Brothers in Arms

Mark Webster · Issue 44, Sep/Oct 2008 · pp. 45–49

Products mentioned: Nikon D300, Nikon D200, Subal ND20, Tokina 10-17mm zoom, Subtronic Minis, Magic Filter

The Red Sea remains a very attractive destination for underwater photographers for many reasons, not least for its spectacular big name sites. Famous dives like Tiran, Ras Mohamed, Abu Nuhas, the Thistlegorm or Elphinstone can be reached by day boats as well as live aboards but the more remote site of the Brothers islands is a different prospect. These two little rocky islands break the surface in the centre of the Red Sea in an exposed location too far from land for the day boats. So this is live aboard territory only and even then you need good conditions to make the crossing and dive safely here. It is this very remoteness which makes the Brothers so attractive to both marine life and the diver and also makes it worth the effort of booking a trip dedicated to reaching this unique location. The Brothers, or El Akhawein, are two small islands which were stranded in the centre of the gre…