Explore the Thistlegorm and Abu Nuhas While Diving in Egypt
Scuba diving in Egypt offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore historic shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs in a single trip. The northern Red Sea is home to some of the world’s most famous wrecks, including the Thistlegorm and the Abu Nuhas ships, each with a story to tell beneath the waves. Divers can explore multi-level cargo holds, swim among schools of glassfish, and encounter soft corals, moray eels, and occasional dolphins along the way. This region combines history, marine life, and clear waters for an unforgettable diving experience.
Hurghada serves as a convenient hub for accessing the northern wreck circuit. From here, divers can join liveaboards or day trips to Shadwan, Gubal Islands, and Abu Nuhas. Each wreck has its own personality, offering a range of depths and structures that suit varying diving experiences. Visibility is typically 66-100 ft, and water temperatures range from 72 to 82°F, making it a comfortable environment for extended underwater exploration.
Planning a diving trip here requires understanding the conditions, distances, and dive schedules. Currents can be gentle or strong, and surface conditions range from calm to slightly choppy. Choosing the right liveaboard or day trip ensures divers experience the full breadth of northern Red Sea wrecks while remaining safe and well-prepared. Whether exploring historic ships or swimming through colorful reefs, scuba diving in Egypt’s northern waters offers adventures that will stay with you long after you surface.
Exploring the Thistlegorm Wreck
The Thistlegorm is a legendary World War II cargo ship resting at a depth of 105 ft, attracting divers from around the world. This British vessel sank in 1941 and now serves as an underwater museum. Divers can explore motorcycles, trucks, and military equipment that remain largely intact, offering an immersive experience unlike any other. Multi-level holds and open decks create opportunities for long swim-throughs and extensive photographic exploration.
Marine life thrives around the Thistlegorm. Schools of glassfish weave through the cargo, while scorpionfish and other camouflaged predators hide in plain sight. Occasional encounters with barracuda and reef fish add excitement to each dive. The combination of historical artifacts and lively marine inhabitants makes this wreck a highlight for scuba diving in Egypt.
Liveaboard trips are the preferred way to reach the Thistlegorm. These trips often include nearby reefs and additional wrecks, giving divers a well-rounded experience. Depths range from 60-105 ft, which allows divers to tailor their dives while enjoying both historical exploration and ecological observation.
The Abu Nuhas Wrecks: A Diver’s Playground
Abu Nuhas Reef, north of Hurghada, is home to 5 famous shipwrecks: Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Kimon M, and Seastar. Each wreck has its own story and offers distinct dive experiences. Depths range from 13-105 ft, and the reef itself provides a rich backdrop of soft and hard corals. Divers can explore multilevel holds, swim-throughs, and collapsed decks while observing schools of snappers, glassfish, and occasional moray eels.
The Giannis D is a 328 ft cargo ship that sank in 1983, now serving as a playground for octopus and giant moray eels. The Carnatic, dating back to 1869, features iron ribs and wooden flooring remnants, giving divers a sense of exploring a sunken relic. Chrisoula K and Kimon M provide opportunities to encounter flatworms, clown sand wrasse, and other reef inhabitants. The Seastar lies too deep for recreational dives but adds to the lore of Abu Nuhas.
With wrecks so close together, divers can experience multiple ships in one trip. Currents can be strong in certain areas, so careful planning is essential. Exploring Abu Nuhas offers a mix of historical insight and marine biodiversity, making it one of the most rewarding destinations for scuba diving in Egypt.
Coral Reefs and Marine Life Beyond Wrecks
The northern Red Sea is not just about wrecks; coral reefs offer vibrant ecosystems for divers to explore. Rich reefs around Shadwan, Gubal, and Giftun Islands host a variety of marine species, from Picasso triggerfish to black snappers. Dolphins occasionally swim nearby, adding a touch of magic to dives. Visibility is generally excellent, ranging from 66-100 ft, and currents are usually manageable for those exploring the slopes and reef walls.
Soft and hard corals flourish here, providing habitats for nudibranchs, moray eels, and torpedo rays. Divers can alternate between reef dives and wreck dives for a balanced experience, observing natural reef behavior alongside sunken history. These coral areas are often less crowded, offering serene exploration away from the main wreck sites.
Highlights of northern Red Sea coral reefs include:
Dense soft coral gardens and fan corals
Schools of snappers, goatfish, and glassfish
Occasional sightings of dolphins, rays, and reef sharks
Nudibranchs and colorful reef fish for photography
Clear visibility and manageable currents
Combining wreck and reef dives ensures a diverse underwater experience. Divers can plan schedules that allow for relaxation on shallow reefs after the more intense wreck explorations. The coral reefs serve as a natural counterpoint to the historical wrecks, enhancing every scuba diving in Egypt adventure.
Services and Expertise of Dive The World
We specialize in creating seamless diving experiences throughout Egypt’s northern Red Sea. From liveaboards to day trips, our services include transfers, dive insurance, and transparent pricing. Our team is responsive and knowledgeable, helping you choose the best dive sites, plan schedules, and ensure all safety measures are in place.
Our fleet of liveaboards is equipped with nitrox, rebreather facilities, wi-fi, comfortable cabins, and dedicated restaurants. Onboard amenities like sun decks, Jacuzzis, and large common areas make each day at sea enjoyable. For technical divers, we provide advanced equipment, including ENOS diver tracking and helium/oxygen blending stations, ensuring safe exploration even on more challenging dives.
Key services we provide:
Personalized dive trip planning and expert advice
Inclusive packages covering accommodations, transfers, and diving
Safety-focused liveaboards with technical diving options
Opportunities to explore multiple wrecks and reefs per trip
Marine life guidance to enhance underwater experiences
We make scuba diving in Egypt both accessible and enriching. By handling the logistics and providing expert guidance, we allow divers to focus entirely on exploring wrecks, reefs, and marine life. Every trip is designed to be safe, rewarding, and unforgettable.
Planning Your Northern Red Sea Wreck Adventure
A well-structured plan maximizes your time on the northern Red Sea wreck circuit. Water temperatures range from 72-82°F, visibility is excellent, and dive depths vary from 13-105 ft. Currents can be gentle to strong depending on the site. To get the most out of your trip, alternating wreck dives with reef dives provides balance and prevents fatigue.
Sea Serpent Glorious Miss Nouran
The Sea Serpent Glorious Miss Nouran is a 132 ft liveaboard designed for comfort and convenience, accommodating up to 26 divers. Every cabin is private, fully air-conditioned, and thoughtfully arranged to maximize space while ensuring privacy. Onboard, you will find spacious communal areas, including a sun deck perfect for relaxation between dives and a dedicated indoor restaurant serving fresh meals throughout the day. Wi-Fi access allows divers to stay connected even while exploring remote waters. Trips often cover the northern wreck circuit as well as Red Sea South sites, offering well-rounded diving cruises.
Diving schedules are carefully planned, with multiple daily dives that include early morning sessions to explore wrecks like the Thistlegorm before crowds arrive, and afternoon dives at nearby reefs where soft and hard corals flourish. The crew provides expert guidance during each dive, ensuring divers navigate wreck passages safely while maximizing the experience of marine life encounters, from schools of glassfish to camouflaged scorpionfish. Nitrox fills are available for those who want extended bottom time, and tanks, weights, and other gear are handled efficiently by the dive team.
Features:
Max 26 divers with comfortable private cabins
Nitrox available for enhanced dive times
Dedicated indoor restaurant and large sun deck for relaxation
Spacious communal lounge and Wi-Fi throughout the vessel
With its combination of comfort, modern amenities, and expertly managed dive schedules, the Glorious Miss Nouran allows divers to fully immerse themselves in the northern Red Sea wreck circuit. Onboard activities, from sunbathing on the deck to sharing dive stories in the lounge, create a complete and enjoyable liveaboard experience.
Sea Serpent Excellence
The Sea Serpent Excellence is a 112 ft liveaboard hosting up to 24 divers, perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure and onboard comfort. Cabins feature private bathrooms and are designed for restful nights between dives. The vessel includes a spacious saloon for socializing, a sun deck for relaxation, and a restaurant with a bar where divers can enjoy freshly prepared meals and beverages after long dives. Nitrox and rebreather facilities are onboard, making it suitable for longer or more technical dives across the northern and southern Red Sea.
Daily dive plans are structured for maximum exploration while minimizing fatigue. Early morning dives at Abu Nuhas allow divers to navigate wrecks like Giannis D and Chrisoula K in calm conditions, while afternoon dives at nearby reefs showcase the vivid soft corals and marine life. The crew is highly experienced and assists with gear setup, dive briefings, and underwater navigation, ensuring every diver has a safe and enjoyable experience. Safety systems, including ENOS diver tracking, provide additional peace of mind for all guests.
Features:
Max 24 divers with private bathrooms in all cabins
Nitrox and rebreather support for advanced dive plans
Restaurant with bar, Wi-Fi, and communal saloon
Sun deck for relaxation and social activities
The Sea Serpent Excellence balances efficient dive logistics with comfort and onboard amenities. Divers can explore wrecks, reefs, and marine life while enjoying professional guidance, delicious meals, and a social, yet relaxed, liveaboard atmosphere.
Red Sea Aggressor II
The Red Sea Aggressor II is a 139 ft steel-hulled yacht accommodating 22 divers. Its size allows for a mix of stability, comfort, and performance in the sometimes choppy northern Red Sea waters. The vessel offers private cabins with air-conditioning, a sun deck with Jacuzzi for relaxation, and a photo/video center for processing underwater footage. Wi-Fi and nitrox fills are available onboard, and the vessel focuses primarily on the northern Red Sea wrecks, including the Thistlegorm and Abu Nuhas.
Divers enjoy structured dive schedules with morning, midday, and afternoon dives. The crew provides detailed briefings, assists with gear, and ensures divers can navigate complex wrecks safely. Wrecks like the Carnatic and Chrisoula K offer unique underwater exploration opportunities, and the Aggressor II’s onboard amenities ensure a comfortable transition between dives. Small group sizes allow for more personalized attention from the dive team.
Features:
Max 22 divers for a more intimate experience
Nitrox and Wi-Fi available
Sun deck with Jacuzzi for relaxation between dives
Onboard photo/video center for dive documentation
The Aggressor II is ideal for divers who want a stable, well-managed, international liveaboard with excellent safety support and amenities. Divers can explore multiple wrecks and reefs while enjoying the camaraderie of a small, dedicated group.
Golden Dolphin IV
The Golden Dolphin IV is a 152 ft modern liveaboard that accommodates 28 divers, combining spacious comfort with a comprehensive diving program. All cabins are private, air-conditioned, and thoughtfully furnished to maximize rest between dives. The vessel includes an indoor restaurant, large communal areas, and expansive sun decks, providing plenty of space for relaxation. Nitrox is available, and the boat covers both northern and southern Red Sea sites, allowing divers to explore multiple wrecks and reefs over a multi-day safari.
Daily dive schedules are designed to balance wreck exploration with reef dives. Morning dives often target the Thistlegorm or Giannis D for calm conditions and optimal photography, while afternoon dives allow exploration of nearby coral slopes alive with reef fish, nudibranchs, and occasionally dolphins. The experienced crew provides dive briefings, gear support, and underwater guidance, helping divers navigate wreck interiors safely and efficiently.
Features:
Max 28 divers with private cabins
Nitrox fills available for longer dives
Indoor restaurant and large communal areas
Sun decks for relaxation and observing the sea
Visits northern and southern Red Sea diving sites
The Golden Dolphin IV is perfect for divers seeking extended exploration with maximum comfort. With professional crew support, flexible dive schedules, and excellent onboard amenities, divers can experience the northern Red Sea wrecks and reefs fully and safely.
Discover the Northern Wreck Circuit: Your Next Diving Adventure
Scuba diving in Egypt’s northern Red Sea offers a rare mix of history, adventure, and vibrant marine life. The Thistlegorm, Abu Nuhas wrecks, and nearby coral reefs provide endless opportunities to explore, photograph, and enjoy underwater encounters. Depths range from 13-105 ft, with water temperatures between 72-82°F, making the area comfortable for extended trips.
The northern wreck circuit combines historic shipwrecks, coral reefs, and occasional dolphin encounters for a complete underwater experience. Divers can explore multilevel cargo holds, navigate through collapsed decks, and observe soft and hard corals teeming with life. Alternating wreck and reef dives ensures a well-balanced itinerary.
At Dive The World, we help plan every detail of your trip. From liveaboard selection and dive scheduling to safety guidance and logistics, we make sure your northern Red Sea adventure is smooth and memorable. Contact us today to start your journey and discover the wonders of scuba diving in Egypt.
