Where to go for a Red Sea liveaboard during the winter?

I'm planning a trip for January-February on a liveaboard in the Red Sea. I'm not interested in wrecks, but I love the big fishes and the sharks. Just got back from a trip to Simply the Best, and it was the best. I would do it again or head off to St. John if the conditions are more suitable. I am not concerned about the water temperature; I am only worried that high winds and unstable surface conditions may force a liveaboard captain to abandon some of the most cherished dive sites. What are your thoughts?

Tov

I'm planning a trip for January-February on a liveaboard in the Red Sea. I'm not interested in wrecks, but I love the big fishes and the sharks. Just got back from a trip to Simply the Best, and it was the best. I would do it again or head off to St. John if the conditions are more suitable. I am not concerned about the water temperature; I am only worried that high winds and unstable surface conditions may force a liveaboard captain to abandon some of the most cherished dive sites. What are your thoughts?

 

Tov

Hard to suggest anywhere in the Red Sea that would offer a better chance of sheltered conditions, I've done several liveaboards at that time of year and IIRC on each one there was some re-scheduling due to wind conditions. Having said that, none of the trips were a disappointment as a result of the changes, the other sites were good too - but there were 'casualties' amongst the seasick-prone guests as a result of some of the transits.

Perhaps aiming towards the larger boats may be a way of improving the chances?

R

FWIW I have done Simply the best itinerary three times in January.

Weather is often OK but we have had some days that can only be described as hideous.

Water temp has been variable have seen 19 - 25C but often with some big thermoclines.

The up side is that on those trips we were there as the only boat on the entire site.

Looking at the schedules there seems to be only a couple of trips running this year.

Paul C

Yes, the prevailing strong northerlies are going to introduce some 'uncertainty' into any intinerary during the winter. If you choose an offshore safari it would be better to select a larger liveaboard and also a steel hulled vessel too, which is much more stable. I don't suffer, but I wouldn't relish a punch back from Zabargad when a hooligan was blowing...