Nora Wreck - Dahlak Archipelago

The Nora Wreck in Eritrea's Dahlak Archipelago is a real time capsule. We think it’s one of the most accessible pieces of history you’ll ever dive. This old Italian cargo ship, lying in just 8 to 18 metres, went down during WWII. The shallow depth means fantastic bottom times, and we love how the sunlight filters through the water, illuminating the wreck’s every detail. You can easily explore the Nora's entire length. Her bow is still largely intact, and we often find ourselves peering into the cargo holds, imagining what she might have carried. The biggest draw for us is the way the Red Sea topshells have absolutely blanketed parts of the superstructure. It's a surreal, almost textured landscape. Visibility here is usually excellent, making it ideal for photographers and anyone new to wreck diving. There are no strong currents to worry about, just a gentle drift sometimes. We'd suggest going in the late morning when the sun is high for the best light penetration. It’s a perfect dive for families or anyone wanting a relaxed, evocative wreck experience without the usual depth demands.

Location: Dahlak Archipelago, Eritrea, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates: 15.670000, 40.120000
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 8-18m
Difficulty: Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Dahlak Island PA

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 Nora Wreck

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