Red Sea’s Premier Dive Wrecks and Reefs
The Red Sea is globally recognized for its exceptional dive sites, particularly its captivating shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs. Here are descriptions of some of the most famous locations:
SS Thistlegorm: Perhaps the most celebrated shipwreck in the Red Sea, the SS Thistlegorm was a British freighter carrying a vast array of military supplies intended for British forces in North Africa during World War II. Tragically, on October 6th, 1941, a German air raid led to its sinking. The wreck now rests upright on the seabed at a depth of 32 meters, and its remarkably preserved cargo is a major attraction. Divers can explore tanks, trucks, motorcycles, weaponry, a railway carriage, and even two locomotives still within its holds.
Abu Nuhas Reef – A Wreck Diver’s Paradise: The reef of Abu Nuhas is notorious, and yet revered, for the numerous shipwrecks it has claimed. Today, these wrecks serve as a significant draw for divers from around the globe. Among the most popular are:
- Giannis D: This Greek freighter met its fate on April 19th, 1984, running aground on the reef and sinking shortly thereafter. It now lies at a maximum depth of 27 meters and has become beautifully colonized by both hard and soft corals. The ship sustained a significant break amidships, but the stern section remains largely intact and is considered the prime area for exploration. With numerous entry and exit points, penetration is relatively accessible. A unique feature of diving the Giannis D is its 45-degree list; navigating interior stairwells creates a disorienting yet fascinating sensation of swimming ‘up’ what appears to be downwards.
- Carnatic: This British steamship met a similar end, striking the reef in September 1869 and succumbing to worsening weather the following day. Resting at approximately 26 meters, the Carnatic broke apart near its midsection, leaving the bow and stern sections remarkably complete. Over time, the decking has deteriorated, replaced by a dense growth of tube sponges, alcyonarian corals, and occasional table corals, lending it a highly picturesque quality. Bathed in natural light from above and easily penetrable, it is a favorite for underwater photographers and wreck enthusiasts.
Dunraven: The Dunraven, a steam and sail-powered vessel once used for transporting spices and timber, ran aground on Shaab Mahmoud reef in April 1876 during a voyage from Bombay to Newcastle, sinking quickly. The impact caused the ship to break into two sections, which settled upside down on the seabed. The stern lies at a depth of 28 meters, while the bow is shallower at 18 meters. At the stern, the propeller and rudder are still visible, adorned with coral growth. Inside the wreck, divers are often surrounded by thousands of glassfish.
Ras Mohammed Marine Park – Shark Reef and Jolanda Reef: The protected waters of Ras Mohammed National Park offer exceptional diving experiences. Shark Reef and Jolanda Reef are two standouts, both situated on a plateau ranging from 10 to 20 meters deep. From this plateau, the reef edges descend dramatically to depths exceeding 200 meters. These reefs are vibrant ecosystems, boasting a rich variety of hard and soft corals and an abundance of fish of all sizes. Early morning dives at Shark Reef offer the chance for shark encounters. Jolanda Reef is famed for the unusual cargo of the Cypriot freighter Jolanda, which grounded in 1980. Scattered across the reef are remnants of its shipment: a large quantity of ceramic household items such as toilets, bathtubs, shower trays, and bidets, creating a truly unique underwater landscape.
Important Notice:
This description provides a sample of dive sites in this area of the Red Sea and should not be considered a guaranteed itinerary. Weather conditions can impact all dive locations, potentially altering the planned dive sites and route. The final decision on the route and whether diving is possible at any site rests entirely with the boat captain and dive guides, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all divers