Route Description - North-Safaga-Salem Express
The North – Safaga – Salem Express route combines the Red Sea’s most famous wrecks with spectacular reef diving. Departing from the north, divers explore Shaab El Erg, the historic wrecks of Abu Nuhas and the legendary Thistlegorm, before continuing to Safaga for dives at Abu Kifan and Panorama Reef. The itinerary concludes with the Salem Express, offering a memorable and historically significant wreck diving experience.
SS Thistlegorm
The legendary SS Thistlegorm lies upright at around 30 metres and is one of the Red Sea’s most iconic wreck dives. Its remarkable wartime cargo includes tanks, trucks, motorcycles, weapons, railway cars and a locomotive, while barracuda, tuna, snappers and abundant reef fish thrive around the wreck.
Salem Express
Lying between 11 and 32 metres southeast of Safaga, the Salem Express is one of the Red Sea’s most poignant wrecks. The ship sank in 1991 after striking Shaab Sheer Reef during a storm and is officially recognised as a grave. Diving is limited to the exterior, with the cabins remaining off-limits.
Shaab El Erg
This expansive horseshoe-shaped reef surrounds a shallow lagoon filled with smaller coral formations. Divers can explore much of the lagoon, with the northern tip, eastern wall and Gota Shaab El Erg offering some of the most popular areas. The site is particularly known for its attractive reef scenery and marine life.
Bluff Point
Bluff Point follows the northeastern tip of the reef towards the arched bay of Little Gubal Island. A strong current usually carries divers south along the coral wall, where large Napoleon wrasse and turtles may be encountered. The drift makes for an exciting exploration of the reef.
Siyoul Kebira
Siyoul Kebira features colourful coral reefs interrupted by sandy valleys, overhangs and crevices. The abundant coral growth supports countless reef fish, while the generally strong current carries divers towards the northern tip for an exhilarating drift dive.
Siyoul Soraya
A colourful reef dive filled with vibrant corals and a wide variety of Red Sea reef fish. Siyoul Soraya offers an easy-going opportunity to appreciate the diversity and colour of the surrounding underwater landscape.
Shaab Umm Usk
Shaab Umm Usk is best known for its sheltered lagoon and resident bottlenose dolphins. When conditions are favourable, divers may observe these playful animals as they move through the protected waters, while isolated coral formations and reef areas provide interesting underwater exploration.
Umm Gammar
Umm Gammar is surrounded by an extensive coral reef and offers a dramatic drift along the island’s eastern wall. The southern plateau features three striking coral towers, two filled with glassfish and another with a sandy cave at around 27 metres. Purple soft corals and abundant marine life add colour to the dive.
Carless Reef
Carless Reef consists of two prominent coral pinnacles rising from a plateau in exceptionally clear water. The site is particularly famous for its resident giant moray eels, which can often be seen emerging from their caves. Exposed conditions can make diving here dependent on weather and sea conditions.
Abu Nuhas / Carnatic
The historic Carnatic sank on Abu Nuhas Reef in 1869 and now rests on its side at 20–27 metres. Although the middle section is heavily damaged, the bow and stern remain well preserved, while the deteriorated wooden decks allow access to parts of the interior. Its coral-covered hull has transformed the wreck into a thriving artificial reef.
Abu Nuhas / Chrisoula K
The Chrisoula K sank on Abu Nuhas Reef in 1981 while carrying a cargo of Italian floor tiles. Resting between 5 and 25 metres, the wreck lies in a favourable position for divers, although the middle section was heavily damaged when the ship struck the reef. Its relatively shallow depth allows for a relaxed wreck exploration.
Abu Nuhas / Ghiannis D
The Ghiannis D rests on its port side and retains impressive features including its bridge, railings, winch and engine room machinery. The collapsed middle section has become a habitat for crocodilefish, scorpionfish, parrotfish and groupers, while the intact sections offer plenty of structure for exploration.
Shaab Mahmud with Dunraven
Shaab Mahmud offers sheltered lagoon diving combined with access to the colourful reef outside through the narrow Small Passage. Hawksbill turtles, mackerel and barracuda can be encountered around the reef, while the protected lagoon provides an ideal setting for surface intervals and overnight anchorage.
Dunraven
The Dunraven is a historic 19th-century wreck resting upside down between 15 and 29.5 metres at Beacon Rock. Split into two sections, the largely empty wreck can be entered through several openings, creating an atmospheric cavern-like dive. Its unusual position and history make it a fascinating Red Sea wreck.
Shaab Sheer
Shaab Sheer combines a sheltered southern side with more exposed areas and stronger currents on the west. Shallow depths feature a striking brain-coral landscape inhabited by Picasso triggerfish, parrotfish, filefish and wrasses, while deeper areas attract bream, snappers, mackerel, tuna and barracuda.
Panorama Reef
Panorama Reef is known for steep walls, dramatic plateaus and abundant marine life. The northern plateau features large table and mountain corals surrounded by thousands of anthias, while the southern plateau offers greater shelter and impressive gorgonians. Barracuda, eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, moray eels and stonefish may also be encountered.