Northern Red Sea Reefs
The Northern Red Sea is a treasure trove of dive sites, offering stunning reefs, historic shipwrecks, and vibrant marine ecosystems.
Photo: Image by Simon Rogerson
Key highlights in this region include Ras Mohamed Marine Park, renowned for its breathtaking coral gardens; Tiran Strait, famous for its dramatic drop-offs; and the Abu Nuhas Wreck Graveyard, a diver's dream for exploring sunken vessels.
One of the most iconic wreck dives in the world, the SS Thistlegorm, is also located in the northern Red Sea, providing a fascinating glimpse into maritime history.
This region’s mix of rich marine life, historical wrecks, and vibrant reef systems makes it a must-visit for divers seeking both adventure and awe-inspiring underwater landscapes.
Northern Red Sea Reefs
View Liveaboards View Departures Send Enquiry Speak to an expert. Call 01353 659999
Highlights
- Explore Ras Mohamed’s vibrant coral gardens and large pelagic species
- Dive into Tiran Strait’s dramatic drop-offs and diverse marine life
- Uncover Abu Nuhas’ historic shipwrecks, each a marine life haven
- Dive into history on the SS Thistlegorm and discover her incredible WWII cargo.
Northern Red Sea Reefs Liveaboards
M/Y Blue Horizon aka Red Sea Master
MY Blue Horizon is an impressive liveaboard with the latest diving & safety equipment, two sundecks & a freshwater spa tub.
From £919
M/Y Emperor Superior
Measuring 37m, Emperor Superior offers 9 twin-berth cabins, 2 bunk style cabins, 1 compact bed cabin and one double cabin,…
From £938
MV Royal Evolution
This 39m vessel, designed by divers, for divers, is built with long distance dive trips in mind.
From £1,050
M/Y Emperor Elite
MY Emperor Elite is custom designed 38 metre vessel, accommodating up to 26 guests and built to a superior standard.
From £1,062
Alia Soul
Alia Soul is a contemporary 36-metre liveaboard that offers exceptional comfort and safety. Experience unforgettable diving…
From £840
Upcoming departures
Upcoming departures for Northern Red Sea Reefs are listed below or view all departures on our Holiday Search where you can also sort/filter.
MY Blue Pearl
£955
- Departure Date: 09 Apr 26
- Country / Itinerary: Egypt – Red Sea, North & Tiran
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Hurghada Hurghada
- Spaces Available: 20
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Egypt: Northern Wrecks & Reefs (Suez Gulf), Egypt: Ras Mohammed & Tiran Straits
- Typical number of dives on trip: Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience: Please enquire
- Required certification: Please enquire
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– "Local fees / diesel surcharge":
€245
Cabins.
Double Bed Master Cabin Upper Deck
- Bed Type: Double
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 4
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Twin Bed Cabin Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 16
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
MY Sea Serpent Grand
Offer
£1,512
1556.00
- Departure Date: 09 Apr 26
- Country / Itinerary: Egypt – Red Sea, North, Tiran & Dahab
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Hurghada Hurghada
- Spaces Available: 28
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Egypt: Northern Wrecks & Reefs (Suez Gulf), Egypt: Ras Mohammed & Tiran Straits, Egypt: Dahab
- Typical number of dives on trip: Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience: Please enquire
- Required certification: 30
Cabins.
Standard Twin Upper Deck
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 8
- Last Shared Space: Male & Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Standard Twin Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 12
- Last Shared Space: Male & Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Double Bed Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Double
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 4
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Main Deck Suite
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Main deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Last Shared Space: Male & Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Upper Deck Suite
- Bed Type: Double
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
MY Blue
£1,141
- Departure Date: 09 Apr 26
- Country / Itinerary: Egypt – Red Sea, North & Tiran
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Hurghada Hurghada
- Spaces Available: 7
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Egypt: Northern Wrecks & Reefs (Suez Gulf), Egypt: Ras Mohammed & Tiran Straits
- Typical number of dives on trip: Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience: Please enquire
- Required certification: Please enquire
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– "Local fees/diesel surcharge":
€320
Cabins.
Master Cabin
- Bed Type: Double
- Location: Main deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Twin Cabin - Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 3
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Twin Cabin in Bow - Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Sea View Cabin with Single Beds - Upper Deck
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Male
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Red Sea Aggressor II
Offer
£1,029
2106.00
- Departure Date: 11 Apr 26
- Country / Itinerary: Egypt – Red Sea, Northern Red Sea, Ras Mohamed and Straits of Tiran
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Hurghada Hurghada
- Spaces Available: 2
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Egypt: Northern Wrecks & Reefs (Suez Gulf), Egypt: Ras Mohammed & Tiran Straits
- Typical number of dives on trip: Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience: Please enquire
- Required certification: Please enquire
Cabins.
Deluxe
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
MY Blue Pearl
£955
- Departure Date: 16 Apr 26
- Country / Itinerary: Egypt – Red Sea, North & Brothers
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Hurghada Hurghada
- Spaces Available: 20
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Egypt: Brothers Islands, Egypt: Northern Wrecks & Reefs (Suez Gulf)
- Typical number of dives on trip: Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience: Please enquire
- Required certification: Please enquire
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– "Local fees / diesel surcharge":
€260
Cabins.
Double Bed Master Cabin Upper Deck
- Bed Type: Double
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 4
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Twin Bed Cabin Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 16
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Northern Red Sea Reefs Itineraries
Best of the Red Sea
Exactly what it is called, this tour takes in the best of what the Red Sea has to offer.
Best of Wrecks
The aim of 'Best of Wrecks' is to provide a week of heavy metal for divers who love exploring wrecks.
Famous Five
Enjoy five highlights of the northern Red Sea on one itinerary, including the seldom visited Rosalie Moller wreck, Ras Mohamed,…
North & Brothers
Explore Egypt’s Brothers Islands and the best dive sites of the northern Red Sea on this varied liveaboard itinerary.
Northern Wrecks & Reefs
This cruise allows you to take in some of the most notorious wrecks that the Red Sea has to offer, along with stunning coral…
Gallery
Northern Red Sea Reefs Information
Dive Sites
Ras Mohamed Marine Park
Ras Mohamed, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is one of Egypt’s premier dive destinations. This marine park is famous for its diverse ecosystems and spectacular underwater landscapes.
Shark & Yolanda Reef are known for their stunning coral formations and abundant marine life. These sites offer excellent visibility and a chance to see large pelagic species, including sharks and, in summer, spawning snapper.
Ras Za’atar is another excellent site in Ras Mohamed Marine Park, known for its rich coral gardens, pinnacles and overhangs. Jackfish Alley, Ras Ghozlani and Marsa Bareika are more superb dive sites within the marine park, offering a diverse mix of experiences and marine life.
Tiran Strait
The Tiran Strait, located between the Sinai Peninsula and Tiran Island, offers some of the Red Sea’s most dramatic underwater landscapes. Here, four iconic reefs are waiting to be explored.
Jackson Reef is arguably the most popular dive site in the area. A vertical drop-off with a wall covered in soft corals, the site also offers a high chance of encountering large species like manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
Thomas Reef features steep walls and abundant coral life. This site is known for its vibrant colours and frequent sightings of big fish schools and sharks.
Dive into clear waters with beautiful coral formations and a chance to see a variety of reef fish and occasional pelagics on Woodhouse Reef.
Gordon Reef is the largest of the four reefs, featuring a large plateau with a variety of marine life. The plateau ends in a drop off where larger species can be seen.
Abu Nuhas Wreck Graveyard
Abu Nuhas, often referred to as the “wreck graveyard,” is home to a collection of historic shipwrecks.
The Carnatic is a 19th-century British merchant ship wrecked in 1869, now covered in corals and marine life. It lies at a depth of around 20 to 30 metres.
Another highlight is the Giannis D. A Greek freighter that sank in 1983, offering fascinating dive experiences with its cargo and structure, now a habitat for diverse marine species.
A 70-metre long cargo ship wrecked in 1978, The Kimon M is partially broken and encrusted with corals, making it an intriguing dive site for exploring.
SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm is one of the world’s most famous wreck dives, offering a unique look into history.
Explore the well-preserved cargo holds filled with wartime supplies, including trucks, motorcycles, and ammunition, providing a glimpse into the ship’s role during WWII. Dive through the ship’s different sections, including the bow, engine room, and bridge, all encrusted with marine life and coral.
Marine life
The Northern Red Sea offers a vibrant array of marine life, from bustling coral reefs to historic wrecks teeming with creatures. Each dive site in this region provides unique opportunities to encounter a wide range of species.
Coral Reefs and Invertebrates
The reefs in Ras Mohamed Marine Park and Tiran Strait are a feast for the eyes, with colourful coral gardens teeming with life. Expect to see a diverse range of reef fish, including parrotfish, wrasse, and butterflyfish. Invertebrates such as nudibranchs, sea cucumbers, and starfish add to the richness of these ecosystems.
Pelagic Species
The clear, nutrient-rich waters around Tiran Strait and Ras Mohamed attract large pelagic species. Look out for schools of barracuda, tuna, and jacks patrolling the reefs. Manta rays and hammerhead sharks are occasional visitors, providing thrilling encounters for divers.
Sharks and Rays
The Northern Red Sea is renowned for its shark and ray sightings. Ras Mohamed Marine Park is a prime spot for reef sharks, while Tiran Strait is known for hammerhead sightings, especially during the summer months. Eagle rays and stingrays are also common, adding to the diversity of the region’s marine life.
Wreck-Specific Life
The shipwrecks around Abu Nuhas and the SS Thistlegorm have become artificial reefs, supporting a variety of marine life. The wrecks are home to colourful corals, schools of fish, and often, larger predators like groupers and moray eels. The Thistlegorm, in particular, is famous for its diverse marine life that has made its way into the ship’s holds and around its structure.
Unique Sightings
In addition to the regular marine life, the Northern Red Sea offers opportunities to spot rare or less common species. Divers might encounter dolphins, especially around Tiran Strait, and on rare occasions, whale sharks.
Wreck diving
The Northern Red Sea is renowned for its impressive shipwrecks, each telling a story of maritime history and offering an exciting dive experience. From the bustling Abu Nuhas wreck graveyard to the iconic SS Thistlegorm, these wrecks provide unique diving opportunities.
Abu Nuhas Wreck Graveyard
Abu Nuhas is famed for its collection of shipwrecks, often referred to as the "wreck graveyard." These sites provide diverse wreck diving experiences:
The Carnatic
This 19th-century British merchant vessel, wrecked in 1869, lies at a depth of about 20 to 30 metres. Over the decades, it has become a vibrant artificial reef, encrusted with corals and home to a variety of marine species. The wreck’s holds and deck are fascinating to explore, revealing remnants of its cargo and structure.
The Giannis D
This Greek freighter, which sank in 1983, is partially broken but offers an intriguing dive experience. The wreck’s cargo and structure are covered in colourful corals, providing a habitat for diverse marine life. Exploring the wreck’s remains offers a glimpse into its past while navigating through its cargo holds and deck.
The Kimon M
A 70-metre-long cargo ship that sank in 1978, the Kimon M lies in shallow waters and is partially broken apart. It’s a popular site for divers due to its accessibility and the variety of marine life that has made it home. The wreck’s structure, covered in corals, offers both historical and underwater interest.
SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm is one of the most famous wreck dives globally, renowned for its well-preserved state and historical significance.
The Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk during WWII, is famous for its cargo holds filled with wartime supplies, including trucks, motorcycles, and ammunition. Exploring these holds provides a fascinating glimpse into the ship’s history and the wartime era.
Dive through the various sections of the Thistlegorm, including the bow, engine room, and bridge. The ship’s structure, covered in corals and marine life, offers a comprehensive dive experience with plenty of areas to explore.
Diving the wrecks of Abu Nuhas and the SS Thistlegorm allows divers to connect with maritime history while enjoying the rich marine life that now thrives around these sunken vessels. Each wreck presents a unique adventure, blending historical exploration with vibrant underwater ecosystems.
While many of these wrecks can be reached from a resort, we recommend a liveaboard for the best wreck diving experience. In addition to the wrecks listed above, some liveaboard itineraries also take in The Brothers, allowing exploration of the impressive Numidia and the Aida II as well.
Dive Conditions
Diving in the Northern Red Sea is a year-round activity, but specific conditions and seasonal variations can enhance your diving experience.
Best Time to Dive
The optimal time to dive in the Northern Red Sea is between March and November. During these months, the weather is warm, and the water conditions are ideal for diving. Summer months (June to September) are particularly popular for spotting large pelagics and enjoying clear visibility. However, the winter months (December to February) also offer excellent diving conditions, with cooler water temperatures and fewer crowds.
Water Temperature
Water temperatures vary throughout the year. Summer brings the warmest temperatures, while Winter is the coolest.
Summer (June to September): The temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C, providing comfortable conditions for diving.
Winter (December to February): Water temperatures drop to around 21°C to 24°C, so a thicker wetsuit or a dry suit is recommended.
Visibility
Visibility in the Northern Red Sea is generally outstanding, often ranging from 20 to 40 metres. The clear waters make for exceptional underwater photography and easy observation of marine life, particularly around the reefs and wrecks.
Currents
Currents in the Northern Red Sea can vary significantly. Sites like Tiran Strait are known for their strong currents, which can be challenging but rewarding for experienced divers. Other areas, such as Ras Mohamed, may have more moderate currents. Divers should be prepared for drift diving and should check local conditions before heading out.
Planning your Holiday
Visas
Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
Passports
Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.
Vaccinations & Health Advice
Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.
We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.
For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.
Enquire about Northern Red Sea Reefs
Speak to an expert. Call 01353 659999 Send Enquiry