Sufa Wreck

INS Sufa missile boat wreck off Coral Beach, Eilat — a 45-meter Sa’ar 3-class (Saar 3) vessel deliberately sunk in 1994 to create an artificial reef.

Overview

The Sufa Wreck is a former Israeli Navy Sa’ar 3-class (Saar 3) missile boat deliberately sunk in 1994 to create an artificial reef off Coral Beach in Eilat. The 45-meter vessel sits upright on a sandy bottom, approximately 50 meters offshore, making it one of the most accessible wreck dives in the northern Red Sea.

Site Information

• Location: Coral Beach, Eilat, Israel
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Wreck dive
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 30 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-30 meters (50-100 feet)
• Current: Generally mild
• Best Time: Year-round, best visibility September to November

Marine Life

The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef attracting emperor angelfish, Arabian angelfish, lionfish, glassfish, groupers, moray eels, octopus, pipefish, Red Sea fusiliers, and sweepers. The hull is encrusted with soft and hard corals.

Dive Profile

Shore entry from the Coral Beach Nature Reserve. Descend to the wreck sitting upright at approximately 25 meters. The deck is at 18-21 meters. Explore the exterior and accessible sections while monitoring air and depth. Allow time for a safety stop at 5 meters.

Tips and Recommendations

• Bring a dive torch to illuminate interior sections
• Do not attempt penetration without proper training and equipment
• The wreck is close to shore, making it suitable for multiple dives

Safety Considerations

Shore entry with a short surface swim. Mild currents typical. Depth requires proper certification. Watch for lionfish and fire coral on the wreck structure.

Sources: Eilat Diving, Israel Defense Forces — Sufa (ship). Class correction (Sa’ar 3, 45m) confirmed via Israeli Navy records. Last updated 2026-06-27.