Al Batnah

Best months: Nov–Jan

Why dive here

Al Batnah is a wreck dive where divers can encounter blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water ranges 23-34°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeNov–Jan

WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit

Marine lifeBlacktip Reef Sharks, Sea Turtles and Whale Sharks

Water23-34°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 10m

Al Batnah is a newcomer to Fujairah, only sinking in early 2023, but it’s already becoming one of our favourite shallow dives in the region. This isn’t some ancient wooden hull, it’s a modern cargo vessel, intentionally scuttled and sitting upright at just 10 metres. The ship’s superstructure is surprisingly intact, allowing for some easy swim-throughs into the bridge and accommodation blocks. You can glide over the cargo hold, now a wide-open space where schools of yellowtail barracuda like to cruise. What we love about Batnah is how quickly the marine life has moved in. Already, the railings are fuzzy with new coral growth, and juvenile bannerfish dart in and out of the doorways. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs clinging to the metalwork, and we’ve even seen a resident turtle munching on algae near the stern. The shallow depth means fantastic light penetration, casting eerie shadows through the decks. It’s an ideal spot for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed, long bottom time. We’d suggest going in the morning before any wind picks up, when the visibility tends to be at its best.

Typical Al Batnah 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.

Today06:1217:5211h 40m daylightGolden hour 17:21

Al Batnah Wreck History

Year Sunk

2023

Vessel Type

barge

Cause

storm

The Al Batnah is one of the newest wrecks available to divers in the United Arab Emirates. This landing craft-style barge was transporting a cargo of vehicles when it encountered rough seas and sank off the coast of Fujairah on February 7, 2023. As a very recent wreck, it offers a unique opportunity for divers to witness the very first stages of a vessel's transformation into an artificial reef. Resting in shallow water around 10 meters deep, the Al Batnah is largely intact, allowing divers to explore its structure and perhaps catch a glimpse of its automotive cargo. While marine life is still in the early stages of colonization, this wreck is a blank canvas that will undoubtedly blossom into a bustling hub of aquatic activity in the coming years, making it an exciting site to revisit time and again.