21m
    Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Karen 1

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Why dive here

    Karen 1 is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water ranges 22-35°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeApr–Jun
    WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Sea Turtles and Whale Sharks
    Water22-35°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 21m

    The Karen 1 might not be the prettiest wreck, but we love it for its sheer character. This old tugboat sits upright at 21 metres, its hull now heavily encrusted and barnacle-covered, almost bristling with growth. We think it’s a great spot for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the gritty reality of a vessel reclaimed by the sea. Drop down and you'll find schools of yellow snapper milling about the superstructure, occasionally darting into the darker corners. The wheelhouse is a favourite exploration point; you can still make out some of the controls, ghostly reminders of its working life. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for moray eels – we’ve seen some decent-sized ones peeking out. The current here can be mild to moderate, making for a gentle drift around the wreck, which we think is ideal for getting different perspectives. It’s not a huge wreck, so you can take your time and really soak in the atmosphere. We’d suggest going in the morning before any potential afternoon chop picks up.

    Typical Karen 1 Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m21m max~30 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Depth of 21m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:2418:0511h 41m daylightGolden hour 17:34

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Karen 1

    Karen 1 Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Karen 1, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (25.03, 53.72) (18km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    33°C

    91°F · Range: 30.1–34.3°C

    Air Temperature

    30°C

    86°F

    Wind Speed

    6.23 m/s

    12.1 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.4 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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