The Toyota Wreck (aka the Blue Belt Wreck) - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

The Toyota Wreck, or Blue Belt as some call it, sits off Shaab Suedi, north of Port Sudan. It’s a cargo ship that went down in ‘77, spilling its load of Toyotas, trucks, and tractors onto the seabed, hence the name. You’ll find the wreck itself, originally upside down, resting on a slope from about 20m, with those vehicles scattered around like a bizarre underwater car park. It’s an interesting dive, more about the history and the sheer quantity of industrial cargo than any single stunning feature. We’ve seen plenty of reef sharks cruising by, and the coral growth on the older parts of the wreck is starting to get really established, adding a splash of colour to the scene. This site is a solid pick for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of backstory and aren't afraid of a deeper exploration.

Location
Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
19.650000, 37.266700
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Marine Protected Area: Sanganeb Atoll

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 The Toyota Wreck (aka the Blue Belt Wreck)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck) dive site, and what are the depths of its accessible parts?
The Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck) dive site generally ranges from 15-30 meters in depth. While the wreck itself originally lay on an incline reaching a maximum of about 36 meters, the primary accessible parts for divers are within the 15-30 meter range. This makes it an intermediate dive.
What kind of marine life and wreckage, specifically the Toyota vehicles, can divers expect to see at the Blue Belt Wreck?
Divers exploring the Blue Belt Wreck can expect to encounter a fascinating array of wreckage from its 1977 sinking. The site is renowned for its automotive cargo, including cars, trucks, tractors, and various spare parts, which were scattered across the surrounding seabed during an attempt to refloat the vessel. These vehicles are found all around the slope where the wreck lies.
What is the recommended diver certification level for the Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck) due to its depth and currents?
Given its depth range of 15-30 meters and classification as an intermediate dive, the Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck) is best suited for divers with at least an Advanced Open Water certification. This certification ensures divers have the necessary training and experience to safely manage the depths encountered at this site.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck) for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best months or seasons to dive the Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck) for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the current data context. For general guidance on dive seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive section.
Are specific certifications, such as Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver, required or highly recommended for diving the Blue Belt Wreck, especially for wreck penetration?
For diving the Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck), which is classified as an intermediate dive with depths up to 30 meters, an Advanced Open Water certification is highly recommended. While the data does not specify wreck penetration at this site, any form of wreck penetration would require specialized training, making a Wreck Diver certification essential for safety and proficiency.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck) dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Toyota Wreck (Blue Belt Wreck) dive site are not provided within the current data context. For more comprehensive information about diving in Port Sudan & Sanganeb, please explore our regional guides.