HOUGLA
Protected Area
ימית – אבטח
Why dive here
With 139+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, octopuses, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and whale sharks - HOUGLA offers some of Eilat's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 18-29°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Hougla isn’t just another sunken vessel, it’s a proper dive. We know some wrecks in Eilat can feel a bit… manufactured, but this tug, intentionally sunk in 1999, has settled beautifully into its new life. At 27 metres, it’s a perfect depth for an extended bottom time, allowing you to really get acquainted with her. Approaching the wreck, the tug’s silhouette gradually sharpens out of the blue. You can swim right into the wheelhouse, seeing where the captain once steered, now colonised by glassfish shimmering like liquid silver. Our favourite part is the engine room access; it’s an easy penetration, quite open, and full of the wreck’s character, with instruments and dials still visible. Look for moray eels tucked into every nook and cranny, and we often spot lionfish patrolling the superstructure. The visibility here is usually excellent, so you get these fantastic long views along the deck, making it easy to appreciate the scale. If you're a wreck enthusiast, or just want a dive with a real sense of place, the Hougla is a standout in Eilat.
Typical HOUGLA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 27m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
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.
Reviews for HOUGLA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HOUGLA
HOUGLA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HOUGLA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (29.59, 32.72) (82km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
26°C
79°F · Range: 23.9–27.7°C
Air Temperature
28°C
82°F
Wind Speed
6.78 m/s
13.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1013.2 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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