Scuba Diving Holiday to Sudan

The Sudanese Red Sea offers the best diving in the Red Sea - of this there is no question! Wrecks, drop-offs and spectacular caves are just some of the attractions on offer for the serious diver and u

Sharks and mantas in unbelievable numbers are encountered in a technicolour marine environment, made all the more dazzling thanks to unsurpassed visibility. Coral pinnacle formations rising from great depths attract fish life in vast numbers, including large pelagic species.

Since the closure of the Emperor Divers dive centre in 2004 the old and best way to dive this area is on a Liveaboard. All the boats are moored in Port Sudan and depart every Saturday to tie in with the weekly flight from Cairo with Egypt Air.

There are about seven boats that operate in this area, three of which we offer for UK clients. All the boats have their own unique character and facilities. It is probably best to call and ask us about the different boat standards and we can perhaps recommend the most suitable for your budget and requirements.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Northern Sudan coast has a hot desert climate with a high variance between day and night temperatures. December-February ranges between 25-30°C. October-November and March-April are around 30-35°C; May-September is between 30-40°C.

The best time to dive Sudan is between June and August when the water is pancake like: flat and warm! However, Sudan can be dived all year with no problem and actually for hammerhead lover it is best between November and March when the water is cooler and they come a little higher to around 30m.

The diving is Sudan is for relatively experienced divers only, we would recommend minimum 50 logged dives. There is no recompression chamber in easy reach and the dives can quite deep with current.

Having said that the rewards are immense, the diving here will take your breath away; it is simply the best !!! Lots of big stuff (hammerheads, big reef sharks, schooling barracuda, dolphins etc…) and beautiful pristine coral walls.

On the last day of your trip you will have the opportunity to visit the town of Port Sudan if you wish. Europeans are still very much a curiosity here but you will find a polite and respectful approach will reveal a friendly and warm people.

Please note that the Sudanese do not like having their picture taken without prior consent.

With the Sudan dive sites, wrecks, drop-offs and spectacular caves are just some of the attractionson offer for the serious diver and underwater photographer.

The best diving is found within a 40 mile stretch from Port Sudan & Most of the diving in the Sudanese Red Sea is on coral pinnacle formations rising from great depths. These attract fish life in vast numbers, including large pelagic species.

The microclimate created by the mountainous range on either side of the African and Asian continents and the deep active volcanic rift which creates hot currents all year round, makes the northern Sudanese Red Sea richer in sub aquatic life than any other in the region.

The itinerary is flexible and is subject to weather and overall group preference. If more than 7 days diving is booked we include Ma Sharif and Angarosh, famous for the there Mantas. Special two week trips diving the pristine sites in the Suakin Archipelago, heading south from Port Sudan can be arranged on request. Diving is 2 to 3 times a day with 2 night dives during the week. Tanks and weights included. Spare O rings etc. recommended.

Wingate Reef: Sailing from Port Sudan, guests conduct their first dives on the wreck of the Umbria, an Italian freighter sunk on June 9, 1940, the day before Italy went to war. Shewas headed to East Africa carrying over 300,000 bombs and other war supplies for Italian troops. The reason for her unfortunate fate is a mystery, but some believe she was scuttled by her captain for fear that she would fall into the hands of the British. Others maintain that she was under threat from a German submarine. Today she lies on her port side in 35m to 40m of water.

Sanganeb: The coral reef surrounding the site of the famous British built lighthouse at Sanganeb has everything a diver could wish for. Rising from depths of 800m, the drop-offs boast caves and gullies, and one of the richest displays of soft coral in the Red Sea. Guests will spot an abundance of species in just 20m of water. In the depths, graceful Hammerheads sweep back and forth waiting for a photo opportunity.

Sha'ab Rumi: In 1963, Jacques Cousteau mounted an expedition to Sha'ab Rumi to study Red Sea coral life. Guest are allowed to dive the remains of the team's underwater base, the Precontinent II shelf. Marine life is scarce, but the metal remains of the equipment shed and flying saucer-like structure, hich are now delicately encrusted, are well worth a visit.

Sha'ab Rumi South Point is prone to strong currents, this dive begins at the top of a coral formation and gradually drops to 20m, where you encounter three routes all falling away to 700m. Most species endemic to the Red Sea can be found here, including large numbers of Barracuda and sharks that are not afraid to pose for camera. Night dives are held in an enclosed lagoon.

Sha'ad Su'adi (weather and time permitting): Guest are taken to the wreck of the modern cargo vessel Blue Bell, which lies keel-side up with the prow at 15m dropping down to 70m. Diving below 35m is not recommended, and divers are advised to keep an eye out for Tiger sharks

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Le Baron Noir

The Baron Noir is a family owned and run vessel captained by Frank, a French seaman of vast experience and knowledge. The boat is generally of mixed nationality although heavily marketed in the French / Belgian market. She is of a good standard generally and well operated. The main master cabin is especially luxurious and spacious…for Sudan.

Freedom

The SY Freedom is an extemely well operated sailing vessel captained and owned by a very charasmatic Italian skipper. The crew are increadbaly attentive and the atmosphere on board is very relaxed yet very organised.

The Royal Emporor

In 2005 Tornado Marine bought the well loved Red Sea liveaboard Royal Emperor and proceeded to upgrade her layout and equipment bringing her into line with the fleet´s standards. She is the first, high specification, steel boat to operate in the Sudan. Built in 1998 to RINA Class, her range and speed will allow us to open up new dive sites in the area.

Royal Evolution

Launched in February 2006 the Royal Evolution is one of the most sophisticated & high-Tec live aboard in the Red Sea area. No compromise in Safety, Facilities and professionalism in diving services is found, built according to SOLAS and under the full survey of the international surveyor Bureau Veritas.

Sherazade

The Sherazade is operated by an experienced team who have made the Sudan their home for over 20 years and know each reef intimately - there is no one better to guide you through the Sudanese waters. With such an unparalleled knowledge of the dive sites, marine species, their seasonality it is no wonder that divers flock back to this vessel year after year.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

All holidays are bespoke and can leave on any date (subject to availability). The price quoted above will vary dependent on departure date, accomodation option & selected course / dive pack.

+ 44 (0) 870 749 1959