
Satil Wreck
Explore the Satil Wreck, an ex-missile boat turned vibrant artificial reef, teeming with marine life in Eilat's Red Sea.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Optimal visibility for diving

Satil Wreck
Best Time
Optimal visibility for diving

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Satil Wreck, an ex-missile boat turned vibrant artificial reef, teeming with marine life in Eilat's Red Sea.
"An amazing place, breathtakingly beautiful and impressive and accessible."

Advanced Cert for Wreck
Consider an advanced diving certification to fully explore the Satil Wreck's depths.
Meet 'Steve' the Grouper
Look out for Steve, a large grouper who calls the wreck home and is known to interact with divers.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Satil Wreck (INS Sufa)
Off the coast of Eilat, Israel
Explore a decommissioned Israeli missile boat, now an artificial reef teeming with marine life.

Abundant Marine Life
Around the wreck
Encounter diverse sea creatures, including the famous grouper 'Steve', in this vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Freediving Haven
The wreck site
A popular and accessible site for freedivers looking to explore underwater history without tanks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive into History and Marine Life
Accessibility and Depth Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Advanced Cert for Wreck
Consider an advanced diving certification to fully explore the Satil Wreck's depths.
Meet 'Steve' the Grouper
Look out for Steve, a large grouper who calls the wreck home and is known to interact with divers.
Great for Freediving
The wreck is an excellent and accessible spot for freediving enthusiasts.
Good Visibility
Expect clear waters, making it ideal for underwater photography and exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Advanced Cert for Wreck
Consider an advanced diving certification to fully explore the Satil Wreck's depths.
Meet 'Steve' the Grouper
Look out for Steve, a large grouper who calls the wreck home and is known to interact with divers.
Great for Freediving
The wreck is an excellent and accessible spot for freediving enthusiasts.
Good Visibility
Expect clear waters, making it ideal for underwater photography and exploration.
Convenient Location
The wreck is not too deep and is relatively close to the shore, making it easily accessible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Satil Wreck for its impressive structure, accessibility, and vibrant marine life, making it a top spot for both scuba and freediving. The good visibility and convenient location near shore are frequently highlighted as major advantages, though some note the wreck isn't as large as initially anticipated.
"The ship isn't quite as big as I hoped, but this very impressive. The location is convenient, not too deep and relatively close to the shore. Great visibility and lots of sea life."
D (Star Walrus)
"A beautiful and excellent place for free diving"
Michael Freimann
"An amazing place, breathtakingly beautiful"
נצר אהרנסון
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Satil Wreck is located off the coast of Eilat, Israel. It's accessible from Village Beach and is a popular dive site. You can reach it by boat or by swimming from shore if you are a certified diver. Many dive centers in Eilat offer trips to the wreck.
Yes, the Satil Wreck is often accessible for shore dives, especially for those with advanced diving certifications. It's located relatively close to the shore, making it a convenient option.
Several dive centers in Eilat cater to wreck diving and offer trips to the Satil. It's recommended to research local dive shops like those associated with PADI or SSI for guided tours and equipment rental.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required to visit the Satil Wreck itself, as it's an open underwater site. However, you will need to pay for dive tours, boat trips, or entry fees if you are using a dive center or resort.
The Satil Wreck is accessible for diving during daylight hours. Dive centers typically operate during standard business hours, offering morning and afternoon dives.
Generally, there isn't a direct entry fee for the Satil Wreck site itself. Fees are usually associated with dive operators, boat charters, or any protected marine park areas nearby.
While possible for experienced and certified divers, it's highly recommended to dive the Satil Wreck with a certified guide or dive center, especially for your first visit, to ensure safety and to learn about the wreck's history and marine life.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The Satil Wreck sits at a depth of approximately 18 to 22 meters (60-72 feet), making it accessible for divers with advanced open water certification.
You can expect to see a variety of marine life, including groupers (like the famous 'Steve'), moray eels, lionfish, and various reef fish that have made the wreck their home.
Absolutely! The wreck offers excellent opportunities for underwater photography due to its interesting structure and the abundance of marine life. The good visibility also contributes to great shots.
Yes, the Satil Wreck is a very popular and accessible site for freediving. Its moderate depth and proximity to shore make it ideal for freedivers.
The Satil Wreck, also known as the INS Sufa, was a missile boat built for the Israeli Navy in the 1960s. It was deliberately sunk off the coast of Eilat to create an artificial reef and dive site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Satil Wreck is an underwater site, Eilat offers numerous dining options near the beaches and hotels. You can find a variety of restaurants serving local and international cuisine after your dive.
It's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and water to the beach areas near the Satil Wreck. However, be mindful of keeping the area clean and dispose of trash properly.
📸 📸 Photography
For the Satil Wreck, use wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the wreck and its surroundings. Adjust settings for good light penetration, and consider using strobes to bring out the colors of the marine life.
Capture the imposing structure of the missile boat, the diverse fish species that inhabit it, and the interplay of light filtering through the water. The famous grouper 'Steve' is also a popular subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children interested in marine life, visiting the Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve offers snorkeling opportunities and a chance to see the vibrant coral reefs and fish. While not the wreck itself, it provides a more accessible underwater experience for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider looking for dive centers that offer package deals or group discounts. Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money. Exploring the accessible parts of the wreck from shore or opting for freediving can be more economical than full scuba diving excursions.
💑 Couples
After a day of diving, Eilat provides a romantic backdrop with its beautiful beaches and seaside restaurants. Enjoy a sunset stroll along the promenade or a candlelit dinner with views of the Red Sea.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Satil Wreck
This intentional sinking transformed a military vessel into a thriving marine habitat. Divers can explore its decks and structure, imagining its past while observing the vibrant life it now supports. The wreck's history adds a layer of intrigue to the underwater exploration, making it more than just a dive spot but a historical artifact preserved by the sea.
It's important to note that while the wreck is a popular dive site, there was a tragic incident in 2000 involving a diving instructor named Yuri Lipski, whose uncontrolled descent was filmed. This event serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks in deep diving and the importance of proper training and safety protocols.
Marine Life Encounters
One of the most celebrated residents is 'Steve,' a large grouper who has become a local celebrity among divers. He is known to interact with visitors, sometimes allowing for close-up filming. Beyond Steve, the wreck is frequented by moray eels, lionfish, and numerous smaller reef fish, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for underwater observation. The presence of such abundant life is a testament to the success of the Satil Wreck as an artificial reef.
For photographers, the wreck offers fantastic opportunities to capture both the imposing structure of the ship and the colorful inhabitants. The clear waters of the Red Sea generally provide good visibility, enhancing the photographic potential. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious observer, the marine life at the Satil Wreck is a major draw.
Diving and Freediving at the Satil
Freedivers also find the Satil Wreck to be an exceptional site. Its proximity to shore and the relatively shallow depth allow for extended exploration without the need for scuba gear. The wreck's structure provides an interesting underwater landscape to navigate, and the abundant marine life adds to the experience. It's a place where both types of underwater enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and the natural beauty of the Red Sea.
When planning your dive, consider the time of day for optimal light and visibility. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more serene experience. Always prioritize safety, especially when exploring wrecks, and ensure you are properly trained and equipped for the conditions.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit