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Scuba Diving in Sudanese Red SeaSD
Liveaboard territory accessible from Port Sudan. Strict permit caps protect reefs in near-pristine condition. Shark Reef, Sanganeb Atoll, and the Brothers Islands are the headline sites.
Why here
One of the last truly unexplored dive frontiers. Strict government permit limits mean very few boats operate here, and the reefs have never experienced the volume of dive traffic that affected the Egyptian Red Sea. Sanganeb Atoll produces hammerhead aggregations; Sha'ab Rumi has Jacques Cousteau's original research station visible on the reef.
Best months
Visibility 20-40m — among the clearest on the entire Red Sea. Water temp 22-28°C. Strong currents at pinnacle and open-water sites (Sanganeb, Darraka). Hammerheads most abundant Jun-Sep; grey reef sharks, silvertips, and oceanic whitetips year-round. Sha'ab Rumi: Cousteau's Continental Shelf Station sits on the reef at 15m. Umbria wreck: Italian cargo ship at 36m, intact and diveable.
Getting there & around
Fly to Port Sudan via Cairo or Khartoum — limited connections, book early. Visa required; check current entry requirements for your nationality. Liveaboards are the only format: 7-10 day itineraries from Port Sudan. Very few operators — book 6-12 months in advance. Basic infrastructure in Port Sudan; arrive the day before departure.
Skill levels: intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (3)
Blue Force Fleet
OutfitterGerman-operated liveaboard fleet offering Sudan and Egyptian Red Sea expeditions. Covers the Sudanese coast's remote pinnacles and wrecks including the Umbria. Experienced crew with deep knowledge of shark aggregation sites and unexplored southern reefs.
Don Questo
OutfitterItalian-owned expedition liveaboard specialising in Sudan's Red Sea since 1998. The only vessel in Sudan equipped with an onboard hyperbaric chamber. Covers South and Deep South cruise routes including over 21 discovered dive sites. Strong environmental ethos — no anchoring on reefs.
MV Tala
OutfitterPADI Travel-listed liveaboard covering Egyptian and Sudanese Red Sea routes including Precontinent II (Jacques Cousteau's underwater station site) and Sudan's deep south. Suited to experienced divers holding Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent.