AYIA VARVARA
Protected Area
محمية رأس محمد
Why dive here
AYIA VARVARA is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, spinner dolphins and whale sharks. Water ranges 23-30°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical AYIA VARVARA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
AYIA VARVARA Wreck History
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to AYIA VARVARA
Dive shops near AYIA VARVARA
Pyramids Diving Center - Rixos Sea Gate
Pyramids Diving Center
Diving Center
Aquarius Diving Club - Sharm
PADI Diving center
Extra Divers Ras Nasrani
Reviews for AYIA VARVARA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AYIA VARVARA
AYIA VARVARA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AYIA VARVARA, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
29.86°C
86°F
Current Speed
12.53 cm/s
Direction: SW (208.6°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.065 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
38.5 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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