Dunraven Wreck
Explore the unique upside-down Dunraven Wreck, a 19th-century British steamship teeming with marine life and vibrant corals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer divers, calmer seas
Dunraven Wreck
Best Time
Fewer divers, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the unique upside-down Dunraven Wreck, a 19th-century British steamship teeming with marine life and vibrant corals.
"A fascinating wreck dive with abundant fish and beautiful corals, offering a unique underwater experience."
🎯 Avoid Crowded Dive Sites
Opt for less accessible sites to avoid queues underwater. The Dunraven is popular, so timing is crucial .
📸 Underwater Photography Gear
Consider an underwater housing for your phone to capture stunning wreck and marine life shots .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Upside-Down Stern
Stern section
Swim through the stern, explore the boiler, and witness thousands of glass fish dancing in the light.
Coral-Covered Bow
Bow section
Novice-friendly exploration of the bow, adorned with beautiful soft corals and abundant marine life.
Marine Life Spectacle
Entire wreck
Encounter vibrant fish, Napoleon wrasse, and a rich ecosystem thriving on and around the historic wreck.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Dunraven
Dive Levels and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid Crowded Dive Sites
Opt for less accessible sites to avoid queues underwater. The Dunraven is popular, so timing is crucial.
📸 Underwater Photography Gear
Consider an underwater housing for your phone to capture stunning wreck and marine life shots.
🌊 Check Weather Conditions
The site can be affected by bad weather. Always check forecasts before heading out for your dive.
⬆️ Dive with Experienced Guides
Join reputable dive centers for guided tours, especially for wreck penetration and safety.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Crowded Dive Sites
Opt for less accessible sites to avoid queues underwater. The Dunraven is popular, so timing is crucial.
📸 Underwater Photography Gear
Consider an underwater housing for your phone to capture stunning wreck and marine life shots.
🌊 Check Weather Conditions
The site can be affected by bad weather. Always check forecasts before heading out for your dive.
⬆️ Dive with Experienced Guides
Join reputable dive centers for guided tours, especially for wreck penetration and safety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Divers praise the Dunraven Wreck for its interesting structure, abundant fish life, and beautiful soft corals, making it a unique dive experience. While some note it's not the 'best' wreck in the area, its accessibility and the vibrant marine ecosystem make it a worthwhile visit. The site can get busy, and occasional strong currents are a factor to consider.
"Beautiful clean warm water. Plenty fish life and soft corals and a very interesting wreck."
Ben Abbott
"Wrecks at Risk: The Dunraven
This wreck of a British Steamer, the Dunraven, is on the Southern edge of Sha’ab Mahmoud reef, an hour away from Ras Mohammed. Launched in 1873, The 82 meter Dunraven was constructed in Newcastle, UK and was destined to carry spices, timber, and cotton from Bombay to the UK. A crew of 25, under the mastership of Captain Edward Richards Care, the Dunraven sailed directly into a reef in 1876. Reports are conflicting as to exactly what happened next; some say the crew worked frantically for 14 hours to dislodge the ship from the reef; other accounts say the ship sank quickly; some say the ship sat on the reef for a week and caught fire before bad weather tore her apart. While accounts of the sinking are clouded, the fact remains that the Dunraven unceremoniously capsized and slid to her permanent resting place, 29 meters beneath the Red Sea. Nearly 100 years later the wreck was rediscovered in 1977, like the sinking, conflicting reports debate who discovered the wreck. Since recreational diving has become a popular sport of the Red Sea, the Dunraven is a popular site for dive boats out of Sharm el Sheikh and occasionally Hurghada.
Bisected and completely upside down, the Dunraven is one of the most recognized wrecks in the Red Sea and is accessible for divers, of various levels, to visit and enjoy. For qualified divers, the stern section has a swim through which leads to the the ship’s boiler and exits where the wreck has broken in half. The exit is home to thousands of glass fish which glisten and dance if you pass through with a torch. The bow section rests in shallower water, covered in beautiful soft corals, and allows novice divers a wreck experience without penetration. Even though the site is prone to bad weather conditions, as reiterated by the presence of a shipwreck, it is an iconic dive site of the Red Sea and continues to delight visitors. A part of our underwater cultural heritage, telling the story of the industrious 19th Century Indo-European trade, divers can take a swim through history.
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PLEASE TAG your diver buddy 🤿 and share between your friends to help raise awareness and protect underwater cultural heritage in Egypt 🌊🇪🇬"
Aloof Nerd
"Busy site but cool the swim through the wreck. Lots of fish and reef"
Edward Covell (BLTraveler)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dunraven Wreck is typically accessed via dive boats departing from Sharm El Sheikh, often as part of a trip to Ras Mohammed National Park. The journey takes about an hour. Many dive centers offer organized trips.
While primarily a dive site for Sharm El Sheikh, some dive boats from Hurghada may occasionally visit the Dunraven Wreck, though it's a longer journey.
The most common and recommended way to reach the Dunraven Wreck is by booking a dive trip with a local dive operator from Sharm El Sheikh. They handle all transportation and logistics.
No, the Dunraven Wreck is submerged and can only be accessed by boat for diving or snorkeling.
Dive boats are commonly used, ranging from smaller day boats to larger liveaboards, depending on the dive operator and itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Diving in Ras Mohammed National Park, where the Dunraven Wreck is located, usually requires an entry fee. This is typically included in the price of your organized dive trip.
The cost varies depending on the dive operator, the type of trip (day trip vs. liveaboard), and what's included. Expect to pay for the boat trip, dive guide, and park fees.
While primarily a dive site, some boat trips may offer snorkeling opportunities around the shallower parts of the wreck or nearby reefs, but it's best to confirm with your operator.
Dive trips typically depart in the morning and return in the afternoon. Specific timings depend on the dive center's schedule.
It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, but last-minute availability might be possible with some operators. Booking ahead ensures your spot.
🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience
The Dunraven Wreck rests at a depth of approximately 29 meters (95 feet) at its deepest point. The bow section is in shallower water, suitable for novice divers.
You can expect to see abundant fish life, including thousands of glass fish, lionfish, and potentially larger species like Napoleon wrasse. The wreck is also covered in soft corals.
Yes, the bow section is in shallower water and offers a great wreck experience for novice divers without requiring penetration. Qualified divers can explore the deeper stern section.
Visibility is generally good in the Red Sea, but can be affected by currents and weather conditions. Divers often report clear water allowing for great exploration.
The site can be prone to strong currents, which is why it's important to dive with experienced guides who can manage these conditions safely.
📸 📸 Photography
The upside-down stern with its boiler and the glass fish swarm, as well as the coral-encrusted bow, offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The contrast between the wreck and marine life is striking.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the scale of the wreck. For close-ups, a macro lens can capture the intricate details of the marine life. Underwater housings for GoPros or iPhones are also popular.
Use a strong dive light to illuminate the glass fish and encourage them to swarm. Slow, steady movements will help you get closer for detailed shots.
Using strobes or video lights can help bring out the colors of the wreck and the marine life. Experiment with different angles to highlight textures and details.
Challenges include managing buoyancy to avoid damaging the wreck, dealing with potential silt-out, and capturing both the wreck structure and the marine life in a single frame.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a family-friendly boat tour that includes snorkeling stops. This way, everyone can enjoy the beautiful marine life and clear waters, even if they aren't certified divers. Some operators might offer introductory dive experiences for older children under strict supervision, but always confirm age and certification requirements beforehand.
💰 Budget Travelers
Booking in advance, especially during the off-season, might also secure better rates.Compare prices and what's included (e.g., lunch, equipment rental, park fees). Sometimes, booking a package of multiple dives can be more cost-effective. Remember that while the wreck itself is free to explore once you're there, the cost of the boat trip and any associated park fees are the main expenses.
📸 Underwater Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Dunraven Wreck
After lying undiscovered for nearly a century, the wreck was rediscovered in 1977. Today, the Dunraven is a significant historical artifact and a popular dive site, offering a glimpse into 19th-century maritime trade. Its story is a poignant reminder of the Red Sea's powerful currents and the risks of seafaring in that era.
Divers can explore the wreck, which is now a thriving artificial reef, and imagine the bustling trade routes it once navigated. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of the sea and the stories that lie beneath its surface.
+1Diving the Dunraven: What to Expect
This distinctive feature makes it a fascinating site for divers of all levels. For qualified divers, the stern section offers an exciting swim-through that leads to the ship's boiler. Exiting this section, divers emerge near where the wreck has broken in half, a spot famously home to thousands of shimmering glass fish.The bow section rests in shallower waters, making it an ideal and safe introduction to wreck diving for novice divers. This part of the wreck is beautifully adorned with soft corals, providing a vibrant contrast to the rusted metal structure.
Divers often report encountering a variety of fish, and some have even spotted larger marine animals like Napoleon wrasse. The clear, warm waters of the Red Sea enhance the experience, though the site can be subject to currents, underscoring the importance of diving with experienced professionals.
+1Marine Life and Reef Integration
Divers frequently encounter schools of fish, including the mesmerizing glass fish that swarm around the broken sections of the wreck.
The presence of such rich biodiversity highlights the resilience of marine ecosystems and the positive impact that wrecks can have when they become part of the underwater environment.This blend of historical significance and thriving marine life makes the Dunraven a must-visit for divers. It's not just about exploring a sunken ship; it's about witnessing how nature reclaims and revitalizes these underwater relics, creating a dynamic and captivating dive experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit