Elegante Liveaboard, Djibouti

One of the best liveaboards we've ever experienced

We were on the road at MSY Elegante in Djibouti from 3 to 10 January 2026. The prerequisite for this liveaboard was open water certification with at least 20 logged dives, which suited the route well.According to the announcement, 15 dives were to take place, but in fact there were 13 dives. That was a bit of a shame for us, but overall the quality of the dives compensated well.Booking & OrganizationBooking via the homepage was uncomplicated. Particularly positive is the very good support by e-mail in advance: All our questions were answered quickly, friendly and in detail.Boat & EquipmentThe Elegante is a rather simple, functional boat, but very clean and well-maintained. The 15-liter steel bottles were top-notch. A small minus point: There is no coffee machine, only instant coffee – a bit disappointing for coffee lovers.DivingVisibility was limited due to a lot of plankton, but at the same time this significantly increased the chances of catching big fish. In fact, we could see guitar sharks and even whale sharks that appeared right next to the boat in the evening.The corals were very healthy and diverse.On average, two dives were carried out per day. The briefings were easy to understand and informative.Our dive guide Alice was very experienced, had excellent local knowledge and showed great commitment – both underwater and on board.Food & ServiceThe service on board was excellent. There was a varied range of food and dietary requirements were easily taken into account (e.g. extra meat instead of fish).The crew was super friendly, helpful and attentive throughout.Atmosphere on boardThe atmosphere was very pleasant throughout. There was a relaxed, international atmosphere in which you quickly felt at home.Value for moneyOverall very good value for money. There were no hidden costs, everything was transparent.Highlights & Special MomentsAbsolute highlights were the whale sharks on the boat, diving with guitar sharks – and a very special moment:We were able to celebrate our 100th dive on this trip. Alice surprised us underwater with a beer and the crew also prepared an extra cake from a watermelon – a beautiful, personal gesture that we will remember for a long time.ConclusionAn absolutely recommendable liveaboard with great dive sites, dedicated guide, warm crew and special experiences.⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

Recommended for

sighting of whale sharks. Sighting of guitar sharks. The nice crew.

15 Jan, 2026

Recommended, great experience

swimming with whale sharks is a fantastic experience, the company and availability of the boat leader Alice was a plus of the week.

Recommended for

the cabin crew. the boat leader Alice. the kitchen.

23 Dec, 2025

Encounter with whale sharks

There is a warm, familiar and cheerful atmosphere on board.We were spoiled with absolutely delicious and varied food.The captain is a master of his craft. His serenity and calmness is beneficial.Our dive guide Alice: Never before have we seen a dive guide with many years of professional experience who still goes diving several times a day with such great joy and enthusiasm. Their underwater singing will always be remembered.We came for the whale sharks and were surprised by the variety of large and small fish underwater.If you are looking for pure diving without mass tourism, this is the place for you!We would love to come back!

Recommended for

Diving. Food, friendliness and service. Dive guide Alice 🫶 .

16 Jan, 2025

Experienced and seen a lot with moderate comfort.

I would definitely do the safari again, but not immediately. There are other beautiful diving destinations. The encounter with the whale sharks was already very moving under water as well as for hours in the evening around the boat. Up to 6 whale sharks swam around the boat at the same time. I was also impressed by the number and size of the other fish species found in the Red Sea. To linger with more than 50 oversized batfish on the anchor line, just great. I have not seen this in Egypt by far. Visibility was ok, where there is a lot of plankton for whale sharks in the water it can't be 25m.To the boat: for a week, if the focus is on diving, ok. I have never booked "luxury boats" for safaris (5), but this was the easiest liveaboard ;-). Small cabins, very warm and not quiet. Since I slept outside, it was ok. Everyone was very friendly on board and the food was plentiful and tasty. I was not the only one who missed a proper boot and safety briefing. No central collection point for passports, etc. It would certainly be easy to convey a little more structure and a sense of security here. I didn't feel unsafe, the crew already knew what they were doing and we were always close to land. For my taste, it could have been at least three dives a day. I think 50EUR for a bottle of air for an additional Tg is more than exaggerated. The two shore excursions on the last day to the market of Djibouti and the trip to the salt lake were also very nice. Here the country and culture gave the safari a nice end.

Recommended for

Whale shark, whale shark, whale shark and many fish that I have not seen in Egypt in this way and in this size. the open and friendly interaction on board, the two shore excursions on the last evening and day. the peace and quiet without masses of other boats and liveaboards ;-).

16 Jul, 2026

An authentic, relaxed diving holiday with a great crew, excellent food and impressive underwater world - an all-round success.

We are completely thrilled with this diving holiday. The ship is very authentic and has everything you need: not a luxury ship, but clean, well-maintained and comfortable. Just the right balance for a relaxed Livaboard experience.The staff is great – from the chef, who conjures up something really incredible (honestly: one of the best meals we have ever had on a trip), to the always attentive service, to the dive guide. All of them are highly professional, extremely friendly, courteous and with palpable passion for what they do.The route is pleasant and relaxed, with two to three dives per day. The area is very varied and impresses with an intact underwater world: large schools of fish, colorful corals and many special moments. We saw a whale shark – but you don't just go here for the whale sharks. Rather, it is the overall package of authentic ship, relaxed atmosphere and great dive sites that makes this trip so special.Everything was very well organized, safe and at the same time pleasantly "laid back". A Livaboard without stress, but with a lot of heart and quality.Clear recommendation.

Recommended for

Great food. Very friendly staff on board. Authentic experience.

11 Jan, 2026

A superb and very friendly and relaxing stay

The dive into the fault, very impressive. The encounter with the whale sharks, although we only saw them on the penultimate day.The excursion to Lake Assal with beautiful scenery and the impressive tectonic fault.And then all those very nice evenings over a drink.

Recommended for

The boat is beautiful, well appointed. Claudio's friendliness, the friendliness of the crew. And tasty food.

26 Nov, 2019