SS Thistlegorm Day Trip
A long, unforgettable day on the most famous wreck in the Red Sea. Two dives on the SS Thistlegorm — a WWII cargo ship still loaded with motorcycles, trucks and locomotives. An early start, a fast crossing, and a bucket-list dive for certified divers.
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Dives
- 2
- Group max
- 10
- Pickup
- Included
- Lunch
- On board
Why it's worth the early alarm
Sunk by German bombers in 1941, the Thistlegorm is a WWII time capsule — her holds still packed with the war supplies she was carrying when she went down. There is simply no other dive like it in the northern Red Sea. Yes, the 4:30 pickup hurts; no one has ever regretted it once they're hanging over the cargo holds.
Optional upgrades
- Nitrox — €8 per tank (strongly recommended at this depth)
- Full equipment rental — €15 per day
- Dive computer rental — €15 per day
Itinerary
- 1 04:30
Early hotel pickup
We collect you very early — the Thistlegorm is a long way north, so a pre-dawn start is part of the adventure. Coffee and a light breakfast on board.
- Transfer
- Breakfast on board
- 2 05:30
Fast crossing to the wreck
Around 2 to 2.5 hours across open water to the Strait of Gubal, with a full wreck and safety briefing on the way.
- Wreck briefing
- Dive planning
- 3 08:30
Dive 1 — cargo holds
Descend onto the holds: BSA and Norton motorcycles, Bedford trucks, and the locomotives lying on the seabed beside the hull.
- 4 10:30
Surface interval & lunch
Hot lunch, drinks and a proper rest on deck while we off-gas before the second dive.
- 5 12:00
Dive 2 — decks & stern
The bridge, the captain's bath, and the anti-aircraft gun still pointing skyward at the stern.
- 6 13:30
Return crossing & drop-off
Cruise back to Hurghada (arriving late afternoon/early evening), log your dives, and we drop you at your hotel.
What's included
What's included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Fast boat crossing to the Strait of Gubal
- 2 guided dives on the SS Thistlegorm
- Tanks and weights
- Experienced wreck guide
- Hot lunch, snacks and drinks on board
- Dive insurance
Not included
- Equipment rental (€15/day)
- Nitrox tanks — strongly recommended (€8/dive)
- Dive computer rental (€15/day)
- Marine park & port fees (payable locally)
- Tips for crew & guide (optional)
What to bring
- Certification card (Advanced Open Water or equivalent)
- Logbook
- Swimwear & towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Warm layer for the early start
- Seasickness tablets if you're prone to it
From the dives
FAQ
Do I need to be Advanced certified?
Yes — Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) is required because of the 30 m depth and possible current. We also recommend Nitrox and at least 20 logged dives. Newer divers should add a refresher or guided plan; ask us when booking.
Why does it start so early?
The Thistlegorm lies about 2–2.5 hours by fast boat north of Hurghada in the Strait of Gubal. An early departure gets us there for the best conditions and lets us be back the same day.
Is Nitrox available and worth it?
Yes, €8 per tank. At ~30 m it meaningfully extends your bottom time, so you get more time on the cargo. We strongly recommend it for the Thistlegorm — bring your Nitrox certification card.
Can I do the Thistlegorm more relaxed, without the early start?
Yes — our SS Thistlegorm overnight safari sleeps on the boat near the wreck, giving you calmer, earlier, less crowded dives and more of them. Ask us about it.
What if I get seasick on the crossing?
The open-water crossing can be bumpy. Take seasickness tablets the night before and morning of, sit low and central on the boat, and let the crew know — they'll look after you.
What's included in the price?
Hotel transfer, the boat crossing, two guided dives on the Thistlegorm, tanks, weights, a wreck guide, lunch and drinks, and dive insurance. Equipment rental (€15/day), Nitrox (€8/dive) and any marine-park/port fees are extra.
Dive sites you may visit
Site choice depends on the day's wind, swell, and your group's level.
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