Dive Site: El Mina

About El Mina

El Mina, also known as the Miniya, is a prominent military wreck and a celebrated dive site located off the coast of Hurghada in Egypt’s Red Sea. This Egyptian minesweeper sank during military conflict and now rests on the seabed, transforming into a vibrant artificial reef. The wreck offers an engaging environment with its coral-covered metal structures, providing excellent photographic opportunities for divers seeking to explore underwater history. Divers can enjoy excellent visibility around the wreck, which enhances the experience of encountering its thriving marine ecosystems. Over time, El Mina has become home to a diverse array of marine life. Its coral-encrusted remnants attract schools of fish, lionfish, and moray eels, which have made the wreck their habitat. The prevailing conditions, particularly good visibility, allow divers to observe these species effectively against the backdrop of the historic military vessel. The rich biodiversity found around El Mina makes it a fascinating site for observation. Accessibility to El Mina is straightforward via boat from Hurghada. While specific depth ranges for this site aren't detailed, Red Sea wreck diving generally encompasses various depths, with some wrecks beginning in shallower waters. Although specific current information for El Mina isn't available, general Red Sea conditions can vary, with some dive sites experiencing strong currents. Divers should be aware that participation in this type of itinerary, particularly with exposed sites and potential depths or currents, may require PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, with a minimum of 30 logged dives.

Dive site facts: El Mina

Depth

25–32 m

Typical dive

30–40 min

Current

Mild to occasional moderate

Visibility

10–20 m

Entry

Tender / buoy line descent

Level

Advanced Open Water (AOWD)

Dive type

Wreck

Region / port

Hurghada

Coordinates

27.2167, 33.8833

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the El Mina are generally mild, but can occasionally pick up from the north, particularly at the surface. Divers should be prepared for potential surface currents upon entry, utilizing a current rope from the boat to the descent line. The wreck itself offers natural shelter, and guides will direct groups to the lee side if currents strengthen. The site's depth makes bottom time the primary constraint for divers, and a thermocline with cooler water near the sand can be expected. Visibility, typically 10-20 meters, is lower than offshore sites due to proximity to the harbor and sediment, necessitating a dive light for exploring internal areas and overhangs.

Marine life & sighting chances

Glassfish

common

Lionfish

common

Giant Moray

occasional

Grouper

occasional

Jackfish

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Crocodile Fish

occasional

Black Urchin

common

Cleaner Shrimp

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The standard dive at El Mina begins with a giant stride entry, followed by a descent hand-over-hand down a permanent buoy line attached to the stern, reaching the deepest point at 32 meters. Here, you'll explore the intact propellers, rudder, and anti-aircraft gun mounts on the aft deck. From the stern, the route progresses along the uppermost (starboard) side of the hull, working shallower. You'll reach the bridge superstructure around 28 meters, where glassfish often swarm. Continuing forward, the highlight is the dramatic blast hole on the starboard bow at 25 meters, offering a glimpse inside without requiring full penetration. The anchor flukes on the seabed near the bow are also worth observing. The ascent typically follows the buoy line back to the surface, incorporating a three-minute safety stop at 5 meters. The dive usually lasts 30-40 minutes due to depth constraints.

Underwater photography

To best capture the El Mina wreck, a wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the ship's scale and its impressive features like the intact propellers and the dramatic blast hole. Given the typical 10-20 meter visibility and the wreck's depth, a strong dive light is essential for illuminating internal compartments, overhangs, and the vibrant marine life sheltering within. This also helps to bring out the colors that are lost at depth. Pay particular attention to the glassfish swarms in sheltered areas and the lionfish patiently hunting. For macro enthusiasts, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and cleaner shrimp can be found by carefully examining the wreck's surfaces. Be mindful of potential backscatter in lower visibility conditions and consider using strobes with diffusers to enhance clarity and color in your shots. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the sandy seabed and creating excessive silt.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Balena Wreck

  A shallow Norwegian transport boat wreck (max 9m), suitable for OWD, with abundant macro life.

• Mohamed Hasabella

  A fishing boat wreck located a few minutes from El Mina, often combined in a single dive by experienced divers.

• El Fanadir

  A reef dive suitable for all levels, offering diverse marine life along its wall.

• Umm Gamar

  An intermediate to advanced reef dive featuring caves and a plateau with frequent pelagic sightings.

Getting there & logistics

For diving the El Mina, international flights typically arrive at Hurghada International Airport (HRG), which is conveniently located for access to the marina. Most dive operators in Hurghada offer daily boat trips to the wreck, with travel time usually around 20-25 minutes from the harbor. These are commonly day trips, often including two dives and lunch on board. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for diving El Mina beyond standard dive package costs. Liveaboards operating out of Hurghada might include the El Mina in their itineraries, especially for wreck-focused trips. When planning, consider combining it with other local Hurghada dive sites rather than far-off offshore reefs due to its proximity to the harbor.

Safety & environment

Diving the El Mina requires an Advanced Open Water certification due to its depth, with the shallowest point at 25 meters and the stern at 32 meters. Strong buoyancy control is crucial to avoid contact with the wreck and stirring up silt, especially given the typically lower visibility. Sharp metal edges from the blast hole and other damaged sections necessitate caution; gloves are recommended. While recreational penetration is generally limited to peeking into the blast hole, actual entry into the wreck requires specialized wreck diving training. Divers should always carry a dive light, even during daylight dives, to illuminate darker sections and observe marine life within compartments. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Hurghada. It is highly advisable to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as incidents requiring recompression or medical attention would be handled through local facilities and international assistance.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

El Mina FAQ

Liveaboards diving El Mina

These liveaboards may visit El Mina 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