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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 be on any divers '' dive' list in the Red Sea. She left Glasgow in June 1941 carrying locomotives for an Egyptian train company, 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 ammunition. Most of her cargo remains inside the ship's holds, except for two locomotives on either side of the shipwreck.
The Thistlegorm was rediscovered as a dive site by Jacques Cousteau in the 1950s, and during the diving boom in the 1990s, it became a world-famous dive site. The cargo is easy to view without wreck penetration because the wreck split 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 many 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 getting in the water and exploring before any of the day boats arrive from Sharm is well worth it. 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 orient yourself for the dive. The wreck is very large, so maybe even take notes in the briefing to 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 a tender.
Thistlegorm Underwater
The Thistlegorm is over 128 meters long and sits 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 most of it. It is best to start with the deeper profile at the stern, around 30 meters, and then work your way up.
The Thistlegorm is split in two, with the smaller stern section on its side and a fantastic break that exposes the layers of cargo decks. On the stern, in addition to the propeller, tanks, and munitions, machine and anti-aircraft guns are 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. 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 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 ship's stem, 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 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 from Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada. Both resorts have airports offering international flights from mainland Europe with further afield connections. 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 several 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.
Accessing the Thistlegorm by day boat starting in Sharm el Sheikh is also possible. The day starts very early, usually around 4 am, and returns around 5-6 pm. 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
- 9.3 Superb
- 358 Verified Reviews
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 Discovery II
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
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 SS Serena Dreams
High point of the trip--especially the ghostly night dive.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Pearl
Excellent, had some current but a lot of fun.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Only did exterior dive. Pulled out of first dive at the site as the current was VERY strong and choppy.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Snefro Pearl
Always a thrill, especially the night dive although externally the sea was stormy. I got in four (4) Thistlegorm dives, which was my desire as I like wreck dives. Giannis D was also thrilling.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Ghazala Explorer
Very fun wreak with a lot of things to see narrow inside, current, and many other divers can make diving challenging
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Snefro Pearl
Vis not great. Too many divers on the site but great wreck
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Nouran
Really interesting site, but water is a little silty due to so many divers probably.
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Great, even though we only got one dive in due to current and weather conditions that day
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Tillis
Legendary. Great photos of old bikes, cars and truck.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the SS Serena Dreams
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
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
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
Fantastic. Once in a lifetime. I was the last diver to leave the Thistlegorm. We had the whole wreck to ourselves.
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Blue Melody
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
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
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
Incredible Wreck, especially the night dive was unforgettable
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the Ghazala Explorer
Amazing wreck, maybe challenging with the current, be aware its very crowded in high season. Recommend to go off season. Many nudys inside the wreck.
Diving Thistlegorm in March on the SS Serena Dreams
Multiple dives here, to enjoy the complexity of the wreck and all of its attributes. Very impressive how well preserved it remains and the guides set us up very well to handle the drift and maximize time under water
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Snefro Pearl
That's really amazing! A dive in the red Sea and in the history of the world, as the WWII has changed the world depply.
Diving Thistlegorm in April on the Snefro Pearl
I'm not a fa of wrecks usually, but it was a lot of fun to see all the gear still on board.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Tillis
Certainly a highlight. Diving in such a iconic wreck is always something special. Not the most challenging wreck dive, but for sure one of the most impressive you can do.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Snefro Love
A little too crowded when we were there but an amazing wreck to dive nonetheless.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Snefro Love
such an incredible shipwreck to dive we did a night dive as well and it was amazing.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Snefro Pearl
Amazing experience to see and swim through the interior of this WW2 wreck. Our first wreck dive.
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Freedom III
Great, good visibility and very little current
Diving Thistlegorm in May on the Red Sea Blue Force 2
One of the best wreck dive sites in the world. Few dives
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Emperor Superior
Busy but we were there early enough to have a clear route through
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Freedom III
Amazing. Best to do it at night as it makes you focus on the small details. Brilliant.
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Red Sea Aggressor II
Great, very authentic and just as it was when it sank, a little bit crowded with multiple groups but worked out ok
Diving Thistlegorm in June on the Snefro Pearl
For divers which are attracted by wreck dives, this is one of the best sites I’ve ever known !
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Hammerhead II
Eerily wonderful. Sad that all those supplies never made to the men who needed them.
Diving Thistlegorm in July on the Red Sea Aggressor II
As expected, We did 4 Dives there to explore the full wreck including a night Dive.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Freedom III
A huge wreck that is quite deep considering the currents in August.
Diving Thistlegorm in August on the Ghazala Explorer
Excellent, nive dive was amazing
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Sea Serpent Excellence
This was a memorable experience to be remembered for a long time. We did two dives on the wreck and enjoyed both.
Diving Thistlegorm in October on the Tillis
Excellent. Four dives, only one of which with any real current
Diving Thistlegorm in November on the Snefro Love
Just stunning, feels like being a part of the WW2 history! Visibility and currents can be tricky in the area, but we spent almost a full day there and dove the wreck a few times with the night dive being the highlight!
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Ghazala Explorer
Amazing! Not crowded, light current, great visibility and a beautiful dive through a living museum
Diving Thistlegorm in December on the Emperor Elite
Lack of usual crowds that normally dive during high season. Good vis.
Diving Thistlegorm in January on the Golden Dolphin
Amazing, 3 dives of which one was a night one!
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Ocean Lovers
great wreck sometimes with strong current
Diving Thistlegorm in February on the Ocean Lovers