Abu Ghusun (Hamada Wreck)

The Hamada Wreck, resting near the shore at Abu Ghusun, is one of Marsa Alam’s most iconic wreck dive sites. This small but fascinating cargo vessel sank in 1993 and now lies peacefully on its starboard side in shallow water, completely embraced by coral life.

Located around 85 km south of Marsa Alam, the site is a unique blend of wreck exploration and reef diving—making it suitable for all levels, including snorkelers, beginner divers, and experienced wreck enthusiasts.

FeatureDetails
LocationAbu Ghusun, ~85 km south of Marsa Alam town
Dive TypeShore dive / wreck dive
Entry PointEasy shore entry via sandy beach
Wreck Depth Range5 to 18 meters
Visibility20 to 30 meters
Skill LevelBeginner to advanced
Current ConditionsMild to none
TopographyShipwreck on sandy slope, surrounded by coral gardens
Marine HighlightsScorpionfish, glassfish, lionfish, turtles, schooling reef fish
Best Time to DiveYear-round, mornings preferred
Recommended GearTorch for wreck interior, booties for shore entry
Ideal ForWreck diving, underwater photography, marine life observation

🛳 Dive Site Features & Topography – Inside the Hamada Wreck

The Hamada was a coastal freighter that caught fire and sank near Abu Ghusun. It now rests on a sandy slope, tilted slightly on its starboard side in 5 to 18 meters of water—making it one of the few easily accessible wrecks in the southern Red Sea.

Key Features:

  • Ship Structure: The wreck remains largely intact. Divers can explore open cargo holds, observe the engine room, and peer through access points along the hull.

  • Coral Colonization: The wreck is now a mini-reef, with hard and soft corals covering the metal surface.

  • Surrounding Reef: Beyond the wreck lies a healthy reef slope with coral bommies, sandy patches, and seagrass beds.

  • Photographic Opportunities: The shallow depth ensures excellent natural light, ideal for both wide-angle and macro photography.

Abu Ghusun (Hamada Wreck)

🐠 Marine Life – Coral, Creatures & Color on the Wreck

Over the past 30 years, the Hamada Wreck has transformed into a thriving habitat for marine life:

  • Glassfish clouds fill the cargo hold and engine room.

  • Lionfish, scorpionfish, and stonefish hide among the wreck’s nooks and coral overgrowth.

  • Turtles are frequently seen grazing in nearby seagrass beds or cruising past the wreck.

  • Reef fish such as butterflyfish, parrotfish, and groupers are commonly sighted.

  • Macro photographers will enjoy nudibranchs, cleaner shrimp, and pipefish living among the coral and metal crevices.

This vibrant underwater ecosystem makes Abu Ghusun more than just a wreck dive—it’s a living reef with character and history.

🌤 Diving Conditions & Best Practices

Diving the Hamada Wreck at Abu Ghusun is both easy and rewarding:

  • Visibility: Typically 20–30 meters with clear water and good light penetration.

  • Currents: Minimal to none—excellent for new divers or calm exploration.

  • Depth: Suitable for Open Water divers and up (wreck ranges from 5 to 18 meters).

  • Entry: Easy sandy shore access; a short swim to the wreck.

  • Best Time: Mornings are optimal for lighting and marine life activity.

  • Tips:

    • Bring a torch to explore darker wreck sections.

    • Maintain good buoyancy control inside and around the wreck.

    • Avoid touching the wreck or disturbing marine growth to protect the ecosystem.

With Deep South Divers, safety and preservation are top priorities. Our expert guides provide detailed briefings and ensure a safe, enjoyable dive experience.

Abu Ghusun (Hamada Wreck)

⭐ Why Choose the Hamada Wreck at Abu Ghusun with Deep South Divers?

The Hamada Wreck offers a rare combination: easy access, shallow wreck penetration, rich marine life, and photogenic scenery—all just a short drive from Marsa Alam.

Reasons to Dive Abu Ghusun with Us:

  • ✅ Perfect for first-time wreck divers

  • ✅ Great for snorkeling and scuba diving alike

  • ✅ Excellent underwater photography location

  • ✅ Professional guides with wreck diving experience

  • ✅ Eco-conscious diving with marine protection focus

Whether you’re a curious beginner or an avid underwater explorer, the Hamada Wreck promises a memorable dive experience in the southern Red Sea.

🧭 Ready to Explore the Hamada Wreck?

📍 Book your Abu Ghusun dive trip today with Deep South Divers and unlock one of Marsa Alam’s hidden gems. Dive into history, beauty, and marine life—all in one unforgettable site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hamada Wreck at Abu Ghusun a good dive site for beginner divers?

Yes, Abu Ghusun’s Hamada Wreck is ideal for beginner divers.
The wreck lies in shallow water between 5 and 18 meters, making it easily accessible for Open Water certified divers. The calm conditions, good visibility, and easy shore entry provide a safe environment to explore a real shipwreck without requiring technical diving experience.

What marine life can I see at the Hamada Wreck in Marsa Alam?

The Hamada Wreck is home to a diverse and thriving marine ecosystem.
Divers can spot schools of glassfish, lionfish, scorpionfish, moray eels, and nudibranchs hiding among the coral-encrusted structure. In nearby seagrass beds, turtles are commonly seen grazing. The site also attracts butterflyfish, parrotfish, and groupers, making it an excellent spot for underwater photography and marine observation.

How was the Hamada Wreck in Abu Ghusun created and when did it sink?

The Hamada was a cargo freighter that sank in 1993 near the shore of Abu Ghusun.
After catching fire, the ship was intentionally grounded and ultimately sank in shallow water, where it became an artificial reef. Over the past three decades, it has developed into one of the most popular wreck diving sites in southern Egypt, favored for its accessibility and vibrant marine life.

Can snorkelers visit the Hamada Wreck dive site at Abu Ghusun?

Yes, snorkelers can also enjoy the Hamada Wreck thanks to its shallow depth.
Parts of the wreck reach up to just 5 meters below the surface, making it visible and accessible to snorkelers. While divers can explore the deeper sections and interior, snorkelers can still observe marine life and coral growth from above, making it a great shared activity for mixed-experience groups.

How do I get to the Hamada Wreck dive site from Marsa Alam?

The Hamada Wreck is about 85 km south of Marsa Alam and accessible by road.
You can arrange a dive trip through a local dive center like Deep South Divers, which typically includes transportation, dive guides, and equipment rental. The site is reached via a sandy beach entry, making logistics easy for both snorkelers and scuba divers.

Tripadvisor Reviews

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What Our Divers Say

Real stories from our community of passionate divers

Diese Tauchschule arbeitet durch und durch professionell!! Ich habe mich zu jeden Zeitpunkt Wohl gefüllt. Alle Mitarbeiter Instruktor und Tauch Guides sind sehr nett und zuvor kommend. Ich kann diese Tauchschule nur weiterempfehlen!!! Auch der Betreiber Mohammed bei dem ich meinen Kurs gemacht absolviert habe war super nett und absolut Professionell aber der Spaß ist auch nie zu kurz gekommen😊Vielen lieben Dank an das ganze Deep South Divers Team !!!Macht so weiter

Spent 4 days diving with Deep South. Nice material, Staff very helpful and professional, diving guide very friendly. Will defo recommend them to plan your diving holidays in Egypt and Marsa Alam.

If I had known my experience with Deep South was going to be that good, I would have stayed longer for a few more dives or get another certification. I've been diving in Thailand, Central America and the Mediterranean and this was one of the best dive centers I've met so far. Mudy and his team are genuinely chill and easygoing but they are also extremely careful with safety measures and planning. They've provided us with brand new equipment, titanium tanks which were lighter and more confortable and we've dived some nice spots near marsa alam. In the price they've also included pick up and dropping off, which is to consider as distances can be considerable. They were also super patients and careful with beginners, and also took pics and videos which is a nice detail. If you are diving in Marsa Alam or near the area, I would write them without hesitation. Thanks and greetings from Argentina!!

Polecam z całego serca bazę nurkowa. Ich doświadczenie zaangażowanie jest niesamwite Przygotowanie do kursu oraz czas spędzony pod wodą coś wspaniałego.Bardzo chciałbym podziękować Monice za perfekcyjne przygotowanie mnie do nurkowania głębokiego Deep Diving.

My recent diving experience with Deep South Divers was nothing short of incredible. From the moment I stepped into their center, I felt welcomed and cared for. The staff's knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious, making even the most nervous divers feel at ease.The dive sites they took us to were absolutely breathtaking. They choose the sites having the top priority giving the best experience to the divers. The guides were not only skilled professionals but also passionate about sharing their love of the underwater world. They pointed out hidden treasures and ensured our safety throughout the dives. I totally recommend diving with Moudy as he is very confident and makes you feel safe and like it's a piece of cake!The equipment provided was top-notch, and the center's commitment to safety was evident in their thorough pre-dive checks and procedures. I felt completely confident and secure in their hands.Beyond the diving itself, the overall experience was fantastic. The team at Deep South Divers created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, making it easy to unwind and fully immerse yourself in the underwater adventure. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a memorable and professional diving experience. I will definitely continue the Advance Open Water certificate with them. :)

Centre de plongée de confiance à Marsa Alam. Les certifications Padi et SSI sont affichées partout. L’équipe est super professionnelle, gentille, à l’écoute de tous. Ils ne poussent pas aux ventes, ils veulent partager des moments de plaisir avec leurs clients. Un grand merci à Mahmoud qui a été un dive master au top, et au reste de toute l’équipe.

Wzdłuż wybrzeża Marsa Alam znajdziecie jedyną najlepszą bazę nurkową - Deep South Divers. Niewątpliwe to doskonałe miejsce dla miłośników nurkowania w Marsa Alam. Powody, dlaczego warto tam nurkować? 1. Profesjonalni instruktorzy, eksperci, którzy pomogą odkryć fascynujący podwodny świat. 2. Bezpieczeństwo., czyli poczucie komfortu pod wodą. 3. Przyjazna, rodzinna atmosfera. Ludzie w Deep South Divers są serdeczni i pomocni. Spotkasz tam pasjonatów nurkowania, co sprawi, że czujesz się jak w rodzinie. 4. Różnorodność miejsc nurkowych. Marsa Alam to raj dla nurków. W okolicy znajdują się piękne rafy koralowe, w które zabiorą instruktorzyJeśli szukasz niezapomnianych wrażeń pod wodą, tylko z Deep South Divers 🌊🐠🤿

Une équipe au top! Autant sur la terre que dans l'eau vous êtes assuré de passer de bons moments En niveau 1 il y a déjà de beaux spots à visiter et l'équipe sait s'adapter aux capacités de chacun 😊

W zeszłym roku zrobiłam z Deep South Divers kurs JOWD, co kilka miesięcy przylatuję z rodziną do Marsa Alam i szlifuję swoje umiejętności nurkowe pod okiem przyjaciół z Deep South Divers. To moj drugi dom i zamierzam się tu dalej nurkowo rozwijać. Dziięki, że jesteście o do zobaczenia już w sierpniu.

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    68 street, Downtown, Marsa Alam, Red Sea
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    Dolphin Continental Hotel, El Quseir, Red Sea
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