Red Sea Dive Report – Shore Entry
Date: February 22, 2025
Location: Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort, Red Sea
Max Depth: 22.6 meters
Bottom Time: 50 minutes
Water Temperature: 22°C
Visibility: 30 meters
Dive Summary from 2 dives:
Following the bad news that the boat was not allowed to leave the marina, a shore dive option was put on for the team. After a 35 minute commute, we arrived at the Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort.
The dive began with an easy shore entry from the beach at Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort. With calm conditions and excellent visibility, we descended smoothly onto the reef, which started around 10 meters and gradually sloped deeper.
The upper reef was vibrant, with colorful coral formations in shades of pink, green, and brown. Nestled among the corals, a stunning blue giant clam stood out, its vivid mantle adding to the reef’s beauty. Schools of anthias flitted above the corals, while a pair of clownfish guarded their anemone home, darting in and out playfully.
As we ventured deeper, a well-camouflaged lionfish hovered near a crevice, its striped fins gently waving with the current. Moray eels peeked from their rocky hiding spots, and triggerfish patrolled the reef. The continued slope of the reef provided a vast and open underwater landscape, making for a relaxed and visually stunning dive.
After gradually heading back to the shore whilst ascending, we completed a three-minute safety stop at five meters, where sergeant majors and juvenile fish swam among the coral outcrops. The shore exit was smooth and effortless, concluding a fantastic dive.
Wildlife Highlights:
• Fish: Clownfish, lionfish, moray eel, butterflyfish, anthias, angelfish, parrotfish, wrasse, triggerfish
• Other: Giant clam, school of glassfish
Overall Impression:
A calm and enjoyable dive with outstanding visibility and an abundance of marine life. The gently sloping reef provided a beautiful underwater landscape, with plenty of vibrant coral formations and exciting wildlife encounters. Looking forward to another dive soon!
Dive Report – Day 2
Location: Makadi Red Sea Resort
Depth: 26m
Water Temp: 22°C
Visibility: 30m
Dive 1 – Reef Dive
This dive was packed with exciting encounters. A few divers spotted a graceful sea turtle meandering along the vibrant coral. In one of the reef’s intriguing nooks, an octopus was first hidden within a crevice before moving its way along the reef, showcasing a brief color-changing display. Adding to the adventure, a crocodile fish was discovered weaving among an old, small wooden shipwreck, lending a mysterious touch to the dive. Moray eels were also observed peeking from the reef’s crevices, rounding out the dynamic underwater scene.
Dive 2 – Seagrass Dive & Reef Finale
The second dive transported us to a tranquil seagrass meadow, where calm conditions and clear waters provided an unobstructed view of the marine life. The highlight was a spotted ray gliding effortlessly over the seagrass, while small darting fish added to the serene ambiance. As the dive concluded, we transitioned into a final swim through an adjacent reef. There, we observed small fish and busy parrot fish diligently going about their duties, adding a delightful finale to an already memorable dive.
Final Notes
Day 2 showcased two distinct underwater worlds—from the vibrant, activity-filled reef with its turtle, octopus, crocodile fish, and moray eels, to the serene seagrass dive that culminated in a lively reef experience. Each dive contributed to an unforgettable underwater adventure at Makadi. Additionally, an elusive reef shark was reportedly spotted by a couple of the group; however, this sighting remains unconfirmed due to a lack of picture evidence.
Looking ahead to Day 3, the anticipation is building. We’re eager to see what new encounters await—will there be a rare dugong sighting to crown our diving adventures?
Day 3 Dive Report –
Sunrise Resort, Makadi Bay,
First Dive
Depth: 38.2m
Duration: 66 minutes
Highlights: A stunning reef teeming with life. A moray eel nestled between the rocks, keeping a watchful eye on its surroundings. Clownfish darting playfully among the anemones. A shoal of striped mackerel flashing silver as they moved in perfect synchronization.
Second Dive
Depth: 26.3m
Duration: 54 minutes
Highlights: A vast field of open sea grass swaying with the current, creating an eerie yet beautiful underwater landscape. A pair of eagle rays gliding effortlessly through the blue, their graceful movements mesmerizing to watch. In a coral outcrop, a shy octopus clung tightly to its home, blending seamlessly with the coral before we moved across the sandy bed leading back to the reef.
With spirits high, we anticipate an exciting change of pace tomorrow as we set out from the harbor by boat. The prospect of a more challenging environment awaits, promising new discoveries and thrilling encounters beneath the surface. Sharks? Rays? Turtles? Who knows. Or maybe, that shawarma is calling the fabled divers…
Day 4 Dive Report
Date: February 25, 2025
Dives: 2
Dive Sites: Ghannis D Wreck, Thistlegorm (Stern)
Depth: 25m (Ghannis D), 30m (Thistlegorm)
After a long-awaited clearance from the coast guard, we were on our way to our first dive aboard the Emperor Superior. The Ghannis D wreck, resting at 25 meters, offered a thrilling exploration filled with marine life and fascinating swim-throughs.
Descending onto the wreck, we began our dive with a delicate swim through the engine room, where beams of light filtered through broken sections, illuminating the rusting structure. Amongst the wreckage, moray eels peered from their crevices while vibrant reef fish darted in and out of the twisted metal.
Following the old hull, we navigated through additional swim-throughs as we ascended gradually to 10 meters. Schools of shoaling fish moved in unison above the wreck, creating a mesmerizing display against the backdrop of the deep blue. The dive concluded with a final exploration of the old wheelhouse before we made our ascent along the shot line, marking the end of another unforgettable dive.
Dive 2 – Thistlegorm (Stern Section & Deck Guns)
For our second dive, we descended onto the stern of the Thistlegorm, a WWII British merchant vessel resting at 30 meters. The immense structure of the ship stood before us, its history frozen in time beneath the sea. Our focus was on the stern section, where the imposing anti-aircraft deck guns remain as a haunting reminder of the ship’s wartime past.
The current was strong, making navigation around the wreck more challenging but adding an exhilarating element to the dive. Holding onto the structure, we carefully made our way toward the stern. A huge moray eel emerged from a crevice in the wreckage, its sinuous body weaving between the corroded metal, watching us with its unblinking eyes. Nearby, a large Cornett Fish hovered motionless, camouflaging perfectly against the ship’s aged framework. Schools of snapper patrolled the area, darting in and out of the wreckage, their movements dictated by the relentless current.
Despite the challenging conditions, the dive was remarkable, offering an intense and rewarding look at this historic wreck, now home to an incredible array of marine life.
Day 5 Dive Report Dive 1
Thistlegorm Wreck
Time of Dive: Early Morning
Dive Type: Wreck Penetration
Entered the wreck, exploring its cargo holds and passageways filled with WWII relics.
Saw motorbikes, trucks, and ammunition still intact, frozen in time. Early morning light filtering through the wreck created an eerie yet breathtaking scene.
Notable marine life sighting: a large black and yellow nudibranch, a striking contrast against the wreck’s surfaces.
Schools of fish weaving through the wreck, adding to the ghostly ambiance. A truly immersive dive into history, with a mix of adventure and marine life surprises.
Dive 2 – Ras Mohamed, Shark Reef & Yolanda Wreck
Dive Site: Shark Reef & Yolanda Wreck
Dive Type: Reef & Wreck Combination
Dive Highlights:
Turtle sighting early in the dive, calmly moving along the reef.
Blue-spotted rays gliding across the sandy seabed.
Crocodile fish blending seamlessly into the reef, a master of camouflage.
Finished on the Yolanda Wreck, surrounded by scattered bathtubs and toilets, remnants of its cargo.
A charming hour-long dive, full of diverse marine life and stunning scenery.
Dive 3 – Reef Drift Dive
Dive Type: Drift Dive Dive Highlights:
A steady drifting current carried us along the reef, making for a relaxing, effortless dive.
Multiple lionfish lurking near the corals, their delicate fins illuminated by the sunlight.
Some divers were lucky enough to see dolphins swim by, an exhilarating moment! • Dive ended with a smooth Zodiac pickup after launching the DSMB.
Dive 4 – Dolphin House (Night Dive)
Darkness enveloped the site, creating an intense and mysterious atmosphere.
Lionfish hunting under torchlight, using divers’ beams to track small prey.
A large ray hovering over the seabed, feeding on crustaceans.
A majestic spotted eagle ray gliding above, adding to the magical night experience.
Navigated back to the boat, wrapping up an exciting night dive filled with close encounters.
Final Thoughts: A fantastic day of diving, ranging from historic wrecks to thrilling drift dives and a mystical night dive. Each dive brought unique highlights, making Day 5 a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 6 Dive Report – Final Day of Diving
Thursday, 27th February Dive 1: Dolphin House
Max Depth: 12.1m
Visibility: 10-15m
64 minutes
The first dive of the day took place at Dolphin House, offering a calm and relaxing start to the final day of diving. Before entering the water, a mother dolphin and her baby were spotted near the surface, creating excitement for the dive ahead. However, no dolphins were seen underwater. The dive followed a sandy channel nestled between towering reef walls, creating a peaceful and scenic experience. The visibility ranged from 10 to 15 meters, allowing for clear views of the marine life and coral formations.
Notable Marine Life:
Lionfish hunting, using their delicate, fan-like fins to trap smaller fish.
Cornetfish gliding effortlessly, weaving through the reef.
Schools of silver fish moving in synchronized patterns.
Clownfish fiercely protecting their babies, darting in and out of their anemone home. A beautiful and relaxing dive, setting the tone for the final day of exploration in the Red Sea.
Dive 2: Umm Gamar
Time: Midday
Max Depth: 34m
Visibility: Excellent
Dive Duration: 51 minutes
The final dive of the trip took place at Umm Gamar, a site known for its steep reef walls, hidden cavern, and dramatic drop-off. With excellent visibility, the dive provided breathtaking views of the underwater landscape. Descending to 34 meters, the group explored a cavern overlooking a vast drop-off, creating a striking contrast between the enclosed space and the deep blue abyss beyond. The dive was filled with diverse marine life, making it a perfect way to end the trip.
Notable Marine Life:
Clownfish guarding their anemone home.
A moray eel peeking from its crevice.
Cornetfish moving gracefully through the reef.
A barracuda, sleek and powerful, cruising near the drop-off.
A large shoal of silver fish, shimmering as they moved in unison. A stunning and memorable final dive, encapsulating the beauty, adventure, and thrill of the Red Sea. Final Reflections: Despite earlier weather challenges that prevented the boat from leaving the harbor, the trip ended on a high note, with two incredible final dives showcasing the best of the Red Sea’s marine life and underwater landscapes. From the peaceful reefs of Dolphin House to the dramatic depths of Umm Gamar, each dive provided its own unique highlights. The excellent visibility, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking scenery made this a truly unforgettable diving experience. As the group surfaced and boarded the boat for the last time, there was a shared feeling of gratitude and fulfillment, knowing that this journey had been filled with incredible encounters, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Final Day – Reflections on an Unforgettable Red Sea Diving Adventure
Date: February 28, 2025
As we wrap up this incredible week of diving in the Red Sea, it’s hard to put into words just how special this trip has been. From the moment we entered the water on the first shore dive at Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort to our final descent into the dramatic depths of Umm Gamar, every dive delivered excitement, wonder, and unforgettable moments.
Trip Highlights
1. Diverse Dive Sites:
Each site offered something unique, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to eerie and historically rich wrecks. The mix of reef, wreck, drift, and night dives kept every day fresh and exciting.
2. Stunning Marine Life Encounters:
• Reef Explorations: Clownfish guarding their anemones, lionfish lurking in the corals, and majestic eagle rays gliding through the deep.
• Wreck Dives: The haunting remains of Thistlegorm and Ghannis D revealed a world frozen in time, with WWII relics and thriving marine ecosystems.
• Big Sightings: Moray eels, octopuses showcasing their camouflage, a curious turtle, and even a fleeting glimpse of a reef shark.
• The Unexpected: The enchanting night dive at Dolphin House, where lionfish hunted under torchlight, and the thrilling drift dive where dolphins made a surprise swim-by.
3. Thrilling Conditions:
From the easy shore dives with perfect visibility to the exhilarating currents around Thistlegorm, the week tested and rewarded divers of all experience levels. Even the initial setback with the marina delay turned into an opportunity to explore a beautiful reef by shore.
4. Camaraderie & Shared Experiences:
One of the most rewarding aspects of this trip was the shared excitement among divers. Whether spotting a hidden octopus, navigating a tight swim-through, or simply soaking in the underwater beauty, each moment was made even better by the collective energy and passion of the group.
Final Thoughts
This Red Sea diving adventure had it all—calm and vibrant reefs, thrilling wreck explorations, and a variety of marine life encounters that will stay with us for years to come. Despite early logistical hurdles, every dive exceeded expectations, reaffirming why the Red Sea remains one of the world’s top diving destinations.
With our gear rinsed, logbooks filled, and dive memories etched into our minds, we leave with full hearts and a deep appreciation for the magic of the underwater world. Until the next adventure—happy diving!