IMPERRO - Dahlak Archipelago
The Imperro, a military vessel from the Italian era, sits upright in just 14 metres of water. We love a shallow wreck, especially one with such a tangible sense of history. Descending, you can practically feel the past clinging to the rusted hull, though the ‘dangerous wreck’ classification is no joke – this isn’t a penetration dive for the uninitiated. Sunlight filters through the Red Sea’s blue, illuminating schools of fusiliers darting through the superstructure. We’d suggest taking your time, exploring the deck from above. Look closely at the metalwork; you’ll spot crocodilefish camouflaged on the plates and moray eels peeking from crevices. The visibility here is generally fantastic, giving you clear views of the entire vessel. It’s a site that appeals to photographers and history buffs alike, offering a unique dive that feels a world away from the bustling Red Sea resorts further north. Just remember to respect the wreck and its history – it’s a powerful place.
- Location
- Dahlak Archipelago, Eritrea, Red Sea & Middle East
- Coordinates
- 15.634722, 39.479720
- Type
- wreck
- Maximum Depth
- 14m
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
- ADUA - 3m (wreck)
- ALBERONI - 9m (wreck)
- ALBERTO TREVES - 0m (wreck)
- ANTONIO C - 17m (wreck)
- ANTONIOS H - 15m (wreck)
- ARMANTAN - 0m (wreck)
- BERTRAM RICKMERS - 17m (wreck)
- BOLESLAW KRZYWOUSTY - 2m (wreck)
- BRENTA - 13m (wreck)
- CAPTAIN PANAGOS DP - 5m (wreck)
- COLOMBO - 13m (wreck)
- CREFELD - 19m (wreck)
- Dahlak Kebir Reef - 5-30m (reef)
- Difnein Channel - 10-35m (drift)
- DIRE DEWA (DIRA DAWA) - 11m (wreck)
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 IMPERRO
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