The Best Wreck Dive Sites in Hurghada

 Best Diving Sites in Hurghada

1. Salem Express

The Salem Express is undoubtedly the most famous and poignant wreck dive accessible from Hurghada. This 4500-ton roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry sank tragically in 1991, claiming over 1000 lives.

• Depth: 15-30 meters
• Location: Approximately 4 miles off Safaga, about 45-60 minutes south of Hurghada
• Experience Level: Advanced Open Water (due to depth and potential currents)
• Highlights: The wreck lies on its starboard side, largely intact. Divers can see the bridge, car decks with visible vehicles, and the distinctive propellers. The site is now an artificial reef teeming with glassfish, batfish, and barracuda
• Conditions: Often subject to currents, making drift diving common

The Salem Express is treated as a war grave, and divers are expected to treat the site with utmost respect.

2. Rosalie Moller

The Rosalie Moller is a British steamship sunk by German bombers in 1941 during World War II. This 110-meter wreck is often compared to the famous SS Thistlegorm but sees far fewer divers.

• Depth: 25-45 meters (bow at 25m, stern at 45m)
• Location: North of Hurghada, approximately 4 hours by boat or accessible on liveaboard trips
• Experience Level: Advanced/Technical (due to depth)
• Highlights: The wreck sits upright on a sandy seabed. Divers can explore the engine room, cargo holds, and the captain’s bathtub. The site is covered in soft corals and hosts schools of glassfish, barracuda, and occasional pelagics
• Best Time: Calm summer months (June-September)

3. El Mina (The Lighthouse Wreck)

Located right in Hurghada’s harbour entrance, the El Mina wreck is one of the most accessible wreck dives in the area. This 70-meter cargo ship was intentionally sunk in 2001 to create an artificial reef.

• Depth: 10-26 meters
• Location: Near the Hurghada lighthouse, just off the coast
• Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced
• Highlights: The wreck sits upright on a sandy bottom. Penetration is possible in some areas for qualified divers. The site is now heavily colonized by hard and soft corals, hosting lionfish, moray eels, scorpionfish, and large schools of anthias
• Visibility: Can vary due to harbour proximity, often 10-15 meters

4. Abu Nugar Wrecks (Shaab Iris Area)

The Abu Nugar reef complex contains several small wreck sites that are perfect for photographers and less-experienced divers.

The Small Army Supply Ship (Shabruhr Umm Gammar area)

Located near the Umm Gamar island, this wreck lies in deeper water:

• Depth: Approx 30 meters
• Location: Western side of the reef near Shabruhr Umm Gammar
• Experience Level: Advanced
• Highlights: Remains of an Egyptian army supply ship that sank years ago. The wreckage is scattered across the sandy slope, now serving as habitat for glassfish and smaller grouper species

South Abu Ramada Wreck

A smaller wreck sits at just 5 meters depth off South Abu Ramada:

• Depth: 5 meters
• Location: Southern plateau of Abu Ramada reef
• Experience Level: Beginner/Snorkeler
• Highlights: Ideal for introductory divers and snorkelers. The shallow wreck is often home to elusive crocodile fish hiding in the sand nearby. Surrounded by coral blocks and abundant reef fish

5. Carless Reef Wreckage

While Carless Reef is primarily known for its coral towers and large moray eels, scattered wreckage can be found in the deeper sections.

• Depth: 20-35 meters
• Location: Along the drop-off at Carless Reef
• Experience Level: Advanced
• Highlights: Fragments of unknown vessels now encrusted with hard corals. Often surrounded by schools of fish and patrolled by large groupers

6. The Thistlegorm (Extended Range from Hurghada)

Though technically closer to Sharm El Sheikh, the legendary SS Thistlegorm can be dived on extended day trips or liveaboards departing from Hurghada. This WWII British merchant navy ship, bombed in 1941, is one of the world’s top wreck dives.

• Depth: 15-30 meters
• Location: Near Ras Mohammed, approximately 4-5 hours from Hurghada by boat
• Experience Level: Advanced (with penetration opportunities)
• Highlights: Cargo holds filled with wartime supplies—Bedford trucks, Bren gun carriers, motorcycles, aircraft parts, and railway wagons. The wreck is spectacularly preserved and encrusted with soft corals
• Note: This is a very long day trip from Hurghada; most divers prefer liveaboard safaris to fully experience it

7. Gubal Island Wrecks (South of Hurghada)

The Gubal Island area, reachable on longer day trips or liveaboards, contains multiple wrecks including:

The Ulysses

• A British steamship sunk in 1887
• Depth: 20-30 meters
• Well-preserved bow section with anchor chains

The Kingston

• A British steamship that ran aground in 1881
• Depth: 8-18 meters
• Boiler and engine visible, now heavily reef-covered

The Carnatic

• A 19th-century sailing ship
• Depth: 15-25 meters
• Beautifully preserved wooden hull sections

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Wreck Diving Comparison Table

Wreck Name	Depth Range	Experience Level	Distance from Hurghada	Key Features
El Mina	10-26m	Beginner-Advanced	15 mins	Artificial reef, easy access
Salem Express	15-30m	Advanced	60 mins	Tragic history, intact structure
Rosalie Moller	25-45m	Advanced/Tech	4 hours	WWII steamship, pristine
Abu Nugar Wreck	5m	Beginner/Snorkeler	45 mins	Crocodile fish, shallow
Army Supply Ship	30m	Advanced	1 hour	Scattered wreckage
SS Thistlegorm	15-30m	Advanced	4-5 hours	World-class, war cargo

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Tips for Wreck Diving in Hurghada

Safety First

Wreck diving requires specific skills and awareness:

1. Get proper training: Consider a PADI Wreck Diver specialty course before attempting penetration dives
2. Check currents: Many wrecks like Salem Express and Rosalie Moller are subject to strong currents—always dive with an experienced guide
3. Respect the wrecks: Never remove artifacts. Wrecks are protected by Egyptian law and some are war graves
4. Monitor air supply: Wreck exploration consumes air faster than open-water diving
5. Use a reel and line: For any penetration beyond the light zone

Best Time for Wreck Diving

• June to September: Calmest seas, best visibility (20-30m), warmer water (26-29°C)
• October to November: Pleasant temperatures, still good visibility
• March to May: Windy conditions can affect accessibility to deeper wrecks
• December to February: Cooler water (21-23°C), possible rough seas, fewer crowds

What to Bring

• Strong dive light: Essential for exploring dark interiors and revealing colours
• Reel or spool: For safety during limited penetration
• Good buoyancy control: Practice hovering to avoid stirring silt
• 5mm wetsuit: Year-round; 7mm in winter months
• Camera with wide-angle lens: Wrecks offer dramatic photographic opportunities

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Wreck Diving Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare for wreck dives:

Before the Dive

• [ ] Confirm your experience level matches the wreck’s depth and conditions
• [ ] Ensure you have wreck or deep-dive certifications if required
• [ ] Brief your dive guide on your penetration intentions (if any)
• [ ] Check that your dive light has fresh batteries
• [ ] Practice buoyancy control in open water first

Essential Gear

• [ ] Primary dive light (minimum 200 lumens for interiors)
• [ ] Backup light
• [ ] Reel or spool with line
• [ ] Dive computer with depth/time tracking
• [ ] Surface marker buoy (SMB) for drift ascents
• [ ] Slate and pencil for notes/communication

During the Dive

• [ ] Maintain awareness of your air supply—turn at 100 bar minimum
• [ ] Stay within your training limits
• [ ] Maintain visual contact with your buddy/guide
• [ ] Avoid touching silt-covered surfaces
• [ ] Watch for entanglement hazards (fishing lines, cables)

After the Dive

• [ ] Log the dive with specific wreck details
• [ ] Rinse all equipment thoroughly (especially lights and reels)
• [ ] Review photos/video with your guide to identify missed features
• [ ] Plan your next wreck adventure

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