SIR MICHAEL - Gulf of Tadjoura

The Sir Michael sits upright, just a few metres below the surface, its superstructure breaking the waves. This bulk carrier, grounded in '98, is now completely colonised by coral, making it a proper wreck-reef hybrid. You'll spend your dive weaving through the upper decks, spotting clouds of anthias and parrotfish grazing on the hull. It’s an easy, colourful dive, perfect for photographers or anyone keen to explore a large wreck without needing deep diving skills. We've seen turtles napping in the sheltered sections too.

Location
Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
12.939484, 43.053482
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Best Time to Dive in Gulf of Tadjoura

The warmest water temperatures in Gulf of Tadjoura occur in January, averaging 26.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.9°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • February: 26.9°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • March: 26.9°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • April: 26.9°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • May: 26.9°C (air: 32.5°C)
  • June: 26.9°C (air: 35.7°C)
  • July: 26.9°C (air: 36.4°C)
  • August: 26.9°C (air: 34.9°C)
  • September: 26.9°C (air: 34.5°C)
  • October: 26.9°C (air: 30.2°C)
  • November: 26.9°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • December: 26.9°C (air: 25.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Gulf of Tadjoura

Marine Life in Gulf of Tadjoura

Home to 205 recorded species including 95 hard corals, 75 reef fish, 8 sharks & rays, 6 crabs & lobsters, 5 sea cucumbers, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for SIR MICHAEL

Based on average water temperature of 26.9°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the St. Michael wreck in Malta?
The provided data pertains to the SIR MICHAEL wreck located in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, not Malta. For the SIR MICHAEL wreck, the maximum depth for diving is 8 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the St. Michael wreck dive site?
While specific marine life details are not provided for the SIR MICHAEL wreck in Djibouti's Gulf of Tadjoura, divers can expect to explore the impressive structure of a 157m x 22.9m bulk carrier vessel. This wreck, sunk in 1998, offers a fascinating artificial reef environment. Wrecks typically attract a variety of marine species over time, making them excellent sites for wildlife observation.
How challenging is the St. Michael wreck dive in Malta for different skill levels?
The data specifies the SIR MICHAEL wreck, located in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, has an "intermediate" difficulty rating. This suggests it's suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certification. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the St. Michael wreck in Malta, considering weather conditions?
Our current data for the SIR MICHAEL wreck, located in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, does not include specific information on the best time of year to dive or local weather conditions. For general guidance on diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section or local dive operators in Djibouti.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the St. Michael wreck in Malta?
For the SIR MICHAEL wreck in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, the dive is classified as "intermediate" difficulty. While specific certification requirements are not listed, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is generally recommended for intermediate wreck dives to ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience. Always check with local dive centers for their specific requirements.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions like at the St. Michael wreck dive site in Marsaskala Bay?
The provided data for the SIR MICHAEL wreck, situated in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, does not contain information regarding typical visibility or current conditions. These factors can vary significantly based on local weather and tides. It's always best to consult with local dive operators in Djibouti for the most up-to-date conditions.