Brothers Islands

Brothers Islands Diving Guide

The Brothers Islands, consisting of Big Brother and Little Brother, are legendary Red Sea dive sites renowned for their strong currents, exceptional visibility, and pelagic encounters. These isolated pinnacles offer a thrilling and rewarding experience for experienced divers seeking unforgettable underwater adventures.

Dive Details

Typical Depth Range

The depth range varies greatly, from the surface to well over 40 meters (130 feet). Most dives concentrate around the reef walls, which drop dramatically. Strong currents can influence the depths achieved.

Average Visibility

Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), providing stunning panoramic views of the reef and the surrounding blue.

Water Temperature (Seasonal)

• Summer (June-August): 28-30°C (82-86°F)
• Winter (December-February): 22-24°C (72-75°F)

Difficulty Level

Advanced. The Brothers Islands are best suited for experienced divers due to strong currents, potential for surge, and the depths involved. Nitrox certification is highly recommended. Divers should be comfortable with drift dives and have excellent buoyancy control.

Marine Life

Divers can expect to encounter a wealth of marine life, including:

• Sharks: Oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, grey reef sharks, and occasionally tiger sharks.
• Large pelagics: Tuna, barracuda, and trevally.
• Reef fish: An abundance of colorful reef fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish.
• Soft corals and gorgonian fans: The reef walls are covered in vibrant soft corals and impressive gorgonian fans.
• Wrecks: The Aida II and Numidia wrecks are located on Big Brother, providing exciting wreck diving opportunities.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Brothers Islands is generally during the shoulder seasons:

• April-May: Good visibility, pleasant water temperatures, and increased chances of encountering hammerhead sharks.
• September-November: Similar conditions to spring, with opportunities to see thresher and oceanic whitetip sharks.

Summer months offer warmer water but can be busier. Winter months have cooler water and stronger winds, but the diving can still be excellent.

What Makes It Special

The Brothers Islands stand out due to:

• Isolation: Their remote location far from the mainland ensures pristine reef conditions and a higher concentration of pelagic marine life.
• Shark encounters: Consistently ranked among the best places in the world to dive with sharks.
• Wreck diving: The Aida II and Numidia wrecks are historical vessels teeming with marine life.
• Healthy coral reefs: Boasting some of the most vibrant and diverse coral reefs in the Red Sea.

Practical Tips

Divers should be aware of the following:

• Liveaboard essential: The Brothers Islands are only accessible by liveaboard.
• Dive insurance: Comprehensive dive insurance is mandatory.
• Currents: Be prepared for strong currents and listen carefully to dive briefings.
• Reef hooks: Recommended for observing marine life without damaging the reef.
• Respect marine life: Avoid touching or harassing marine animals.
• Nitrox: Recommended to extend bottom time.