Dive Site: SS Thistlegorm

About SS Thistlegorm

The SS Thistlegorm is one of the world's most renowned shipwrecks, a British cargo vessel sunk during World War II. It lies in the Strait of Gubal, a narrow passage connecting the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea, where it was bombed by German forces in October 1941 while carrying military supplies for Allied troops in Suez. This underwater museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into wartime history, making it a bucket-list destination for many divers. The 126-meter long freighter rests at a maximum depth of 30 meters. The wreck is largely intact, with the forward section upright, while the stern is twisted 90 degrees and rests on its port side. Divers can explore its numerous cargo holds, which are brimming with military equipment like trucks, motorcycles, armoured vehicles, boots, rifles, and even two steam locomotives lying off the port and starboard sides. Penetration into the holds allows for close examination of these preserved artifacts, illuminated by natural light filtering through openings. While primarily a wreck dive, the Thistlegorm also hosts marine life, including sleeping turtles that take shelter within its structure during night dives. Common sightings in the area also include sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles, though the wreck's primary draw is its historical cargo. Divers from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada typically reach the site by liveaboard to maximize dive time and avoid crowds, often completing multiple dives, including night dives, to fully explore the site. It is possible to dive the wreck from day boats, though liveaboards offer the advantage of early morning access.

Dive site facts: SS Thistlegorm

Depth

15–32 m

Current

Often strong

Visibility

15–25 m

Water temperature

22–28°C seasonal

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, Wreck

Region / port

Red Sea

Coordinates

27.8167, 33.9167

Conditions & Currents

Diving the Thistlegorm requires careful planning as the site, located at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez, often experiences currents and surface chop. Dive boats typically secure a guideline to the wreck for a safe descent, allowing divers to quickly reach the shelter of the hull. Depending on the current's strength and direction, divers may use a reef hook to maintain position while observing the wreck's exterior. Negative entries are common when conditions are choppy. Visibility is generally good but can fluctuate, especially with increased diver traffic or stronger currents stirring up silt. Gas planning should account for potentially longer bottom times within the large wreck and the need for controlled ascents. Due to the depth and potential for currents, along with opportunities for penetration, this site is generally considered suitable for experienced divers.

Marine life & sighting chances

Giant Trevally

common

Barracuda

common

Dogtooth Tuna

occasional

Moray Eel

common

Lionfish

common

Triggerfish

common

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Batfish

common

Fusiliers

common

Anthias

common

Sweetlips

common

Groupers

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The SS Thistlegorm is a British WWII cargo ship that sits upright on sand at 30 meters. The main deck is between 16 and 24 meters. Standard trips typically involve two dives: an external tour, usually covering 18-30 meters, focusing on the bow, stern area, enormous propeller, and anti-aircraft guns. The second dive focuses on the cargo holds and superstructure with optional limited penetration for trained divers. The signature attractions are the still-visible cargo holds containing motorcycles, trucks, locomotives, and ammunition. The stern section is broken off and twisted approximately 90 degrees from the main hull. Nitrox 32 is strongly recommended for both dives.

Underwater photography

For wide-angle shots of the shipwreck, spring and autumn are the best times due to excellent visibility and comfortable water temperatures. Summer brings intense light at depth, which is ideal for photographing deep wrecks. Be prepared for potential backscatter during plankton-rich dives; using strobes with diffusers is recommended. Good buoyancy and gas discipline are essential to avoid stirring up silt inside the wreck, especially in the cargo holds, which can impact photographic clarity.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• 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…

• The Dunraven

  The Dunraven is an 80-meter British steam-and-sail cargo vessel that sank in 1876 after striking Beacon Rock at Sha'ab Mahmoud, south of…

• Ras Mohammed

  Ras Mohammed National Park, situated approximately 20 kilometers south of Sharm El Sheikh, marks the southernmost tip of the Sinai…

• Brothers Islands

  The Brothers Islands, comprising Big Brother and Little Brother, are an iconic dive destination in the Egyptian Red Sea, located…

• Daedalus Reef

  Daedalus Reef, known locally as Abu Kizan, is a remote outpost in the Red Sea, located about 80 km offshore from Marsa Alam.

• Elphinstone Reef

  Elphinstone Reef, locally known as Sha'ab Abu Hamra, is an iconic dive site in the Red Sea, located approximately 12 kilometers offshore…

Getting there & logistics

The SS Thistlegorm is one of the most requested wreck routes in the Red Sea. It is a full-day special-request route, not part of the standard daily diving rotation, requiring a minimum group size, favorable weather window, and experienced divers. A 3-4 hour boat trip is needed from both Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, often requiring an early start around 4 am. Liveaboard options are available, allowing divers to visit the wreck in the morning to avoid crowds. The site demands good buoyancy, gas discipline, and attention during briefings. Equipment rental is EUR 20 per day. The dive plan is confirmed on the morning of departure based on wind direction, current, and diver certification.

Safety & environment

Due to often strong currents and the depth of the wreck (15-32m), diving the Thistlegorm requires an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, with good buoyancy, air management, and experience in similar profiles. Silt can be easily stirred up inside the cargo holds, so careful finning is necessary. Divers must be comfortable with dark and enclosed interiors for wreck penetration. The site can experience currents up to 2 knots, making local knowledge from a guided dive important. The closest recompression chambers are in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, both several hours away by boat.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

SS Thistlegorm FAQ

Liveaboards diving SS Thistlegorm

These liveaboards may visit SS Thistlegorm 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

$97/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