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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
- 177 Verified Reviews
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
Exceptional diving on this famous wreck inside and outside.
Diving Thistlegorm in October 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
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
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
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
lots of artifacts left to see
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Blue Adventurer
The condition of the wreck made the swim through easy
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Princess Diana
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
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
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
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
Excellent, this is all about the wrecks, but coral reefs are abundant.
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Red Sea Aggressor II
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
Enjoyed it, though it was crowded
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Emperor Superior
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
Unfortunately crowded. Beautiful wreck but Definitely a busy spot
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Emperor Superior
This is the hands-down best wreck I've ever dove.
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Vita Xplorer
One of our favorite dive adventures
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the South Moon
I can why it is considered a must dive...will be back
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Blue Planet 1
Really big wreck it was amazing to be inside
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Amelie
Great tecnical experience!
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the King Snefro 5
Inside of the wreck was super cool and we enjoyed our 3 dives here.
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Red Sea Aggressor II
More than great - this was amazing
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Red Sea Adventurer
Awesome wreck. A whole museum underwater. You could spend hours there and haven't seen everything.
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Tillis
Good visibility and nice temperature
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the King Snefro 5
One of tthe beat wreck dive i did
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Dreams
A memorable wreck to visit by the history background and the objects that were kept in it.
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Tillis
One of a kind experience. I expected just a few cars and motorcycles but there are 100s.
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the Freedom III
We had a strong current there, but it was still very interesting site and amazing dive.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Emperor Superior
Bucket list dive ticked. Awesome experience, can see just how popular this wreck is
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Emperor Superior
Visibility was not so good but Thistelegorm was perfect. We went into inside ship wreck, feeling special adventure
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Tillis
My favourite wreck in the Northern Hemisphere.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Tillis
Awesome, did 3 dives and would not have mind doing 4
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Tillis
Amazing! Well organised, boat was tied directly on the wrack.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Red Sea Aggressor II
For me it was best site where I ever dive
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Red Sea Blue Force 2
THE BEST WRECK in the world hands down. Impressive. We did 3 dives there I could’ve done 10! If we sank a boat on purpose for divers we couldn’t Imagine it better than the Thistlegorm
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Tillis
Three dives in the Thistelgorm including a night dive. A real time capsule that bring you to the 2nd world war.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Tillis
Whoa ! Only dove once...need much more ! Best wreck I've been too !
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the King Snefro 5
We did 2 dives at Thistlegorm. One around the outside and one in the inside. One if the best dives I have ever done even if visibility was not the best that day.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the King Snefro 5
One of the best wrecks in the world.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Great! Once in a lifetime experience
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Emperor Echo
Fantastic, having three dives to explore the wreck ensured we saw all the highlights and the holds.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the South Moon
Most interested dive ever. We were the only one diving at the moment.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Red Sea Blue Force 3
Greatest wreck I've seen. Tanks, artillery shells, motorbikes and thrilling indoor diving. Visibility was very good as well, I'd estimate 25m.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Liberty
Historic WWII wreck with lots of old motorcycles, vehicles, weapons etc.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Liberty
AMaZiNG wreck! probably top five in the world for recreational depths.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the King Snefro 5
Very interesting and exiting
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Emperor Superior
The diving on Thistlegorm was the highlight of the trip.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Snefro Spirit
I didn't this wreck as I wasn't happy with the dive conditions. Snorkelling with the dolphins nearby was a highlight of the trip & probably the most fun I had underwater while on Red Sea Aggressor II.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Outstanding wreck, would dive again, did 3 dives here including penitration and was a great experience.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the JP Marine
Great diving and not too crowded.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the King Snefro 5
Fantastic all things considered. The current is not something aggressor can control nor the visibility. The guides did an awesome job of getting everyone on site early so we had time to experience the wreck alone.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Amazing, great experience!
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the King Snefro 5
Thistlegorm is nothing short of breathtaking, I went with high expectations and was not disappointed.
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the King Snefro 5
Fun swim through the wreck. Interesting to see the military cargo of ww2
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Very good, and we did two consecutive dives there, with the first skimming the perimeter and the second going inside the vessel.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Freedom III
Super amazing to dive in and around this wreck!! Lots of history, and lots to see!!
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Excellent, wreck in great condition.
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Emperor Echo
Amazing marine life. Solemn site.
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Snefro Love
Probably the best wreck diving you will ever do
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the King Snefro 5
Pretty good wreck dive with lots of marine life. The visibility was fair and there was on one of the 2 dives a pretty strong current.
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the King Snefro 5
Amazing. Fascinating wreck and we were the only boat!
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Wonderful, the best wreck dive (yet)
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Snefro Love
One of my favourite dives, interesting history and so much to explore
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Snefro Spirit
Huge wreck, interesting dive site, strong current, turtle
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Red Sea Blue Force 3
Breathtaking! What a wreck, and we had it almost to ourselves (one other boat only)
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Tillis
Very adventurous. Underwater war museum. Indeed tot 10 world wreck!
Diving Thistlegorm in September on the King Snefro 5
Great wreck, eels all over the place.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Emperor Echo
Can't get enough of the Thistlegorm!
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Contessa Mia
Best wreck for divers to explore the world war underwater stories.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the King Snefro 5
Best wreck ever! So much to see.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the King Snefro 5
Excellent, especially the night dive.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Red Sea Adventurer
Excellent Experience; one of the best dives ever!
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Seawolf Dominator
Beieindruckend! Nicht nur einfach ein Wrack, hier liegt noch alles unter Wasser - Jeeps, Motorräder, Eisenbahnwagons,...
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Blue Planet 1
Absolute spectacle to see!
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Excellence
Thistlegorm is always an amazing experience. We had 4 dives incl. a night dive - all amazing.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Blue Melody
Interesting dive when entering hulls to see the boots, tires, airplane wings, motorcycles, trucks. This was the best wreck dive I have done.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the King Snefro 5
At the moment with not so many groups down there: Amazing! If you take some time reading about the history behind: Thrilling!
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Snefro Love
AWESOME we did several dives which was perfect to make sure we saw it all
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Snefro Pearl
Fantastic as I am not very intersted by wreck diving.
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Snefro Pearl
Thistlegorm lives up to all expectations. It is truly as stunning as pictures you see
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the King Snefro 5
Visibility was not great but the wreck is spectacular.
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Emperor Asmaa
I loved this dive. It was cold the deeper you dove. I enjoyed going through the ship and exploring.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Seawolf Soul
challenging and a discovery dive
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the King Snefro 5
The most beautiful wreck of the world, I think, 4 dives on it were awsome! Alle the motocicles, lorrys inside, locomotives on the sand, rifles, boots... And thousends of fishes, bat fishes, jack fishes, and all the rest...
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Blue Pearl
Did 3 dives there, afternoon dive was to see the whole outer side, night dive and then morning dive inside, Ahmed was an excellent guide to make sure we got to see the all the key areas. Next time I go I will have much better knowledge and know where I want to spend more time looking around in.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Red Sea Adventurer
Very big and beautiful wreck. Two dives is the must, one outside and second inside of the wreck.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Emperor Superior
Once in a lifetime! I have been wanting to dive this wreck for 5 years!
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the King Snefro 5
just loved this experience - got the most incredible photos and it was like a history lesson under the sea
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Emperor Superior
Great wreck. It's so neat to dive on a wreck that still has all of it's cargo!
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Snefro Pearl
Thistlegorm was outstanding. We used a rope to descend and ascend - My dive guide took us into the wreck and the entire experience was awesome!
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Red Sea Adventurer
Very nice, must be one of the best wrecks out there. Huge and full of stuff to see.
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Snefro Pearl