AYIA VARVARA - Sharm el-Sheikh

Ayia Varvara isn’t a deep dive, peaking at about five metres, which makes it perfect for a leisurely explore. This old motor vessel, sunk back in '76, has been down long enough for the Red Sea to really reclaim her. We love how much of the superstructure is still there, allowing you to swim through the bridge area and down into some of the cargo holds. It’s not just a hull on the bottom; you get a real sense of a ship. Because it’s so shallow, the light here is incredible, illuminating the schools of glassfish that shimmer inside the darker sections. Moray eels are often found tucked into crevices, and we’ve seen some hefty lionfish patrolling the decks. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft is still visible, encrusted with soft corals that wave gently in the mild current. It’s a superb site for photographers, especially early morning when the light really plays with the wreck's silhouette, and because it’s so shallow, your bottom time is generous. Definitely a site for those who enjoy wreck penetration without the depth concerns.

Location
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
28.062084, 34.445550
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - AYIA VARVARA

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

Little is recorded about the final voyage of the MV Ayia Varvara, a Greek motor vessel that had sailed under several names including Nina and Athenia. Built in France in 1950, the small cargo ship met its end in the Red Sea on June 27, 1976. While the exact circumstances are not well-documented, it's widely believed she ran aground on the vibrant reefs near Sharm el-Sheikh, a common fate for vessels navigating these waters.

Resting in just 5 metres of water, the Ayia Varvara is a spectacular dive for all levels, and is even accessible to snorkelers. Her shallow grave means she is bathed in sunlight, which has encouraged an explosion of marine growth. The entire structure is encrusted in a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, making it difficult to distinguish the ship's metal plates from the surrounding reef. The wreck is a hive of activity, frequented by colourful reef fish like anthias, clownfish, and parrotfish, making it a dream for underwater photographers seeking vibrant, sun-drenched shots.

Marine Protected Area: محمية رأس محمد

Best Time to Dive in Sharm el-Sheikh

The warmest water temperatures in Sharm el-Sheikh occur in August, averaging 29.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 22.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.6°C
  • February: 22.8°C
  • March: 22.5°C
  • April: 23.3°C
  • May: 25.6°C
  • June: 26.9°C
  • July: 28.4°C
  • August: 29.9°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 27.8°C
  • November: 27.1°C
  • December: 25.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Sharm el-Sheikh

Nearest Dive Centres to AYIA VARVARA

Marine Life in Sharm el-Sheikh

Home to 13 recorded species including 6 whales & dolphins, 5 reef fish, 1 sharks & rays, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AYIA VARVARA

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°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