Straits of Gubal
Straits Of Gubal
The Straits of Gubal, a slender waterway nestled between Egypt’s Red Sea Coast and the Western shore of the Sinai Peninsula, stands as a pinnacle of diving adventures, easily reachable from Hurghada. This area, infamous for its treacherous coral pinnacles, has been a bane for sailors over centuries and is now celebrated for its exceptional wreck diving opportunities.
Among these underwater relics, the most famous is The Thistlegorm, a World War II cargo ship unveiled by the legendary French diver Jacques Cousteau in the 1950s.
S.S. Thistlegorm
Constructed in 1940, The Thistlegorm was a 126m long merchant vessel, repurposed by the Navy during WWII. Tragically, it was sunk by German bombers on October 6, 1941, resting now on a sandy seabed at 30 meters depth. Its upper section, at 17 meters, is exposed to tidal currents and wind, creating challenging dive conditions with strong currents and variable visibility. This dive is reserved for the experienced, offering a poignant glimpse into a frozen moment of wartime history, with its cargo of locomotives, ammunition, trucks, motorbikes, and even airplane wings. Penetration diving is possible, but always follow your guide’s advice.
The Rosalie Moller
Another gem is the Rosalie Moller, built in Glasgow in 1910. Originally a cargo vessel, it was later requisitioned by the Royal Navy, transporting coal to UK Naval Ports. In a twist of fate, it sank on October 7, 1941, only two days after the Thistlegorm. Now upright on the seabed at a depth of 30-32 meters, the Rosalie Moller is a haven for groupers, lionfish, and glassfish, with large tuna and jackfish often seen patrolling the wreck.
Stingray Station
This site, located in the north-western part of the Alternatives, is named for the Blue Spotted Stingrays that congregate here, especially in spring. Ideal for both snorkelers and divers, its shallow waters and protective reef make it a perfect spot for observing marine life.
Bluff Point / The Barge Wreck
A popular night dive destination, Bluff Point lies on Gubal Island’s east. Here, safari boats often moor, waiting to cross the straits. The nearby Gubal Barge, despite its popularity, is worth exploring for its vibrant marine life, though divers are encouraged to also explore the surrounding coral.
Dunraven
The Dunraven, an iron-hulled vessel built in 1873, sank in 1876 after crashing into the Horse Shoe Reef. Discovered in 1977, this wreck lies upside down near the reef, with its bow at 18 meters and stern at 28 meters. Covered in corals and home to diverse marine life, it offers an intriguing dive, resembling an underwater cave.
Kingston Wreck
Near Shag Rock, the Kingston Wreck, often misidentified as the Sara H, sank in 1881. At a depth of 4 to 15 meters, this site is excellent for photographers, showcasing an abundance of corals and marine life.
The Straits of Gubal in Hurghada offer divers an extraordinary window into maritime history, each wreck telling its own story amidst the Red Sea’s underwater splendor.
Created On 1 Jan 2019
Updated On January 28, 2024
