
The Thunderbird Liveaboard in Egypt scores 10/10 on the diving features SDE Liveaboard Rating
I’ve scored the Thunderbird Liveaboard 10/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Diving Features, as it has 10 of the 10 key diving features listed below.
When you dive on the Thunderbird Liveaboard, you’ll benefit from free onboard nitrox to reduce fatigue across multiple dives and can extend your bottom time where conditions allow, with a dedicated dive deck for kitting up and tenders to drop you directly onto the best dive sites. You can also travel light with onboard gear rental, and even progress your diver certification during your liveaboard trip with the onboard scuba diving courses.
At a glance for divers:
If you’re travelling as an underwater photographer, dedicated facilities are available onboard – see the Underwater Photographer section for full details. In addition, after a dive you can rinse off using warm outside showers, which keep you, your hair and your wetsuit fresh and clean from saltwater. What’s more, DIN adaptors are carried onboard, so whether you dive on a DIN or yoke regulator you will be supported on the Thunderbird Liveaboard.
For more advanced setups, this liveaboard also supports technical diving options – see the Technical Divers section for full details. You’ll also find on deck you have rinse hoses and a shaded diving area, so your kit and cameras can be washed and kept out of the sun. Also, the Thunderbird Liveaboard was designed for divers, so the layout, dive deck and facilities are all set up with scuba divers in mind.
I’ve reviewed the Thunderbird Liveaboard and created this checklist of 10 key onboard diving features, so you can quickly see how well this liveaboard is set up for scuba divers. This boat includes 10 of the 10 essential diving features:
Looking for more specialist facilities? See the separate underwater photographer section and tech diving section for more details.
Diving FAQs for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard liveaboard have nitrox onboard?
What level of experience is required and what diver certification is required for the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
How many logged dives do you need for the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
How many dives per day can I do on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Can I get certified on board the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Do I need DIN or yoke on the Thunderbird Liveaboard, and are adaptors available?
How are water entries and exits handled on the Thunderbird Liveaboard? Are tenders used?
Are dives guided on the Thunderbird Liveaboard or can I dive independently?
What rental gear is available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are scuba courses available onboard the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is a nitrox course available onboard the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
What itineraries does the Thunderbird Liveaboard run?
What is a typical day of diving like on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is the Thunderbird Liveaboard custom designed for divers?
What sea creatures can you see on the Thunderbird Liveaboard
The Thunderbird Liveaboard does not currently list specific marine life for its dive sites, please check the itinerary notes.
Dive information:
- Diver certification level required: Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Number of logged dives required: Minimum 30 logged dives
- Itinerary options on the Thunderbird liveaboard are currently: 8 Days/7 Nights
- The diving package to include all the dives on the itinerary of your choice is included in the cost of the liveaboard trip.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard offers diving insurance, which is an optional extra charge. Click Diving insurance to find other liveaboards that offer free, or as a paid extra, diving insurance.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard offers a private dive guide, which is an optional extra charge. Click Private dive guide to find other liveaboards that offer free, or as a paid extra, a private dive guide.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard offers scuba diving courses, and in particular a nitrox course, which are an optional extra charge. Click Scuba diving courses or Nitrox course to find other liveaboards that offer scuba courses onboard.
Tip: click any of the linked items above to find other dive liveaboards with the same option.
List of Egypt dive sites visited by the Thunderbird Liveaboard
We do not yet have region and dive site data set up for Egypt.
The Thunderbird Liveaboard scores 4/10 on the cabin features SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of Thunderbird Liveaboard is 4/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Cabin Features, as it has 4 of the 10 key cabin features (see below).
The Thunderbird Liveaboard includes air-conditioned cabins, which keeps your cabin cool and comfortable if you want to relax in your cabin between dives, and whilst you sleep at night. In addition, it includes daily housekeeping to add extra comfort to your trip.
What’s more, it has en-suite bathrooms, which adds hotel-style convenience to your diving trip.
Below I've listed the 10 key cabin features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 4 of the 10 key features.
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Cabin FAQs for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
Do cabins on the Thunderbird Liveaboard have en-suite bathrooms?
Is there air-conditioning in the cabins on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are there family cabins on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are there balcony or sea-view cabins on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is there a hair dryer in the cabins on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Do cabins on the Thunderbird Liveaboard have a safe box?
Is there a TV in the cabins on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are the cabins non-smoking on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are towels and toiletries provided on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
How many guests and cabins does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have?
Cabin information:
- The Thunderbird Liveaboard provides cabin towels, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip.
- The Thunderbird Liveaboard does not offer a laundry service. If you would like this service onboard, click Laundry service to find liveaboards that provide it.
- The Thunderbird Liveaboard does not offer a pressing service. If you would like this service onboard, click Pressing service to find liveaboards that provide it.
- Complimentary toiletries are not provided on the Thunderbird Liveaboard. If you would like a liveaboard that provides toiletries, click Complimentary toiletries.
- The Thunderbird Liveaboard does not show dedicated family cabins and is not tagged as a family friendly cruise in the cabin features. If you are travelling with children, you may find a better fit by choosing from Liveaboards With Family Cabins for boats that offer family sized cabins, or Family Friendly Cruises for trips that are set up more clearly for families. You can still review the cabin layouts for this boat in the cabin types section below.
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The Thunderbird Liveaboard includes the following cabin types:
- 1 Double cabin with an ensuite bathroom
- 7 Twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms
The Thunderbird Liveaboard scores 8/10 on the boat features SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of the Thunderbird Liveaboard is 8/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Boat Features, as it has 8 of the 10 key boat features (see below).
The Thunderbird Liveaboard has a lounge for you to relax with onboard audio and video entertainment between dives or in the evenings. In addition, it has a cool indoor saloon with air conditioning, so you can relax between dives away from the heat and sun. What's more, it has free WIFI internet onboard, which means you can stay up to date with your emails and social media or upload your latest pictures and videos during your dive trip.
Even better, it provides charging stations for phones, laptops, torches and underwater cameras so your batteries stay topped up and your dive kit is ready for the next dive. You'll also find it has dedicated deck areas for relaxing between dives, enjoying the views and making the most of your time onboard. Also, it includes transfer support, which can make getting to and from the boat easier and less stressful.
Plus, it includes towels onboard, which helps you pack lighter and makes life easier during your dive trip. On top of that, it has a dedicated crew onboard to help keep your trip running smoothly from diving to meals and day-to-day service.
Below I've listed the 10 key boat features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 8 of the 10 key features.
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No Smart Voyager accreditation
- ~
- ✓
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Boat FAQs for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have WiFi internet?
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have an air conditioned saloon?
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have an indoor saloon?
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have a sun deck or leisure deck?
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have an observation deck?
What onboard entertainment is available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is there a boutique or souvenir shop on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is the Thunderbird Liveaboard family friendly?
Is the Thunderbird Liveaboard available for private charter?
What type of crew works on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
What is the crew to guest ratio on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have Smart Voyager accreditation?
Boat information:
- The Thunderbird liveaboard provides deck towels onboard, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip, but no beach towels are provided. Click Beach Towels to find liveaboards that offer these onboard.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard offers hotel and airport transfers, which incurs an additional cost on top of your liveaboard trip.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard can arrange local flights at an additional cost to the trip.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard also includes fuel surcharge, national park fees, and port fees in the cost of the liveaboard.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard has additional required charges on top of the cost of the trip, these additional costs that you are required to pay include gratuities, and visas and fees.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard has a dedicated crew onboard, which includes both local and international crew.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard is not listed as a family friendly cruise and does not show dedicated family cabins in the features either. If you’d prefer a liveaboard that is better set up for families, click Family Friendly Cruises to see family oriented trips, or Liveaboards With Family Cabins to find boats that just offer cabins designed for families.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard is not currently available for private charter, as this trip is usually sold by the cabin rather than as a full-boat charter, so it works best for individual divers, couples, and small groups booking separate cabins; if you need a liveaboard you can reserve exclusively for your group, click liveaboards available for private charter to find boats that are available for private charter.
- The Thunderbird liveaboard is not specifically listed as a budget-friendly option, and is better suited to divers who are happy to pay more for upgraded comfort, premium facilities, and a higher overall experience while exploring Egypt’s dive sites; if your priority is keeping costs down, you can check current discounts using discounted liveaboards, or click Budget Friendly Liveaboards to compare this vessel with other liveaboards that are marketed as more budget-friendly.
The Thunderbird Liveaboard scores 7/10 on the food features SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of the Thunderbird Liveaboard is 7/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating For Food Features, as it has 7 of the 10 total key food and dining features (see below).
The Thunderbird Liveaboard offers options for specific dietary requirements and you can add these in special requests on step two of the booking form. But you are requested to limit these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies. It also includes vegetarian and vegan choices on the menu, so if you are a vegetarian or vegan you’ll definately not go hungry on your dive trip. In addition, it has the benefit of fully inclusive meals, which includes breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
Below I've listed the 10 key food features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 7 of the 10 key features.
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No Beach BBQ
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No Fine cuisine
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✓
Local food
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✓
Snacks all day (Free)
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✓
Western food
Dining FAQs for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
What meal plan does the Thunderbird Liveaboard offer?
Are dietary requirements accommodated on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are vegetarian and vegan options available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is al fresco dining available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard include a beach BBQ?
What dining style is used on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
What cuisine is served on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are snacks provided on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Dining and food information:
- Meals are served buffet style on the Thunderbird Liveaboard.
The Thunderbird Liveaboard scores 6/10 on the drinks & refreshments SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of the Thunderbird Liveaboard is 6/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating For Drinks and Refreshment Features, as it has 6 of the 10 total key drink and refreshment features (see below). In addition, this liveaboard includes drinking water, soft drinks, and tea & coffee in the trip price.
Below I've listed the 10 key drinks & refreshments features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 6 of the 10 key features.
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✓
Alcoholic beverages (Paid extra)
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No Bar
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✓
Beer available
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✓
Drinking water (Free)
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No Fine wines selection
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No Free wine w/dinner
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✓
Soft drinks (Free)
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✓
Tea & coffee (Free)
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No Welcome cocktails
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✓
Wine available
Drinks & Refreshments FAQs for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
Which drinks are included on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is there a bar onboard the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is alcohol available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are soft drinks included on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are tea and coffee included on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is drinking water included on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is wine with dinner included on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are welcome cocktails offered on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Can I bring my own alcohol on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
How do I pay for drinks onboard the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Included in the price of your liveaboard trip:
- Drinking water
- Soft drinks
- Tea & coffee
The Thunderbird Liveaboard scores 3/10 on the non-diver companion SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of the Thunderbird Liveaboard is 3/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Non-Diver Companion Rating, as it has 3 of the 10 total key non-diver companion features (see below).
The Thunderbird Liveaboard is suitable for non-divers, with activities such as snorkelling. These keep everyone involved between dives and make the trip enjoyable for partners or friends who prefer to stay above the surface. In addition, Snorkel gear is available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard, perfect for relaxed reef time between dives and for non-divers to join in the water. What’s more, There is a small library on the Thunderbird Liveaboard with fish ID books and light reading and you will often find titles left by previous guests too.
Below I've listed the 10 key non-diver companion features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 3 of the 10 key features.
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No Glass bottom boat
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No Jacuzzi / hot tub
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✓
Library
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No Naturalist itineraries
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Snorkel gear (Paid extra)
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No Wellness facilities
Non-Dive Companion FAQs for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
Are kayaks available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are stand up paddleboards available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is snorkel gear provided on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is there a jacuzzi or hot tub on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is the Thunderbird Liveaboard suitable for non-divers?
Is there a naturalist guide or naturalist itinerary on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is there a library on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is yoga offered on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are wellness services available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are jet skis available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is water skiing available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is wakeboarding available on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is fishing offered on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is there a glass bottom boat on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Are land excursions included on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Underwater Photographer Features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
My score of the Thunderbird Liveaboard is 3/5 on the SDE Underwater Photographer Rating, as it has 3 of the 5 key photographer facilities (see below).
The Thunderbird Liveaboard offers a separate rinse tank for underwater cameras, which is crucial for protecting expensive camera equipment from scratches and damage. Also a dedicated camera tank avoids any risks that can arise from sharing space with general diving gear, such as regulators, wetsuits, and heavy fins to avoid contamitation from sand, salt, debris and any chemicals.
In addition, it provides dedicated charging stations for cameras, strobes, torches and laptops so your batteries are always topped up and ready for your next dive. What’s more, it has free WiFi internet onboard, which makes it easier to back up RAW files to the cloud and share images with friends and family while you are at sea.
Below I've listed the 5 key underwater photographer features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 3 of the 5 key features.
Underwater photographer FAQs for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
Is there a dedicated camera room on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have a dedicated camera table or workstation?
Are there charging stations for cameras and batteries on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is there a separate rinse tank for underwater cameras on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Does the Thunderbird Liveaboard have WiFi for backing up and sharing photos?
Is the Thunderbird Liveaboard a good choice for serious underwater photographers?
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Technical Diving Features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
My score of the Thunderbird Liveaboard is 1/3 on the SDE Tech Diving Rating, as it has 1 of the 3 key technical diving features (see below).
If you like to dive sidemount style the Thunderbird Liveaboard supports sidemount diving, but when you plan your dives check the boat’s cylinder options and the deck set-up, so your configuration is comfortable and properly supported for the dives planned.
Below I've listed the 3 key tech diving features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 1 of the 3 key features.
Tech diving FAQs for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
Is sidemount diving supported on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is technical diving supported on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is rebreather diving supported on the Thunderbird Liveaboard?
Is The Thunderbird Liveaboard Right For You?
Quick Facts about the Thunderbird Liveaboard
(or equivalent)
✓ The Thunderbird Liveaboard Is Best For:
- ✓Intermediate divers looking to build experience
- ✓Social divers who enjoy meeting new people
- ✓Nitrox divers (free EAN32 included)
- ✓Travelers who prefer to rent equipment rather than bring their own
- ✓Divers seeking multi-day immersive experiences
✗ The Thunderbird Liveaboard Is Not Ideal For:
- ✗Those who prefer day trips or shore-based diving
- ✗Divers seeking extreme or technical diving challenges
The Thunderbird Liveaboard Is Perfect If You Want...
- •World-famous Red Sea diving
- •Historic wreck diving (Thistlegorm)
- •Vibrant coral reefs
- •Encounters with oceanic whitetips
- •Complimentary nitrox for extended bottom times
Customer review from Liveaboard.com
“High value for the money. I have just had the plesure to join Thunderbird for a 2’weeks Safari together whit some fanatastics guest in a international atmospher thank to You all The beat is not High luxus but funktionel and i felt very save diring the trip The Crew and guides very helpfuld and serviceminded”
Recommended for: The food. The Crew. The guest.
Customer Review By Jan O, from: Denmark scored the Thunderbird Liveaboard 10 out of 10; Review courtesy of Liveaboard.com, for all 15 reviews and information click here: Thunderbird Liveaboard .
Video Highlights for the Thunderbird Liveaboard
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All Egypt's Discounted Liveaboard Deals & Last Minute Discounts
Thunderbird Liveaboard Included in the Price
When you book the Thunderbird dive liveaboard, your cruise price includes key items for an amazing dive safari in Egypt. All your meals are included, so you can focus on diving.
These inclusions provide excellent value and a hassle-free cruise experience. Below is everything included in your Thunderbird liveaboard fare.
A review of the list of features 'included' in the price of the Thunderbird liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature included in the price, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Included Accommodation
- Included Cabin towels
- Included Deck towels
- Included Diving package
- Included Drinking water
- Included Fuel surcharge
- Included Full-board meal plan (All meals)
- Included National park fees
- Included Nitrox
- Included Port fees
- Included Snacks
- Included Soft drinks
- Included Tea & coffee
- Included VAT
- Included WiFi internet
Show features not included in the price
The other features that are either not included in the price or not available at all on the Thunderbird liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Not included Airport transfers
- Not included Snorkel equipment
- Not included Beer
- Not included Wine with dinner
- Not included Dive guide
- Not included Diving equipment
Thunderbird Liveaboard Optional Paid Extras
Enhance your Thunderbird charter with these optional upgrades available for an additional cost. Nitrox helps extend your bottom time at the sites around Egypt.
These extras let you tailor the trip to your preferences. See the list below.
A review of the list of 'optional extras' charged on top of the price for the Thunderbird liveaboard. Click a feature to find liveaboards including this in the price:
- Paid extra Airport transfers (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Alcoholic beverages (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Diving insurance (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Hotel transfer (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Local flights (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Nitrox course (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Private dive guide (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Rental gear (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Scuba diving courses (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Snorkel Gear (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Wine with dinner (Paid extra)
Thunderbird Liveaboard Required Paid Extras
Please note some essential costs are not included in the base price of the Thunderbird dive cruise and must be paid additionally.
Budget for these mandatory costs when planning your liveaboard trip. See the list below.
A review of the list of 'required extras' not included in the price for the Thunderbird liveaboard. Click a feature to find liveaboards where this is covered in the price (when applicable):
- Required extra Gratuities (Required extra)
- Required extra Visas and fees (Required extra)
Thunderbird Liveaboard Vessel Details
- Length: 30.8m (101.0ft)
- Beam: 7.0m (23.0ft)
- Max guests: 16
- Cabins: 8
- Bathrooms: 9
Thunderbird Liveaboard Boat Navigation and Safety
Navigation and safety aboard the Thunderbird Liveaboard are built around dependable positioning and rapid response.
A review of the full list of navigation and safety features for the Thunderbird Liveaboard. Thunderbird Liveaboard scores 100% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for navigation & safety, which means it has all 17 navigation & safety features.
- Included Bilge Pump Alarm
- Included Crew Trained in First Aid
- Included Depth Sounder
- Included E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
- Included Emergency Flares
- Included Emergency Rafts
- Included Engine room CCTV
- Included Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
- Included First Aid Kits
- Included Fishfinder
- Included GPS
- Included Life Vests
- Included Oxygen
- Included Radar
- Included Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
- Included Satellite & Mobile Phones
- Included Search light