Djibouti Liveaboards
Situated at the point where the Red Sea flows into the Indian Ocean, the small, stable country of Djibouti offers divers an incredibly diverse range of marine life. The relative absence of tourism is a large part of its appeal, ensuring the pristine dive sites remain unspoilt.
Encounters with Whale Sharks
From mid October to February plankton ‘blooms’ develop in an enclosed bay near Djibouti town called the Goubet al Kharab (the Devil's Cauldron). Although Whale Sharks can be seen throughout the year, encounters are especially common from October to February.
These plankton-rich waters attract many of the great pelagic species into the area surrounding Djibouti. Recent research has recognised the particular importance of the bay in the development of juvenile Whale Sharks, which stay within the safe confines of Djibouti’s coast line.
Regaldive have individual departures and full boat charters offered over this period that are timed to maximise the likelihood of diving and snorkelling with these gentle giants.
Whales, Sharks and Dolphins
The rich feeding grounds that make up Djibouti’s coastal waters attract a range of different species. Alongside Whale Sharks, divers can encounter Manta Rays, Beaked and Pilot Whales. Most species of Dolphin are represented in numbers off Djibouti’s coast, and are often seen ‘running’ the bow wave of your boat. Where there are Dolphins there are invariably Sharks. Grey and Nurse Sharks are the most commonly encountered species, whilst both Tiger and Blue Sharks have occasionally been seen.
Spectacular Corals and Reefs of the Seven Brothers
Djibouti itself is a dry, mountainous country, shaped by volcanic activity. The fascinating, arid landscape contrasts sharply with the incredible bio-diversity of the waters off Djibouti.
There are over 200 recorded species of coral, some of which are endemic to the region. The lack of any rivers, combined with the volcanic base to many reefs, has prompted extremely healthy coral growth. Extensive reefs cover much of Djibouti’s coastline. Marine species that are regularly seen off Djibouti are largely similar to those found in the northern Red Sea. However, it is the sheer abundance of life that is so impressive, with dense shoals of fish being a feature of most dives. Large schools of Barracuda, Jacks and Snapper are often seen feeding off the reef and add excitement to many dives.
Outside of the main whaleshark season, MY Deli offers the chance to dive these spectacular reefs.
MY DELI 2010 – Liveaboard Options
1. Regaldive Boat Charters – Whaleshark Season (refer to price panel for dates)
Sample Itinerary
Thursday:
Evening departure from London Heathrow on Ethiopian Airlines, changing in Addis Ababa.
Friday:
Morning arrival in Djibouti Town and process visa. Short transfer to MY Deli for welcome drink and briefing. Departure for Arta area. Diving commences in the afternoon.
Friday – Thursday:
During the whaleshark season, the itinerary will be flexible according to whaleshark sightings and will involve extensive surface / snorkelling as well and deeper exploration of the Goubet Al Kharab.
The Ghoubet al Kharab is a large bay that is connected to the Gulf of Tadjourah and the open sea by a narrow channel. Geologically it marks the start of the Great Rift Valley and the junction between the African and Arabian continental plates.
Other dive sites - The Obock's step, wreck of Le Boutre, Ghoubet El Kharab's strait, the wrecks of Musha, Arthur Rimbaud & Salem Wreck, the Dôme, the Shark Teeth, Red Sands and Ras Eiro.
Thursday:
Afternoon, disembark MY Deli and transfer to local hotel*.
Friday:
Optional excursion to Lake Asal (book and pay locally). Late evening - transfer to airport for overnight return flight to the UK.
Saturday:
Morning arrival at London Heathrow.
*The night included in your boat package is in the Sheraton hotel, a franchise run Sheraton equating to a good quality 3+*. Upgrades are available in the Djibouti Palace Kempinski for a minimum of 3 nights, a 5 star resort.
2. MY Deli non-Regaldive charters
Tadjourah & Ghoubet / Lake Assal & Lake Abbe, October to April - Sample Itinerary
Thursday:
Evening departure from London Heathrow on Ethiopian Airlines, changing in Addis Ababa.
Friday:
Morning arrival in Djibouti Town and process visa. Short transfer to MY Deli for welcome drink and briefing.
Friday – Wednesday:
During the whaleshark season, the itinerary will be flexible according to whaleshark sightings and will involve extensive surface / snorkelling as well and deeper exploration of the Goubet Al Kharab.
The Ghoubet al Kharab is a large bay that is connected to the Gulf of Tadjourah and the open sea by a narrow channel. Geologically it marks the start of the great rift valley and the junction between the African and Arabian continental plates. The bay attracts large numbers of whale sharks and manta rays from October to February.
Other dive sites - The Obock's step, wreck of Le Boutre, Ghoubet El Kharab's strait, the wrecks of Musha, Arthur Rimbaud & Salem Wreck, the Dôme, the Shark Teeth, Red Sands and Ras Eiro.
Wednesday:
Disembark MY Deli and transfer to local hotel.
Wednesday & Thursday:
2 nights hotel with optional excursions. Join optional (book & pay locally) land excursions to discover the exciting sights of Lake Assal & Lake Abbe, staying in camps and guided by local nomads. Alternatively, remain in the local hotel to discover Djibouti town or join day excursions.
Friday:
Late evening - transfer to airport for overnight return flight to the UK.
Saturday:
Morning arrival in London Heathrow.
*The night included in your boat package is in the Sheraton hotel, a franchise run Sheraton equating to a good quality 3+*. Upgrades are available in the Djibouti Palace Kempinski for a minimum of 3 nights, a 5 star resort.
3. MY Deli non-Regaldive charters
Seven Brothers / Lake Assal & Lake Abbe, April to October - Sample Itinerary
Thursday:
Evening departure from London Heathrow on Ethiopian Airlines, changing in Addis Ababa.
Friday:
Morning arrival in Djibouti Town and process visa. Short transfer to MY Deli for welcome drink and briefing.
Friday – Tuesday:
The remote uninhabited islands lie in the narrow Bab El-Mandab straits, which marks the southern entrance to the Red Sea. A range of superb dive sites offers some of Djibouti's most bio-diverse diving. Strong currents and extremely fine corals are a feature of many of the dives around the Sept Freres (Seven Brothers). Less time will be spent in the Tadjourah area to allow for cruising time to and from the Seven Brothers.
Nb: The Seven Brothers itineraries require a minimum level of experience for divers of PADI Advanced with 20 logged dives or equivalent. Experienced Open Water level divers are not excluded, but may find enjoyment of some of the sites reduced by not being able to go deeper that 18m and some challenging currents.
Wednesday:
Disembark MY Deli and transfer to local hotel.
Wednesday & Thursday:
2 nights hotel with optional excursions. Join optional (book & pay locally) land excursions to discover the exciting sights of Lake Assal & Lake Abbe, staying in camps and guided by local nomads. Alternatively, remain in the local hotel to discover Djibouti town or join day excursions.
Friday:
Late evening - transfer to airport for overnight return flight to the UK.
Saturday:
Morning arrival at London Heathrow.
M/Y Deli group charters:
This boat is available for group charter on request outside of Regaldive charter dates.
*The night included in your boat package is in the Sheraton hotel, a franchise run Sheraton equating to a good quality 3+*. Upgrades are available in the Djibouti Palace Kempinski for a minimum of 3 nights, a 5 star resort.
Flights
Flights are with Ethiopian Airlines. You may travel earlier or later if you wish to explore Djibouti on land in greater depth.
Although Air France have a route to Djibouti, they do not allow UK tour operators access to trade air fares, so we are not able to offer this service.
A connection on FlyDubai is available from Dubai to Djibouti, schedule may require extra nights' stay.
Flight duration: Approx. 12 hours incl. flight change.
Departure tax: $30 is levied on all passengers
Passports
Passengers travelling to Djibouti must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return travel from Djibouti.
Visas
An entry visa is required for Djibouti. This can be obtained on arrival at Djibouti airport. The current cost is €30. The immigration office may keep your passport for up to 48 hours; the boat operator will take care of this.
Vaccinations
Protection against Malaria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid are strongly recommended. Contact your travel clinic or GP for the latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria and check the latest requirements for yellow fever. If you are flying via Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, but not stopping over, you do NOT require the yellow fever certificate.
Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.
Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.
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