Translated from Arabic, El Akhawein means 'The Two Brothers'. On the same latitude as El Quesir on the Egyptian mainland, two small islands rise from an abyss over 300m deep in the middle of the Red Sea.

Exposure to strong currents has left the islands, particularly the smaller of the two, with an abundance of soft corals and giant gorgonians, which are considered by many to be some of the best in the world.

The Brothers are highly exposed with no safe mooring, and therefore should only be accessed on proper liveaboards. Trips run from May through to October, depending on weather.

Big Brother

A huge Freighter - The Numidia - lies on the northern plateau of Big Brother with the stern wedged in to the island at a depth of 80m. This wreck is adorned with spectacular soft coral dancing in strong currents.

This dive is only for the experienced. The Aida II is a supply ship that hit the reef circa 1957. The stern section only remains and lies between 30 to 70 m. its structure is heavily colonized with soft and hard coral encrustation.

This makes an interesting dive not only for the wreck but also the large pelagic fish and schools of barracuda that glide around it.