AL TAIF
Why dive here
With 139+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, octopuses, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and whale sharks - AL TAIF offers some of Eilat's richest wreck diving.
The Al Taif wreck, sitting upright at 16 metres, is a real favourite for us in Eilat, especially if you're keen on something more than just reef diving. This sizeable cargo ship, almost 100 metres long, has been down since 1981, and that’s given the Red Sea plenty of time to claim it. We love drifting along the deck, peeking into the holds, and navigating the superstructure. What makes Al Taif special is how open it feels, inviting you inside without being too demanding. Large schools of fusiliers often mill around the mast, flickering like silver confetti. You'll spot lionfish tucked into shadowy corners and moray eels peeking from pipes. For photographers, the light playing through the broken hull sections creates some dramatic shots, particularly in the late morning. It’s a pretty chill dive, perfect for advanced open water divers looking for a leisurely wreck exploration without strong currents or deep commitments.
Typical AL TAIF Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
AL TAIF Wreck History
Year Sunk
1981
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
The story of the AL TAIF is an unusual one. This 103-meter motor vessel was under arrest and moored in the Gulf of Eilat when it was struck by an unknown vessel on January 15, 1981. The collision proved fatal, and the ship sank at its anchorage, coming to rest on a sandy slope.
Today, the AL TAIF is a fantastic and highly accessible wreck dive. Lying at a maximum depth of just 16 meters, it's suitable for divers of almost all levels. The ship rests on its side, and its sheer size is impressive from the moment it comes into view. Divers can explore the large deck areas, peer into the cargo holds, and swim around the superstructure. The wreck's masts reach up towards the surface, often attracting schools of fish and creating a dramatic silhouette against the bright Red Sea sun.
Reviews for AL TAIF
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AL TAIF
AL TAIF Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AL TAIF, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (29.5, 34.92) (0km away)
August Averages
Air Temperature
34.15°C
93°F
Wind Speed
6.87 m/s
13.4 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1006.1 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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