LOULLIA - Sharm el-Sheikh

The Loullia, perched rather precariously on Gordon Reef, is a wreck dive with real personality. She’s a carrier vessel, settled on her side since 1981, and honestly, we love her for her accessibility and the way she’s become part of the reef. Her bow section is what you'll typically explore, sitting in around 10-15 metres, often quite lit by the sun. You’ll find yourself finning through schools of fusiliers, darting around the superstructure, which is now heavily encrusted with hard and soft corals. Keep an eye out for resident lionfish tucked into shadowy nooks; they’re often there. The Loullia’s an excellent spot for divers who enjoy poking around a wreck without deep penetration, offering plenty of swim-throughs where the original cargo holds once were. For us, the best time to visit is early morning, before the day boats crowd the area, letting you really appreciate the quiet colonisation of metal by marine life.

Location
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.989616, 34.454082
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 LOULLIA

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 LOULLIA

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 for diving around the Loullia wreck and Gordon Reef?
The Loullia wreck itself is noted to start at a depth of 0m, indicating its shallowest point is at the surface. While the data specifies this starting depth for the wreck, it does not provide a maximum depth for diving around the wreck or the broader Gordon Reef area. Divers should consult local dive operators for specific depth profiles of the surrounding reef.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Loullia dive site?
At the Loullia dive site, divers can expect to explore a significant underwater feature-the wreck of a carrier vessel. Sunk on September 29, 1981, this impressive wreck measures 107.6m in length and 14m in width, with portions of its hull and superstructure still visible. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and corals over time, which divers can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Loullia dive site for different levels of scuba divers?
The Loullia dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests that divers should possess a good understanding of buoyancy control and wreck diving procedures, or be accompanied by an experienced guide. It offers a rewarding experience for those with some prior diving experience.
What are the best times of year to dive the Loullia wreck for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data for the Loullia wreck does not specify the best times of year for optimal visibility or diving conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the Sharm el-Sheikh area, divers can consult our when to dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date information on current conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Loullia wreck and surrounding Gordon Reef?
Given that the Loullia wreck is categorized with an intermediate difficulty, divers are generally expected to have a foundational certification beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water Diver, to safely navigate the site. While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, proficiency in buoyancy and potentially wreck diving specialties would be beneficial. Always check with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures experienced at the Loullia dive site?
The provided data for the Loullia dive site does not include information on typical current conditions or water temperatures. Divers planning a trip to Sharm el-Sheikh should consult local dive centers for the most current information regarding these environmental factors. Understanding these conditions is crucial for a safe and enjoyable dive.