Dive in Gubal Strait

Diving in Gubal Strait

The Strait of Gubal connects the Gulf of Suez to the Red Sea and it is home to some of the best reef and wreck diving in the world as it has claimed more ships than any other section of Red Sea.  The best way to fully appreciate the Gubal Strait is to get a liveaboard from Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada and spend a few days exploring the area with a guide who knows the best spots.  

There are almost 30 dive sites in the Strait, the most popular being the SS Thistlegorm which is only available to advanced divers due to the depth and strong currents.  It’s one of the best wreck dives in the world and at 120 metres in length, you’ll need two dives to fully appreciate its wonders.  Other advanced wreck dives include the Dunraven and the Kimon M.  The Rosalie Moller is a very interesting dive but you must be a Rescue diver or more to go on this dive.  There are extreme currently in the Strait hence the reason why experience is necessary on a lot of the dives here.

Open Water divers can enjoy the wrecks of Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Giannis D and the Ulysses and even if you’re a beginner you can enjoy your intro dive at Kingston or Carina wrecks.  

Superb reef dives include the Alternatives, Shag Rock and Siyul Kebira.  Shaab el Erg is a great place to see dolphins who hang out here regularly.  There is always an abundance of sea life on the dives here, you never know what you’re going to see but there are over 1200 different species, a lot of them unique to the area so you’re in for a treat if you love the underwater world.

Snorkelling is great all along the coast of the strait and liveaboards will usually take snorkelers along on the same boat.  This will be the highlight of your holiday and it’s one of the top things recommended to do in Egypt.

(By Kelly Luckman)

Travel to Gubal Strait