Scuba Diving in Sudan

Explore 49 dive sites and 0 dive centres in Sudan. Conditions, marine life, and the best time to dive.

Sudan Diving at a Glance

3 dive regions, 49 dive sites, 55 marine species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Sudan

UK FCDO: Advises against all travel to parts.

Best Time to Dive in Sudan

The best months to dive in Sudan are January, February, March, based on water temperature, visibility, wave conditions, and currents.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions

  • January: Great, water 26.1°C, current 2.2 cm/s
  • February: Great, water 25.4°C, current 3.2 cm/s
  • March: Great, water 25.5°C, current 5 cm/s
  • April: Great, water 26.7°C, current 13 cm/s
  • May: Great, water 29°C, current 20.1 cm/s
  • June: Great, water 30.1°C, current 12.4 cm/s
  • July: Great, water 31°C, current 19.2 cm/s
  • August: Great, water 32°C, current 4 cm/s
  • September: Great, water 31.7°C, current 2.2 cm/s
  • October: Great, water 30.9°C, current 7.1 cm/s
  • November: Great, water 29.5°C, current 11.7 cm/s
  • December: Great, water 28.1°C, current 9.4 cm/s

Recommended Packing List for Sudan

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C, currents 9 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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

Dive Regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Sudan for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
While Sudan offers excellent diving throughout the year, the cooler months from February to March present water temperatures around 25°C, which can be ideal for comfortable diving and potentially better large pelagic encounters. The water warms up significantly, reaching 32°C in August and September, offering very pleasant conditions for those who prefer warmer seas. For more information on seasonal conditions, visit our when to dive guide.
What are the current visa and entry requirements for international travelers planning a diving trip to Sudan?
We do not have specific information regarding current visa and entry requirements for international travelers to Sudan within our provided data. We strongly recommend checking the latest regulations with the Sudanese embassy or consulate in your country well in advance of your planned diving trip to Sudan.
What specific types of marine life, especially sharks and large pelagics, can divers expect to see in Sudan's Red Sea?
Divers exploring Sudan's Red Sea can anticipate exciting large pelagic encounters, a hallmark of its remote and pristine reefs. While specific species of sharks and pelagics are not detailed in our current data, the region is celebrated for offering exceptional opportunities to witness impressive open-ocean marine life. You can learn more about various marine species in our comprehensive wildlife database.
What is the typical difficulty level of scuba diving in Sudan, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
Diving in Sudan's Red Sea is characterized by its remote and rarely visited nature, with 0 local dive centers, indicating that trips are predominantly liveaboard-based. The focus on large pelagic encounters often suggests conditions that may be more suitable for experienced divers comfortable with open-water environments and potential currents. Less experienced divers should discuss their skill level with liveaboard operators to ensure a suitable itinerary.
What are the estimated costs for a liveaboard diving trip to Sudan, including permits and local fees?
We do not have specific data on the estimated costs for liveaboard diving trips to Sudan, including permits and local fees. Given its remote nature, it's advisable to contact reputable liveaboard operators directly for current pricing and any additional charges.
Which are the most renowned dive sites or regions in Sudan that divers should prioritize visiting?
For divers planning a trip to Sudan, the most renowned sites to prioritize are undoubtedly Sha'ab Rumi and Sanganeb Atoll, both described as bucket-list destinations. You can also explore Jacques Cousteau's legendary Conshelf II underwater habitat, a unique historical attraction. The Port Sudan & Sanganeb sub-region is particularly rich, featuring 49 of Sudan's 55 dive sites.
Are there any particular health or safety considerations divers should be aware of when planning a trip to Sudan?
Our provided data does not include specific health or safety considerations for divers planning a trip to Sudan. As with any remote diving destination, it is always recommended to have comprehensive dive insurance, be up-to-date on vaccinations, and consult with a travel health professional before your trip.
What is the visibility and water temperature typically like for diving in the Sudanese Red Sea throughout the year?
The water temperatures for diving in Sudan's Red Sea are consistently warm, ranging from 25°C in February and March, rising to 29°C in May, and peaking at 32°C in August and September. It remains very comfortable, around 30°C, in June, July, October, and November. While specific visibility data is not provided, the region's reputation for pristine reefs typically suggests excellent underwater clarity.