AZADEGAN 1

Best months: Nov–Jan

Why dive here

AZADEGAN 1 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 2m

Azadegan 1 isn't your typical Fujairah dive. Forget the deep stuff; this is a true shallow-water exploration, maxing out at just 2m. It's a proper wreck, mind you, and a surprisingly substantial one given the depth. We love it for its accessibility and the sheer amount of time you can spend poking around. What you get here is a shipwreck completely taken over by the sea, but in a way that’s still very clearly a ship. The sheer bulk of the metalwork, all barnacled and encrusted, is what stands out. You can swim over the deck, peer into the superstructure, and even get inside some of the more open sections. The light here is fantastic, really illuminating the resident schools of snapper that dart in and out of the shadows. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices; they're almost always present. It’s perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and even new open water divers looking to build confidence around a wreck without worrying about depth or deco. Our top tip? Go at high tide when visibility is often at its best and the wreck feels just a little more submerged, a little more mysterious.

Typical AZADEGAN 1 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.

Today06:1317:5211h 39m daylightGolden hour 17:21

AZADEGAN 1 Wreck History

Vessel Type

tanker

Cause

unknown

The origins of the Azadegan 1 are unclear, but its name offers a strong clue. 'Azadegan' is a significant name in Iran, notably for a major oil field, suggesting this vessel was an Iranian-flagged ship, likely a small tanker or oil industry support barge. Its final resting place is just off the coast of Fujairah, one of the world's largest and busiest oil bunkering ports. The cause of its sinking is unrecorded, but it may have been a victim of a storm, a collision, or an operational accident within the bustling port anchorage.

Lying in just 2 metres of water, the Azadegan 1 is classified as a dangerous wreck, posing a hazard to local navigation. For divers and snorkelers, however, it is an easily accessible site. The wreck's shallow depth allows for long, relaxed exploration in bright, clear conditions. While not a historic relic, its skeletal remains have become a simple artificial reef, attracting schools of juvenile fish and crustaceans seeking shelter. It offers a glimpse into the modern maritime industry that dominates this part of the Arabian Gulf.