RED SEA LIVEABOARDS

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Dive Itineraries

www.wild-and-free.co.uk
DJIBOUTI
SCUBA DIVING
LIVEABOARD DIVE HOLIDAYS

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Djibouti is situated at the point where the Red Sea meets the Indian Ocean known as The Horn of Africa - a small country nestled between Somalia and Eritrea. Djibouti is 23,000 sq miles with a population of 650,00. Djibouti has been described as "small but ambitious".

The country can be divided into three regions. The costal plain and volcanic plateaus in the central and southern part of the country and the mountain ranges in the North. Much of the country is vast wastelands with virtually no arable land.

Djibouti is a truly unique ecosystem where the mix of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean means an abundance of marine life. Between the months of October to January Djibouti is home to resting migrating whale sharks. It is common to see many whale sharks including juvenile's who stay within the safe confines of the Djibouti coast line. Seven Brothers Islands is also a huge attraction to Djibouti waters. Further north than the Devil's Cauldron this reef system (seven islands covering a vast area) is breathtaking. Monumental drop-offs with stunning soft corals carpeting the walls, schooling fish and big pelagics can all be expected. Trips run to Seven Brothers from January to May.

SAFARI BOAT DJIBOUTI DIVERS 1 - Refurbished in Egypt in 2006 DJIBOUTI DIVERS 1 has all the hallmarks of a luxury Red Sea liveaboard.

Djibouti Divers 1 is the latest liveaboard to operate in the pristine waters off Djibouti. At 32-meters in length she is a substantial boat with plenty of space and at first glance you can see that real care and attention to detail has gone into her construction.

All of the outer areas are teak laid The main deck has plenty of sun lounging space for both sun-lovers and those seeking the shade, perfect for relaxing between dives. Those who like the finer things in life can enjoy the jacuzzi on the sun deck or chill out in the Shisha bar, one of the unique features of this boat - a fantastic way to enjoy the evenings at sundown or just lie under the stars musing over your days diving. It is these little touches that make Djibouti divers 1 so special. The interior does not disappoint. A delicate blend of inlaid wood and custom made fabrics make the boat look and feel luxurious. When walking into the saloon and dining area one gets the feeling of space, a large open plan room separated by some comfortable seating. The dining area has two large tables where guests enjoy the freshly cooked buffet. The saloon has several tables and comfortable seating allowing guests to relax in the air conditioning. Whether it be watching Dvd’s on the plasma screen, listening to music on the Hi-Fi or enjoying a drink from the well stocked licensed bar there is something for everyone on this boat. All the cabins are en-suite with A/C throughout with individual controls and plenty of storage space.

The dive deck is spacious with individual crates under each station for storing torches and any spare kit. There is also a fresh water tank for camera housings and gear rinsing facilities on the large dive platform. Nitrox is also available.

Why Djibouti Divers 1?... This is the first high standard boat to operate in the pristine waters of Djibouti. This combination of Egyptian built liveaboard and European management sets a new standard in this seldom dived corner of the Red Sea.

Itineraries

October - February

The gathering of the whale sharks in the Bay of Tadjoura.

Between the months of October and January Djibouti is home to resting whale sharks. These amazing species are the largest fish found in the sea and are renowned for aggregating in certain areas around the world at certain time of the year. The reasons for these seemingly mystical congregation is slowly being revealed as scientists discover more about these unique creatures. Djibouti’s Gulf of Tadjourah seems to host a safe confined nursery for juvenile whale sharks with its rich plankton filled waters making the perfect feeding ground. In season sightings are almost a certainty and in these waters you may even be luck enough to see them ‘ram-feeding’, a sight rarely seen elsewhere. The whale sharks are generally observed whilst snorkeling making this trip ideal for both divers and non divers alike. Expect to do 3 dives per day with snorkeling in between.

Itinerary - Tadjoura’s Bay & Whales Sharks

First day: departure from the marina of Djibouti
1. dive: check dive around Moucha’s Island
2. dive: la Balise or the wreck le Faon

Second day:
1. dive: Ras Eiro. Finger 1 or Finger 2
Search for Whales Sharks
2. dive: Ras Eiro: Finger 1 or Finger 2
Search for Whales Sharks
3. Night dive on Ras Eiro

Third day:
1. dive: la Faille in Goubet’s Bay
2. dive : la Faille second part
Search for whales sharks
3. Night dive in Red Virgin’s Bay or Star’s Bay

Fourth day:
1. dive: the Red Virgin
2. dive: Star’s Bay
Search for whales Sharks
3. dive: Red Virgin’s or Star’s Bay / Barbecue on the ground.

Fifth day:
1. dive: Cecap or le Dome
Search for whales sharks
2. dive: Cecap or le Dome
search for whales sharks
3. dive: Ras Eiro

Sixth day:
1. dive: Moucha’s balise or White Sand near Tadjoura
2. dive: Moucha’s balise or White Sand near Tadjoura
Return to the marina of Djibouti.

This program can change with the weather conditions, the time of the tide for the Goubet’s Bay passage, and the level of the divers.

February - June

Seven Brothers Islands

Seven isolated islands sit off the cost of Djibouti offering a hub for an abundance of life. The coral life, that lies on gently sloping plateaus surrounding the islands has been said to be the single richest area for coral in the whole Arabian Peninsula. The visibility can reach 40 meters though at times plankton blooms can reduce the vis to 10 meters. These rich waters attract a mixture of both Red Sea and Indian Ocean species from Red Sea anemone fish to oriental sweet lips and honeycomb morays. Large numbers of fish congregate here and because these areas are relatively undived the fish are fairly inquisitive, letting you get up close and personal. Friendly pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphin hang out in the waters between the islands and there is always a good chance of seeing Mobulas rays feeding in the plankton rich water. Reef Sharks have also been spotted in the area. Strong currents are common so this trip is recommended for advanced divers. Expected to do 3 dives per day with some additional night dives.

Trip cost includes the following:

Scheduled flights onboard Daallo Airlines from London Gatwick. Departing on Wednesday evening flying to Djibouti via Paris (you do not get off the plane). The flight is 8 hours and arrives the following morning.
On arrival in Djbouti you are met by Djibouti divers 1 representatives and taken to the boat. You start diving on Thursday which will begin as a check dive.
You will spend 6 nights onboard the boat coming back into port on Tuesday night. Divers will do up to 3 dives a day, as well as snorkeling.
You will depart from the boat on Wednesday morning where you will start your Moucha Island excursion. You will be transferred over to Moucha Island for a 2 day 1 night extension.
Guests will stay in traditional bungalows with air-conditioning and private bathroom.
1 dive is included in the extension, any extra dives must be paid for locally (30 Euros per dive) See our excursions for more info and options.
Flights depart from Djibouti on Thursday evening and arrive back into Gatwick early Friday morning.
Tanks and weights are included in the cost, and all food and soft drinks.

Nitrox is available on the boat and paid for locally.

Specifications

Length:	32m
Beam:	7.5m
Engines:	2 MAN 620 cv
Generators:	2 x 50kw
Compressors:	2 Bauer 220ltr/min, 1 coltri 260ltr/min
A/C	Throughout
Guests:	20
Crew:	8 + 2 guides
Cabins	12 air conditioned all en-suite
Navigation:	GPS, Radar, Echo, VHF
Nitrox:	Coltri LP280 cecatto membrane
Extra's	Jacuzzi on the sun deck, Shisha Bar, high speed satellite internet.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Dates & Prices

TRAVEL INSURANCE: You must have comprehensive travel insurance.

Includes cover for Scuba Diving to 30 meters.

Insure and Go is one of the UK's largest travel insurance providers. They have an excellent on-line booking facility, you can obtain a quote, take out a policy and receive all their documentation via email within minutes. UK residents only.

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