Susana Wreck

The Susana Wreck is the remains of the Excalibur (locally known as Susanna or Suzanna), a twin-masted sailing yacht and diving safari boat that sank in the mid-1990s following an electrical fire. The wreck sits upright on a sandy seabed at a maximum depth of around 20–22 metres and is one of the most approachable wreck dives in the Hurghada area, suitable for beginner divers.

Overview

The Excalibur was a dive safari boat operating in the Hurghada area when an electrical fire broke out in 1996, causing her to sink. The vessel settled upright on the sandy bottom, with the deck at approximately 14 metres and the hull bottom at 20–22 metres. The relatively small size of the wreck and its sheltered, upright position make it a comfortable introduction to wreck diving.

The Susana Wreck lies close to shore in calm, clear water. The hull is increasingly colonised by soft corals and serves as a habitat for macro photography subjects. The surrounding seagrass beds visible from the wreck attract blue-spotted stingrays and the occasional seahorse. Because the vessel is intact and undisturbed, its profile is clearly recognisable — masts, hull, and rigging are all present.

Wreck History

• Vessel: Excalibur (local names: Susanna, Suzanna, Susana)
• Type: Twin-masted sailing yacht / dive safari boat
• Sunk: Mid-1990s (circa 1996) following an electrical fire
• Depth: Deck at ~14 m; maximum depth ~20–22 m
• Orientation: Upright on sandy bottom
• Location: Hurghada area, northern Red Sea (coordinates 27.211°N, 33.848°E)

Dive Profile

• Depth range: 14–22 m
• Entry: Boat dive
• Conditions: Calm; the wreck is in a sheltered area
• Visibility: Typically good — 15–20 m
• Penetration: Possible in the main cabin areas; torch recommended

Marine Life

The wreck structure and surrounding seagrass support nudibranchs, pipefish, blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels, and occasionally seahorses. Glass fish (cardinalfish) shelter in the interior spaces. Soft corals are establishing on the hull.

Photography

An excellent macro photography site. The sheltered, shallow, upright wreck provides stable composition opportunities. Ambient light at 14 metres on the deck allows natural light photography. Look for nudibranchs and pipefish on the hull structure.

Site Information

• Location: Hurghada area, northern Red Sea
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 22 metres

Sources: Dive3D — Excalibur/Susana, Hurghada wreck dive guides — Scubadore, Dive Hurghada — El Gouna dive sites. Last updated 2026-05-17.