Exploring Abu Nuhas: The Red Sea’s Legendary Shipwreck Graveyard
If you’ve ever dreamt of diving into a storybook filled with sunken ships, coral-covered steel, and hidden treasures, then Abu Nuhas should be at the top of your list. Located in the northern Red Sea near the Strait of Gubal, Abu Nuhas is often referred to as “The Shipwreck Graveyard”—and for good reason. This infamous reef has claimed at least seven vessels over the past century, turning tragic maritime events into extraordinary underwater adventures for scuba divers.
For divers joining Scubadore Hurghada’s Red Sea dive trips, exploring Abu Nuhas is an unforgettable highlight. Whether you’re drawn to rusting WWII-era cargo holds or flourishing artificial reefs teeming with marine life, this site delivers an incredible combination of history and biodiversity.
What Makes Abu Nuhas So Special?
Abu Nuhas is a triangular coral reef lurking just beneath the sea’s surface—a navigational nightmare for sailors in poor visibility or outdated conditions. The reef sits along a key shipping route into the Suez Canal, and over the years, it has been the site of numerous maritime disasters, with at least four wrecks lying within diving depth today.
Each wreck has its own story. Some are historical relics from the 19th century, while others are modern cargo vessels frozen in time. Together, they’ve created one of the world’s densest collections of recreational wreck dives.
Abu Nuhas is best suited to certified divers with some experience, particularly if you want to explore the deeper or more complex parts of the wrecks. If you’re not quite there yet, our PADI training courses can help you build the skills and confidence to make this adventure a reality.
The Wrecks of Abu Nuhas
Here’s a look at the most famous wrecks you can explore at Abu Nuhas:
1. Giannis D – The Iconic Tilted Wreck
Perhaps the most photographed and widely visited of Abu Nuhas’ wrecks, the Giannis D is a 100-meter-long Greek cargo ship that sank in 1983. She now lies on her port side at about 28 meters, her bridge, mast, and engine room almost perfectly preserved.
The tilted angle of the wreck makes diving it a surreal experience—your brain needs a moment to adjust to the disorienting orientation. Divers can penetrate the cargo holds, swim past schools of glassfish, and observe the engine room machinery, which looks like it could start spinning at any moment.
This wreck is a favorite among underwater photographers and advanced divers. The exterior is coated in soft corals, and the surrounding water is alive with batfish, lionfish, and even the occasional Napoleon wrasse.
2. Carnatic – 19th-Century Elegance Underwater
Sunk in 1869, the Carnatic is one of the oldest diveable wrecks in the Red Sea. This British steam-and-sail hybrid ship was carrying wine and coins when it ran aground. The skeletal remains of her hull now rest between 22 and 27 meters deep.
The wooden decking has long since disappeared, but the iron ribs remain upright, giving the site the feel of an underwater cathedral. Inside, you’ll find copper fixtures, wine bottle fragments, and coral-covered beams sheltering sweetlips, groupers, and moray eels.
The Carnatic is often praised for its historical aura and easy swim-throughs, making it both haunting and serene.
3. Chrisoula K (Tile Wreck) – Industrial Charm
The Chrisoula K, which sank in 1981, was transporting Italian floor tiles, many of which are still visible in the cargo hold. This wreck rests between 5 and 25 meters, making it accessible to a wide range of divers.
The interior is rich in macro life—nudibranchs, shrimp, and tiny gobies make their homes here. The cargo holds offer easy penetration and make the dive a bit like swimming through an underwater warehouse. You’ll often find lionfish drifting lazily in the shadows, and the hull is now decorated in a vibrant coating of sponges and soft corals.
4. Kimon M (Lentil Wreck) – Deep, Mysterious, and Atmospheric
The Kimon M, which struck Abu Nuhas in 1978, is often called the “Lentil Wreck” due to its cargo. This ship lies on its starboard side in deeper water (down to 32 meters), and is partially collapsed midship.
While more challenging due to its depth and condition, it offers a dramatic and eerie dive. The massive propeller and exposed engine machinery create compelling visuals, and its interior is full of crevices sheltering big groupers and lionfish.
Conditions and Tips for Diving Abu Nuhas
- Depth Range: 5m to 32m
- Certification Level: Advanced Open Water recommended
- Visibility: 20–30 meters on average
- Current: Can be moderate to strong depending on the day
- Water Temperature: Ranges from 22°C in winter to 29°C in summer
Abu Nuhas is typically visited by boat, either as part of a full-day diving trip or a Red Sea liveaboard itinerary. At Scubadore Hurghada, we can help you determine the best way to visit based on your schedule and certification level.
If you’re curious about other stunning wrecks or coral reef dives closer to shore, check out our dive sites overview to plan a full Red Sea diving experience.
Marine Life Around the Wrecks
One of the many reasons divers love Abu Nuhas is the thriving marine ecosystem that’s taken over the wrecks. Artificial reefs like these provide shelter and food for a huge variety of species, making the site a biodiversity hotspot.
You’ll likely encounter:
- Swirling glassfish inside cargo holds
- Scorpionfish and stonefish resting on corroded beams
- Blue-spotted stingrays in the sand below the wrecks
- Napoleon wrasses cruising past the mast
- Jacks, tuna, and barracuda in the blue water nearby
For more details on the creatures you might encounter, explore our full marine life guide.
Who Should Dive Abu Nuhas?
While some wrecks at Abu Nuhas are shallow enough for less experienced divers, most are best enjoyed by those with an Advanced Open Water certification or higher. If you’re not there yet, don’t worry—Scubadore Hurghada offers a full range of PADI dive courses to help you advance your skills and dive deeper.
Wreck diving opens up a new world of underwater exploration. Whether you’re captivated by rusting steel or vibrant reef life, Abu Nuhas offers both—layered with history, mystery, and marine magic.
Ready to Dive into History?
The shipwrecks of Abu Nuhas are more than just dive sites—they’re stories frozen in time, wrapped in coral, and waiting to be explored. With Scubadore Hurghada, you can experience them safely and memorably, guided by experienced professionals who know these wrecks inside and out.
Whether you’re a history buff, an underwater photographer, or simply a diver looking for something new, Abu Nuhas is an unforgettable journey into the depths of the Red Sea.
