Abu Nuhas is a single reef on the northern edge of the Strait of Gubal that has wrecked four ships across 150 years. Carnatic (1869, sailing schooner), Giannis D (1983, cargo ship), Chrisoula K (the 'Tile Wreck'), and Kimon M (the 'Lentil Wreck'). All four lie on the windward side of the reef in 8-26 m of water. We run two of them per visit on a Thursday day-trip from Hurghada · the most concentrated wreck-diving in the Red Sea outside the SS Thistlegorm.
- Depth
- 8-26 m
- Visibility
- 20–30 m
- Season
- Mar - Nov
- Boat ride
- 110 min
- Difficulty
- Advanced
Abu Nuhas Wrecks
On the chart
Abu Nuhas Wrecks
110 min from the marina
What divers said about this site
5.0 · 333“Finally a dive center that does exactly what it says. My guide spoke perfect German, small groups, well-maintained gear. Abu Nuhas was a highlight.”
Thomas K. · DE · Google
“Exceptional diving at Abu Nuhas. The guide knows every wreck by heart. Small groups, you take your time. The boat is well maintained.”
Pierre L. · FR · Google
Topography and dive profile
Abu Nuhas reef sits in shallow water with the four wrecks scattered along its northern face. Giannis D (1983) is the most photogenic · upper structure intact, lying 45° on her port side, 8-26 m, the bridge sitting at 18 m and the propeller at 26 m. Carnatic (1869) is the oldest · iron-framed sailing ship, now a coral garden over the original hull, 18-26 m. Chrisoula K and Kimon M are deeper toward 24-26 m at the keel, less broken-up but more demanding to dive.
We typically dive Giannis D in the morning (most accessible, best photography), then Carnatic in the afternoon (the hull-as-coral-garden is slower and gentler · perfect for the second dive). Penetration of Giannis D and Carnatic on PADI Wreck Diver specialty only; non-specialty divers stay on the exterior.
What you'll see
- ◇Resident lionfish
- ◇Glassfish swarms
- ◇Moray eels
- ◇Barracuda
- ◇Soft coral on Carnatic
Who it suits
PADI Advanced Open Water minimum (the depth and the open-blue surface entry argue against Open Water divers). PADI Wreck Diver specialty unlocks penetration · we run the specialty on top of the day if you want it. Nitrox 32 highly recommended for the bottom-time gain at 22-26 m.
When the captain runs this site
Abu Nuhas is one of the longest-transit destinations the captain runs in the daily-dive rotation (1h 50min by boat). The captain commits to it when wind direction favours the long northward steam (most often Thursdays, but always confirmed the morning of). Hotel pickup 06:00 (early start), board the boat 07:00, two wrecks across the day with a 90-minute surface interval and hot lunch, back at the marina by 17:30. Day rate is €65 (the standard €45 daily-dive rate plus a €10 long-transit supplement and €10 wreck-day supplement). Tell us at booking if you want it on your day.
Frequently asked
Giannis D in the morning · she's the most photogenic, the most accessible, and the bridge area at 18 m is forgiving for a first wreck dive. Carnatic in the afternoon for the slower, soft-coral-covered hull. We sometimes substitute Chrisoula K for groups that have dived Giannis D before and want something fresh.
Penetration of Giannis D and Carnatic requires PADI Wreck Diver specialty (or equivalent SDI/SSI/CMAS). We run the specialty as 4 dives over 2 days for €380. Without the specialty, the exterior tour of these wrecks is rich · they're large enough that you'll need both dives just to see the outside properly.
Giannis D propeller at 26 m. Most of the diving sits between 14 and 22 m, well within Advanced Open Water limits. We run a 5 m safety stop with deco bar on every dive · standard practice, never optional.
We don't run Open Water divers on Abu Nuhas. The combination of depth (the 26 m propeller is irresistible to look at), the long boat transit, and the open-blue surface entry argues against it. Stick to El Fanadir, Shaab El Erg or one of the gentler reef rotation sites as an Open Water diver · all far better suited.
Resident lionfish on every railing of every wreck. Glassfish swarms inside the open superstructure of Giannis D · visible from outside through the cargo hatches. Giant moray eels in the engine room of Chrisoula K. Big soft-coral cover on Carnatic where the hull frames have been colonised. Occasional barracuda hovering off the bow of Giannis D.
Standard recreational gear plus a primary torch and backup. Wetsuit 5 mm in winter, 3 mm in summer. Wreck reel and slate optional · only useful if you have the Wreck Diver specialty. Nitrox tanks €5 surcharge each, strongly recommended for the depth profile · you'll get 8-12 minutes more bottom time per dive.