HMS Thistlegorm - Sharm el-Sheikh

Dropping onto the Thistlegorm, you immediately feel the weight of history. This isn't just a wreck; it's a time capsule, a snapshot of WWII cargo frozen in time. Inside the open holds, we've peered at rows of BSA motorcycles, Bedford trucks, and even parts of railway wagons – it’s genuinely eerie. Outside, barracuda often circle the superstructure, and a resident turtle sometimes cruises past the bridge. We’d suggest getting there early, or planning multiple dives, to really take in the scale and detail of this incredible site. Strong currents can be a factor, so good buoyancy control is key.

Location
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.803300, 33.923300
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: شعاب البحر الأحمر

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 HMS Thistlegorm

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 HMS Thistlegorm

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the HMS Thistlegorm dive site and what will I see there?
The maximum depth of the HMS Thistlegorm dive site is not specified in our current data. However, divers can expect to explore its historical cargo of World War II machinery and equipment, which is neatly stowed in its open holds. This incredible wreck, sunk by German bombers, offers a unique glimpse into history.
What level of diving certification and experience is required to dive the HMS Thistlegorm?
Diving the HMS Thistlegorm is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should possess a good level of experience beyond entry-level certification, ideally with some prior wreck diving or advanced open water experience. It's recommended to be comfortable with deeper dives and potentially overhead environments for full exploration.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like when diving the HMS Thistlegorm?
Our current data context for the HMS Thistlegorm does not specify typical currents or water conditions such as temperature or visibility. For up-to-date information on these factors, it's always best to consult with local dive operators in Sharm el-Sheikh just before your dive.
What kind of marine life and historical cargo can divers expect to see inside and around the HMS Thistlegorm wreck?
Divers exploring the HMS Thistlegorm can expect to encounter an incredible array of historical cargo from World War II. This includes machinery and equipment, all still neatly stowed within its open holds, offering a fascinating historical experience. While our data doesn't detail specific marine life, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems; you can learn more about general marine life in the Red Sea.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMS Thistlegorm for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the HMS Thistlegorm does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving and to plan your trip to Egypt, please refer to our When to Dive section or consult local dive centers in Sharm el-Sheikh.
How difficult is diving the HMS Thistlegorm, especially for wreck penetration?
Diving the HMS Thistlegorm is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While its open holds make exploration convenient, wreck penetration always requires specialized training and experience beyond basic certification. Divers should be proficient in buoyancy control and navigation to safely explore the interior of this famous World War II wreck.