Dive Site: Abu Nuhas

About Abu Nuhas

Abu Nuhas, often called the "ship's graveyard" of the Red Sea, is a triangular coral reef situated at the northern edge of the Strait of Gubal. Its low-lying, nearly invisible nature beneath the surface, combined with its location in a busy shipping lane for vessels heading to and from the Suez Canal, has led to numerous shipwrecks over more than 150 years. The reef's name, meaning "father of copper," originates from the copper cargo of the Carnatic, which sank in 1869, predating the modern cargo ships that now share its watery resting place. Four primary wrecks—the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M—are clustered on the northern side of the reef. These vessels lie in depths ranging from approximately 4 to 32 meters, allowing divers to explore two wrecks comfortably within a single day. The southern side of the reef, where dive boats typically moor, offers calmer conditions and vibrant coral gardens, providing an excellent location for safety stops or less wreck-focused dives. While the area is renowned for its wrecks, the reef itself is teeming with marine life, including glassfish, anthias, butterflyfish, lionfish, moray eels, and scorpionfish sheltering within the wreck structures. Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, and jacks are common on the reef, with occasional sightings of reef sharks in deeper sections. The clear waters and diverse ecosystem make Abu Nuhas an engaging site for both wreck enthusiasts and general marine life observers. Due to its exposed location facing the prevailing wind, surface conditions at Abu Nuhas can occasionally be rough, making some trips weather-dependent. Currents vary from mild to strong with the tide, particularly affecting the deeper wrecks. Divers comfortable with moving water and possessing solid buoyancy control will find the site highly rewarding, offering exceptional visibility typically between 15 and 30 meters.

Dive site facts: Abu Nuhas

Depth

4–32 m

Typical dive

16–30 m, 50–60 min (on two wrecks)

Current

Mild to strong

Visibility

15–35 m

Water temperature

21–30°C

Entry

Tender / negative entry

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Region / port

Hurghada

Coordinates

27.5833, 33.9167

Conditions & Currents

Abu Nuhas's exposed northern position means that surface conditions can be rough, and currents can range from mild to strong, depending on tidal flow. The deeper wrecks, in particular, may experience more significant current. Divers should be prepared for moving water and maintain solid buoyancy control, especially when navigating around the wreck structures which can be silty in places. Entry is typically by tender, with divers descending quickly onto the wrecks to avoid surface chop. Visibility is generally excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters, aided by its open-water location away from harbor silt. While thermoclines are not typically a dominant feature, water temperatures fluctuate seasonally. Always follow your guide's instructions regarding current direction and entry/exit procedures.

Marine life & sighting chances

Glassfish

common

Anthias

common

Butterflyfish

common

Lionfish

common

Moray Eel

common

Scorpionfish

common

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Parrotfish

occasional

Jacks

occasional

Reef Shark

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive day at Abu Nuhas involves two dives on two different wrecks, often followed by a safety stop along the shallow reef. The Giannis D is frequently the first dive due to its depth and dramatic structure, often explored via its stern section, bridge, and engine room. Divers will navigate along its port side, which lies at a steep angle, observing the A-frame derricks that extend towards the surface, providing a natural turning point. The second dive often focuses on the shallower Carnatic, known for its atmospheric internal structure. Descent is usually via a line to the wreck, with buoyancy carefully maintained to avoid stirring up silt inside. The dive typically progresses along the length of the wreck, exploring various compartments and cargo holds. Safety stops are often conducted on the vibrant, coral-rich southern side of the Abu Nuhas reef, which offers calmer conditions and a different ecological perspective before ascending to the surface.

Underwater photography

Abu Nuhas is a prime location for wreck photography, offering diverse subjects from wide-angle shots of entire vessels to macro details on their encrusted structures. For the Giannis D, a wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the dramatic tilted hull and the A-frame derricks against the blue, especially when sunlight penetrates the shallower sections. The Carnatic's more intact and atmospheric interiors benefit from strobes or video lights to illuminate the darker areas and bring out the textures of the encrusting corals. Be mindful of potential backscatter from silt, especially inside the wrecks; controlled buoyancy is crucial. For marine life on the wrecks, a macro lens can capture the small inhabitants like glassfish, morays, and scorpionfish. Clear conditions in spring and autumn enhance light penetration, perfect for vibrant underwater images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• SS Thistlegorm

  Another iconic Red Sea wreck, often combined on northern wreck itineraries.

• Shaab Abu Nuhas (Carnatic)

  One of the four main wrecks at Abu Nuhas, known for its age and copper cargo.

• Ras Mohammed

  A national park known for vibrant reefs and diverse marine life.

• Tiran Island

  Offers deep walls and strong currents, attracting pelagic species.

• Rosalie Moller

  A deep wreck requiring advanced diving skills, sometimes visited on extended northern itineraries.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Abu Nuhas is typically done as a day trip from Hurghada or as part of a northern Red Sea liveaboard itinerary. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is the primary gateway, with direct flights from many European cities and connections via Cairo for longer international travel. Liveaboards departing from Hurghada offer the most comprehensive access to the wrecks, with typical trips lasting 7 nights/8 days. Daily diving operations from Hurghada also offer special requests to visit Abu Nuhas, often requiring a minimum group size and favorable weather. While there are no specific marine park fees for Abu Nuhas itself, liveaboard trips often include a general Red Sea fee. Divers should inquire about equipment rental in advance if not bringing their own.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Hurghada, which is the primary departure point for dives to Abu Nuhas. All divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as incidents requiring medical attention may necessitate transport back to the mainland. Site-specific hazards at Abu Nuhas include strong currents and potential surge, particularly on the northern wreck side. Divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control, especially when exploring wreck interiors, to prevent entanglement or stirring up silt which can reduce visibility. Penetration should only be attempted by appropriately certified divers with proper training and equipment. Always follow the dive guide’s instructions, respect depth limits, and be aware of your air consumption for multi-wreck dives.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Abu Nuhas FAQ

Liveaboards diving Abu Nuhas

These liveaboards may visit Abu Nuhas on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests

$150/day

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests

$109/day

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests

$150/day

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests

$154/day

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m

$155/day

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests

$172/day

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m

$172/day

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m

$185/day

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests

$104/day

Star Jet

Egypt

28 guests35 m

$145/day

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m

$159/day

Amelie

Egypt

12 guests23 m

$115/day