Dolce Vita Liveaboard Overview

diver with an underwater camera rig facing a manta rayDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Sally Lockman
diver with an underwater camera rig facing a manta ray
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Born and raised on a tiny island in the Middle East, Sally has always been passionate about the ocean. After finally leaving the corporate and banking...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
the liveaboard Dolce Vita underway on open water
Seafari International operates four vessels in Egypt, including the Dolce Vita.
MY Dolce Vita liveaboard cruising on open blue water
The Dolce Vita is a 124-foot-long (38 m) modern luxury dive boat that lives up to its name.
Salon on the Dolce Vita with grey sofas facing a wall-mounted TV and dining table
Originally built in 2004 and completely renovated in 2018, the Dolce Vita is a modern and contemporary dive yacht.
Swim platform steps and jacuzzi at the stern of the Dolce Vita overlooking turquoise water
The indoor salon is equipped with an entertainment system, two TV screens, and a library filled with marine life books.
Sun loungers on the open deck of the Dolce Vita with the sea in the background
An onboard hot tub is the perfect place to soothe dive-tired muscles.
Bunk cabin on the Dolce Vita with a window view and folded towels on the beds
Soak up some Red Sea sun between dives on the upper sundeck.
Shark silhouetted against sunburst light near the surface of the Red Sea
Each cabin features air conditioning, storage space, and a minibar.
Pair of clownfish sheltering in an anemone on the reef
Oceanic whitetips are closely associated with sites such as Ephinstone.
Colorful coral reef scene with anemonefish and a diver's bubbles in the background
With the chance to encounter tropical marine life ranging from sharks and dolphins to gorgonian fans and feathered starfish, there’s no shortage of variety in the Red Sea.
Lionfish with fanned spines hunting over a coral reef
Healthy coral abounds at remote sites far from shore.
Pair of hammerhead sharks swimming in open blue water
The lovely lionfish—make sure to leave plenty of distance between yourself and this beauty.
Whale shark cruising past a diver trailing bubbles amid a school of fish
Dolce Vita itineraries run through some of the Red Sea's most famous sites, and close encounters like this are part of the draw.

The Red Sea offers an abundance of marine life and colorful reefs that provide a thrill for both amateur and advanced divers alike.

With the chance to encounter tropical marine life ranging from sharks and dolphins to gorgonian fans and feathered starfish, there’s no shortage of variety in the Red Sea. Due to the many dive sites around the area, one of the best options for exploration is via liveaboard.

These “eat, sleep, dive” yachts allow guests to enjoy a greater variety of sites, especially sites that can’t be reached by daily boats, over the course of a week. Offering trips to some of the most well-known sites is French liveaboard operator Seafari International. 

Seafari International operates four vessels in Egypt, all featuring spacious cabins, cozy indoor salons, fully equipped dive decks, and highly trained staff. One of these is the 124-foot-long (38 m) modern luxury dive boat that lives up to its name, the Dolce Vita. 

As well as operating liveaboard trips throughout the year, this yacht is available for private charters. 

So, keep reading as we dive into the sweet life on the Dolce Vita.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Spacious cabins with ample room for luggage and gear storage
  • Professional and respectful staff and crew
  • Guides are knowledgeable and deliver thorough briefings
  • Delicious Egyptian and Western cuisine

Things we don't like:

  • Few activities in the evening

Diving on the Dolce Vita liveaboard

Two dolphins swimming close together over a coral reef in Egypt's Red Sea
Coral-encrusted wreckage with reef fish swimming through the twisted metal
Shark silhouetted against sunburst light near the surface of the Red Sea
Blue-spotted ribbontail ray resting on sand beneath coral at a Red Sea dive site
Giant moray eel peering out from a coral crevice

With near-perfect water and weather conditions at any time of year, Egypt is a fantastic year-round destination. The warm summer, from May to August, sees land temperatures spike up to 113 F (45 C), but water temperatures are comfortable from 70 to 84 F (21 to 29 C). In the winter, water temperatures range from 62 to 75 F (17 to 24 C) and air temperatures cool slightly as well.

Diving in Egypt means a chance to encounter a wide range of marine life, such as dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and sharks, all year round. Liveaboards offer the best chance to spot as many creatures as possible since you’ll dive, dive, dive, and you’ll visit locations that can only be reached by boat.

The Dolce Vita offers a varied itinerary throughout the year to some of the most famous dive sites in the area, including Ras Mohamed National Park, St. John, the Straits of Tiran, Brothers Islands, and historic wrecks such as the Carnatic, SS Thistlegorm, Salem Express and more.

Certified divers are provided with complimentary nitrox, and guests can also opt to complete a specialty course on board, further enhancing their dive experience.

Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear Red Sea, with rental dive equipment available onboard. 

Highlights:

  • Superior visibility up to 100 feet (30 m)
  • Free nitrox
  • Explore caves, reef walls, and historic wrecks
  • Snorkeling gear available for rent

Onboard the Dolce Vita

Shaded lounge area on the Dolce Vita's deck with blue cushioned daybeds
Upper deck of the Dolce Vita liveaboard with lounge seating and the Divers Fleet flag flying
Twin cabin on the Dolce Vita with made-up beds, mirror and folded towels
Salon on the Dolce Vita with grey sofas, cushions and coffee tables
Sun loungers on the open deck of the Dolce Vita with the sea in the background
Rows of nitrox tanks lined up on the Dolce Vita's dive deck

Originally built in 2004 and completely renovated in 2018, the Dolce Vita is a modern and contemporary dive yacht, measuring 127 feet (38 m) and accommodating up to 24 guests in 12 ensuite cabins. Each cabin features air conditioning, storage space, and a minibar.

Guests can enjoy a variety of common areas, including a cozy indoor salon and dining area on the main deck and a partially shaded sundeck furnished with lounges, chairs, and sofas. Another open-air salon is located on the upper deck, along with a bar, making for the perfect spot to relax at the end of a long dive day. The indoor salon is also equipped with an entertainment system, two TV screens, and a library filled with marine life books to keep guests entertained during downtime between dives.

A spacious dive deck is fully equipped with two air compressors and a nitrox membrane compressor. There is also plenty of space for storage and for guests to move around as they prepare their gear for each dive.

Guests can also stay connected online, chat with family, share photos of the trip, and even catch up on work if needed with the free Wi-Fi on board.

Highlights:

  • Plenty of space to relax
  • Onboard hot tub
  • 12 ensuite cabins
  • Free Wi-Fi

Dining on the Dolce Vita

Dining room on the Dolce Vita set with tables, chairs and a central buffet station
Dining area on the Dolce Vita with a wooden buffet counter, table settings and a wall TV

With a full week of diving, it’s important to fuel up with nutritious meals. Luckily, guests on the Dolce Vita can delight in local and international cuisines prepared by professionally trained chefs using unique, fresh ingredients and served buffet-style.

Additionally, complimentary drinks and snacks are served throughout the day, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from the bar for those who would like a drink at the end of a dive day.

Special dietary requests can also be made at the time of booking for guests with specific requirements or allergies to ensure availability. 

Highlights:

  • Local and international cuisines
  • Complimentary drinks and snacks
  • Alcoholic beverages available at extra cost

Things we like:

  • Spacious cabins with ample room for luggage and gear storage
  • Professional and respectful staff and crew
  • Guides are knowledgeable and deliver thorough briefings
  • Delicious Egyptian and Western cuisine

Things we don't like:

  • Few activities in the evening
Key facts
Year built: 2004
Max divers: 24
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes (free)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Budget
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