El Mina, wreck - Hurghada

El Mina, the ‘Harbour’ wreck, sits just outside Hurghada port, a curious piece of Egyptian naval history at 28 metres. We love this site for its genuine wreck vibe, less about the colourful reef and more about the metal itself. It’s a relatively easy dive, perfect for newer wreck enthusiasts, with a mooring line that drops you right onto the stern. This isn’t a grand, intact vessel; the El Mina, an Egyptian minesweeper, was hit by Israeli jets during one of the conflicts, breaking her in two. You can still see the damage, the twisted metal plates and exposed bulkheads telling a story. Inside, the swim-throughs are accessible, offering glimpses of the engine room and crew quarters, now home to clouds of glassfish. Look closely, and you’ll spot crocodilefish camouflaged on the deck, and we’ve even seen a grumpy moray eel peeking from a pipe. Our favourite part? The bow gun, still pointing defiantly upwards, draped in soft corals. It's a proper wreck dive, dark and moody in parts, and always a good second dive after something shallower.

Location
Hurghada, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.232000, 33.859500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m
Difficulty
Beginner

Best Time to Dive in Hurghada

The warmest water temperatures in Hurghada occur in August, averaging 28.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 22.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.1°C
  • February: 22.3°C
  • March: 22.0°C
  • April: 22.8°C
  • May: 24.9°C
  • June: 26.2°C
  • July: 27.5°C
  • August: 28.9°C
  • September: 28.1°C
  • October: 27.3°C
  • November: 26.6°C
  • December: 24.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Hurghada

Nearest Dive Centres to El Mina, wreck

Marine Life in Hurghada

Home to 47 recorded species including 33 reef fish, 7 whales & dolphins, 4 seagrass & algae, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for El Mina, wreck

Based on average water temperature of 25.4°C, currents 20 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°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 of the El Mina wreck dive site?
The maximum depth of the El Mina wreck dive site is 28m. This depth makes it an accessible and enjoyable wreck dive for many certification levels.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the El Mina wreck?
The El Mina wreck itself is a significant historical artifact, being a 58m long Egyptian minesweeper that sank in 1967 or 1973. The provided information does not detail specific marine life or other historical artifacts divers can expect to see. However, the Red Sea is generally renowned for its rich biodiversity.
How difficult is the El Mina wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The El Mina wreck dive is rated as Beginner difficulty. This makes it a highly suitable and accessible site for beginner divers who wish to explore a fascinating wreck in the Hurghada area.
What is the best time of year to dive the El Mina wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the El Mina wreck for optimal conditions. Divers interested in general seasonal information for the Red Sea region should consult our When to Dive resources for broader guidance.
What diving certifications are required to dive the El Mina wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
The El Mina wreck is noted as a Beginner dive with a maximum depth of 28m. However, the provided data does not specify the exact diving certifications required for this site, nor does it detail requirements for wreck penetration. Generally, wreck penetration requires advanced training and certifications beyond standard open water diving.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at the El Mina wreck dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical currents or visibility conditions at the El Mina wreck dive site. It is always recommended to consult with local dive centers in Hurghada for the most up-to-date conditions before your dive.