Al Badri 1
Why dive here
With 55+ marine species recorded in the area - including pufferfish - Al Badri 1 offers some of Port Sudan & Sanganeb's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 25-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
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.
Typical Al Badri 1 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Al Badri 1 Wreck History
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.
Reviews for Al Badri 1
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Al Badri 1
Al Badri 1 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Al Badri 1, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
32.01°C
90°F
Current Speed
4 cm/s
Direction: N (0°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.097 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
36.62 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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