NIGER BASIN - Sharm el-Sheikh

The Niger Basin isn't the prettiest wreck in Sharm, let's be honest. It’s a big, crumpled freighter, sitting in ridiculously shallow water, completely exposed to the elements. The stern is practically on the beach, and at low tide, you can see portions of the hull poking out. But that’s exactly what makes it fascinating, especially if you appreciate the raw power of nature. We actually prefer this site on a slightly choppier day, when the waves are crashing over the exposed sections. It gives the whole scene a dramatic, almost apocalyptic feel. Underneath, though, it’s surprisingly calm and full of life. Schools of juvenile snapper dart through the shadows, and we’ve spent ages watching emperor angelfish graze on the encrusted hull. Look closely, and you’ll spot crocodilefish perfectly camouflaged on the sandy bottom nearby. For photographers, the way the light filters through the shallow water and plays on the twisted metal is just something else. It's a different kind of dive, less about pristine coral and more about the interplay of destruction and new life.

Location
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.990000, 34.451668
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 NIGER BASIN

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 NIGER BASIN

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