Life right on the water
Life on the Anemone means forgetting the clock and letting nature set the pace. Here, it is not just about getting in the water, but embracing a lifestyle where the frenzy of the world ashore fades away, replaced by the breath of the Red Sea.
The day begins with the light of dawn setting the horizon ablaze and ends cradled by the gentle motion of the waves. On board, barriers dissolve: perfect strangers become family in a matter of hours, united by the enthusiasm of the briefings and the shared joy after every ascent.
It is a journey that touches every sense, an escape toward wild horizons that leaves a deep mark and an irresistible desire to return.
6:00 AM Wake-up and coffee
The wake-up call comes early, usually around six, but the time need not be daunting. In the Red Sea, the light is already bright, making the start of the day far gentler and more natural than typical urban rhythms. A light snack awaits in the dining salon, with tea, biscuits, and everything needed to get going; a good Italian espresso is often the ideal way to find the necessary energy boost. Naturally, activities follow personal rhythms: diving is not mandatory, and should extended rest be preferred, a simple notification to the guides suffices. Peace and quiet are respected, and no one will interrupt such slumber, even if it means missing the spectacle of the first light of dawn over the sea.
6:30 AM Briefing and first dive
The ringing of the bell gathers the group in the salon for the guide’s briefing. With the visual support of maps on the screen, every detail of the dive is illustrated: from technical parameters of depth and time, to entry and exit procedures, down to the description of the underwater landscape and expected marine life. Next follows the transfer onto the zodiacs to head towards the exact drop-off point. It is here that a fundamental privilege of the liveaboard emerges: the use of zodiacs allows access to exclusive dive sites, often inaccessible to standard daily diving boats.
8:30 AM Breakfast & Relax
Back from the first dive, the atmosphere relaxes: some opt for a quick shower, others hang their swimsuits in the sun, and some, like me, immediately download footage to the Macbook. Before long, the sound of the bell captures everyone’s attention: breakfast is served. From sweet to savory, the buffet offers European and Egyptian specialties that always leave everyone full and satisfied.
A couple of hours of relaxation follow before the second dive. Everyone finds their ideal spot: some soak up the sun on the sundeck, others get lost in a book in the shade, and some take the opportunity to edit their first clips, checking that every camera setting was perfect.
10:30 AM Second dive
Once again, the chime of the bell commands attention: it is time for the briefing for the second dive. By this time of day, the drowsiness of dawn has vanished; the group is now fully active, movements are assured, and preparation procedures become rapid and efficient, like a well-oiled machine.
Personally, I consider this descent the most rewarding of the entire day. With the sun now high in the sky, light penetrates the surface with intensity, igniting the coral reef with vibrant colors and sharp contrasts: these are the ideal conditions for anyone armed with a GoPro looking to capture the true chromatic essence of the Red Sea.
Upon returning to the boat, the ritual repeats itself calmly: a precious half-hour to rinse off the salt, enjoy a moment of relaxation, or, for insatiable video enthusiasts, immediately review the footage just captured.
1:00 PM Lunch
When the lunch bell rings, one is often surprised to check the time: the morning has slipped away with such intensity that it feels as though the day is already drawing to a close. This is the magic of the rhythms on board, where time does not pass idly but is filled with action and emotion, light years away from the lazy stillness of a classic beach holiday under an umbrella. Once seated, the spectacle continues on the plate: lunch is always a celebration, rich and attended to in the smallest details. The chef’s mastery is such that it conquers even the most critical and demanding palates, transforming every meal into an irresistible temptation. In such a week, amidst authentic flavors and generous portions, returning home with a little extra weight is not a risk, but a pleasant certainty that testifies to the well-being experienced.
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3:00 PM Third dive
After the briefing, we get right back into the water. Enthusiasm remains high, and our routine is now perfectly established. At this stage, checking the dive computer becomes essential to monitor residual nitrogen and manage the dive profile effectively. If cruising the BDE itinerary, this usually marks the last dive of the day, as night dives are not permitted in these areas.
It is a different story for the St. John’s itinerary: here, the schedule is usually enriched with three or four fascinating night dives.
These always take place in sheltered and protected spots, offering the convenience of entering and exiting directly from the boat, without needing to use dinghies.
6:00 PM Cocktail hour
At the end of the third dive, the crew spoils the guests with a welcome aperitif: whether it is freshly baked pizza, fresh fruit, sweets, or local specialties, this snack becomes an unmissable ritual.
It is the perfect time to fill out logbooks and compare video footage, while conversations come alive with stories of recent sightings and anticipation for what the next day might reveal.
This creates an atmosphere of genuine conviviality and relaxation, made even more special by the context: on these remote itineraries, often devoid of mobile signal, digital distractions fade away, allowing human connections to take center stage and reach their absolute peak.
8:00 PM The perfect ending
Dinner is served in the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant, accompanied by the lively exchange of anecdotes about the day just passed. The evening then continues on the upper decks, caressed by the sea breeze. Sometimes the atmosphere comes alive thanks to the crew, engaging guests in folklore shows to the upbeat rhythm of the Darbuka, the traditional Egyptian drum; at other times, background music simply cradles the conversation.
Yet, there are those who prefer to retreat to the topmost deck, in silence, to gaze upwards: miles away from the coast and light pollution, the celestial vault reveals itself with a depth and brilliance that leave one breathless.