The Gubal Barge Wreck - El Gouna

The Gubal Barge is a favourite for a relaxed dive, especially if you're on a liveaboard and fancy a night dip. It's a modest wreck, under 35 metres long, sitting upright in about 15 metres of water, so it’s easy to explore whether you’re newer to wreck diving or just want a chill swim. We often find the deck busy with glassfish and the occasional lionfish lurking in the shadows. Look out for crocodilefish resting on the sand nearby, and the whole site feels more intimate than some of the Red Sea's bigger, more dramatic wrecks. It’s ideal for a second dive or if you're keen to practise some wreck penetration skills without deep commitments.

Location
El Gouna, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.683300, 33.833300
Type
wreck

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 The Gubal Barge Wreck

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 The Gubal Barge Wreck

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 the Gubal Barge Wreck?
The Gubal Barge Wreck typically sits in around 15 meters of water. This relatively shallow depth makes it an accessible dive site for many experience levels.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Gubal Barge Wreck?
Divers exploring the Gubal Barge Wreck can expect to see a small wreck, measuring under 35 meters in length. While the Red Sea is famed for its large wrecks, this site offers a more compact exploration. Although specific marine life isn't detailed, the general Red Sea wildlife is typically vibrant.
How difficult is the Gubal Barge Wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Gubal Barge Wreck is classified with an intermediate difficulty, but it is explicitly stated as suitable for all levels of scuba diver. This makes it an excellent site for both experienced divers and those newer to wreck diving.
What are the best times of year to dive the Gubal Barge Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year to dive the Gubal Barge Wreck for optimal conditions. For general seasonal diving information in Egypt's Red Sea, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Gubal Barge Wreck?
The Gubal Barge Wreck is suitable for all levels of scuba diver, despite its intermediate difficulty rating. This suggests that a standard Open Water Diver certification should be sufficient for most divers to explore this site. Always confirm specific certification requirements with your chosen dive center.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Gubal Barge Wreck dive site?
The Gubal Barge Wreck is situated in a sheltered spot, which generally indicates minimal currents. Although specific visibility figures are not available, sheltered areas often provide favorable underwater clarity for divers.