PERICLES G C - Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The Pericles G.C. isn't some deep, dark mystery wreck, and that's exactly why we love it. Sitting in just 17 metres of water, this bulk carrier sank back in '83 after an engine room fire, and she’s been slowly colonising with life ever since. The sheer size of her, 233 metres long, means you’re not seeing it all in one dive, which for us is a real bonus. We'd suggest focusing on the stern section first, where the engine room fire damage is still visible if you know where to look. Swimming along the deck, you’ll spot schools of yellowtail barracuda hanging lazily in the slight current. Our favourite detail is how the winches and cargo cranes are completely covered in soft corals, purple and orange, swaying gently. Inside the shallower parts of the cargo holds, you get a beautiful light show, shafts cutting through the water, illuminating schools of snapper. It’s an accessible wreck, even for newer divers keen to experience a large historical site without the challenges of depth or really strong currents. Just remember your torch for peering into the darker corners; you never know what shy critter is hiding.

Location
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
25.493500, 52.074333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

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 PERICLES G C

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 PERICLES G C

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the PERICLES G C dive site?
The PERICLES G C dive site has a maximum depth of 17 meters. This makes it accessible for many recreational divers, offering a great opportunity to explore this significant wreck.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at PERICLES G C?
The PERICLES G C is a substantial bulk carrier vessel, measuring 233.2m in length and 31.7m in width. Divers can explore the impressive structure of this wreck, which sank on December 13, 1983, after a fire in its engine room. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level of diving PERICLES G C, and is it suitable for recreational divers?
The PERICLES G C is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a maximum depth of 17 meters, it is generally suitable for recreational divers who have appropriate training and experience for intermediate wreck diving. We recommend checking specific certification requirements with your dive center.
What is the best time of year to dive PERICLES G C, considering water temperature and visibility?
Our current data for the PERICLES G C dive site does not specify the best time of year regarding water temperature and visibility. However, you can generally research the typical diving conditions for the Dubai & Abu Dhabi region to plan your visit. For more general information on dive planning, visit our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the PERICLES G C wreck?
While the PERICLES G C is an intermediate level dive at 17 meters, our data does not specify exact certification requirements. Typically, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a Wreck Diver specialty certification is recommended for intermediate wreck dives. Always consult with a local dive operator in Dubai & Abu Dhabi for the most current requirements.
What are the typical current and sea conditions at the PERICLES G C dive site?
Our available data for the PERICLES G C dive site does not include specific information on typical current and sea conditions. For the most up-to-date local conditions, it is always best to consult with a local dive center or guide in the Dubai & Abu Dhabi area before planning your dive.