Abu Nuhas: The Wreck Graveyard of Sharm El Sheikh

Abu Nuhas, often dubbed the 'ship graveyard,' is an exceptional dive site that consolidates four distinct wrecks around a single reef system. As you descend along the reef, you're immediately surrounded by the remnants of maritime history, each ship telling its own story of collision with the notoriously sharp coral. The proximity of these wrecks allows for a multi-dive experience, where you can explore different vessels and their associated ecosystems on a single trip, making it a focal point for liveaboards like 'Famous Five', 'Reefs & Wrecks', and 'Get Wrecked'.

The topography of Abu Nuhas is dominated by the sprawling coral reef from which the wrecks radiate. While specific depths may vary between the individual wrecks, the overall environment is one of dramatic encounters between steel and coral. The shallowest sections sit tantalizingly close to the surface, allowing for good light penetration and vibrant coral growth, a stark contrast to the deeper, more somber sections of the ships where marine life has truly taken over the decaying metal structures.

Each wreck at Abu Nuhas offers a unique exploration experience. You'll move from the relatively intact superstructures to the cargo holds, often finding traces of their final voyages. The distinct personality of each vessel — whether a cargo ship, a steamship, or a yacht — provides a diverse canvas for underwater photography and exploration. The interplay of light filtering through openings and the shadows cast by the ship's architecture creates an evocative and constantly changing underwater exhibition.

Navigation around Abu Nuhas is primarily guided by the reef and the unmistakable silhouettes of the wrecks themselves. Visibility here is typically excellent, often allowing you to spot the next wreck from a distance, or even see the full expanse of a single vessel. The dive plan usually involves making your way down a mooring line, then embarking on a circuit around or through the wreck, exploring its key features before ascending slowly back towards the reef top for your safety stop.