Salem Express Wreck Trip
A moving day on one of the Red Sea's most poignant wrecks. Two respectful dives on the Salem Express — the Egyptian ferry that sank off Safaga in 1991 — now a quiet underwater memorial. A reflective wreck day for certified divers south of Hurghada.
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Dives
- 2
- Group max
- 10
- Pickup
- Included
- Lunch
- On board
The story of the Salem Express
On the night of 17 December 1991 the Egyptian ferry Salem Express, returning from Jeddah, struck Hyndman Reef off Safaga and sank within minutes. She now rests on her starboard side between roughly 10 and 30 metres. Diving her is a quiet, humbling experience — the scale of the hull, the lifeboats still in place, and the sea slowly making the steel its own.
Optional upgrades
- Nitrox — €8 per tank (recommended at this depth)
- Full equipment rental incl. dive computer — €15 per day
Itinerary
- 1 05:30
Hotel pickup
Early air-conditioned transfer to the marina, with coffee and breakfast served once we're underway. The Salem Express lies to the south, so we start early.
- Transfer
- Breakfast on board
- 2 06:30
Boat south toward Safaga
Around 2 hours to the wreck, with a full briefing on the way — its history, the respectful way we dive it, and the plan for the day.
- Wreck briefing
- Dive planning
- 3 09:00
Dive 1 — the hull and decks
The ferry lies on her starboard side from about 10 to 30 m. We dive the exterior — the vast hull, the funnel with its distinctive 'S', the lifeboats and the twin propellers — calmly and without penetration, out of respect.
- 4 10:45
Surface interval & lunch
Hot lunch and a quiet rest on deck while we off-gas before the second dive.
- 5 12:15
Dive 2 — the second pass
A second, slower dive to take in the scale of the wreck and the marine life that has reclaimed her — glassfish, lionfish, and coral spreading across the steel.
- 6 14:00
Return & drop-off
Cruise back to Hurghada (late afternoon/early evening), log your dives, and we drop you at your hotel.
What's included
What's included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Boat to the Salem Express off Safaga
- 2 guided dives on the wreck
- Tanks and weights
- Experienced wreck guide
- Hot lunch, snacks and drinks on board
- Dive insurance
- Marine park & port fees — all included
Not included
- Equipment rental incl. dive computer (€15/day)
- Nitrox tanks — recommended (€8/dive)
- Tips for crew & guide (optional)
What to bring
- Certification card (Advanced recommended)
- Logbook
- Swimwear & towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat & sunglasses
- Seasickness tablets if you're prone to it
From the dives
FAQ
Is the Salem Express a respectful place to dive?
Yes — and we treat it that way. The wreck is a memorial to the many who lost their lives in 1991. We dive the exterior only, never penetrate, touch or remove anything, and keep the dive calm and quiet. If that matters to you, you'll be diving with people who feel the same.
Do I need to be Advanced certified?
Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) is recommended because the wreck reaches about 30 m. Nitrox is recommended too. If you're newer, tell us when you book and we'll advise honestly.
How far is it from Hurghada?
The Salem Express lies to the south, off Safaga — about a 2-hour boat trip. We start early to make a relaxed two-dive day of it and still be back the same evening.
Will we go inside the wreck?
No. Out of respect, this is an exterior-only dive — no penetration. There is more than enough to see on the outside: the hull, the funnel, the lifeboats and the propellers.
What's included in the price?
Everything except the optional extras: hotel transfer, the boat trip, two guided dives, tanks, weights, a wreck guide, lunch and drinks, dive insurance, and all marine-park and port fees. The only extras are equipment rental — which includes a dive computer — at €15/day, and Nitrox at €8/dive.
Dive sites you may visit
Site choice depends on the day's wind, swell, and your group's level.
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