BADBAN SOKHTEH

Best months: Nov–Jan

Why dive here

BADBAN SOKHTEH 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 4m

Badban Sokhteh is less a wreck dive and more an historical artefact, and we love it for that. At just 4 metres, it’s a site for the curious, not the adrenaline junkies. You’re floating above the remains of a traditional dhow, an ancient vessel, with its wooden ribs splayed across the sandy bottom. Sunlight streams through the shallow water, illuminating the dark timbers. What makes it special for us is the feeling of diving through history. You can trace the outline of the hull, imagine the sails billowing. It’s a very gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture the moody light and the scattering of small reef fish that have made the timbers home. We’ve seen juvenile angelfish darting between the planks and the occasional moray eel peeking from a crevice. Our pick for an early morning dive before the sun gets too high, when the water is calmest and the light is soft.

Typical BADBAN SOKHTEH 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

BADBAN SOKHTEH Wreck History

Vessel Type

unknown

Cause

fire

Little is known about the history of the wreck called 'Badban Sokhteh,' but its name tells a dramatic story. In Persian, it translates to 'Burnt Sail,' strongly suggesting this was once a traditional wooden dhow that was consumed by fire before sinking. Located in the clear, warm waters of Fujairah, the vessel now rests in just 4 metres of water. In fact, parts of its hull or superstructure remain visible above the surface, breaking the waves as a permanent memorial to its fiery end. Its extreme shallow depth makes it a perfect site for novice divers, snorkelers, and underwater photographers looking for a calm, sunlit subject teeming with juvenile marine life.