Dive Site: Numidia

About Numidia

The Numidia is a 137-meter British steamer, considered one of the world's finest shipwrecks, located off the northern tip of Big Brother Island, Egypt. It is part of the Brothers Islands marine park, situated roughly 60 kilometers offshore and accessible almost exclusively by liveaboard. The vessel, which ran aground in July 1901 during its second voyage, lies dramatically against a vertical coral wall, with its bow at approximately 8 meters and its stern resting on a narrow ledge at 80 meters, creating a gravity-defying spectacle. The wreck's topography makes for a unique dive experience, starting shallow and descending deep along its length. Divers can explore various sections, including the superstructure, davits, engine room, and holds. A prominent feature is the mizzen mast, which stands upright at a 90-degree angle to the hull, now adorned with extensive coral growth. The famous train wheels, part of its original cargo, are also a major highlight, encrusted with marine life. The Numidia is heavily covered in a vibrant mix of soft corals and sponges. This rich habitat attracts diverse marine life, including schools of fish, barracuda, tuna, snappers, and groupers. Pelagic species like oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads are frequently observed around the Brothers Islands, especially during certain seasons, patrolling the deeper sections and the blue water nearby. Due to its exposed location and the significant depth range, diving the Numidia requires an Advanced certification with solid buoyancy control and typically a minimum of 50 logged dives. The site is known for strong currents that usually flow from north to south, necessitating careful dive planning. Liveaboards are the only practical way to access this remote site, often incorporating multiple dives on the wreck during an itinerary.

Dive site facts: Numidia

Depth

8–80 m

Current

Strong

Entry

Liveaboard only

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, Wreck, Drift

Region / port

Egypt

Coordinates

27.5020° N, 34.7950° E

Conditions & Currents

The Numidia wreck is situated in an exposed area known for strong and consistent currents, typically flowing from north to south. Divers must be prepared for these conditions, as they can rapidly push divers along the wreck and away from the reef. A negative entry is often required to quickly reach the wreck and avoid being swept away, and divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques. Given the significant depth range of the wreck, from 8 meters to 80 meters, careful depth management and gas planning are crucial, especially in conjunction with the current. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 20-30 meters, but the currents necessitate an Advanced certification and a minimum of 50 logged dives for safety, making it unsuitable for less experienced divers.

Liveaboards diving Numidia

These liveaboards may visit Numidia 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