The Reefs of the Red Sea have claimed many wrecks over many years, and the comparatively calm waters mean many of these are far more intact then you might expect for their age. Wreck Dive sites are available within daily dive distance at depths for divers of all abilities.
From special trips to the Thistlegorm, visits to the Northern Wrecks at Abu Nuhas, and down south to the Salem Express, our daily dive boats can take you to visit the wrecks of many different types of vessel, sunk over many years. We will tell you the history of each we visit and always show respect to those who were lost.
At each site you’ll receive a dive briefing on the story of the wreck, any special safety concerns relating to visiting it, and the host of marine life which has now made the vessel its home. If you’d like to extend your training further and venture inside wrecks, our PADI Wreck Diver Specialty course can show you the way.
Thank you to HEPCA for the use of the dive site maps.
Wreck Dive Sites
El Mina
A 70m long Egyptian minesweeper, lying at 25-30m in Hurghada Harbour, El Mina (not the name of the ship but Arabic for “the harbour” where it lies) is simply enormous and looms out of the blue surprisingly close to land.
Often used on a PADI Advanced or PADI Wreck Diver course, El Mina was sunk in 1969 by Israeli fighters and its anti-aircraft guns and minesweeping equipment are still clearly visible.
The Thistlegorm
Discovered by Jacques Cousteau, the Thistlegorm sank in 1941 after being hit by a German bomb. Probably the most famous wreck in the Red Sea, we can take you to the Thistlegorm on a special extended day trip if you have a small group wishing to go.
Once there, you’ll enjoy exploring this enormous wreck. Features include tanks, motorbikes, Bedford trucks and even some pairs of wellington boots! Lying from 16-33m, the wreck remains in excellent condition – a real look into history.
Salem Express
The Salem Express is a modern wreck of a ferry. Bringing pilgrims back from Mecca to the port at Safaga, she sank in minutes in December 1991 taking at least 500 down with her. The ferry took a short cut and hit a reef knocking the bow doors open.
Underwater, you will see all the trappings of modern travel – suitcases, game boys,clothes, blankets alongside the marine life which has firmly established the Salem as a reef as well as a wreck. A memorable and significant dive to be treated with great respect.
.
