MAIDAN - Marsa Alam

Maidan isn't just another shipwreck in the Red Sea. This old steamship, built back in 1902, went down in 1923, and what we love about her is how she’s settled – upright, mostly intact, and quite dramatic. You drop down onto the stern, which sits in about 20 metres, and then you can swim forward, following the deck line to the bow, which is much shallower, around 8 metres. That gradual slope means you can really take your time exploring the sheer scale of her. We always suggest starting deep and working your way up; it lets you appreciate the massive boilers and engine room structure first. The cargo holds are open, revealing glimpses of the general cargo she was carrying, still scattered decades later. What really makes Maidan a standout for us is the amount of glassfish that school inside the superstructure, shimmering like liquid silver. And look closely in the shadows for lionfish and the occasional moray eel peeking out. This is a brilliant dive for those who appreciate history and want a less broken-up wreck to explore. The shallows make it accessible for divers with varied experience, too.

Location
Marsa Alam, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
23.561666, 36.243332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Best Time to Dive in Marsa Alam

The warmest water temperatures in Marsa Alam occur in August, averaging 31.1°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 22.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.6°C
  • February: 22.7°C
  • March: 22.9°C
  • April: 23.8°C
  • May: 26.0°C
  • June: 28.1°C
  • July: 29.9°C
  • August: 31.1°C
  • September: 30.4°C
  • October: 28.8°C
  • November: 27.1°C
  • December: 25.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Marsa Alam

Nearest Dive Centres to MAIDAN

Marine Life in Marsa Alam

Home to 39 recorded species including 10 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins, 8 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 sharks & rays, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for MAIDAN

Based on average water temperature of 26.7°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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 SS Maidan wreck?
The SS Maidan wreck is listed with a depth of 0m, indicating it is extremely shallow or even breaks the surface. As a "Wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure," divers can expect to explore its visible parts near the surface. This unique classification suggests an accessible and intriguing dive experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the SS Maidan dive site?
Divers visiting the SS Maidan can expect to explore the impressive features of a large steam ship vessel, built in 1902 and measuring 152.4m x 17.7m. The wreck, classified as "showing any portion of hull or superstructure," offers a glimpse into its past as a general cargo ship owned by T & J Brocklebank & Co. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species; you can learn more about common Red Sea marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the SS Maidan wreck, and what level of experience is required?
Diving the SS Maidan is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort with wreck diving or similar conditions. It's recommended that divers possess the necessary skills and confidence for an intermediate-level underwater exploration.
When is the optimal time of year to dive the SS Maidan for the best conditions?
The provided data does not specify the optimal time of year to dive the SS Maidan for the best conditions. However, for general information on diving seasons and conditions in Marsa Alam, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide.
What specific diving certifications are needed to dive the SS Maidan wreck?
The specific diving certifications required to dive the SS Maidan are not detailed in the provided data. Given its classification as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, it is generally advisable for divers to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification and potentially a Wreck Diver specialty, though this is a general recommendation and not specific to the Maidan based on the data. Always check with local dive operators for precise requirements and ensure your equipment is suitable.
What are the typical current and sea conditions like at the SS Maidan dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current and sea conditions at the SS Maidan dive site. Divers planning a trip to Marsa Alam should consult local dive centers for up-to-date reports on conditions before diving.