Thistlegorm Liveaboards – Northern Red Sea Wrecks and Reefs

Egypt · Northern Red Sea

WWII Wrecks & Coral Reefs: Thistlegorm Liveaboards

Year-roundWWII wrecksOpen Water friendly
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The northern Red Sea in Egypt has some of the best wreck diving anywhere. The SS Thistlegorm still carries its wartime cargo of motorbikes and trucks, and the reef at Abu Nuhas holds four more wrecks. Between them you dive the reefs of Ras Mohammed and Tiran. Trips run all year, and most dives suit newer divers.

Who This Trip Works For

Wreck Fans

First Liveaboard

A good place to start

Open Water Divers

Advanced for the holds

Photographers

Short Breaks

3-night trips too

You Can See

Wrecks and Reefs in One Week

Wreck at Abu Nuhas reef, northern Red Sea, Egypt

Abu Nuhas Wrecks

Four ships sunk on one reef, 16–33 m.

Coral reef at Ras Mohammed, northern Red Sea, Egypt

Ras Mohammed Reefs

Coral walls and big fish schools in summer.

Green sea turtle swimming over a Red Sea reef, Egypt

Turtles

Often seen on the reefs between wreck dives.

Reef shark in the Red Sea, Egypt

Reef Sharks

A regular sighting on the outer reefs.

Reef shark photo: Franziska Stier

Northern wreck trips run all year. Water is about 22°C in winter and 29°C in summer, and the north can be windy from December to March. The Thistlegorm often has current, so guides choose the dive time on the day. Sightings are never guaranteed.

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Where You’ll Dive

Northern Red Sea Dive Sites

Intermediate

SS Thistlegorm

A British cargo ship sunk in 1941, still loaded with motorbikes, trucks and rifles. The deck sits at about 16 m and the seabed at about 30 m. Advanced divers can go inside the holds.

Intermediate

Abu Nuhas

Four wrecks on one reef: the Carnatic, Giannis D, Chrisoula K and Kimon M. Several can fill a whole dive day.

All levels

Ras Mohammed

Egypt’s best-known marine park. Shark and Yolanda reefs have steep walls and big fish schools.

Intermediate

Straits of Tiran

Four reefs in a narrow channel, with current, healthy coral and passing pelagics.

Exact sites depend on your boat, the route and the weather that week.

Hot Picks

Liveaboards We Recommend for the Thistlegorm

Red Sea Blue Force 2 liveaboard, Red Sea, Egypt

Red Sea Blue Force 2

A small boat for 18 guests, sailing the north and extended north routes from Sharm El Sheikh.

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Ocean Lovers liveaboard, Red Sea, Egypt

Ocean Lovers

Built in 2023, with five decks. Runs the wrecks, Ras Mohammed and Tiran route most other weeks.

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Snefro Pearl liveaboard, Red Sea, Egypt

Snefro Pearl

Short 3-night trips to the Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed, for 12 guests. Good for a long weekend.

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3 Nights or a Full Week?

3-Night Trip

The Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed, with departures several times a week. Fine if you have a long weekend or want to try a liveaboard first.

7-Night Trip

Adds Abu Nuhas, Tiran and more reef dives. Some weeks add the Brothers at the end. Want sharks after the wrecks? See our Brothers Islands page.

Want a special offer for the Thistlegorm?

Message us directly — we’ll match you to the right boat, trip length and dates.

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Get Ready

Before You Book Your Thistlegorm Trip

Coral reef in the Red Sea, Egypt

Egypt Liveaboard for Beginners

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Divers on a liveaboard dive deck

Your First Liveaboard

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Liveaboard seasickness tips

Seasickness: What Actually Works

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Why BookDiveBoat for the Thistlegorm?

Many boats run the northern wrecks, and they differ a lot in size, comfort and route. We work with trusted boats from Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Tell us your level and dates, and we’ll tell you which trip gets you on the Thistlegorm and which wrecks you can safely dive.

FAQ

Thistlegorm Liveaboard Questions

Can Open Water divers dive the Thistlegorm?
Yes. Open Water divers can dive the deck and the outside of the wreck, down to 18 m. The holds and the seabed, at about 30 m, need Advanced Open Water. Rules vary by boat, so send us your certification and we’ll check.
When is the best time to dive the Thistlegorm?
You can dive it all year. Summer brings warmer water, around 29°C, and calmer seas. Winter water is about 22°C, and the north can be windy from December to March. Bring a 5 mm wetsuit in winter and a 3 mm in summer.
What is inside the Thistlegorm?
The ship sank in 1941 carrying supplies for the Allied army. The holds still contain motorbikes, trucks, rifles and boots, and parts of a steam locomotive lie on the seabed next to the wreck.
How long are Thistlegorm liveaboard trips?
Most trips are 7 nights and also visit Abu Nuhas, Ras Mohammed and Tiran. Short 3-night trips cover the Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed.
Where do Thistlegorm trips leave from?
From Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, depending on the boat. Fly into Hurghada (HRG) or Sharm El Sheikh (SSH). We confirm the port and transfer for your dates.
Is the Thistlegorm a good first liveaboard?
Yes. Most northern sites suit newer divers, the crossings are short, and you can take a course like Advanced Open Water or Nitrox on many boats during the week.
Ready to Dive the Thistlegorm?

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