Freedom III Liveaboard — Red Sea (Egypt) by Enjoy Diving. Guest trip footage from Sharm, Ras Mohammed and Tiran; the poster is an illustrative boat photograph.
What a Freedom III trip costs
A displayed three-night reference is €570 per person, with the dated late-2026 partner departures above currently full. The operator also advertises a starting reference of €150 per person per day. These different pricing formats should not be multiplied or combined into a promised total; your quote needs the date, cabin, occupancy and inclusions.
| Item | Published reference | Budget context |
|---|---|---|
| Three-night cruise | €570 per person | Dated late-2026 listings; currently full on the checked partner page. |
| Park fees | €15 per person/day operator reference | Partner packages show €55–90 per trip; agree the applicable bundle. |
| Nitrox | €10 per person/day partner reference | Extra, not the free-Nitrox promise in the former profile. |
| Nitrox course | €185 partner reference | Optional, subject to arrangements and eligibility. |
| Double / sole-use cabin | Supplement on request | Match the same occupancy when comparing prices. |
| Equipment and larger tanks | Extra | Itemise rental requirements before booking. |
| Meals and transfers | Included in the standard package | Full board, snacks, soft drinks and Sharm airport transfers. |
| Alcohol, tips, flights, visa and insurance | Separate | Allow for these beyond the cruise quote. |
For example, three charged Nitrox days at €10 add €30; three park-fee days at €15 add €45 if that daily arrangement applies. A package using a fixed park bundle will have a different calculation.
Boarding at Sharks Bay
The operator gives boarding from 20:00 with dinner, then an early departure the following morning. Its standard final-day plan ends around noon after lunch and two dives, but a flight can change what is possible. Agree the last dive and transfer with the required no-fly interval before buying an inconvenient flight.
What guests loved — and what could be better
Guest accounts often praise the food and helpful crew, alongside specific reservations about cabin expectations and extras.
What guests loved
Shehzan D.’s March 2026 review describes attentive assistance and satisfying, homely meals. The boat felt older, but the guest found good value in the service and would return.
Mario V., reviewing a first liveaboard in January 2025, appreciated unhurried briefings and a Nitrox course arranged aboard. The varied, plentiful food also stood out. This is encouragement for qualified divers new to liveaboards, rather than a waiver of experience requirements.
What could be better
Victor A.’s October 2022 account praises the crew and corals but reports a cabin-allocation disappointment: only one of two master cabins had the expected sea view. Agreeing the exact room matters.
Phillip H., in October 2024, enjoyed a short Dunraven and Tiran trip but considered a $55 skills check poor value after a long diving break. That individual, dated charge is not today’s tariff; clarify any refresher requirement and price before arrival.
When another boat might suit you better
Freedom III is especially worth considering when three or four nights at sea fit your holiday better than a full week. A guest who wants a particular sea-view cabin should settle that detail before paying. If included Nitrox is a priority, compare the final cost with boats whose dated package explicitly includes it.
For a smaller group, Freedom VIII carries eleven guests, although two of its twin cabins share bathroom facilities. Freedom III offers private bathrooms throughout.
Freedom III questions
How many cabins does Freedom III have?
Nine en-suite cabins for up to twenty guests: six twins, two doubles and one family cabin with a double and two single berths.
Can a family stay in one cabin?
The family cabin can accommodate four in its published layout. Occupancy, ages and the family fare need to be agreed for the actual departure.
Does a double cabin guarantee a sea view?
No. The upper-deck master is listed with a panoramic window; the main-deck master has a porthole. Book the specific cabin category if the view matters to you.
Is Nitrox free?
No. Current terms treat Nitrox as an extra; the partner reference is €10 per person per day.
What qualification do I need?
Advanced Open Water or equivalent and at least 30 logged dives are the operator’s minimum. A long break from diving may also require a skills check or refresher.
Are the short trips only for beginners?
No. Their shorter duration does not remove current, wreck or experience considerations. The same booking requirements still apply.
Will every mini-safari visit Thistlegorm?
No. The Dunraven–Ras Mohammed–Tiran itinerary is distinct from a trip that explicitly includes Thistlegorm.
Are there longer Freedom III itineraries?
Yes. Agent calendars show five-night northern trips and seven-night northern-wreck or Deep North/Dahab trips. A dated confirmation is needed because calendars differ.
Can a non-diver join?
Non-divers and snorkellers are welcomed, with a snorkelling guide listed in the partner package. Confirm the non-diver fare and activities for the specific trip.
Are airport transfers included?
Sharm El Sheikh airport transfers are included in the standard package. The joining point is the Umbi Sharks Bay jetty.
Is there a confirmed build or refit year?
No reliable distinction between construction and refurbishment dates was established. An ambiguous catalogue date is not used as a build-year claim.
Have you sailed on Freedom III? Share your review, including your trip date, cabin and itinerary.
Availability, cabin categories and published fee references checked 2 November 2026; agent route examples and guest accounts checked 23 October 2026. This is a documented update, not a firsthand inspection. Existing visitor ratings remain separate and unchanged.
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, through the eyes of the people who have been: guest reviews, trip stories and our guide to Egypt’s reefs, wrecks and shore-diving stays.
- 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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