MV Snefro Pearl dive boat review
Photographs: Snefro Pearl gallery on LiveAboard.com.
Snefro Pearl: a small group, a comfortable base and a short route to the northern reefs
Snefro Pearl keeps the guest list to twelve. That makes this King Snefro Fleet boat an appealing choice for buddies who want a sociable diving holiday without joining a much larger group. You can spend a few nights exploring the northern Red Sea or choose a full week, with six en-suite cabins and room to relax between dives.
The decision starts with your route: a Thistlegorm mini safari puts a celebrated wreck within a short holiday, while a reef-focused departure offers a different experience. Then choose between a shared twin, a twin with upper-deck windows or a lower-deck suite for two.
Compare Snefro Pearl dates and cabins
We may earn a commission from bookings through our affiliate link.
Six cabins, with a useful choice for couples and dive buddies
The 29-metre Snefro Pearl has been sailing the Red Sea in Egypt since 2012. Built in Rashid, the wooden-hulled boat is seven metres wide. Its six cabins accommodate twelve guests; five are below and one is upstairs. Each has air-conditioning and a private bathroom.
| Category | Cabins | Approximate area | What distinguishes it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower-deck twin | 4 | 8 m² | Two separate beds; the shareable category. |
| Upper-deck twin | 1 | 7 m² | Two separate beds and two large windows; not advertised for sharing. |
| Lower-deck master suite | 1 | 10 m² | Queen bed and minibar; private booking. |
The suite offers more floor space, but it does not put you on a higher deck. Choose the upper twin for its windows rather than for a larger room. Solo divers should request a lower-deck share and have the matching arrangements confirmed; sole occupancy needs a separate price.
Cabins include storage and an electronic safe. Bedding, towels and housekeeping are provided, with European two-pin power outlets. A soft bag is easier to stow than a large rigid case when two people share a cabin.
Renovation dates differ: the operator lists September 2023, while the booking specifications show 2025. Ask for the scope of the latest work if a particular cabin feature matters to you.
Two lounges and space outside
The main deck is home to a generous lounge with cushioned seating and an entertainment system. Nearby, the dining room brings the group together around a large table. These communal spaces are part of the boat’s appeal: with twelve guests, it is easy to get to know the other divers over meals.
Upstairs, another air-conditioned bar lounge offers a change of scene. Head outside for the breeze, or settle into a lounger on the partly covered sun deck. There is a further open area above for guests who prefer the sun. The cabin you choose is only one part of the experience; much of a liveaboard day is spent in these shared spaces.
Meals mix Egyptian and international dishes, served as buffets, with snacks between dives. Vegetarian and vegan options are listed; discuss dietary restrictions before booking so the kitchen can confirm what it can provide. Drinking water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included. Alcohol is extra.
Shared Wi-Fi is available when the mobile network reaches the boat. Treat it as a way to send an occasional message rather than as a reliable connection for work. Non-divers are welcomed, but this remains a diving itinerary; agree on suitable snorkeling opportunities and the non-diver fare before paying.
Choose a mini safari or a week from Sharm el Sheikh
Snefro Pearl’s regular programme covers the fleet’s mini safaris, Sinai Classic and Sinai Wrecks & Reefs. These are round trips from Sharm el Sheikh. The table separates their different emphases; it does not mean that every route runs every week. Check the exact departure before choosing flights.
| Programme | Nights | Why choose it? |
|---|---|---|
| Sinai Classic | 7 | Reefs, walls and the classic northern wrecks. |
| Sinai Wrecks & Reefs | 7 | A stronger wreck emphasis, including Abu Nuhas. |
| Mini Safari: Tiran | 3 | A short reef-focused introduction to life aboard. |
| Mini Safari: Tiran & Ras Mohammed | 3 | Tiran walls paired with the national park. |
| Mini Safari: Thistlegorm & Ras Mohammed | 3 | A shorter wreck-and-reef trip for suitably experienced divers. |
| Mini Plus: Thistlegorm, Tiran & Ras Mohammed | 4 | An extra night brings the wreck and Tiran into the same trip. |
| Mini Plus: Tiran & Ras Mohammed | 4 | More time around the reefs without a scheduled Thistlegorm crossing. |
Indicative itineraries
These outlines connect representative stops from the published programmes. The weekly routes have no fixed day-by-day schedule; the order of individual reefs and wrecks can change. Lines show an illustrative sequence, not navigational tracks or guaranteed stops. The Sharm marker identifies the port area, not the exact New Marina berth; your transfer instructions provide the meeting point.
Sinai Classic · 7 nights
Reefs, walls and the classic northern wrecks.
Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth) → Temple — possible check dive → Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference → Dunraven / Beacon Rock → SS Thistlegorm → Shag Rock / Kingston → Small Crack — Shaab Mahmoud reference → Jackson Reef → Woodhouse Reef → Thomas Reef → Gordon Reef → Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth)
Sinai Wrecks & Reefs · 7 nights
A stronger wreck emphasis, including Abu Nuhas.
Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth) → Temple — possible check dive → Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference → Dunraven / Beacon Rock → SS Thistlegorm → Shag Rock / Kingston → Abu Nuhas — reef reference → Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth)
Mini Safari: Tiran · 3 nights
A short reef-focused introduction to life aboard.
Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth) → Temple — possible check dive → Jackson Reef → Woodhouse Reef → Gordon Reef → Thomas Reef → Ras Katy — possible check dive → Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth)
Mini Safari: Tiran & Ras Mohammed · 3 nights
Tiran walls paired with the national park.
Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth) → Temple — possible check dive → Jackson Reef → Woodhouse Reef → Thomas Reef → Gordon Reef → Temple — possible check dive → Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference → Jackfish Alley → Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth)
Mini Safari: Thistlegorm & Ras Mohammed · 3 nights
A shorter wreck-and-reef trip for suitably experienced divers.
Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth) → Temple — possible check dive → Jackfish Alley → The Alternatives → SS Thistlegorm → Small Crack — Shaab Mahmoud reference → Dunraven / Beacon Rock → Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference → Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth)
Mini Plus: Thistlegorm, Tiran & Ras Mohammed · 4 nights
An extra night brings the wreck and Tiran into the same trip.
Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth) → Temple — possible check dive → Jackfish Alley → The Alternatives → SS Thistlegorm → Small Crack — Shaab Mahmoud reference → Dunraven / Beacon Rock → Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference → Gordon Reef → Jackson Reef → Thomas Reef → Woodhouse Reef → Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth)
Mini Plus: Tiran & Ras Mohammed · 4 nights
More time around the reefs without a scheduled Thistlegorm crossing.
Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth) → Temple — possible check dive → Gordon Reef → Jackson Reef → Thomas Reef → Woodhouse Reef → Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference → Sharm el Sheikh — port-area reference (not the exact New Marina berth)
Programme references: King Snefro Fleet, checked 23–24 October 2026. Site positions: CDWS and PADI; port-area reference: Egyptian Maritime Transport Sector. Connections are schematic; other sites and substitutions are possible.
Main wreck and reef references
Thistlegorm, Dunraven and Abu Nuhas offer the wreck-focused part of the programme; Ras Mohammed and Tiran bring reef walls and current-dependent dives.
- Temple — possible check dive
- Ras Katy — possible check dive
- Shark and Yolanda — Ras Mohammed reference
- Jackfish Alley
- Dunraven / Beacon Rock
- SS Thistlegorm
- Shag Rock / Kingston
- Small Crack — Shaab Mahmoud reference
- The Alternatives
- Abu Nuhas — reef reference
- Jackson Reef
- Woodhouse Reef
- Thomas Reef
- Gordon Reef
The fleet also lists Deep North and a Tiran–Dahab fee category. They are not shown here as confirmed regular Snefro Pearl departures: request a dated boat-specific itinerary if either is your priority. A charter can also have a different programme.
What experience do you need?
A short trip is not automatically an easy trip. The reef-focused mini programmes list Open Water certification and fifteen logged dives; the Thistlegorm mini safari lists Advanced Open Water and twenty. Sinai Classic lists Open Water with fifteen dives, but particular sites may require more experience. Check the requirement attached to your exact booking, especially for wreck-focused departures.
The fleet’s route guidance asks for a recent logged dive, with a refresher where appropriate. Discuss a long break, current experience and any night-diving experience with the operator. Certification minimums do not guarantee access to every site or part of a wreck: the guides assess conditions and the group’s readiness.
The dive deck provides space for equipment, fresh-water showers and a toilet, with steps down to the dive platform. Depending on the site, diving takes place from the main boat or Zodiac. A standard 12-litre cylinder and weights are included; reserve rental equipment, a larger cylinder or a specialist setup ahead of time.
Certified Nitrox divers receive complimentary Nitrox. Carry your qualification and agree on the available mix and procedures with the crew. The published programme normally allows several dives per diving day, including possible night dives, but arrival, departure and weather affect the total.
A realistic budget starts with the dated departure
As checked on 24 October 2026, the 18–21 November 2026 Thistlegorm–Ras Mohammed mini safari was listed from €529 per person for three nights. Adding the published €65 local fees gives €594 before flights, entry formalities, equipment hire, tips and personal purchases. This is a dated example, not a permanent starting price or a quote for every cabin.
| Budget item | What to allow for |
|---|---|
| Three-night mini safari | €65 local fees per person. |
| Four-night Mini Plus | €90 local fees per person. |
| Seven-night Sinai cruise | €130 local fees per person. |
| Normally included | Accommodation, full-board meals, snacks, standard drinks, guided diving, standard tank and weights, Nitrox for qualified divers and shared Sharm transfers at the scheduled times. |
| Price separately | Flights, entry requirements, rental gear, larger tanks, courses, alcohol, gratuities and any private-cabin supplement. |
The operator describes the local charges as park, environmental and departure fees. The booking listing groups park, port and fuel charges together, so have the final invoice specify exactly what is covered. The operator reserves the right to revise rates after substantial fuel-cost changes. Avoid adding the same charge twice when comparing quotations.
Cabin surcharges and private use of a twin are not a single fixed percentage across every departure. Compare the same dates, route, cabin type, occupancy and inclusions. A low daily headline for a short safari is not directly comparable with a seven-night cruise.
See dated prices and remaining cabin types
Getting to the boat
Plan around Sharm el Sheikh and the meeting instructions for your departure. The operator identifies New Marina, El Wataneya, as the departure marina and includes shared transfers from Sharm hotels or the airport at the scheduled embarkation and disembarkation times. An arrival outside that arrangement may require a different transfer.
Do not assume that the first evening is already a night at sea. Embarkation, paperwork and the first night’s port stay are part of the trip structure; ask for the latest boarding time, sailing time and final-day arrangements. Keep the required interval between your last dive and onward flight in your travel plan, using the guidance supplied for your actual diving.
Entry permissions depend on nationality and route. A Thistlegorm itinerary is treated differently from a cruise restricted to the Aqaba coast. Confirm the appropriate visa and current requirements with the operator and official entry guidance before travel.
Watch Snefro Pearl on board
Boat video: King Snefro Fleet. The YouTube player loads only after you choose to play it.
Guest feedback: service stands out; check your comfort priorities
Recent verified guest reports are especially useful when read alongside the cabin layout. They describe individual trips, not a guarantee that your crew, conditions or experience will be identical.
What guests appreciated
Marcos B, in September 2026, praised the clean accommodation, organisation and attentive dive guides. Mathilda P, in January 2026, highlighted helpful guides, comfortable cabins and plentiful food. These reports support Pearl’s appeal for divers who value a small group and a well-run daily routine.
What to ask about
Mario L, in September 2026, enjoyed the crew, food and diving but found the air-conditioning insufficiently cool. He also expected to sail on the first night and was disappointed to stay in port. Ask about cabin cooling and the embarkation schedule rather than assuming an immediate evening departure.
Summary of dated LiveAboard.com guest reviews, checked 24 October 2026. These are guest observations, not a firsthand Divezone inspection.
Snefro Pearl: questions before booking
How many guests and cabins does Snefro Pearl have?
Twelve guests in six cabins: four lower-deck twins, one lower-deck master suite and one upper-deck twin.
Which cabin suits a solo diver?
The lower-deck twins are the shareable category. Confirm the sharing arrangement and whether a single supplement applies to your booking.
Is the master suite upstairs?
No. It is on the lower deck and has a queen bed. The upper-deck cabin is a twin with two windows.
Can I take a short trip?
Yes. Mini safaris run for three nights, while Mini Plus programmes run for four. The exact route depends on the dated departure.
Is Nitrox included?
Yes, complimentary Nitrox is offered to appropriately certified divers. Bring your certification and confirm availability with the crew.
What are the local fees?
The published amounts are €65 for three nights, €90 for four nights and €130 for seven nights, per person. Check the final invoice for current charges and inclusions.
Is the boat suitable for newly qualified divers?
Some reef programmes list Open Water and fifteen logged dives, while the Thistlegorm mini safari requires Advanced Open Water and twenty. Discuss your recent experience before choosing a route.
Are transfers included?
Shared transfers within Sharm el Sheikh are included at the scheduled embarkation and disembarkation times. Confirm the pickup point and arrangements for arrivals outside those times.
Can non-divers join?
Non-divers are welcomed, but the itinerary is built around diving. Ask about suitable snorkeling stops, supervision and the applicable fare.
Does the boat have reliable internet?
Wi-Fi depends on mobile reception. It should not be relied on for continuous work or video calls at sea.
Will every advertised site be visited?
No. Weather, permissions and the group’s experience can change stops and order. The maps show geographic references and illustrative connections, not a guaranteed sailing schedule.
Information and departure example checked 24 October 2026. Prices, availability and programmes can change.
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
.
Other Liveaboard Reviews in Red Sea
Blue Force 3 – Red Sea
Updated 24 October 2026. Blue Force Fleet currently markets Maldives Blue Force 3 for Maldives cruises. This older Divezone page describes a Red Sea boat as 40 metres with 25 guests; the current operator page describes a 42-metre vessel with 26 guests,
MY Blue
MY Blue is a Blue Planet Liveaboards vessel built in 2016, with space for twenty-four guests in twelve cabins. Its appeal lies in the choice of accommodation, comfortable shared spaces and a diving setup that caters for photographers as well as recreat
MY Blue Horizon
Photos: Blue Horizon gallery supplied through LiveAboard.com.
MV Snefro Love
Photos: Snefro Love gallery supplied through LiveAboard.com.
MS Royal Evolution
Royal Evolution combines a steel-hulled, 39 m dive boat with twelve cabins for up to 24 guests. Its appeal is as much the space between dives as the sites themselves: a shaded deck, indoor lounge and a dedicated place for camera gear make a busy diving
MV Snefro Target
Snefro Target is a 37-metre King Snefro Fleet liveaboard for twenty guests. Ten en-suite cabins, two indoor lounges and three sun-deck areas give a group plenty of room to spread out between dives. Its regular Sharm el Sheikh programme ranges from shor
Blue Storm
Blue Storm combines a sociable, shaded deck with eleven en-suite cabins for up to 24 guests. This Blue Planet liveaboard sails Egypt’s Red Sea from Hurghada and Port Ghalib, with seven-night trips ranging from northern wrecks to the offshore Brothers a
Longimanus
MY Longimanus brings together a 20-guest layout, two upper-deck suites and a long history of Egyptian wreck and reef trips. The original idea belonged to Mahmoud Abd El Hady, associated with the Barakuda diving centres: a boat designed around days of d
Red Sea RE Aggressor
Looking for Royal Evolution?Red Sea RE Aggressor is the name used for Royal Evolution’s Aggressor programme launched in January 2022. Current booking listings also use Royal Evolution. They refer to the same 39 m vessel, not two boats.For the current c
MV South Moon
This review concerns the original 27-metre South Moon, built in 2004 and rebuilt in 2014. Its smaller scale, twin cabins and generous outdoor seating made it a relaxed base for northern Red Sea diving from Sharm el Sheikh.