Very disappointing operation of our Red Sea liveaboard
My experience with DiveSafariMaster aboard JP Marine was very different from the Golden Mix trip we expected when booking.
A major reason for choosing this itinerary was the combination of Daedalus with Rocky Island, Zabargad and St. John’s. None of the latter three destinations were visited.
During the trip, the explanation given was that military restrictions prevented access to the area. We initially accepted this as something outside the operator’s control. After returning, however, we contacted other operators in the Red Sea and were told that St. John’s remained open and was being visited by other liveaboards during the same period. This naturally raised serious questions about the explanation we had been given.
There were many other issues throughout the week. JP Marine suffered repeated maintenance problems, including leaks in common areas, air-conditioning failures and shower problems. The level of guided diving also deteriorated after the first part of the trip, with guides encouraging guests to dive independently rather than routinely accompanying the groups.
The final diving day consisted of only two dives before an early return to Marsa Alam.
I was also particularly unhappy with the handling of the onboard charges. I personally paid €570 in cash, and the other passenger in my booking paid another €570. Despite requesting invoices or receipts repeatedly before leaving the vessel, neither of us received them.
These problems were raised while we were still aboard, so the operator had the opportunity to address them during the trip.
For me, this was not one isolated inconvenience. It was the combination of a substantially altered itinerary, poor vessel condition, reduced diving service and lack of documentation for significant cash payments.
Based on my experience, I cannot recommend DiveSafariMaster.
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1 August 2026
Unprompted review