Cousteau's Conshelf II (Precontinent II)

The Plongeur Reef

Sha'ab Rumi North Point

Sha'ab Rumi South Point

All dining is provided aboard the liveaboard vessel at Sha'ab Rumi. Sudanese liveaboard operators serve fresh Red Sea seafood daily alongside international cuisine including pasta, grilled meats, salads, and traditional Sudanese dishes. Karkadeh (hibiscus tea) and Sudanese coffee are available throughout the day. The communal dining experience aboard the liveaboard is a highlight of the expedition, with divers sharing shark encounter stories over dinner while the crew prepares fresh catches from the day's fishing.

M/V Don Questo

M/V Royal Evolution

M/V Odyssey

M/V Sea Serpent

Sha'ab Rumi holds a special place in diving history as the site of Jacques Cousteau's pioneering Precontinent II underwater habitat experiment in 1963. The remains of this legendary underwater village, including shark-cage frames, a dome-shaped hangar, and commemorative plaques, still lie on the sea floor at 12 metres and are visited by divers from around the world. Beyond its historical significance, Sha'ab Rumi is one of the most thrilling shark diving destinations on Earth. The South Point is world-famous for grey reef sharks, schooling scalloped hammerheads at peak season from April to June, silvertip sharks, barracuda tornadoes, and eagle rays on the deep wall. The North Point offers calmer conditions with green turtles and bumphead parrotfish in coral garden settings. The Plongeur Reef features hanging walls with schooling unicornfish and manta ray passes. Sha'ab Rumi sits approximately 45 minutes by liveaboard from Port Sudan and is included in virtually every Sudan liveaboard itinerary as an essential stop combining history, sharks, and spectacular coral formations.

Sha'ab Rumi

Peak diving season with calm seas, excellent visibility of 20-40 meters, and warm water temperatures.

Hottest months with potential for strong winds and rough seas reducing dive accessibility.

Good conditions with occasional wind and generally acceptable visibility for diving.

Sha'ab Rumi is located approximately 45 minutes by liveaboard east of Port Sudan harbour. It is included in virtually all Sudan liveaboard itineraries as a key destination. The reef is accessible only by boat with no shore facilities. Most liveaboards spend 1-2 days at Sha'ab Rumi offering 4-8 dives across the various sites.

Dive Sites in Sha'ab Rumi

Cousteau's Conshelf II (Precontinent II)

The Plongeur Reef

Sha'ab Rumi North Point

Sha'ab Rumi South Point