BACCHIS - El Gouna

We’ve done the Bacchis more times than we can count, and it still holds a spot among our favourite El Gouna dives. The wreck itself, an old cargo ship, is an absolute gem sitting upright in just 5 metres of water. We love the way the light filters through the shallow water, illuminating the main deck and the large, open holds. You can swim right through them, feeling the cool water shift as you move, and it always feels like exploring a forgotten warehouse. There’s a real sense of history here, knowing this ship ran aground back in '77. Shoals of snapper often swirl in the shadow of the superstructure, and we’ve seen some hefty lionfish perched on the railings, completely unbothered by divers. It’s a phenomenal spot for photography, especially with wide-angle, and it’s brilliant for divers who want to spend ages poking around without worrying about deco limits. Our top tip? Go early in the morning, before the crowds, when the light is soft and the visibility often feels limitless.

Location
El Gouna, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.820528, 33.654667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - BACCHIS

Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Bacchis was a German-built motor vessel launched in 1950 from the famous shipyards of Bremerhaven. After 27 years of service, her career came to an abrupt end on August 9, 1977. While navigating the treacherous waters of the Red Sea, the Bacchis ran hard aground on the northern edge of the Sha'b Ashrafi reef, a large reef system near El Gouna, Egypt. The damage was catastrophic, and the ship was declared a total loss, abandoned to the sea.

Today, the Bacchis is a fantastic dive and snorkeling site. Lying in just 5 meters of water, the wreck is easily accessible to all experience levels. Over the decades, the powerful Red Sea has broken the vessel apart, scattering its remains across the reef top. What was once a maritime disaster has transformed into a spectacular underwater garden. The ship's steel plates and structures are now completely encrusted with a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, providing a home for countless reef fish, moray eels, and crustaceans. It's a perfect example of nature's power to reclaim and beautify, blending a man-made structure seamlessly into the vibrant reef.

Marine Protected Area: شعاب البحر الأحمر

Best Time to Dive in El Gouna

The warmest water temperatures in El Gouna occur in August, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 20.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.3°C
  • February: 20.2°C
  • March: 20.8°C
  • April: 22.1°C
  • May: 24.5°C
  • June: 25.8°C
  • July: 27.0°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 27.3°C
  • October: 26.1°C
  • November: 24.6°C
  • December: 22.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in El Gouna

Nearest Dive Centres to BACCHIS

Marine Life in El Gouna

Home to 64 recorded species including 46 reef fish, 7 whales & dolphins, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sea cucumbers, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BACCHIS

Based on average water temperature of 24.1°C, currents 19 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 24°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 divers can reach at the Bacchis dive site?
The Bacchis dive site is quite shallow, with a maximum depth of 5 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive, perfect for divers looking for a shallower experience in El Gouna.
What kind of marine life and wreck features are typically found when diving the Bacchis?
The Bacchis is a significant wreck, a motor vessel built in 1950 and sunk on August 9, 1977. Divers can explore its impressive dimensions, measuring 89.3m x 13.1m, with portions of its hull and superstructure still visible. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
Is the Bacchis wreck considered a difficult dive, or is it suitable for beginners?
The Bacchis wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. While its shallow depth of 5 meters might seem beginner-friendly, the nature of wreck diving often requires specific skills and experience beyond basic open water certification. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques to fully enjoy this site in Egypt.
What is the best time of year to dive the Bacchis for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Bacchis for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the Red Sea, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Bacchis wreck?
Given its classification as an intermediate dive, divers typically need more than just an Open Water certification to safely and enjoyably explore the Bacchis wreck. While not explicitly stated, an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialty in wreck diving is often recommended for sites of this nature. Always check with local dive operators in El Gouna for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Bacchis dive site?
The provided data does not detail the typical current or visibility conditions at the Bacchis dive site. While the vessel ran aground in poor visibility, this refers to the incident itself and not the general diving conditions. Divers should consult local dive centers in El Gouna for up-to-date information on currents and visibility before planning their dive.