SS Thistlegorm is a dive site in Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. Typically most favorable Dec · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Papilloculiceps longiceps and Platax orbicularis. Recent reports put the water around 28°C (83°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.
Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 28°C · seasonal avg 28°C
Dive windows this week
Best: WedFavorable windowModerate window— no window
First light 6:04 · Sunrise 6:27 · Sunset 18:54
Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 5.1 km from site · graded 1h ago
Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.
Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.
No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.
Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.
What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.
December hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.
Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.
Recorded observations — evidence of past sightings, not a promise of what you’ll encounter.
Pterois volitans recorded here Jul–Aug, Oct–Dec (8 records)
most recent 2015
Papilloculiceps longiceps recorded here Jun–Jul, Nov–Dec (6 records)
most recent 2018
Platax orbicularis recorded here Jul, Nov (4 records)
most recent 2018
Cymbacephalus beauforti recorded here Jul–Aug, Oct (3 records)
most recent 2011
Balistoides viridescens recorded here Jul, Nov (2 records)
most recent 2015
Chelonia mydas recorded here Jul, Dec (2 records)
most recent 2013
Epinephelus lanceolatus recorded here Apr, Jul (2 records)
most recent 2012
Goniobranchus splendidus recorded here Aug (2 records)
most recent 2013
Counts are occurrence records near this site from public biodiversity datasets (GBIF), grouped by calendar month across all sampled years. Sightings vary — past records are context, not a prediction.
No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.
Featured Red Sea wreck guide
SS Thistlegorm is one of the world's best-known wreck dives. This guide helps divers research the Red Sea site beyond the name: wreck history, cargo interest, depth, current, crowding, penetration boundaries, and why an operator briefing is essential.
PickADive guides and forecast windows are planning context, not a safety clearance. Confirm current conditions, rules, training limits, and operator guidance before diving — the decision is yours.
Thistlegorm deserves a deeper guide because it combines famous wreck history with real planning complexity. Divers are often drawn by preserved military cargo and famous status, but the actual dive depends on current, crowds, mooring, depth, and how the guide manages the wreck.
Plan it through a reputable Red Sea operator or liveaboard. Ask about mooring, current, number of dives, inside versus outside route, maximum depth, torch requirements, and how the group will avoid crowding and fragile areas.
The wreck is the main draw, but reef fish, schooling fish, and coral growth can add to the experience. Treat wildlife as part of the wreck environment, not the reason to ignore conditions or safe wreck procedures.
Thistlegorm is often dived across much of the year, but comfort and safety depend on wind, sea state, current, visibility, and boat schedule. Operator judgment is especially important because many boats may target the wreck.
Current, depth, overhead areas, silt, sharp metal, crowding, and mooring traffic are the main concerns. Wreck penetration requires appropriate training and a clear plan.
If you are mainly interested in photos, ask when the boat expects to arrive and whether the operator times dives to avoid peak crowding.
It is better treated as an intermediate or advanced wreck dive. Depth, current, crowds, and overhead temptations can add task loading.
For exterior routes, requirements vary by operator. Any real penetration should require proper wreck training, equipment, and guide approval.
Divers research Thistlegorm for its World War II wreck history, visible cargo, structure, and Red Sea setting.
No. Use PickADive for pre-trip research, then follow the live operator briefing and same-day conditions.
Data updated July 2026
British armed Merchant Navy ship built in 1940
No hazards recorded for this site yet — that never means there are none. Ask a local operator before you dive.
Divers at SS Thistlegorm in Egypt commonly report sightings of Papilloculiceps longiceps and Platax orbicularis. Papilloculiceps longiceps and Platax orbicularis are recorded as common sightings. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.
No reviews yet — this site is waiting for its first. Dived here? Your rating and a few lines help the next diver.
Dive sites similar to SS Thistlegorm based on location, difficulty, and access type.
Looking for more? Open the map to explore all dive sites in this area.
Spot something off?
Help keep this listing accurate for the next diver.