Al Badri 1 - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

The Al Badri 1 is a site we keep coming back to. What makes it special? It’s a very shallow wreck, sitting upright in just 10 metres of water, so it’s perfect for extended bottom times and even snorkelling. The ship itself is a mangled mess, ripped apart by what we assume was an explosion, creating a chaotic landscape of twisted metal. You can swim right through the cargo holds, where the light plays off the rust and schools of fusiliers dart around the beams. We love watching the resident giant moray eels peek out from under the collapsed decks; they’re enormous here. Look closely at the hull for stonefish and scorpionfish, they blend in perfectly with the growth. Our favourite part is lingering over the stern, where the propeller is still intact, encrusted with soft corals and patrolled by bannerfish. It’s a great site for photographers, especially in the late morning when the sun penetrates the water at just the right angle, illuminating the interior of the wreck. Even if you’re not usually a wreck diver, Al Badri 1 is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

Location
Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
19.123577, 37.353020
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - Al Badri 1

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Al Badri 1 is a relatively modern casualty of the vibrant reef systems near Port Sudan. Believed to be a small coastal freighter or supply vessel, it ran aground on the shallow reef top and was subsequently broken apart by the relentless wave action. Lying in just 10 meters of water, this wreck is an excellent and accessible site for divers of all levels. Its shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and provides fantastic lighting for underwater photography. The wreckage is scattered across the coral, with sections of the hull and superstructure now completely integrated into the marine ecosystem. It has become a thriving artificial reef, providing shelter for moray eels, lionfish, and countless smaller reef fish, making it a perfect second dive of the day.

Best Time to Dive in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

The warmest water temperatures in Port Sudan & Sanganeb occur in August, averaging 32.0°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 25.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.1°C
  • February: 25.4°C
  • March: 25.5°C
  • April: 26.7°C
  • May: 29.0°C
  • June: 30.1°C
  • July: 31.0°C
  • August: 32.0°C
  • September: 31.7°C
  • October: 30.9°C
  • November: 29.5°C
  • December: 28.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Marine Life in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Home to 55 recorded species including 41 reef fish, 14 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Al Badri 1

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