Sudan

Found in large schools patrolling the drop-offs of the offshore reefs.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Commonly seen on almost every offshore reef, often curious about divers.

Grey Reef Shark

Massive schools of chevron and great barracuda often congregate at the reef points.

Barracuda

Large groups of these giant fish can often be seen grazing on the reef flats.

Bumphead Parrotfish

Sudan offers a raw and pristine Red Sea experience that stands in stark contrast to the more crowded reefs further north. The Sudanese Red Sea is a land of legends, where Jacques Cousteau conducted his pioneering Precontinent II underwater living experiment at Shaab Rumi. The reefs here are characterized by exceptional coral health and dramatic drop-offs that fall into the abyssal depths, attracting schools of scalloped hammerheads and other large pelagics. Sudan is also home to iconic shipwrecks, most notably the 'Umbria,' often cited as one of the best wreck dives in the world, perfectly preserved with its cargo of vehicles and bombs. Because of the limited tourism infrastructure, most diving is conducted via liveaboard, allowing divers to reach remote atolls like Sanganeb with its historic lighthouse. For the adventurous diver, Sudan provides a sense of discovery and a level of marine life abundance that harkens back to the early days of Red Sea exploration, all set against a backdrop of rugged desert landscapes and warm Sudanese hospitality.

Liveaboards are the lifeblood of Sudanese diving. They provide the only way to reach the best reefs and provide a comfortable base in a region with limited land-based infrastructure.

Coral Hotel Port Sudan

Basiri Hotel

Palace Hotel

The legendary heart of Sudanese diving, home to hammerheads and Cousteau's legacy.

Sanganeb & Shaab Rumi

The southern reefs of Sudan, offering pristine coral and deep-water drop-offs.

Suakin Archipelago

A remote northern bay famous for its biodiversity and manta ray sightings.

Dungonab Bay

For divers, the most common transport is a transfer from Port Sudan airport directly to the harbor. Internal travel between Khartoum and Port Sudan is via domestic flights or long-distance buses.

Sample Dive Trip Itineraries for Sudan

Where to Stay in Sudan