Destinations
MY Samira dive boat review
Photographs: Discovery Divers.
Discovery II, formerly Samira: a Red Sea week with room to unwind
The MY Samira reviewed on this page now sails as Discovery II. This 35-metre wooden liveaboard accommodates 22 guests in eleven en-suite cabins, with a choice of twin rooms and honeymoon cabins. Its shaded lounges, separate dining room and open upper deck make a comfortable base between Egyptian reef and wreck dives.
Most dated departures combine Hurghada with northern wrecks, Tiran or the offshore Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone. A southern programme also appears in the forward calendar, but its joining port needs confirmation before you arrange flights.
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Eleven cabins, with three double-bed options
Built in 2014 and refitted in 2018 and 2022, Discovery II measures 35 × 8 metres. All cabins have air-conditioning and private bathrooms. The operator distinguishes eight twin cabins from three honeymoon cabins, making the room type as important as the deck when comparing a quote.
| Cabin | Number | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-deck twin | 6 | Buddies or solo divers sharing two separate beds. |
| Lower-deck honeymoon | 1 | A couple wanting a double bed. |
| Upper-deck twin | 2 | Two travellers who prefer an upper room without sharing a bed. |
| Upper-deck honeymoon | 2 | Couples choosing the upper deck and a double bed. |
The honeymoon category adds a minibar, entertainment equipment and a separate shower area according to the operator. Booking descriptions do not always use the same cabin names, so check the deck, bed arrangement and actual category together. Solo guests can enquire about a twin share; one specialist agent lists a 50% supplement for sole occupancy, subject to the departure, and does not offer honeymoon cabins as shared rooms.
A sociable salon and quieter corners outside
The indoor dining room sits beside the lounge, where broad cushioned sofas invite a rest between dives. Air-conditioning offers a welcome retreat from the sun, while the separate meal tables keep the lounge available for reading or chatting. The layout retains the sociable feel described in our original Samira review.
Outside, cushioned benches and low tables give the shaded deck a relaxed atmosphere. There is an outdoor bar, and the higher deck has sun loungers for those who would rather stretch out with a sea view. These spaces are part of the appeal for couples with different routines: one can settle with a book while the other prepares equipment for the next dive.
Meals aboard
Three buffet meals bring together local and international cooking, with snacks between dives. Tea, coffee, drinking water and standard soft drinks are included; beer and wine cost extra. Vegetarian food is listed, but tell the booking team about dietary needs before departure so the kitchen can plan provisions. Recent guests particularly appreciate the variety and quantity of food.
For a non-diving companion
Non-divers are accepted, and the lounges and sun decks offer space to relax. A companion who hopes to snorkel should have that activity confirmed for the chosen itinerary: an offshore diving week is a different holiday from a sheltered reef cruise. Ask for a written non-diver quote and the activities available on that sailing.
Four programmes in the current and forward calendar
The Discovery II calendar checked on 23 October 2026 lists three recurring seven-night families from Hurghada, plus a southern programme in February 2028. A northern week emphasises wrecks and reefs; BDE takes the boat offshore; the combined northern–Brothers–Safaga route links both styles but also adds travelling time. These are Egyptian cruises, not a tour of the countries around the Red Sea.
| Programme | Nights and ports | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Wrecks, Ras Mohammed & Tiran | 7 nights; Hurghada–Hurghada | Wreck and reef variety, including Gubal crossings and the Tiran reefs. |
| Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone | 7 nights; Hurghada–Hurghada | Offshore walls and exposed passages, with Safaga-area diving on the return. |
| Northern Wrecks, Tiran, Brothers & Safaga | 7 nights; Hurghada–Hurghada | A wide-ranging mix of northern wrecks, Tiran, offshore walls and Safaga sites. |
Daedalus, Rocky, Zabargad & Elphinstone
A seven-night departure appears on 26 February–4 March 2028. The calendar labels both ports HRG, whereas the fleet’s published southern route returns to Port Ghalib. Treat the port as unresolved and obtain the actual joining instructions before booking flights. This future listing does not establish a regular southern schedule.
The published southern outline runs through the Abu Dabbab or Shaab Sharm area, Daedalus, Rocky and Zabargad, then the southern reefs around Sataya before returning via the Marsa Alam area and Elphinstone. The final diving day offers Elphinstone or Marsa Shona before Port Ghalib in that route description. Weather and permissions can change the stops.
Indicative sequence of diving areas
The outlines below follow the published route plans. Alternatives remain alternatives, and the order can change with weather, permissions and the group. They describe a safari, not a universal dive plan or permission to enter a wreck.
- Northern Wrecks, Ras Mohammed & Tiran: Hurghada → Poseidon / Abu Nuhas / Shaab Mahmoud → Jackson / Thomas / Gordon OR Woodhouse / Temple → Ras Mohammed / Dunraven / Thistlegorm → Thistlegorm / Shag Rock / Gubal → Abu Nuhas / Siyul / Shaab El Erg → Umm Gamar area / Fanous → Hurghada.
- Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone: Hurghada → Small Giftun → Big Brother / Small Brother → Daedalus → Elphinstone, possibly Ras Tromby → Salem Express / Panorama / Ras Abu Soma / Gota Abu Ramada → El Mina / Fanous → Hurghada.
- Northern Wrecks, Tiran, Brothers & Safaga: Hurghada → Poseidon / Giannis D / Shaab Mahmoud → Jackson / Thomas / Gordon OR Woodhouse / Temple → Ras Mohammed / Thistlegorm → Big Brother / Small Brother → Salem Express / Panorama / Tobia Arbaa OR Ras Abu Soma / Gota Abu Ramada → Small Giftun / Fanous → Hurghada.
Itinerary reference map
The four layers show available reference points within these programmes. They are partial: the exact berths, several coastal and Safaga sites, Rocky and Zabargad are not plotted. The southern layer therefore locates only Daedalus and Elphinstone. No connecting line implies a complete sailing track.
Wrecks, reef walls and choosing your diving
The northern route brings Abu Nuhas, Thistlegorm and Dunraven together with Ras Mohammed and Tiran. The Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone shift the emphasis to offshore walls and current-dependent diving. Animal sightings are possibilities, not a reason to promise the same experience on every week.
Salem Express appears in the Safaga portions of the published plans. It is a wreck associated with a major loss of life, and any visit should be approached respectfully within the operator’s permitted dive plan.
Diving arrangements and experience
The working dive deck has individual equipment storage and leads to the stern platform. Two tenders serve sites where a pick-up or drop-off is needed. Standard 12-litre cylinders and weights are part of the diving package. Complimentary Nitrox up to 32% is offered to qualified divers, subject to technical availability.
A specialist agent lists Advanced Open Water and at least ten logged dives for the boat’s programmes. Obtain the requirements for your exact route in writing: offshore walls, currents, tender entries and open-water ascents call for experience beyond a certificate alone. The guide’s decision and sea conditions determine which dives are suitable. Diving and travel insurance should be arranged before departure.
A week aboard under the Samira name
Liveaboard Samira Discovery, Egypt by Dani. Guest footage from 17–24 August 2019, before the 2022 refit; it is not a current cabin inspection. The poster is a current-listed boat photograph.
Budget for the cruise and the compulsory extras
The official calendar checked on 23 October 2026 advertises 7–14 November 2026 at €920 per person, reduced from €1,150, on the seven-night northern wrecks, Tiran, Brothers and Safaga programme. This is a starting fare, with cabin allocation and availability still to be confirmed; it is not a quote for a particular room.
| Item | Published reference | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise | From €920 per person, 7–14 November 2026 | Cabin, occupancy and applicable offer. |
| Environment tax | €45 | Per person, per trip. |
| Fuel surcharge | €60–70 | Exact amount for your departure. |
| National park fees | €35–100 | Route-dependent. |
| Port fee | €35 | Listed separately by the booking partner. |
| Meals and diving package | Included | Full board, soft drinks, guides, weights and standard cylinders. |
| Nitrox | Included for qualified divers | Technical availability; no refund if unavailable under operator terms. |
| Personal extras | Additional | Rental kit, larger cylinders, alcohol and gratuities. |
The partner’s four compulsory fee categories total €175–250 per person. Keep them separate from the advertised fare until the booking team confirms the charges for the same cabin, date and route. Flights, visa, insurance and any rental equipment also belong in the overall holiday budget.
Transfers and the final night
The standard terms include Saturday airport transfers from Hurghada or Marsa Alam; other days and outlying hotel locations can cost extra. For the currently scheduled Hurghada-return trips, Hurghada airport is the straightforward arrival choice.
Check-in normally begins at 16:00 on Saturday, with sailing early on Sunday. The boat returns to port on Friday afternoon and checkout is at 10:00 on Saturday. Terms allow the final night aboard or in a hotel, so accommodation and the last diving day should be clear before flights are arranged.
What guests loved — and what could be better
Recent guest accounts give useful detail about everyday life aboard, while the older Samira comments below remain part of the page’s history.
What guests loved
Hugo V.’s July 2026 LiveAboard.com review praises the food, cleanliness and helpful crew. Burak D., writing in September 2026 after his first liveaboard, also appreciated the service and organisation. Together these accounts suggest that the hospitality matters as much as the cabin choice.
What could be better
Christopher E.’s October 2025 review enjoyed the crew’s flexibility when waves changed the plan, but wanted clearer information about extras. Jeonghyeon K.’s May 2026 account mentions busy sites and feeling cold in a 5 mm suit; those are individual trip experiences rather than conditions every guest will face.
When another boat might suit you better
Discovery II is a practical choice for divers who value sociable communal spaces, included standard Nitrox and a mix of northern and offshore itineraries. The three honeymoon cabins also give couples more double-bed choices than an all-twin layout.
If you want a smaller guest list, compare sister vessel Discovery I, formerly Amelia, with twenty guests. If Rocky and Zabargad are essential, choose a confirmed southern sailing with clear ports rather than relying on a future calendar label.
Discovery II / Samira questions
Is Samira now Discovery II?
Yes. The vessel formerly marketed as Samira is now Discovery II. The original Samira review URL and visitor comments are retained.
How many guests and cabins are there?
The current layout is eleven cabins for 22 guests: eight twins and three honeymoon cabins, spread over the lower and upper decks.
When was the boat built and refitted?
Discovery II was built in 2014, with refits listed in 2018 and 2022.
Which cabin should a couple choose?
The honeymoon cabins have a double bed. There is one below and two on the upper deck; confirm the exact cabin category on the booking.
Is Nitrox included?
Complimentary Nitrox up to 32% is available for appropriately qualified divers, subject to technical availability.
Does the boat sail to Rocky and Zabargad?
A dated seven-night programme appears for 26 February–4 March 2028. Its calendar ports conflict with the published route description, so confirm the joining port before arranging flights.
What diving experience is required?
One specialist agent lists Advanced Open Water and ten logged dives. Confirm the exact sailing requirements and discuss recent experience with the operator, particularly for offshore routes.
How much are the compulsory extras?
The booking partner lists environment, fuel, park and port charges totalling €175–250 per person, depending on the route. Ask for the total applicable to your departure.
Can I travel alone?
Shared twin accommodation can be requested. One agent lists a 50% sole-use supplement, with availability and cabin eligibility to be confirmed.
Can a non-diver join?
Yes, but snorkelling and other activities depend on the route. Agree the companion’s programme and fare before booking.
Is the final night always aboard?
The operator’s standard terms allow the last night aboard or in a hotel. Check the arrangement in your confirmation.
Have you sailed on Samira or Discovery II? Share your review with your trip date, cabin and itinerary.
Information checked 23 October 2026. This documented update is not a new firsthand inspection. Existing visitor ratings and comments are preserved.
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
Excellent Scuba Diving with great chances of spotting Dolphins, Dugongs, Oceanic Whitetip Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks. Access to famous dive sites of Elphinstone Reef and Abu Dabbab! Very Good Visibility.
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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DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY WITH THIS COMPANY. I was recently effected the travel ban and was supposed to do a dive trip on this boat with Discovery Divers. I explained my situation and let them know I was not able to attend or I would not be allowed back in the US for a minimum of 30 days. Discovery Divers made no attempt to refund or reschedule me. They kept my money and will not respond to me. A customer should not be penalized for a health crisis that is out of their control. I spoke with Mohammad and Somah and neither one of them were willing to work with me. Do your research and book with a different company!!!
Hi Nicole! I’m so very sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your travel arrangement with this boat. I truly hope that you will hear from them and that they will offer an arrangement. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy! Thank you for sharing this here, and for reading Divezone!