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PEARL OF VICTORIA

The Pearl of Victoria isn't a deep dive, but don't let that fool you. This 100-meter steamship, beached on the north side of Mismari Reef since 1967, is one of our favourite shallow wrecks in the Red Sea. We're talking maximum five meters, so you get incredible light penetration, even on an overcast day. What we love about this wreck is how accessible it is. You can spend a whole hour just exploring the deck, which has collapsed in places but still retains much of its original structure. Look for the massive winches and cargo holds, now home to clouds of glassfish that shimmer in the sun, creating an almost iridescent effect. Schools of snapper often patrol the deeper parts of the hull, and we've regularly spotted blue-spotted rays tucked away in the sand nearby. The coral growth here, particularly the hard corals, has really taken hold on the metal, softening the wreck's edges and adding vibrant splashes of colour. It’s an ideal spot for macro photographers, with plenty of nudibranchs and small crabs hiding in the nooks and crannies. We usually aim for an early morning dive to beat any potential boat traffic, and the light then is just beautiful.