Shaab Abu Nuhas

Shaab Abu Nuhas is a shallow reef in the Strait of Gubal notorious for claiming ships — four major wrecks lie on its slopes, making it one of the world's premier wreck diving destinations. The reef's position in busy shipping lanes and its shallow northern edge have caught vessels for centuries. Today, divers can explore the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M, each with its own character and marine colonisation. The wrecks span depths of 10 to 30 meters, offering options for different skill levels. The Giannis D is perhaps the most photogenic — its intact bow section rises from the reef slope, colonised by soft corals and home to dense schools of glassfish that fill the interior spaces. The 19th-century Carnatic is the oldest, its hull ribs arching like a cathedral skeleton over sandy seabed, bathed in light. The Chrisoula K, nicknamed the Tile Wreck, still holds its cargo of Italian tiles. The Kimon M is the most collapsed but offers interesting penetration for experienced wreck divers. Beyond the wrecks, the reef itself is healthy and colourful, with hard coral gardens on the upper slopes and sandy channels between the wreck sites. Crocodilefish are common on the decks and surrounding sand, and lionfish inhabit every sheltered overhang. Groupers and moray eels are resident on all four wrecks. Abu Nuhas is a regular stop on northern Red Sea liveaboard itineraries and can be visited as a long day trip from Hurghada.

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