CREFELD - Dahlak Archipelago

CREFELD isn't just a wreck; it's a silent testament to a moment in history, resting peacefully in the Eritrean Red Sea. We love this site for its incredible atmosphere, a bomb-damaged cargo ship, now entirely reclaimed by the ocean. Descending to a shallow 19 metres, you’re greeted by the ghostly silhouette of its bow, completely detached from the main hull and lying on its side, a scene straight out of a dive magazine. Swimming through the separated sections, you can almost hear the echoes of its past. The bomb blast has opened up the vessel, allowing easy penetration into its cargo holds, which are now home to schools of snapper and fusiliers. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the twisted metal, illuminating glassfish that dart amongst the decaying structure. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate historical wrecks and the unique ecosystems they create. Our favourite spot is the stern, where a massive resident grouper often lurks, a real character of the wreck. The currents here are generally mild, making for a relaxed exploration, but we'd suggest going in the morning for the best light penetration into the holds.

Location: Dahlak Archipelago, Eritrea, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates: 15.615950, 39.481000
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 19m

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)

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

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
White Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) - Whales & Dolphins
Long-spined sea urchin (Diadema setosum) - Sea Urchins
Remora (Echeneis naucrates) - Reef Fish
Blue Green Chromis (Chromis viridis) - Reef Fish
Arabian Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur) - Reef Fish
Grouper (Epinephelus areolatus) - Reef Fish
Marbled Spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) - Reef Fish
Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare) - Reef Fish
Long-beaked Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) - Whales & Dolphins
Ternate Chromis (Chromis ternatensis) - Reef Fish
Crescent Grunter (Terapon jarbua) - Reef Fish
Sand-dusted Cone (Conus arenatus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Silver-cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) - Reef Fish
Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) - Whales & Dolphins
Edgeblack Grouper (Epinephelus summana) - Reef Fish
Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) - Reef Fish
Smooth-fin Blenny (Ecsenius frontalis) - Reef Fish
honeycomb stingray (Himantura uarnak) - Sharks & Rays
Bridled Goby (Gnatholepis cauerensis) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for CREFELD

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