North & Wrecks (Hurghada - Hurghada)

Blue Seas · Egypt · 7 nights

Duration
7 nights
Embarkation
Hurghada, Egypt
Disembarkation
Hurghada, Egypt
Dives
Approximately 18 dives in total

About this route

This classic Red Sea safari showcases a collection of the region's most celebrated shipwrecks and vibrant coral systems. Divers can explore historic remains at the Abu Nuhas reef and the world-renowned SS Thistlegorm, a sunken WWII freighter. The route also includes unique underwater passages like Small Crack and the diverse reefs surrounding Gubal Island. It is an ideal journey for those looking to combine maritime history with healthy reef environments and schooling marine life.

Regions on this route

Shaab AliShaab MahmoudGubal IslandAbu NuhasShag Rock

Highlights

Abu Nuhas

Frequently referred to as the 'Ships Graveyard,' this reef is positioned dangerously near major shipping lanes. The northern side is home to four distinct wrecks resting on a sandy floor beneath a steep reef slope. The southern side offers a calmer anchorage with two coral ergs known as Yellow Fish Reef.

  • Multiple wreck sites
  • Table coral formations
  • Steep sloping reefs

Gubal Island

Located at the entrance to the Straits of Gubal, this area features 'Bluff Point,' named for the turbulent waters created by strong currents. The wreck of the Ulysses sits just north of the lighthouse, while 'The Barge' wreck to the south offers a unique environment for night dives.

  • Bluff Point drift
  • Ulysses wreck
  • Night dive at The Barge

Shag Rock

This large circular reef system provides excellent diving opportunities across its entire perimeter. It is frequently overlooked by other vessels, ensuring a more peaceful experience among pristine coral formations. The site is known for its consistent visibility and healthy reef fish populations.

  • Pristine coral reef
  • Quiet dive location
  • Circular reef topography

Small Crack – Shaab Mahmoud

This site features a narrow opening in the middle of a barrier reef that leads into a sandy lagoon. Divers can experience a thrilling drift along the outer wall before moving through the 5-meter deep channel when currents allow. The topography offers a unique transition from deep water to protected shallow environments.

  • Channel drift dive
  • Lagoon exploration
  • Vibrant coral walls

SS Thistlegorm – Shaab Ali

This legendary British freighter was sunk in 1941 and now rests at a maximum depth of 32 meters. The 129-meter wreck has transformed into a massive artificial reef, famous for its cargo of WWII motorcycles and trucks. It attracts significant schools of fish and is considered a must-see for maritime history enthusiasts.

  • WWII cargo exploration
  • Artificial reef system
  • Large schooling fish

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives50
  • ExperienceA minimum of 50 logged dives is required due to the depth and currents at the offshore reefs.

Good to know

  • Itinerary is subject to local weather conditions and the final route is decided by the captain.
  • Advanced Open Water certification and 50 logged dives are required for this itinerary.
  • Check-in begins at 15:00 on the first day; check-out is by 09:00 on the final day.
  • Night diving is strictly prohibited within Marine Park areas.
  • Divers are advised to observe a 24-hour surface interval before flying after their final dive.
  • The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and captain's approval.
  • The final day of diving typically includes 1-2 dives before returning to port.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Hurghada

    Upon arrival, guests are transferred to the vessel where they receive a welcome briefing from the Cruise Director. The afternoon is spent on cabin allocation, vessel orientation, and setting up diving equipment to ensure everyone is comfortable.

  2. Day 2: Northern Red Sea – Wrecks & Reefs

    The diving adventure begins with a focus on the northern reefs and legendary shipwrecks. The area is famous for the 'Ships Graveyard' at Abu Nuhas, where vessels like the Giannis D and Carnatic lie on sandy slopes covered in coral. Divers can expect a mix of wreck penetration and reef exploration across sloping walls and sandy floors. Currents vary by site, often bringing in nutrient-rich waters that support glassfish and resident morays.

    Dive sites: SS Thistlegorm, Small Crack, Gubal Island, Bluff Point, Ulysses, The Barge, Abu Nuhas, Giannis D, Carnatic, Tile Wreck, Lentil Wreck, Shag Rock

  3. Day 3: Northern Red Sea – Wrecks & Reefs

    The diving adventure begins with a focus on the northern reefs and legendary shipwrecks. The area is famous for the 'Ships Graveyard' at Abu Nuhas, where vessels like the Giannis D and Carnatic lie on sandy slopes covered in coral. Divers can expect a mix of wreck penetration and reef exploration across sloping walls and sandy floors. Currents vary by site, often bringing in nutrient-rich waters that support glassfish and resident morays.

    Dive sites: SS Thistlegorm, Small Crack, Gubal Island, Bluff Point, Ulysses, The Barge, Abu Nuhas, Giannis D, Carnatic, Tile Wreck, Lentil Wreck, Shag Rock

  4. Day 4: Northern Red Sea – Wrecks & Reefs

    The diving adventure begins with a focus on the northern reefs and legendary shipwrecks. The area is famous for the 'Ships Graveyard' at Abu Nuhas, where vessels like the Giannis D and Carnatic lie on sandy slopes covered in coral. Divers can expect a mix of wreck penetration and reef exploration across sloping walls and sandy floors. Currents vary by site, often bringing in nutrient-rich waters that support glassfish and resident morays.

    Dive sites: SS Thistlegorm, Small Crack, Gubal Island, Bluff Point, Ulysses, The Barge, Abu Nuhas, Giannis D, Carnatic, Tile Wreck, Lentil Wreck, Shag Rock

  5. Day 5: Northern Red Sea – Wrecks & Reefs

    The diving adventure begins with a focus on the northern reefs and legendary shipwrecks. The area is famous for the 'Ships Graveyard' at Abu Nuhas, where vessels like the Giannis D and Carnatic lie on sandy slopes covered in coral. Divers can expect a mix of wreck penetration and reef exploration across sloping walls and sandy floors. Currents vary by site, often bringing in nutrient-rich waters that support glassfish and resident morays.

    Dive sites: SS Thistlegorm, Small Crack, Gubal Island, Bluff Point, Ulysses, The Barge, Abu Nuhas, Giannis D, Carnatic, Tile Wreck, Lentil Wreck, Shag Rock

  6. Day 6: Northern Red Sea – Wrecks & Reefs

    The diving adventure begins with a focus on the northern reefs and legendary shipwrecks. The area is famous for the 'Ships Graveyard' at Abu Nuhas, where vessels like the Giannis D and Carnatic lie on sandy slopes covered in coral. Divers can expect a mix of wreck penetration and reef exploration across sloping walls and sandy floors. Currents vary by site, often bringing in nutrient-rich waters that support glassfish and resident morays.

    Dive sites: SS Thistlegorm, Small Crack, Gubal Island, Bluff Point, Ulysses, The Barge, Abu Nuhas, Giannis D, Carnatic, Tile Wreck, Lentil Wreck, Shag Rock

  7. Day 7: Final Dives – Return to Port

    The final morning offers 1-2 scheduled dives at local reefs as the vessel begins its return journey toward the harbor. This is a chance to enjoy shallow coral gardens and observe schooling reef fish one last time. The boat will dock in the marina for the final evening, allowing for equipment cleaning and relaxation.

  8. Day 8: Disembarkation – Hurghada

    After enjoying a final breakfast on board, guests check out and prepare for their departure. The crew assists with organizing transfers to the airport, concluding the week-long expedition.

Upcoming departures

  • 2027-11-18 – 2027-11-25from 1,561 USDBook
  • 2027-12-09 – 2027-12-16from 1,214 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Blue SeasBlue SeasEgypt
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