ALEXION HOPE - Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The Alexion Hope is a proper, meaty wreck dive, and we rate it as one of the best in the UAE. This isn't some purpose-sunk concrete block; it’s a genuine casualty, a large motor vessel built in '85 and then abandoned as a burned-out derelict. Descending onto the deck at 17 metres, you can still feel the history. The sheer size of it, over 140 metres long, is the first thing that hits you. We love tracing the superstructure, imagining the fire that ended its working life. What makes it standout for us is the penetration opportunities and the sense of exploration. You can get right inside the engine room, past twisted metal and through open doorways, with schools of snapper and fusiliers swirling in the gloom. Lionfish are always present, tucked into shadowy corners, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large groupers patrolling the deeper sections of the hull. It’s an ideal site for advanced open water divers who appreciate a substantial wreck with a story, especially those who enjoy a bit of interior exploration. Visibility can vary, so we'd suggest picking a calm day for the best experience.

Location
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
25.330833, 52.444720
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Wreck History - ALEXION HOPE

Year Sunk
1985
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
fire
Tonnage
10,444 GRT

The wreck known today as the ALEXION HOPE began her life as a much grander vessel, the passenger liner HELLENIC RENAISSANCE. This 140-meter ship sailed the seas under various names throughout a long career, offering luxury and travel to countless passengers. Her story took a dramatic and final turn in October 1985 when a devastating fire broke out on board. The blaze proved to be uncontrollable, forcing the crew to abandon the ship, leaving her a floating, burnt-out derelict adrift at sea.

After being abandoned, the ravaged hull of the former liner eventually sank, coming to rest at a depth of 17 meters in the warm waters off the UAE coast. Today, the ALEXION HOPE is a fascinating and popular dive site. Its large, fire-scarred structure provides a complex and intriguing environment for exploration. Divers can swim along its decks and peer into the darkened openings, imagining its former glory. The wreck has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting large schools of barracuda, snapper, and other marine creatures that have made the ghostly liner their home.

Best Time to Dive in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The warmest water temperatures in Dubai & Abu Dhabi occur in January, averaging 23.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 23.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.3°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • February: 23.3°C (air: 20.6°C)
  • March: 23.3°C (air: 23.4°C)
  • April: 23.3°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • May: 23.3°C (air: 30.3°C)
  • June: 23.3°C (air: 33.5°C)
  • July: 23.3°C (air: 35.4°C)
  • August: 23.3°C (air: 35.1°C)
  • September: 23.3°C (air: 32.9°C)
  • October: 23.3°C (air: 29.8°C)
  • November: 23.3°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • December: 23.3°C (air: 22.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Nearest Dive Centres to ALEXION HOPE

Marine Life in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Home to 25 recorded species including 7 reef fish, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALEXION HOPE

Based on average water temperature of 23.3°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • 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