Updated January 28, 2023
This is the twenty-first in a series that introduces and describes the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris. The focus in this one is on Djibouti liveaboards.
In addition to this series on liveaboards, the best worldwide dive resort locations and services are reviewed in their own series. To check them out, or other liveaboards, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title.
Have you ever been diving in Djibouti before? If so, I’d love to know about your experience. What dive shop or liveaboard did you use? Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.? Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.
Best Liveaboard Diving in Djibouti
Background
Located on the Horn of Africa at the southern tip of the Red Sea, Djibouti is a desert nation with less than a million population. Today it is a democracy that was a French colony from 1894 to 1977 and still has a French military presence along with an American one. The region has a reputation for Somali piracy, but actually is a safe, peaceful, nonviolent place on land and at sea around Djibouti, in part due to the foreign bases there. Most foreign nationals receive a visa on entry and the capital airport provides access by air.
Traditional culture is predominant, so alcohol, scanty clothing, and raucous behavior are not welcome in public, but on a liveaboard all is possible. There is not much land-based tourism, but there are many beautiful landscapes and local life that are wonderful to see and photograph. A camera would be useful at sea, as well, with many noteworthy subjects. For a review of a range of cameras suitable for diving, click here:
Undersea World
Djibouti is not famous for its fabulous coral reefs, but there are in fact more than 200 species of coral and a long list of fish life attractions that include beaked and pilot whales, many species of dolphins, grey reef and nurse sharks, manta, and eagle rays and the biggest draw of all, whale sharks. The plankton-enriched waters from October through December attract large numbers of adults and juveniles that can frequently be seen during dives and on the surface, providing good snorkeling opportunities.
There are wrecks and caves to explore, in addition to coral reefs, and significant drift on occasion. Many of the dives would be most appropriate for experienced divers, so it is important to coordinate with the dive crew to arrange sites and conditions matching your skill level.
Seasons and Conditions
It is always warm in Djibouti and water temperatures during the primary dive season of October through January are from 79-86°F (26-30°C). Visibility oftentimes is less than 15m (50ft) during this season mainly due to the plankton bloom. That’s the downside. An upside is a large number of whale sharks and other pelagics that come around to feed. Also during this bloom, there is a greater likelihood of stinging hydroids that you can be avoided by using a lycra suit or a 3mm wetsuit.
The land-based dive operations visit many of the sites, but liveaboards go beyond the limits of the shore boats and are much more convenient, covering a greater area in less time and with a higher level of service and comfort. The 3 liveaboard boats have significantly different itineraries covering a great number of sites. Take a look at each below and you can scope out on the maps the areas covered.
Djibouti Liveaboard Dive Boats
The land-based dive operations visit many of the top sites, but liveaboards go beyond the limits of the shore boats and are much more convenient, covering a greater area in less time and with a higher level of service and comfort. The 3 liveaboard boats have significantly different itineraries covering a great number of sites. Take a look at each below and you can scope out on the maps the areas covered.
There are only three vessels for liveaboard diving in Djibouti. Each has its own special features, services, and characteristics, and the itineraries place emphasis on differing territories and a large number of dive sites. What they have in common is that they are all set up to provide comfortable and professionally run dive safaris.
Djibouti Liveaboard Dive Boat Comparison Table
| MY Deli | MY Lucy | MSY Elegante |
|
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Length | 26 m | 37 m | 25 m |
| Guests | 12 | 22 | 14 |
| Equipment | Pricing To Be Arranged | €160/week (full equipment, except computer) | €120/week (full equipment) |
| Nitrox | No | €50/week | No |
| Snorkeling Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price/Day | $199 | $243 | $186 |
| MY Deli | MY Lucy | MSY Elegante |
Land Touring and Shore-Based Scuba Diving
Perhaps you would like to take in some touring and participation in land-based life before, after, or instead of a liveaboard. There are several accredited dive operations in Djibouti City and quality accommodations.
If you would like to investigate or book a hotel, here is where I go to make such arrangements.
Scuba Diving Trip Insurance
A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation. I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.
Feedback and Comments
I hope you found this post on Djibouti scuba diving exciting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. I’d love to know of any experience you have. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
That Djibouti Whale Shark looks like he doesn’t have any teeth! Not the typical scary shark photo I’m used to. Well, that aside, I have to say that I think the Somali piracy might prevent me from diving there. I do get nervous in other parts of the world. You stated there is a French and US military presence, but the thought of pirates is terrifying lol. The coral reefs are enticing, as is the rest of your article, but I’m going to have to think about that one!
Hi Babsie,
Good to see you again.
The whale shark is a filter feeder eating mostly plankton, but also some larger fish and crustaceans it encounters. No teeth and very passive, so great to swim with.
Actually the Somalis have the reputation for piracy, which is largely exaggerated these days. I haven’t seen any stories indicating they have any interest in scuba diving liveaboards. In any case, they haven’t been active for a while and as I said, the French and US military presence keeps them away.
Djibouti does have some unique and fascinating diving well worth the visit.
Babsie, I hope to see you on one of these liveaboards before long. If you have any questions or further comments, please get in touch.
Best regards,
Joe