ARMANTAN - Dahlak Archipelago

Armantan is easily one of our favourite Red Sea wrecks, precisely because it’s not the usual crowded, pristine dive you might expect. This isn’t a quick dip; it’s an expedition. The ship lies in the shallows, which can be a bit tricky to find if you don't know the exact GPS, but that just adds to its allure. As you descend, the sheer size of the hull becomes apparent, a shadow stretching across the sandy bottom. We love how the shallow depth allows for long bottom times, giving you plenty of opportunity to pick apart the details – the twisted metal, the ghostly outline of the superstructure, and the way the light filters through the gaps. You’ll find schools of snapper and fusiliers weaving through the interior, while moray eels peek from behind rusted plating. It’s a site for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of man-made objects by the ocean. Definitely pack a torch for exploring the darker recesses; the light plays tricks inside.

Location
Dahlak Archipelago, Eritrea, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
16.100000, 39.466667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ARMANTAN

Year Sunk
1988
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The wreck known as the Armantan is a large cargo ship that ran hard aground in the remote and beautiful Dahlak Archipelago in 1988. The vessel was unable to be salvaged and was abandoned to the elements. For decades, it has served as a dramatic, rusting landmark, with much of its hull and superstructure remaining defiantly above the waterline, slowly surrendering to the relentless sun and sea.

This unique site offers an incredible experience for divers and snorkelers alike. The exposed, skeletal remains of the ship create a stunning, almost post-apocalyptic scene against the clear Eritrean sky. Underwater, the submerged sections of the hull have blossomed into a vibrant artificial reef, attracting a wealth of Red Sea marine life. Exploring the transition from the sun-baked superstructure to the coral-encrusted hull below is an unforgettable adventure, offering amazing photo opportunities and an easy, shallow dive in a truly off-the-beaten-path location.

Best Time to Dive in Dahlak Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Dahlak Archipelago occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 30.1°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 31.9°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 33.4°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 34.6°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 33.9°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 33.5°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 32.1°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 29.5°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Dahlak Archipelago

Marine Life in Dahlak Archipelago

Home to 83 recorded species including 59 reef fish, 6 seagrass & algae, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 sharks & rays, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARMANTAN

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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