The Ulysses Wreck - Hurghada

The Ulysses Wreck, a cargo vessel from 1871, sits quietly on the reef of Gobul Seghir, a short zodiac ride from Hurghada. It’s a good example of how time turns wreckage into reef. Down at a bit over 30m at its deepest, the 95m hull is now thoroughly encrusted with hard corals, almost blending into the seabed. You can still make out the ship’s structure, but it’s the way the marine life has taken over that makes it interesting. Schools of anthias shimmer above the decks, and we’ve often spotted lionfish tucked into its shadowy corners. It’s a solid dive for those who enjoy older wrecks that have become part of the natural environment, rather than just an artificial structure.

Location
Hurghada, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.245000, 33.890000
Type
wreck

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 The Ulysses 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 The Ulysses 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 Ulysses Wreck dive site?
The Ulysses Wreck dive site reaches a maximum depth of a little over 30 meters. This makes it an ideal depth for Red Sea wreck divers to explore its historical features.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Ulysses Wreck?
Divers exploring the Ulysses Wreck can expect to see a historical 95-meter long cargo vessel, built in 1871. Having been submerged since 1887, the wreck is now completely encrusted with hard corals, blending seamlessly with the natural Red Sea substrate. This transformation offers a unique blend of history and vibrant marine growth.
How difficult is the Ulysses Wreck dive, and is it suitable for novice divers?
The Ulysses Wreck dive is rated as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth and the nature of wreck diving, it is generally not suitable for novice divers. Divers should have appropriate experience and training for intermediate-level dives.
When is the best time of year to dive the Ulysses Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Ulysses Wreck for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Ulysses Wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
The provided information does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive the Ulysses Wreck, nor does it mention requirements for wreck penetration. Given its intermediate difficulty and depth of a little over 30 meters, advanced open water certification or equivalent is typically recommended for such dives. Divers interested in wreck penetration would generally need specialized wreck diving certifications.
What are the typical current and surface conditions like at the Ulysses Wreck dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details about the typical current or surface conditions at the Ulysses Wreck dive site. However, divers will typically begin this dive by back-rolling in from a zodiac, which suggests boat access.