Amphoras, Sharm El Sheikh: diving an ancient Turkish wreck

Diving Amphoras places you on a sandy slope that begins its gentle decline around 12 metres, located to the southwest of Tower. As you drift down, you'll find the slope punctuated by vibrant coral pinnacles, each a miniature ecosystem in itself. These formations are cloaked in diverse coral species, creating sheltered havens for resident marine life, particularly large schools of glassfish (Ambassidae), which shimmer and move as one among the branches.

The distinctive feature of this site, and what gives it its name, is a 15th-century Turkish shipwreck whose original anchor remains firmly lodged in the reef at approximately 25 metres. This ancient artifact serves as a tangible link to a bygone era of maritime trade, offering a unique focal point for your dive. The amphorae, cargo from this vessel, are scattered nearby, testament to the ship's final journey and now an integral part of the reef's topography.

Beyond the wreck, as you continue your exploration towards the south, the sandy slope begins to transition into a more dramatic drop-off. Here, the underwater landscape changes, revealing impressive formations of large gorgonian fans. These delicate filtering organisms cling to the deeper sections of the wall, their intricate structures swaying gently with any subtle water movement, adding a different dimension to the coral diversity found higher on the slope.