Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Ashmūn, Egypt
1. Thistlegorm Wreck
Submerged British cargo ship carrying war supplies. Unique for its well-preserved cargo.
- Historical Significance: Offers a glimpse into World War II history.
- Diverse Marine Life: Home to various marine species including barracudas, turtles, and napoleon wrasse.
- Depth Range: Ideal for experienced divers with a depth range of 16-32 meters.
2. Ras Mohammed National Park
Known for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life.
- Coral Diversity: Features over 200 species of hard corals.
- Marine Life Variety: Inhabits dolphins, dugongs, and a vast array of fish species.
- Environmental Conservation: Part of a national park ensuring the preservation of its ecosystem.
3. SS Abdullah El-Kheidr
Another WWII wreck, filled with artifacts and surrounded by marine life.
- Artifact Preservation: Retains a variety of artifacts such as ammunition boxes.
- Marine Life Abundance: Serves as a haven for tuna, jackfish, and moray eels.
- Depth Suitable for Divers of All Levels: Accessible for both beginner and experienced divers with a depth range of 12-40 meters.
4. Shark & Yolanda Reefs
Two adjoined reefs known for their thriving shark population.
- Shark Encounters: Offers opportunities to see grey reef sharks, hammerheads, and oceanic white tips.
- Coral Reef Beauty: Boasts stunning coral formations like the Yolanda reef's 'Pinnacles'.
- Strong Currents: Ideal for experienced divers and drift dives due to strong currents.
5. The Island of Elphinstone
A small island with incredible reef walls and shark encounters.
- Shark Interaction: Known for frequent thresher shark sightings.
- Reef Wall Dives: Features dramatic wall dives filled with marine life.
- Remote Location: Requires a boat ride to reach, offering an undisturbed diving experience.
6. Jackson Reef
A series of pinnacles teeming with marine life.
- Pinnacle Formations: Features a unique collection of underwater pinnacles.
- Marine Life Diversity: Harbors octopuses, moray eels, and various tropical fish.
- Strong Currents: Suitable for experienced divers due to strong currents.
7. Um El Faroud Wreck
A French cargo ship wrecked during a storm in the late 1960s.
- Historical Significance: Showcases a piece of maritime history.
- Marine Life Presence: Provides shelter for numerous fish species and invertebrates.
- Depth Range: Accessible for divers of all levels with a depth range of 18-40 meters.
8. The Blue Hole
A deep underwater sinkhole with incredible marine life.
- Deep Water Exploration: Provides the opportunity to explore depths exceeding 100 meters.
- Marine Life Diversity: Offers encounters with hammerhead sharks, tuna, and manta rays.
- Strong Currents: Ideal for experienced divers due to strong currents.
9. The Dunraven Wreck
A steamship sunk in 1876, now home to various marine species.
- Historical Significance: Offers a glimpse into the late Victorian era.
- Marine Life Abundance: Provides shelter for lionfish, scorpionfish, and moray eels.
- Depth Range: Accessible for divers of all levels with a depth range of 15-40 meters.
10. The Straits of Tiran
A series of four reefs offering stunning coral formations and marine life.
- Coral Diversity: Features various coral species, including staghorn and brain corals.
- Marine Life Variety: Inhabits turtles, dolphins, and a wide range of tropical fish.
- Environmental Conservation: Part of a marine park ensuring the preservation of its ecosystem.
11. The Thomas A. Barnett Wreck
A former U.S. Navy ship sunk in 2006, now home to marine life.
- Historical Significance: Offers a unique glimpse into the U.S. Navy history.
- Marine Life Abundance: Provides shelter for numerous fish species and invertebrates.
- Depth Range: Accessible for divers of all levels with a depth range of 12-40 meters.
12. Ras Nasrani
A reef known for its large coral formations and colorful fish.
- Coral Formations: Boasts impressive coral formations, including table and brain corals.
- Marine Life Diversity: Harbors a wide array of tropical fish species.
- Shore Diving: Offers the convenience of shore diving, without the need for a boat ride.
13. The Rosalie Moller Wreck
A cargo ship wrecked in the 1980s, now inhabited by marine life.
- Historical Significance: Provides a glimpse into the 1980s maritime history.
- Marine Life Abundance: Serves as a home for various fish species and invertebrates.
- Depth Range: Accessible for divers of all levels with a depth range of 15-30 meters.
14. The Shark & Yolanda Reefs North
Northern extension of the famous Shark and Yolanda reefs, offering thresher shark sightings.
- Shark Encounters: Known for frequent thresher shark sightings.
- Coral Reef Beauty: Boasts stunning coral formations like the 'Pinnacles'.
- Remote Location: Requires a boat ride to reach, offering an undisturbed diving experience.
15. The Woodhouse Wreck
A British cargo ship sunk during World War I, now covered in colorful coral.
- Historical Significance: Offers a glimpse into World War I maritime history.
- Marine Life Abundance: Provides shelter for various fish species and invertebrates.
- Depth Range: Accessible for divers of all levels with a depth range of 15-30 meters.