The Red Sea is a treasure trove of history and adventure, especially beneath its waves. For centuries, this narrow strip of water has been a busy shipping route. Its hidden reefs and strong currents have sunk many ships, turning them into underwater wonders.

Today, these wrecks are covered in colorful corals and buzzing with fish, making them a diver’s paradise.

Hurghada, a lively city on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is the perfect spot to explore some of these sunken treasures. Whether you’re a pro diver or just starting out, the shipwrecks near Hurghada are calling your name.

In this article, we’ll dive into the wrecks you can find near Hurghada City and take a quick look at some famous ones across the Red Sea.

Shipwrecks Near Hurghada

Hurghada’s waters are packed with incredible shipwrecks. Each one has a story to tell and offers a unique dive. From wartime relics to cargo ships, these sites are full of history and marine life.

El Mina Wreck

The El Mina is one of the easiest wrecks to reach from Hurghada. This Egyptian minesweeper sank in 1970 during a conflict with Israel. It sits at 30 meters deep in Hurghada Bay, making it a great spot for divers wanting a taste of modern history.

The ship is mostly intact, and you can still see the hole where a missile hit it. Swim around, and you’ll spot corals and fish that now call this wreck home.

Abu Nuhas Wrecks

A short boat ride from Hurghada, the Abu Nuhas reef is a hotspot for shipwrecks. Known as the "ship graveyard" this reef has snagged several vessels over the years.

Four of them are diveable today, and our speed boats can get you there fast for an amazing day trip.

• Carnatic: The oldest wreck here, the Carnatic sank in 1869. This British steamship is now just a skeleton, its ribs draped in hard and soft corals. Swim inside, and you’ll find schools of glassfish and tiny nudibranchs. Look out for broken wine bottles scattered around, they were part of its cargo long ago.
• Giannis D: This Greek cargo ship hit the reef in 1983 and broke into three pieces. It’s shallow, starting at just 5 meters deep, so it’s perfect for all divers. The stern leans at a cool angle, great for photos, and the engine room is open for those with more experience.
• Chrisoula K: Nicknamed the "tile wreck," the Chrisoula K sank in 1981 with a load of Italian tiles. The ship is still in good shape, and you can peek into its cargo holds. Reef fish dart around, adding pops of color to the site.
• Kimon M: Called the "lentil wreck" for its cargo, the Kimon M sank in 1978. It lies on its side and isn’t as intact as the others, but it’s still worth a visit. Corals cover it, and schools of fish like barracuda swim nearby.

Salem Express

South of Hurghada near Safaga, the Salem Express is a haunting dive site. This passenger ferry sank in 1991, taking many lives with it. It rests at 32 meters, so it’s best for advanced divers.

You can explore inside, but please treat it with respect; it’s a maritime grave. The wreck is alive with batfish and crocodilefish, making it a beautiful yet somber spot. While it’s a bit further out, we can arrange special speedboat trips upon request.

Famous Wrecks in the Red Sea

Beyond Hurghada, the Red Sea is home to other famous wrecks that divers love. These sites are usually reached by liveaboard or day trips from other spots, but they’re worth knowing about.

• SS Thistlegorm: This British supply ship sank in 1941 near Ras Mohammed after a German attack. It’s packed with cargo like trucks, motorcycles, and even locomotives. Divers can visit it from Hurghada on long day trips or liveaboards, and it’s alive with barracuda and batfish.
• Rosalie Moller: Sunk in 1941 just days after the Thistlegorm, this wreck sits at 55 meters. It’s a deep dive for pros, covered in corals and visited by sharks and tuna.
• Dunraven: A British steamship from 1876, the Dunraven lies upside down near the Sinai Peninsula. It’s split into pieces but has cool swim-throughs past boilers and the prop shaft. Glassfish and stonefish hang out here.
• Kingston: This wreck sank in 1881 in Ras Mohammed National Park. It’s shallow and covered in vibrant corals, making it great for newer divers. Reef fish swarm around it, adding to the beauty.

Tips for Diving Shipwrecks in the Red Sea

Before you dive in, here are some quick tips:

1. Certification: Deep or tricky wrecks need advanced training. Check what you need first.
2. Gear: Bring a dive light to see inside the wrecks.
3. Respect: Sites like the Salem Express are graves. Don’t touch or take anything.
4. Wildlife: Don’t disturb the corals or fish living on the wrecks.
5. Currents: Reefs can have strong currents. Follow your guide’s advice.

Why Visit Hurghada’s Shipwrecks?

The shipwrecks near Hurghada offer a glimpse into the Red Sea’s maritime past, from wartime relics to ill-fated cargo ships. Whether you’re a diver planning to explore below or just want to cruise above these sites, the stories and beauty of these wrecks are captivating.

Near Hurghada, you’ve got wrecks like the El Mina, Abu Nuhas sites, and Salem Express waiting to be explored. Further out, famous wrecks like the SS Thistlegorm add even more adventure. The reefs around them are alive with color, making every trip a visual feast.