Snefro Liveaboards, Red Sea
Discover the Snefro Liveaboards – Red Sea Adventures with Oyster Diving
If you’re planning a liveaboard diving holiday to the Red Sea and want comfort, quality diving and excellent service, the Snefro fleet is well worth your attention. Here’s a dive-friendly overview of what this operator offers – their boats, itineraries, what makes them different, and what to watch out for.
About the Snefro Fleet
The Snefro brand (also marketed as the King Snefro Fleet) has been operating liveaboards out of Sharm el-Sheikh (Sinai/Northern Red Sea) since the 1980s, so they have deep experience in this region.
They also have a strong reputation for standards: all vessels are EUF-certified and the fleet was one of the first to join the sustainable-diving programme Green Fins in the Red Sea
The Snefro Fleet
Snefro Pearl
Length approx 29 m, accommodates up to 12 guests.
Cabins: 4 twin cabins on the lower deck + 1 master suite + 1 twin on the upper deck. All with air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, safes.
Free Nitrox for certified divers.
Itineraries: typically shorter “mini safaris” (3-4 nights) from Sharm, covering classic northern Red Sea sites such as SS Thistlegorm wreck and Ras Mohammed National Park.
Best for smaller groups/divers who like a more intimate boat.
Snefro Spirit
Larger vessel, takes up to 18 guests.
Cabins: 8 twin cabins on lower deck + 1 master suite on upper deck; all with private ensuite, AC, minibar fridge, safe.
Two large sun decks + SkyDeck & bar for relaxation.
Itineraries: 7-night safaris with “classic Sinai” dive routes – wrecks, drift dives, walls and reefs in the northern Red Sea (Straits of Tiran, Ras Mohammed etc.).
Ideal if you have a moderate sized group or club booking and want more amenities.
Snefro Love
37 m length, accommodates up to 20 guests.
Cabins: 6 twin cabins lower deck, 2 double cabins upper deck, 1 master suite on main deck. All air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, safes.
Free Nitrox for certified divers.
A strong choice for those wanting a very comfortable liveaboard with ample space for non-divers or accompanying partners.
Also strong sustainability credentials: first in the fleet to join Green Fins.
Snefro Target
Sister-ship to the Love: 37 m, up to 20 guests.
Licensed to cover the whole Red Sea (Areas 1 & 2) — meaning they can run more extensive itineraries.
Cabins: 6 twin cabins lower deck, 2 double cabins upper deck, 1 master suite on main deck. All air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, safes.
Free Nitrox for certified divers.
A strong choice for those wanting a very comfortable liveaboard with ample space for non-divers or accompanying partners.
Comparing the Boats – Which to Choose?
| Feature | Snefro Pearl | Snefro Spirit | Snefro Love/Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest capacity | ~12 (smaller) | ~18 | ~20 |
| Group size feel | Very intimate | Moderate | Larger group, more social |
| Cabin/amenities standard | High – boutique feel | Very good, more space | Luxury class, highest comfort |
| Trip length / focus | Short safaris (3-4 nights) | 7-night classic routes | 7-night (or longer) bigger area coverage |
| Best for | Small groups, clubs, couples | Mixed groups, dive clubs wanting comfort | Larger groups, comfort + non-divers, advanced divers |
| Value | Excellent for group size | Strong all-rounder | Premium comfort, may cost more |
| Route flexibility | Northern area mainly | Northern Red Sea | Potentially more southern / full-sea coverage (Target) |
ypical Itineraries
Here are the kinds of routes the fleet runs – good to know when advising divers.
- Classic Northern Red Sea (Sinai) – 7 nights: Departing from Sharm el-Sheikh, sites include the Straits of Tiran, Ras Mohammed National Park (reefs, walls, dolphins), shipwrecks such as the Thistlegorm and Dunraven. Example: Snefro Spirit itinerary. Liveaboard.com+1
- Mini Safari – 3-4 nights: For shorter get-aways. Example: Snefro Pearl offers 4 days/3 nights “Thistlegorm – Ras Mohammed” route. liveaboardworld.com
- Full or extended safari – bigger area: With the Target (and perhaps Love) you get more flexibility, maybe into areas less visited, more remote walls and reefs. Because of licence / area coverage. Liveaboard.com
Sites you’ll hit
- Wrecks: SS Thistlegorm, Dunraven, etc.
- Reefs/walls: Ras Mohammed, Tiran Strait, Shag Rock, etc.
- Non-diver friendly spots (for those tagging along).
Diving style: Typically 3-4 dives per day including a night dive. Free nitrox for qualified divers onboard many of the vessels. liveaboardworld.com+1
Useful Info & Tips for Your Divers
Here are extra points to help your clients (or for you to brief them):
- Nitrox: Many of the Snefro boats include free Nitrox for certified divers. Good for those frequent divers or wanting longer bottom times. (Pearl, Love, etc.)
- Cabin & comfort: All cabins mentioned above have AC, ensuite bathrooms, safes, etc – important when coming from UK and used to comfort.
- Group size / crowd: The Northern Red Sea (Sinai) is very popular, some dive sites get busy with many boats. Choose smaller-guest vessel or less-visited route if they want less crowd. One diver on Reddit said: “I did a 7 day liveaboard on Snefro Love … The guides were incredible… The boat itself was decent” Reddit+1
This highlights: guides matter as much as boat. - Sustainability: The Snefro fleet is committed to environmental practices, with the Love being first to join Green Fins in the Red Sea. This appeals if your dive centre emphasises eco-diving. Diving Squad+1
- Single travellers / cabin sharing: If you have lone divers from your centre, check the policy. Many liveaboards charge a “single occupancy” premium. On Reddit: “Pretty much any of the boats … will let you be in one solo, but you will have to pay an extra fee.” Reddit
- Booking logistics:
- Ensure pre-trip you have the right dive certification, logbook, equipment rental (if required).
- Transfers: Often included from airport/hotel to boat, but check.
- Equipment rental: Some items cost extra (torch, computer, etc) as per Pearl’s breakdown.
- Insurance: Make sure divers have liveaboard and evacuation cover.
- What to bring / prep: Dive computer (especially given multiple dives per day), torch for night dives, good reef-safe sunscreen, ear-clearing/pre-dive health check (Northern Sinai has drift & strong visuals) is wise.
- Best time to go: The Red Sea is year-round mild compared to UK. For best results avoid peak holidays if group wants fewer crowds.
- Non-divers / partners: Since the boats are comfortable and many routes are near interesting snorkel/land options, they can tag along. Good for mixed groups from your centre.
- Recommendation for your centre’s divers: For those newer – suggest a shorter 3-4 night trip on the Pearl to ease them into liveaboard diving. For more experienced, a 7-night on Spirit or Love would be fantastic. Emphasise the wrecks & reefs of the Northern Red Sea which are ideal for UK-based divers (less travel than South Red Sea).
Why Should You Dive With Snefro?
A recognised, experienced operator with strong credentials and comfort.
Routes starting from Sharm means convenient travel for UK-based divers (direct flights available).
Boats good for groups: you could even run a charter from Oyster Diving, offering your clients a cabin block on one of these boats, giving that ‘club’ feel and strengthening your offering.
They include free nitrox (for qualified) which is an attractive selling point for nitrox-trained divers from your centre.
Their sustainability credentials align with modern diver values (eco-consciousness).
For groups it offers a clear differentiation in boat size/comfort means you can tailor recommendation based on diver experience, budget, and group size.