How deep is SS Thistlegorm?

SS Thistlegorm ranges from 16 to 33 metres deep (52–108 feet) — a deep dive at its limit. It is a saltwater site rated as advanced difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is SS Thistlegorm a shore dive or a boat dive?

SS Thistlegorm is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive SS Thistlegorm?

SS Thistlegorm is rated as advanced difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 16 to 33 metres (52–108 feet). Access is by boat. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

What will I see at SS Thistlegorm?

Divers at SS Thistlegorm in Egypt commonly report sightings of Tentacled flathead and Orbiculate Batfish. Tentacled flathead and Orbiculate Batfish are recorded as common sightings. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

AdvancedBoat entry

SS Thistlegorm

Red Sea Governorate, Egypt

AOW suggested16–33 m (52–108 ft) depthBoat entry3mm wetsuit typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

SS Thistlegorm at a glance

SS Thistlegorm is an advanced boat dive site in Red Sea Governorate, Egypt with depths of 16–33 m (52–108 ft). Typically most favorable Dec · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Tentacled flathead and Orbiculate Batfish. Recent reports put the water around 27°C (80°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Next window today· 7:00–19:00 · favorable · sunset 18:05

Forecast for this hour · 4:00 · run 8 h ago

0.1 m (0.5 ft)waves — under half a meter expected (waves — under a foot expected)

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 27°C · seasonal avg 27°C ( · Forecast 80°F · seasonal avg 80°F)

Site hazards: Strong current - exposed to directional winds and currents, especially in the first 15 m. Depth - seabed at roughly 30-33 m. Silt and variable visibility - can reduce visibility on the wreck. Overhead cargo-hold penetration - operators run a separate penetration dive into the holds. Unstable structure - the wreck is deteriorating and damaged by boat moorings.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Lightest wind: Mon

Mon

0.2 m waves · 9 kn wind (0.6 ft waves · 9 kn wind)

Tue

0.2 m waves · 10 kn wind (0.7 ft waves · 10 kn wind)

Wed

0.3 m waves · 15 kn wind (1.0 ft waves · 15 kn wind)

Thu

0.3 m waves · 14 kn wind (0.9 ft waves · 14 kn wind)

Fri

0.5 m waves · 16 kn wind (1.7 ft waves · 16 kn wind)

Sat

0.3 m waves · 10 kn wind (1.0 ft waves · 10 kn wind)

Sun

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

Every forecast dive window each day, site-local time, from wave and wind forecasts. Numbers under each bar are daylight averages.

First light 6:27 · Sunrise 6:51 · Sunset 18:05 · some windows run past sunset

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 5.1 km from site · updated 25 Oct, 20:25 EEST

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Compare this weekend’s windows near SS Thistlegorm

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Tentacled flathead, Orbiculate Batfish

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

January, 96% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 22°C (71°F), waves have typically been 0.7 m (2.1 ft), wind has typically been 12 knots
February, 81% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 20°C (68°F), waves have typically been 0.8 m (2.8 ft), wind has typically been 15 knots
March, 78% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 22°C (71°F), waves have typically been 0.7 m (2.4 ft), wind has typically been 15 knots
April, 78% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 23°C (73°F), waves have typically been 0.8 m (2.7 ft), wind has typically been 16 knots
May, 72% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 24°C (76°F), waves have typically been 0.9 m (2.9 ft), wind has typically been 16 knots
June, 78% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 27°C (80°F), waves have typically been 0.9 m (3.1 ft), wind has typically been 16 knots
July, 85% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 29°C (84°F), waves have typically been 0.7 m (2.4 ft), wind has typically been 15 knots
August, 68% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 29°C (85°F), waves have typically been 1.0 m (3.2 ft), wind has typically been 18 knots
September, 74% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 28°C (83°F), waves have typically been 1.0 m (3.1 ft), wind has typically been 17 knots
October, 91% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 27°C (80°F), waves have typically been 0.9 m (2.8 ft), wind has typically been 14 knots
November, 97% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 25°C (78°F), waves have typically been 0.7 m (2.2 ft), wind has typically been 12 knots
December, 98% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 23°C (74°F), waves have typically been 0.6 m (1.9 ft), wind has typically been 12 knots, historically most favorable

December has typically 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.

Marine life recorded at this site, by month

Recorded observations — evidence of past sightings, not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Lionfish recorded here Jul–Aug, Oct–Dec (8 records)
Pterois volitansmost recent 2015
Tentacled flathead recorded here Jun–Jul, Nov–Dec (6 records)
Papilloculiceps longicepsmost recent 2018
Orbiculate Batfish recorded here Jul, Nov (4 records)
Platax orbicularismost recent 2018
Crocodile Fish recorded here Jul–Aug, Oct (3 records)
Cymbacephalus beaufortimost recent 2011
Giant Moray recorded here Aug (2 records)
Gymnothorax javanicusmost recent 2013
Green Turtle recorded here Jul, Dec (2 records)
Chelonia mydasmost recent 2013
Groper recorded here Apr, Jul (2 records)
Epinephelus lanceolatusmost recent 2012
Heavenly Wart Slug recorded here Feb (2 records)
Phyllidia coelestismost recent 2004

Newest record here: 2018. 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.

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km (16 mi). Know one? Add it to the map.

Featured Red Sea wreck guide

SS Thistlegorm dive 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.

Open map Check conditions Compare nearby sites Read reviews

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.

Difficulty: Intermediate+
Access: Boat/liveaboard
Best for: Historic cargo wreck
Planning note: Crowds and current
Depth: 16-33m; Confirm your plan against current conditions and training.
Best time: Check conditions close to the dive; Forecasts and local observations can change quickly.

Why dive SS Thistlegorm

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.

How to dive it

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.

Marine life and site character

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.

Best season and conditions

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.

Hazards and diver readiness

Current, depth, overhead areas, silt, sharp metal, crowding, and mooring traffic are the main concerns. Wreck penetration requires appropriate training and a clear plan.

Local tips

If you are mainly interested in photos, ask when the boat expects to arrive and whether the operator times dives to avoid peak crowding.

Common questions about SS Thistlegorm

Is SS Thistlegorm good for new divers?

It is better treated as an intermediate or advanced wreck dive. Depth, current, crowds, and overhead temptations can add task loading.

Do I need wreck certification?

For exterior routes, requirements vary by operator. Any real penetration should require proper wreck training, equipment, and guide approval.

What is the main attraction?

Divers research Thistlegorm for its World War II wreck history, visible cargo, structure, and Red Sea setting.

Can PickADive conditions replace an operator briefing?

No. Use PickADive for pre-trip research, then follow the operator's on-site briefing and same-day conditions.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

British armed Merchant Navy ship built in 1940

wreck

Strong current - exposed to directional winds and currents, especially in the first 15 m. Depth - seabed at roughly 30-33 m. Silt and variable visibility - can reduce visibility on the wreck. Overhead cargo-hold penetration - operators run a separate penetration dive into the holds. Unstable structure - the wreck is deteriorating and damaged by boat moorings.

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