THISTLEGORM - Sharm el-Sheikh

The Thistlegorm isn't just a dive, it's a history lesson played out at 30 metres. This British armed merchant ship, sunk in 1941, lies largely intact, a time capsule of WWII cargo. You’ll weave through open holds packed with Bedford trucks, motorcycles, and even Wellington boots, all frozen in time. Outside, lionfish patrol the superstructure, and a resident school of batfish often hangs around the stern. We typically plan this as a drift dive, often with a couple of dives to really take it all in, as the current can pick up and there’s a lot to see.

Location
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.816723, 33.920918
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

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 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 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

How deep is the SS Thistlegorm wreck and what are the shallowest and deepest points?
The SS Thistlegorm wreck is found at a depth of 31m. While the provided data specifies this main depth, it does not detail the exact shallowest and deepest points of the wreck itself. For more information on this historic wreck, visit the Thistlegorm dive site page.
What kind of cargo and marine life can divers expect to see at the Thistlegorm dive site?
The provided information about the SS Thistlegorm, a steam ship vessel sunk in 1941, does not detail the specific cargo or marine life divers can expect to encounter. While the wreck itself is a fascinating historical site, divers often find various marine species colonizing such structures. For general information on marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the SS Thistlegorm, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving the SS Thistlegorm is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" and intermediate difficulty, it is not suitable for all experience levels and typically requires divers to have appropriate training and experience. You can find more details about this dive site on its dedicated DivePlnr page.
What is the best time of year to dive the Thistlegorm for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the SS Thistlegorm does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. Factors like water temperature, visibility, and currents can vary seasonally in the Sharm el-Sheikh region. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or recommended to dive the SS Thistlegorm, especially for wreck penetration?
While the provided data does not explicitly list required certifications, the SS Thistlegorm is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive and a "Dangerous wreck." Therefore, it is highly recommended that divers possess appropriate experience and potentially specialized certifications, such as wreck diving, especially if planning any form of wreck penetration. Always ensure you are adequately trained and equipped for such challenging dives.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Thistlegorm dive site?
The provided data for the SS Thistlegorm dive site does not include specific details regarding typical current or visibility conditions. These factors can significantly influence a dive and often vary based on local weather and tidal patterns in the Red Sea region. For more information about the site, please visit the Thistlegorm page.