ABOU EL-MAATY
Why dive here
With 57+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, humpback whales, octopuses, seahorses and spinner dolphins - ABOU EL-MAATY offers some of El Gouna's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 20-28°C, warmest July, August, September.
Abou El-Maaty isn't about deep dives or dramatic drop-offs. It’s a shallow wreck, barely reaching 3m, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's not worth your time. This site is a photographer's dream, especially if you’re into macro and natural light shots. The wreck itself is a small tugboat, completely broken up, with its pieces scattered across a sandy bottom. You’ll find the propeller, engine block, and various hull sections providing perfect homes for a surprising amount of small critters. We love poking around the debris, spotting pipefish tucked into the crevices and the resident moray eel peeking out from under a plate of steel. The light here is incredible, filtering down through the shallow water, painting everything in shades of blue and gold. It’s an ideal spot for extended bottom times, really taking your time to observe the gobies and blennies that have colonised every surface. If you’re a newer diver looking to get comfortable around wrecks, or an experienced pro wanting to perfect your buoyancy and macro skills, Abou El-Maaty is a fantastic choice. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, just after the sun has fully risen, when the light is at its most vibrant.
Typical ABOU EL-MAATY Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ABOU EL-MAATY Wreck History
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown
The Abou El-Maaty is an intriguing and exceptionally shallow wreck site located in the vibrant Red Sea waters of El Gouna. With its highest point reaching a mere 3 meters from the surface, this wreck is perfect for an easy, relaxed dive and is also accessible to snorkelers and freedivers. Little historical information is available about the vessel or how it sank, but its remains suggest a small local boat. Today, it serves as a fantastic mini-reef, bathed in the bright Egyptian sun. The structure, though small, is teeming with the colorful fish life the Red Sea is famous for. It's an ideal location for a checkout dive, for new divers to comfortably experience their first wreck, or for photographers looking to capture stunning images in brilliant natural light.
Reviews for ABOU EL-MAATY
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ABOU EL-MAATY
ABOU EL-MAATY Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ABOU EL-MAATY, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
28.25°C
83°F
Current Speed
19.42 cm/s
Direction: SE (145.5°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.066 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
38.73 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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