MATZO XXIII - Dahlak Archipelago

The Matzo XXIII. Now there's a name that sticks with you. We love a good Red Sea wreck, and this one, sitting pretty in the Dahlak Archipelago, truly stands out. It's an old Eritrean naval vessel, a patrol boat, actually, that met its end during the border war with Ethiopia back in the late 90s. The story adds a layer, doesn't it? She’s shallow, just 10 metres, so bottom time is never an issue here. What you'll find is a wreck draped in history and, more importantly for us, a thriving new ecosystem. We’ve seen schools of snapper circling the mast, bannerfish darting in and out of the bridge, and the occasional turtle napping on the deck. The visibility is usually excellent, so you can really appreciate the ship's lines, even after all these years. It’s a photographer’s dream, particularly with the sun filtering through the water onto the superstructure. We'd suggest getting there early, before any wind picks up, to really make the most of the glassy surface. It's a proper adventure for anyone who enjoys wreck diving without the pressure of depth or strong currents.

Location
Dahlak Archipelago, Eritrea, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
15.637222, 39.480000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

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 MATZO XXIII

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