AL KHALEEL

Best months: Nov–Jan

Why dive here

AL KHALEEL 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 47m

Al Khaleel is a deep one, a proper descent that immediately tells you this isn't a beginner’s site. Dropping down to 47 metres, you’ll find the motor vessel upright, resting on a sandy bottom. We love a wreck with a story, and Al Khaleel has a somber one, sinking in 1992 after running aground, with a tragic loss of life. It gives the dive a certain quiet weight. The wreck itself is fairly intact, a substantial structure that allows for some good penetration if you’re appropriately trained and equipped. We’d suggest a sidemount configuration for those tight internal spaces. Outside, the superstructure provides plenty of nooks and crannies, already well colonised. Look for big schools of fusiliers shimmering around the mast, and we’ve often spotted eagle rays cruising by in the deeper blue. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the history beneath the waves and are comfortable with the deeper range. Visibility can be a bit variable, so try to time your visit for calmer periods, usually in the cooler months.

Typical AL KHALEEL Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Maximum depth 47m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

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.

Today06:1217:5211h 40m daylightGolden hour 17:22

AL KHALEEL Wreck History

Year Sunk

1992

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

The final voyage of the motor vessel "AL KHALEEL" was a desperate one. On March 24, 1992, while on passage from Hamriyah to Somalia with 14 crew and 2 passengers, she ran aground and sustained critical damage in Khawr Al Quway. Battered and taking on water, the captain attempted to make a run for the safety of Khasab port. It was a race against time that the AL KHALEEL would lose; she foundered and sank before reaching shelter, coming to rest on the seabed off the coast of Fujairah.

Sitting at a depth of 47 meters, the AL KHALEEL is a deep dive reserved for experienced divers with training and certification for decompression diving. The wreck is often subject to strong currents, adding to the challenge. For those qualified to make the descent, the AL KHALEEL offers a fascinating exploration. As a relatively recent wreck, its structure is largely intact, allowing divers to explore the deck, superstructure, and cargo holds. The depth and conditions mean marine life is often prolific, with large schools of fish and pelagic species frequently visiting this deep, artificial reef.