ERGINA I - El Gouna

The Erginia I is a classic El Gouna wreck, a bulk carrier that went down in 1983. She sits upright, pretty shallow at around 8 metres, making her a nice, relaxed dive. We find her structure quite open, good for poking around her holds where you often spot schooling snapper and goatfish sifting through the sand. It’s a site that suits newer wreck divers or those looking for an easy second dive. Look out for the resident moray eels tucked into crevices, and a surprising amount of soft coral growing on the metalwork.

Location
El Gouna, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
28.039444, 33.384167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

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 ERGINA I

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 ERGINA I

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 typical depth range for diving at the ERGINA I dive site?
The ERGINA I dive site has a typical depth of 8 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a comfortable profile for exploration of the wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at ERGINA I?
Divers at ERGINA I can expect to explore a fascinating wreck, which is a bulk carrier vessel measuring 152.4m x 19.8m. Sunk on September 1, 1983, this substantial structure provides an artificial reef for potential marine life, though specific species are not detailed in the provided data. You can learn more about general marine life in the region on our wildlife database.
How challenging is the ERGINA I dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The ERGINA I dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 8m might seem suitable, the nature of wreck diving requires specific skills and experience. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers, but rather for those with some prior diving experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at ERGINA I for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the ERGINA I dive site. For general information on diving seasons in Egypt, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at ERGINA I?
Given that ERGINA I is an intermediate-difficulty wreck dive, a minimum certification such as Advanced Open Water Diver is typically recommended. While not explicitly stated, additional wreck diving specialty certifications would enhance safety and enjoyment. Always consult with your local dive center in El Gouna for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the ERGINA I dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the ERGINA I dive site. It is always advisable to check with local dive operators in El Gouna for the most up-to-date conditions before planning your dive.