Wreck Diving in Hurghada, Egypt, is a world-renowned diving destination, famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and—most notably—its spectacular shipwrecks. These underwater time capsules offer divers a unique blend of history, adventure, and marine life encounters. From shallow wrecks perfect for beginners to deep, technical dives for advanced explorers, Hurghada’s underwater graveyard has something for everyone.
At Diving Around Hurghada, recognized as one of the best dive centers in Egypt, we specialize in wreck diving adventures and certifications. Whether you’re looking to penetrate wrecks safely or simply admire them from the outside, our PADI and SSI-certified instructors ensure an unforgettable experience.
- The most famous wrecks in Hurghada (Suzanna, Balina, El Mina & more)
- The history behind each wreck
- Best practices for wreck diving (safety, penetration, buoyancy)
- Wreck diving certifications (PADI & SSI courses)
- Why Diving Around Hurghada is the best choice for wreck diving
1. Hurghada’s Most Famous Wrecks
A. SS Thistlegorm (The Crown Jewel of the Red Sea)
– Depth: 12–30m
– History: A British WWII cargo ship sunk by German bombers in 1941. It carried trucks, motorcycles, rifles, and even locomotives.
– Why Dive It?
- One of the world’s best wreck dives.
- Penetration possible into cargo holds (requires Advanced Open Water).
- Teeming with glassfish, barracudas, and batfish.
– Best Time to Dive: March–November (calm seas, 25–30°C water).
B. El Mina Wreck (The Minesweeper)
– Depth: 18–30m
– History: An Egyptian minesweeper sunk by an Israeli missile in 1969 during the War of Attrition.
– Why Dive It?
- Penetration possible through a large hole from the explosion.
- Torpedoes and cannons still visible.
- Often paired with the nearby Hesabella fishing boat wreck.
– Certification Needed: PADI Wreck Diver Specialty recommended for penetration.
C. Salem Express (A Tragic Memorial)
– Depth: 12–32m
– History: A passenger ferry that sank in 1991, claiming hundreds of lives.
– Why Dive It?
– A solemn, haunting dive with intact cabins and staircases.
– Partial penetration allowed (some operators restrict access out of respect).
– Note: This wreck is not for beginners due to its emotional weight.
D. Balina Wreck (Perfect for Beginners)
– Depth: 9m
– History: A Norwegian transport boat deliberately sunk in 2001 to create an artificial reef.
Why Dive It?
- Shallow depth makes it ideal for Open Water Divers.
- Covered in soft corals, lionfish, and nudibranchs.
- Great for night dives (sleeping parrotfish, hunting moray eels).
– Depth: 22m
– History: A cargo ship sunk in the 1980s, now covered in colorful corals and sponges.
Why Dive It?
- Less crowded than Thistlegorm or Salem Express.
- Excellent for photography (macro life + schooling fish).
- Night dives reveal octopuses and hunting predators.
F. Giannis D & Carnatic (Abu Nuhas Ship Graveyard)
– Depth: 6–27m (Giannis D), 17–28m (Carnatic)
– History:
– Giannis D: A cargo ship that ran aground in 1983.
– Carnatic: The oldest wreck (1869), carrying gold and wine.
Why Dive Them?
– Multiple wrecks in one site.
– Easy penetration (Giannis D’s cargo holds are wide open).
2. Best Practices for Wreck Diving
A. Safety First: Essential Rules
- Never Dive Alone – Always use the buddy system.
- Check Your Air Frequently – Wreck diving can be more air-consuming.
- Carry a Dive Light – Even in daylight, interiors are dark.
- Avoid Touching the Wreck – Rusty metal and sharp edges can injure.
B. Penetration Diving: Do’s & Don’ts
✔ Do:
- Use a reel and guideline to mark your exit.
- Maintain perfect buoyancy to avoid silt clouds.
- Stay within the “light zone” (visible exit).
❌ Don’t:
- Enter overhead environments without training.
- Kick up sediment (reduces visibility).
C. Buoyancy Control Tips
– Practice in Open Water First – Before attempting wreck penetration.
– Use a Slightly Deflated BCD – Helps maintain stability near wrecks.
3. Wreck Diving Certifications
A. PADI Wreck Diver Specialty (2 Days, €290 at Diving Around Hurghada)
– Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water Diver.
What You’ll Learn:
- Safe wreck penetration techniques.
- Mapping and navigation inside wrecks.
– 4 dives at wrecks like El Mina & Suzanna.
B. SSI Wreck Diver (1 Day, €250)
– Prerequisites: Open Water Diver.
– Focus: Non-penetration diving (external exploration only).
– Includes:
– 2 guided wreck dives.
– Digital certification card.
C. Technical Wreck Diving (For Advanced Divers)
– Deep Wrecks like Rosalie Moller (50m) require Trimix/Extended Range training.
– Diving Around Hurghada offers TecRec courses for serious wreck enthusiasts.
4. Why Choose Diving Around Hurghada for Wreck Diving?
- Expert Guides – Our instructors have thousands of dives on Hurghada’s wrecks.
- Small Groups – Max 6 divers per guide for safety.
- Best Equipment – High-quality torches, reels, and Nitrox available.
- Flexible Scheduling – Daily trips to Thistlegorm, El Mina, and Suzanna.
Ready to Explore Hurghada’s Wrecks?
From the legendary SS Thistlegorm to the shallow, colorful Balina Wreck, Hurghada offers some of the best wreck diving in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, Diving Around Hurghada provides the training, equipment, and expertise to make your wreck dives safe and unforgettable.
Book your wreck diving adventure today and uncover the secrets of the Red Sea’s sunken history!
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🌐 Website: www.divingaround.com