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
  • 8.4 Very good
  • Kiley S
  • United States United States

Enjoyed it, though it was crowded

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Emperor Superior

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Stephanie W
  • United States United States

Excellent, this is all about the wrecks, but coral reefs are abundant.

Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 9.2 Superb
  • David H
  • United States United States

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

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Elaine Y
  • United States United States

lots of artifacts left to see

Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Blue Adventurer

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • James O
  • United States United States

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Philip P
  • United States United States

Very exciting and thrilling.

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Rob B
  • United States United States

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

  • 7.6 Good
  • Christopher E
  • United States United States

Great wreck. Maybe the best one of I've ever seen

Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Emily L
  • United States United States

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Philip M
  • United States United States

Great wreck dive but visibility was a challenge

Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Rebeca R
  • United States United States

Feels like an underwater museum, so much to see

Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Snefro Pearl

  • 6.0 Review score
  • pendar A
  • United States United States

Mediocre, spent way too much time in one wreck!

Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Samira Discovery

  • 8.4 Very good
  • James B
  • United States United States

Amazing !!! Biggest wreck I have ever experienced. Incredible sights inside and out

Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Blue Melody

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Sharon E
  • United States United States

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Michael D
  • United States United States

The Thistlegorm was very unique dive with lots equipment spread throughout the wreck.

Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Blue Planet 1

  • 9.2 Superb
  • David H
  • United States United States

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

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Diane C
  • United States United States

Very good, I especially enjoyed the life on the outside

Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Snefro Pearl

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Steven S
  • United States United States

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Patricia B
  • United States United States

This was my favorite. It’s like opening a World War Two time capsule under water.

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Jennifer A
  • United States United States

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

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Thomas R
  • United States United States

High point of the trip--especially the ghostly night dive.

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl

  • 5.6 Review score
  • nico S
  • Belgium Belgium

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Matevz C
  • Slovenia Slovenia

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • John H
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

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

  • 7.6 Good
  • Miguel Angel N
  • Spain Spain

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

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Martine Hagen F
  • Norway Norway

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

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Robert K
  • Germany Germany

okay vis but a little crowded during the day, early morning dive was fairly relaxed

Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Sea Friend

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Yevgeniya M
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

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

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Lieke H
  • Netherlands Netherlands

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

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Christian
  • Netherlands Netherlands

We did 4 Dives, including a Night-Dive; a dive-memory forever!

Diving Thistlegorm in December on the JP Marine

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Cillian L
  • Ireland Ireland

Amazing. Nothing more to be said

Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Snefro Love

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Stefano B
  • Italy Italy

Just incredible.... huge and full of stuff

Diving Thistlegorm in February on the JP Marine

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Jesse Z
  • Switzerland Switzerland

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

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Alan D
  • Australia Australia

The condition of the wreck made the swim through easy

Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Princess Diana

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Ines K
  • Germany Germany

great wreck- very exciting and interesting

Diving Thistlegorm in February on the JP Marine

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Tobias H
  • Germany Germany

great wreck but very difficult to dive due to condition under water

Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Eduardo S
  • Spain Spain

Unfortunately the weather was not the beat but dive was fantastic

Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Zalan M
  • Hungary Hungary

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Tatiana K
  • Russia Russia

Exceptional diving on this famous wreck inside and outside.

Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Mohammed A
  • Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia

Nice, but a hard dive due to current.

Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Snefro Pearl

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Tomasz K
  • Poland Poland

Legendary. Great photos of old bikes, cars and truck.

Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Sea Serpent Serena

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Ramy H
  • Egypt Egypt

The penetration dive was very beautiful

Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Snefro Pearl

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Bartosz R
  • Poland Poland

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Javier G
  • Spain Spain

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

  • 8.0 Very good
  • daniel T
  • Israel Israel

good dive very interesting and unique

Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Snefro Pearl

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Coen E
  • Netherlands Netherlands

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

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Tatiana K
  • Russia Russia

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Miriam S
  • Germany Germany

Amazing and a bit challenging due to strong current

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Target

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Benjamin B
  • France France

One of the best wrecks in the world... but can get quite crowded!

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the South Moon

  • 4.4 Review score
  • Boris V
  • Russia Russia

Их было слишком много и я считаю просто опасно.

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Laura S
  • Germany Germany

Very good, we were the ONLY BOAT!

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Sea Serpent Excellence

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Milda P
  • Lithuania Lithuania

Really amazed by this big wreck - it's like a museum!

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Firebird

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Michael M
  • Switzerland Switzerland

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

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Jeroen M
  • Netherlands Netherlands

Great wreck. Luckily less divers at that moment

Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Sunlight

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Alex D
  • Italy Italy

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Julia M
  • Sweden Sweden

A bit crowned but still great!

Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Emperor Superior

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Martin C
  • France France

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • David V
  • Netherlands Netherlands

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Ekaterina Z
  • Russia Russia

Awesome massive wreck with lots of stuff in there

Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Emperor Superior

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Igor S
  • Russia Russia

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Dagmar Risbøl H
  • Denmark Denmark

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Petra V
  • Finland Finland

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Peter J
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Good. Viz wasn’t great; again the weather didn’t help. Looks deferent to 15 years ago!

Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Thunderbird

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Catriona C
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Truly a superb wreck to visit.

Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Snefro Pearl

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Rob M
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Diving was simple and quiet at this time of year with lots to see.

Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Blue Pearl

  • 9.2 Superb
  • martin T
  • France France

Abit crowded at times but always an interesting dive

Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Blue Adventurer

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Christoph W
  • Germany Germany

Three great dives inside & outside Thistlegorm including night dive

Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Ingemar H
  • Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia

Crowded, blurry water but interesting

Diving Thistlegorm in March on the South Moon

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Kobus M
  • South Africa South Africa

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • colin W
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Very good we where the only dive boat on there 👍

Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Blue Melody

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Adrian S
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Good but would have been nice to have done a night dive on it

Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Blue Melody

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Daniela Z
  • Germany Germany

visibility was ok... wreck was very cool

Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Lucia M
  • Italy Italy

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Goran M
  • Slovenia Slovenia

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

  • 6.0 Review score
  • Ella C
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

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

  • 7.2 Good
  • Roxane P
  • France France

Exciting - a bit of currents

Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Emperor Superior

  • 7.6 Good
  • michael K
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Dark and crowded with other divers

Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Snefro Target

  • 9.2 Superb
  • nicolas M
  • Norway Norway

Very good , but the visibility was not the best at the time!

Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Snefro Love

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Abed S
  • Lebanon Lebanon

Excellent and interesting advance divers highly recommended

Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Tala

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Kelly Ann A
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

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

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Benjamin G
  • Israel Israel

Busy site too many divers but good wreck all the same.

Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Red Sea Blue Force 2

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Wolfgang F
  • Germany Germany

Best Diving experience inside Wrack, Very Strong Currently

Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Red Sea Aggressor II

  • 7.6 Good
  • Sebastian S
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Outstanding. Easily the best wreck I’ve ever been on

Diving Thistlegorm in September on the South Moon

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • YUEN FAI DICK W
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

excellent but strong current on entry

Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Snefro Pearl

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Ryan P
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Joël D
  • Switzerland Switzerland

Great! Specially the night dive was amazing.

Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Snefro Pearl

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Linda G
  • Germany Germany

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

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Rory M
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Best Wreck Dive in the World

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Laura V
  • Belgium Belgium

L’épave était incroyable et superbement préservée. Plongée challenging en raison des courants mais superbe.

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Sebastian G
  • Germany Germany

Amazing wreck with many things to discover.

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Love

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Pau H
  • Spain Spain

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

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Salha A
  • Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia

Scary current but very beautiful diving site

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Ying L
  • Singapore Singapore

Amazing. Crowded, but that was to be expected.

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Bert M
  • Netherlands Netherlands

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Brendan M
  • Ireland Ireland

The Dive guides gave us 3 dives on this Wreck. It never disappoints. Great dive site

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Ghazala Explorer

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Joel B
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Dominic C
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Excellent, nicely guided tour

Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Paulo P
  • Portugal Portugal

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

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Stephen W
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Fantastic! 3 day dives and we were the only boat there.

Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Blue Horizon

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Michael W
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

An amazing wreck dive a privilege to visit this WW2 piece of history

Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Red Sea Aggressor II


Origin: US