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Liveaboard Diving in Thistlegorm
What to Expect On A Thistlegorm Liveaboard
A dive liveaboard to the SS Thistlegorm, one of the world's most famous shipwrecks resting in around 20-30 meters of water should definitley be on any divers 'must' dive' list in the Red Sea. She left Glasgow in June 1941 carrying locomotives for an Egyptian train company and military vehicles and munitions for the Allied forces stationed in Egypt. She anchored off the coast with the HMS Carlisle as an escort waiting for transit through the Suez Canal.
The Thistlegorm never made it to the Canal though. On the 6th of October, she was mistaken for a troop carrier and bombed by the Luftwaffe. She sank through a destructive combination of the German bombs and the ignition of her own ammunition. Most of her cargo still remains inside the ship's holds, except for two locomotives which lie on either side of the shipwreck.
The Thistlegorm was rediscovered as a dive site by Jacques Cousteau in the 1950's and during the diving boom in the 1990's it became a world famous dive site. The cargo is easy to view without wreck penetration because the wreck spilt in two revealing trucks, guns, motorcycles and many other military goods in the cargo holds. This is a dream for wreck divers and there are plenty of eels, barracuda, batfish and the occasional turtle around for wildlife lovers too. Numerous Egypt liveaboards offer dives on the Thistlegorm as part of their Northern Red Sea itineraries
Daily Schedule
Morning - The Thistlegorm is rated one of the best wreck dives in the world, which means that it is extremely popular. This means lots of divers visit every day, so if you are diving from a liveaboard you are in luck. The morning will be early, around 6 am, but it is well worth it to get in the water and start exploring before any of the day boats arrive from Sharm. For this reason, most liveaboards diving the Thistlegorm try to make two dives on the wreck before heading to another quieter site in the afternoon.
A light breakfast in the morning followed by a briefing will help you to orientate yourself for the dive. The wreck is very large so maybe even take notes in the briefing so you can spot important points when you get down there. Liveaboards and other boats often anchor on or very close to the wreck meaning divers can go directly from the main boat without needing a tender.
Thistlegorm Underwater
The Thistlegorm is over 128 meters long and sitting upright on a sandy seabed. The wreck site has so much to see that it takes at least two dives, if not more, to see the majority of it. Best to start with the deeper profile at the stern which is around 30 meters then work your way up.
The Thistlegorm is split in two, with the smaller stern section on its side and a fantastic break that leaves the layers of cargo decks exposed. On the stern in addition to the propeller, tanks and munitions there are also machine and anti-aircraft guns hanging from the now vertical deck. They are a dream come true for divers with a passion for World War II hardware.
There are also two locomotives, one on the port and one on the starboard side. They came out of the vessel when she sank and sitting in the sand not far from the main wreck they are a perfect subject for underwater photographers. Towards the middle where the bowels of the ship have been exposed by the explosion that sank her there are numerous layers of the holds. These holds are full of different cargos, including everything from rifles and grenades to shoes and boots a veritable underwater museum.
The marine life is more concentrated towards the shallower area close to the stem of the ship although you will find cardinals in the holds and crocodile fish in the sand near the locomotives. Big barracudas hang out above the wreck though and eels are frequently seen poking out of different cracks and holes in the structure.
Top Tips for Thistlegorm
- A liveaboard cruise which visits the Thistlegorm really is the best way to see this wreck, with early morning dives you will avoid the crowds arriving by boat from Sharm el Sheikh.
- The wreck can be a bit disorientating so making a quick slate copy of the sitemap might prove helpful.
- For photographers a good flash is a big advantage. Many of the most photo worthy items, are in the hold, where the light is scarce.
Getting to Thistlegorm
Egypt liveaboards that include the Thistlegorm normally depart either from Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada. Both resorts have their own airports offering international flights from mainland Europe with connections further afield. Almost all liveaboards offer transfers for guests from the nearby airport or hotels in the area.
Liveaboards which dive on the Thistlegorm usually embark from Sharm el Sheikh and will normally travel along the coast towards the Thistlegorm taking in a number of dives in Ras Mohammed National Park and the wrecks at Abu Nuhas. Those that begin in Hurghada will head North via Abu Nuhas and other popular wreck sites such as Shaab El Erg.
It is also possible to access the Thistlegorm by day boat starting in Sharm el Sheikh. The day starts very early usually around 4 am and returns around 5-6pm. This long day is due to the 4-hour sail from the port at Sharm. Most of these day trips offer 2 dives on the Thistlegorm.
Thistlegorm Diving Reviews
- 9.2 Superb
- 308 Verified Reviews
Enjoyed it, though it was crowded
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Emperor Superior
Excellent, this is all about the wrecks, but coral reefs are abundant.
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Red Sea Aggressor II
What a cool dive site. The ship is huge and worth exploring more than once.
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Red Sea Blue Force 3
lots of artifacts left to see
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Blue Adventurer
I’ve been through tge Thistlegorm over 26 times. But trip I saw & learned more, with a new route covering it all. Current was little to none all 3 dives.
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Very exciting and thrilling.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Perfect! Some strong current, but that’s expected at its location. So many sites on the ship and points of interest.
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Snefro Spirit
Great wreck. Maybe the best one of I've ever seen
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Red Sea Aggressor II
A little crowded but glad we dove early to avoid crowds on the wreck.
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Red Sea Blue Force 3
Great wreck dive but visibility was a challenge
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Feels like an underwater museum, so much to see
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Snefro Pearl
Mediocre, spent way too much time in one wreck!
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Samira Discovery
Amazing !!! Biggest wreck I have ever experienced. Incredible sights inside and out
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Blue Melody
Loved it. We got three separate dives of the Thistlegorm so that we could thoroughly explore all all three decks of this extraordinary wreck. Too bad the railroad/train was too far away to explore.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Blue Horizon
The Thistlegorm was very unique dive with lots equipment spread throughout the wreck.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Blue Planet 1
Great...in terms of no significantly strong currents, decent / medium Viz and no other divers 80% of time due to dive master planning !! ✔️
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Blue Pearl
Very good, I especially enjoyed the life on the outside
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Snefro Pearl
We are not wreck divers but found this wreck very interesting with all the trucks, motorcycles, tanks and all still there
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Blue Melody
This was my favorite. It’s like opening a World War Two time capsule under water.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
Stunning history - like a time capsule with WW2 equipment well preserved - like diving in a museum
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Sea Serpent Serena
High point of the trip--especially the ghostly night dive.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
A must visit. Just not for 2 dives. If you have the opportunity, go for 5 or more. So much to see
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Emperor Superior
The best dive wreck I have ever been. Every diver who loves wrecks should dive in the Thistlegorm.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Ghani
when you can visit the Thistlegorm with no current good vis and no one else around beautiful dive
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Firebird
amazing, but someone must take care about trying to avoid that people remove things of the boat like motorcycle seats, etc.
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Vita Xplorer
This was the highlight for me. 4/10 on the list of best wreck dives around the world! Enormous and interesting story behind the wreck.
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Snefro Love
okay vis but a little crowded during the day, early morning dive was fairly relaxed
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Sea Friend
I really enjoyed the wreck. Special thanks to Adel for guiding myself and my buddy through it when we were nervous beforehand but the dive was amazing
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Red Sea Aggressor II
The night dive is simply unforgettable. Adel helped me to feel comfortable, which was very much appreciated and made this the best night dive ever!
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Red Sea Aggressor II
We did 4 Dives, including a Night-Dive; a dive-memory forever!
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the JP Marine
Amazing. Nothing more to be said
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Snefro Love
Just incredible.... huge and full of stuff
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the JP Marine
Definitely highlight of the trip, did 4 dives (including one night dive), but could have spent even more dives there
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Snefro Love
The condition of the wreck made the swim through easy
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Princess Diana
great wreck- very exciting and interesting
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the JP Marine
great wreck but very difficult to dive due to condition under water
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Unfortunately the weather was not the beat but dive was fantastic
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Easy wreck filled with history, just pay attention to your headroom and prepare for a strong current
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Exceptional diving on this famous wreck inside and outside.
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Nice, but a hard dive due to current.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Snefro Pearl
Legendary. Great photos of old bikes, cars and truck.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Sea Serpent Serena
The penetration dive was very beautiful
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Snefro Pearl
Wreck is great, need to come back and see more. Little bit crowded with other boats and dive teams.
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Blue Pearl
Amazing, I'm not a wreck person but this is amazing. 3 dives was too much though, I would have done just 2.but still was great.
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Snefro Spirit
good dive very interesting and unique
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Snefro Pearl
Thistlegorm was truly impressive - a massive wreck with tons to see outside and inside. Easily a highlight of this trip and of all the diving I've ever done so far.
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Snefro Target
4 dives including the night dive. a lot of time to discover all parts of the wreck
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Snefro Target
Amazing and a bit challenging due to strong current
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Target
One of the best wrecks in the world... but can get quite crowded!
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the South Moon
Их было слишком много и я считаю просто опасно.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Very good, we were the ONLY BOAT!
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Sea Serpent Excellence
Really amazed by this big wreck - it's like a museum!
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Firebird
It has every thing! Historical interest, Easy to go in and discover, animal life
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Red Sea Blue Force 2
Great wreck. Luckily less divers at that moment
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Sunlight
Nice, I just wish there were less boats and specifically less divers around but it's not something that snefro can change
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Snefro Target
A bit crowned but still great!
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Emperor Superior
didn't enjoy it inside (worrying and uninteresting), great outside of the the wreck and on its fringes
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Red Sea Blue Force 3
Out of this world, I had not expected to dive so deep into the ship and it was definitely an amazing experience.
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Snefro Pearl
Awesome massive wreck with lots of stuff in there
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Emperor Superior
Only our boat was there, we did 3 dives in a relaxed way including one night dive.
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Emperor Superior
Very cool and interesting. Very Nice with the documentary before going diving and Also great to have more than one dive there.
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Emperor Superior
Super nice that we did three dives in the Thistlegorm (had the time to get a good understanding of the dive site and pay attention to details; night dive was exciting)
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Emperor Asmaa
Good. Viz wasn’t great; again the weather didn’t help. Looks deferent to 15 years ago!
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Thunderbird
Truly a superb wreck to visit.
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Snefro Pearl
Diving was simple and quiet at this time of year with lots to see.
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Blue Pearl
Abit crowded at times but always an interesting dive
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Blue Adventurer
Three great dives inside & outside Thistlegorm including night dive
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Crowded, blurry water but interesting
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the South Moon
The visibility wasn’t very good but the wreck was exciting to dive. The artifacts left on the wreck are amazing.
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Red Sea Blue Force 2
Very good we where the only dive boat on there 👍
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Blue Melody
Good but would have been nice to have done a night dive on it
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Blue Melody
visibility was ok... wreck was very cool
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Insane! The current was very strong, but once we reached the wreck, it was much more gentle. The dive inside was crazy good! Super interesting, and everything was very well covered during the briefing, including the history behind it all.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Snefro Pearl
It was some current at the begginig of the first dive, other than that everything was perfect.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Snefro Pearl
Thistlegorm was good as always. Pretty poor visibility this time however and we could only day dive, as the night dive wasn’t feasible due to strong current and poor vis
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Blue Adventurer
Exciting - a bit of currents
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Emperor Superior
Dark and crowded with other divers
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Snefro Target
Very good , but the visibility was not the best at the time!
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Snefro Love
Excellent and interesting advance divers highly recommended
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Tala
Awesome - I was quite nervous as not the biggest wreck diving fan, but I loved it. I even chose to do a night dive on the Thistlegorm.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Snefro Pearl
Busy site too many divers but good wreck all the same.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Red Sea Blue Force 2
Best Diving experience inside Wrack, Very Strong Currently
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Outstanding. Easily the best wreck I’ve ever been on
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the South Moon
excellent but strong current on entry
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Snefro Pearl
Very nice and managed to do 4 dives here including a night dive. All great dives and saw a beautiful octopus on dive 1 :)
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Blue Adventurer
Great! Specially the night dive was amazing.
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Snefro Pearl
Impressive wreck with stuff in it like cars and motorcycles, you can dive through the different levels
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the South Moon
Best Wreck Dive in the World
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
L’épave était incroyable et superbement préservée. Plongée challenging en raison des courants mais superbe.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
Amazing wreck with many things to discover.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Love
I didn't like the first dive (outside) but the second one was better. Too many boats, strong current on the outside so we needed to fight against it a lot. The second one was better but i don't think it's worth 2 dives.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
Scary current but very beautiful diving site
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
Amazing. Crowded, but that was to be expected.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
Unbelieveable, what a magnificent wreck, and we were lucky with no current, great visibility and just 3 other liveaboards that were there as well
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
The Dive guides gave us 3 dives on this Wreck. It never disappoints. Great dive site
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Ghazala Explorer
We did one outside and three inside, really got to soak up the interior and multiple experiences in each area. Large beautiful wreck.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Excellent, nicely guided tour
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
It was awesome. No more boats around, possibility of 4 dives on the site, awesome details on the penetration
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Snefro Pearl
Fantastic! 3 day dives and we were the only boat there.
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Blue Horizon
An amazing wreck dive a privilege to visit this WW2 piece of history
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Red Sea Aggressor II