AQUA SAFARI
Why dive here
AQUA SAFARI is a wreck dive where divers can encounter humpback whales, spinner dolphins and whale sharks. Water ranges 22-30°C, warmest July, August, September.
Aqua Safari isn’t your typical Red Sea wreck, and that’s why we love it. This sailing vessel, lying upright on a sandy bottom at 34 metres, feels more like a ghost ship than a shipwreck. You drop down, and the mast structures slowly emerge from the blue, draped in fishing nets that sway gently with any passing current. It’s got an eerie beauty, especially when the light hits it just right, casting long shadows across the deck. We particularly enjoy the way the soft corals have started to bloom on the rigging, a colourful contrast to the dark hull. Look closely, and you’ll spot crocodilefish camouflaged on the deck, and sometimes a curious octopus peeking from a sheltered corner. It’s a quiet dive, never crowded, perfect for photographers wanting to capture that evocative, slightly melancholic vibe. Our tip? Go early in the morning for the best light and the chance to have the wreck all to yourself. It’s not a massive wreck for penetration, but it's a wonderfully atmospheric dive for anyone who appreciates the quieter side of wreck diving.
Typical AQUA SAFARI Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (34m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
AQUA SAFARI Wreck History
Year Sunk
2001
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
fire
The M/Y Aqua Safari was a popular wooden-hulled dive safari boat operating in the Red Sea. In 2001, while moored for the night near Safaga, a devastating fire broke out on board. The vessel was quickly consumed by the flames and ultimately sank, coming to rest upright on a sandy seabed at a depth of 34 meters. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were able to escape without serious injury, but their floating home for the week was lost to the sea.
Today, the Aqua Safari is an intriguing dive site, reserved for more experienced divers due to its depth. The wreck is largely intact, and its wooden structure has become a thriving artificial reef. Divers can explore the decks and peer into the charred remains of the cabins and saloon. The wreck is often shrouded in a cloud of glassfish, and its surfaces are colonized by soft corals. It's a hauntingly beautiful site that serves as a stark reminder of the power of fire, now transformed into a peaceful home for Red Sea marine life.
Nearest Dive Centres to AQUA SAFARI
Dive shops near AQUA SAFARI
United Divers
Fred Lombard
Freedom Divers
Nemo
Dimensions Bleues-Ducks Safaga
Menadive
Reviews for AQUA SAFARI
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AQUA SAFARI
AQUA SAFARI Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AQUA SAFARI, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (26.49, 34.08) (12km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
28°C
82°F · Range: 26.4–29°C
Current Speed
28.79 cm/s
Direction: S (159.7°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.07 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
38.69 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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