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Iona Ship Wreck

The Iona wreck in Yanbu is one of our favourite Red Sea wrecks, easily making it a standout. She’s an old steamship, sunk way back in 1918, which means she’s had over a century for the reef to truly swallow her whole. You don't just see a wreck; you see a living, breathing reef that happens to have a ship at its core. Dropping down, the first thing that hits you is the sheer scale. She lies fairly deep, so plan your bottom time carefully, but it’s worth every second. We love nosing around the bow, which is often swarming with schools of yellowfin barracuda, just hanging in the gentle current. Further back, the engine room is a highlight, though it’s a penetration for experienced wreck divers only. Inside, it's dark, silty, and utterly captivating, with the occasional flashlight beam picking out a massive moray eel tucked into a crevice. Outside, the decks are a jumble of twisted metal and colourful soft corals. Look for the resident clownfish families peeking out from their anemones, making homes in the strangest places on the wreck. Visibility can be epic here, sometimes over 30 metres, which allows you to appreciate the wreck's full silhouette against the blue. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history intertwined with vibrant marine life, and a strong contender for the best wreck in the region.