BALABAR - Fujairah

Balabar is one of those Fujairah sites we always enjoy, even if it's not the deepest dive in the book. This isn't some massive freighter, it's a barge, about 33.5 metres long. She sits upright in just six metres of water, so it's a great spot for longer bottom times and really taking your time to explore. We love poking around the hold, which is wide open and easy to fin through. Light streams in, catching the schools of snapper and fusiliers that mill about inside, almost like they're sheltering from the sun. The deck is home to a surprising amount of soft coral, little bursts of colour on the rusted metal, and you often find moray eels peeking out from under plates. For newer divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxed, colourful dive without worrying about currents or depth, Balabar is a fantastic choice. Our top tip: go on a sunny day. The way the light plays on the wreck and through the schools of fish is just magic.

Location
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
25.589167, 55.559723
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - BALABAR

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Resting in the shallow, warm waters off the coast of Fujairah, the wreck of the Balabar is an accessible and intriguing dive. Little is known about the history of this 33-meter barge or the circumstances of its sinking. Today, it lies at a mere 6 meters, making it a perfect site for novice wreck divers, photographers, and even snorkelers on a clear day. Despite its easy depth, the wreck is classified as 'dangerous,' likely due to sharp, deteriorating metal and potential entanglement hazards. Divers should exercise caution as they explore the structure, which has become an artificial reef teeming with the vibrant marine life of the Gulf of Oman.

Marine Protected Area: محمية خور المزاحمي

Nearby Dive Sites in Fujairah

Nearest Dive Centres to BALABAR

Marine Life in Fujairah

Home to 14 recorded species including 4 other, 3 hard corals, 2 sharks & rays, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 starfish, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species