For many divers, the SS Thistlegorm is the ultimate Red Sea wreck. Its wartime history, easily-visible cargo and legendary reputation have earned it a place on countless diving bucket lists. But while the Thistlegorm undoubtedly deserves its fame, it is far from the only fascinating shipwreck beneath the waters of the northern Red Sea.
Scattered across the area are dozens of wrecks, each with its own story, and together they form an underwater museum where marine life has reclaimed steel hulls, boilers and propellers to create spectacular artificial reefs.
If you’ve already explored the Thistlegorm – or simply want to discover somewhere a little different – Emperor offers dedicated Get Wrecked and Reefs & Wrecks liveaboard itineraries, while divers staying ashore can also experience selected historic wrecks from our Sharm El Sheikh dive centre.
And here are five ‘lesser known’ sites that we believe deserve more attention…
Kingston – A Victorian Ship Frozen in Time
Lying close to Shag Rock near the entrance to the Straits of Gubal, the Kingston is one of the oldest wrecks regularly visited in the northern Red Sea. Built in the late nineteenth century, the British steamship struck the reef in 1881 while carrying coal from Cardiff to Aden. Despite attempts to refloat her, the damage proved too severe and she was abandoned where she lay.
Today the wreck rests in relatively shallow water, making it accessible to a wide range of divers. Although much of the wooden structure has disappeared over the past century, the iron framework, engine and boiler remain remarkably recognisable. Hard and soft corals now blanket the wreck, while glassfish, lionfish, moray eels and nudibranchs have made it their home.
The Kingston is often overshadowed by larger and more famous wrecks nearby, yet many underwater photographers consider it one of the prettiest dives in the northern Red Sea thanks to the colourful coral growth and excellent natural light.
Kingston is regularly visited on Emperor’s Reefs & Wrecks and Get Wrecked liveaboard itineraries, making it an excellent introduction to the region’s lesser-known historic wrecks.
Ulysses – Small Wreck, Big Character
Not every memorable wreck has to be enormous. The Ulysses proves that perfectly.
Built in the late nineteenth century, this British cargo steamer struck the reefs around Gubal Island in 1887 while travelling through the Gulf of Suez. Although much smaller than some of Egypt’s famous wrecks, the Ulysses has retained much of its charm thanks to its compact layout and fascinating remains.
The boiler dominates the site, while sections of the hull, winches and propeller shaft remain clearly visible. Years beneath the sea have transformed the wreck into a thriving artificial reef, attracting schools of glassfish, lionfish, scorpionfish, crocodilefish and the occasional turtle. Because it receives fewer divers than nearby headline sites, marine life often appears relaxed and abundant.
Its modest size also allows divers to comfortably explore the entire wreck during a single dive, making it a rewarding experience without feeling rushed. The Ulysses features on Emperor’s specialist northern Red Sea wreck itineraries, particularly Reefs & Wrecks, where it pairs perfectly with several of the area’s better-known shipwrecks.
Numidia
Numidia – A Wreck on the Edge of the Abyss
Few wreck dives anywhere in the world can match the sheer drama of the Numidia.
Launched in 1901, the British cargo ship struck Big Brother Island later in the same year while carrying railway wheels and equipment from England to India. Unable to free herself from the reef, she was abandoned, gradually slipping down the island’s steep wall until she came to rest across depths ranging from around 10 metres to well beyond recreational diving limits.
That extraordinary position makes the Numidia unlike almost any other wreck in the Red Sea. The bow begins in relatively shallow water before the hull disappears dramatically into the deep blue, covered in colourful soft corals, black corals and huge gorgonian sea fans. Divers frequently encounter giant trevally, tuna, barracuda and, with a little luck, grey reef sharks or oceanic whitetips cruising nearby.
Although suitable only for experienced divers because of currents and depth, the Numidia is widely regarded as one of the finest wreck dives in the world.
You’ll find the Numidia on Emperor’s Safaga, Brothers & Elphinstone itinerary, where it combines perfectly with exhilarating reef dives and regular encounters with pelagic species.
Million Hope – The Red Sea’s Modern Giant
Unlike many of the Red Sea’s historic wrecks, the Million Hope is a relatively modern casualty. Built in the 1970s, the enormous bulk carrier ran aground on Sha’ab Ali in 1996 while carrying a cargo of fertiliser. Measuring around 175 metres in length, it remains one of the largest shipwrecks in Egyptian waters.
Its sheer scale is the first thing divers notice. Towering hull plates disappear into the blue, while the massive propeller and stern provide dramatic photographic opportunities. The wreck has also become a haven for marine life, with large schools of batfish, barracuda and jacks often cruising around the structure, alongside colourful reef fish that now inhabit every corner.
Unlike many northern wrecks that are primarily visited from liveaboards, Million Hope is primarily accessible from Emperor’s Sharm El Sheikh centre on selected day boat trips. That makes it an excellent option for divers staying in resort who want to experience one of the Red Sea’s most impressive wrecks without committing to a full liveaboard itinerary.
However, because of its location it requires conditions to be perfect in order to approach safely meaning it can only be dived when the weather and the sea allow.
Chrisoula K
Chrisoula K – The Tile Wreck
Abu Nuhas Reef has claimed numerous ships over the years, but while Giannis D often steals the spotlight, the Chrisoula K deserves just as much attention.
The Greek cargo vessel struck the notorious reef in August 1981 while transporting a cargo of Italian floor tiles to Saudi Arabia. Although there has long been debate over whether the wreck is actually the Chrisoula K or her near-identical sister ship Marcus, the name Chrisoula K has become firmly associated with this fascinating dive site.
The wreck lies on her port side with much of the bow remaining remarkably intact. Her vast cargo holds are still packed with neatly stacked ceramic tiles, creating one of the Red Sea’s most distinctive underwater scenes. Soft corals now cover large areas of the structure, while glassfish, lionfish, giant morays and blue-spotted stingrays have made the wreck their home.
Offering a combination of maritime history, excellent visibility and exciting swim-throughs, Chrisoula K is a favourite among experienced wreck divers and photographers alike.
Chrisoula K regularly features on Emperor’s Get Wrecked and Reefs & Wrecks liveaboard itineraries, making it one of the highlights of any northern Red Sea wreck safari.
The Thistlegorm may always be the Red Sea’s best-known wreck – and rightly so – but exploring beyond the headlines reveals a remarkable collection of ships, each with its own history and personality.
Whether you’re fascinated by Victorian steamships, dramatic cargo wrecks or giant modern vessels reclaimed by the sea, these underrated dives offer a different perspective on the Red Sea’s rich maritime heritage.
If you’ve already ticked off the Thistlegorm, perhaps it’s time to discover what lies beyond Egypt’s most famous wreck.
If you would like to find out more about these sites, Emperor Divers’ Reefs & Wrecks and Get Wrecked liveaboard itineraries, or our Sharm El Sheikh dive centre – please contact us on [email protected] and we will do all we can to help.
Picture courtesy of www.peterzet.com/red-sea-wrecks
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the most underrated wreck dive in the Red Sea?
There is no single answer, but many experienced divers point to the Numidia. Its spectacular position draped down the wall of Big Brother Island makes it unlike any other wreck in Egypt. For those diving the northern Red Sea, Chrisoula K offers a fascinating combination of maritime history, intact cargo and thriving marine life, yet is often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Giannis D.
Can beginners dive these Red Sea wrecks?
Some can. Kingston is relatively shallow and, in suitable conditions, can be enjoyed by less experienced divers with the appropriate certification and guidance. Others, including Chrisoula K, Million Hope and especially Numidia, are generally better suited to more experienced divers due to their depth, currents or opportunities for wreck penetration. Whatever your experience level, your Emperor guide will always recommend the most appropriate wrecks to match your training, confidence and the prevailing conditions.
Can I dive Million Hope without joining a liveaboard?
Yes. Unlike many northern Red Sea wrecks, Million Hope can be visited on selected day boat trips from Emperor’s Sharm El Sheikh dive centre when weather and sea conditions allow. It offers a fantastic opportunity to experience one of Egypt’s largest wrecks while enjoying a resort-based diving holiday.
Which Emperor liveaboard visits the most Red Sea wrecks?
If wreck diving is your priority, Emperor’s Get Wrecked itinerary is designed specifically for wreck enthusiasts, taking in famous sites such as the Thistlegorm alongside lesser-known favourites including Kingston, Ulysses and Chrisoula K. For divers looking to combine spectacular reefs with iconic wrecks, Reefs & Wrecks offers the perfect balance, while our Safaga, Brothers & Elphinstone itinerary includes the world-renowned Numidia at Big Brother Island.
Why is the Red Sea so famous for wreck diving?
The Red Sea sits on one of the world’s busiest historic shipping routes between Europe, Asia and Africa. Over the past 150 years, storms, navigational errors, wartime attacks and reef collisions have created an extraordinary collection of wrecks. Thanks to warm water, excellent visibility and relatively low corrosion, many remain remarkably well preserved, making the Red Sea one of the world’s finest wreck diving destinations.
