This article is intended to provide the already qualified Scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of Sudan, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.

Understand

Sudan is the third largest country in Africa, with a coastline on the Red Sea. There is good diving near Port Sudan, either on live-aboards or from the Red Sea Resort north of Port Sudan. The windy season is from November to February and can make the boat ride to the dive sites uncomfortable. The water temperature varies between 20 and 22°C (68 to 71°F) in February and March and between 26 and 28°C (78 to 82°F) in August and September.

Dive sites

• Sanganeb reef
• Abington Reef
• Angarosh Reef — to the south of Port Sudan, 3.2 km (2 miles) from Abington Reef. The name can be translated from Arabic as mother of sharks, and it is likely to see various species, such as hammerheads, grey and whitetip sharks. The reef has a plateau at 25 m (82 ft) and another at 45 m (147 ft). There are consistently strong currents of about 1 knot. The reef is covered by soft corals and gorgonians. Other fishes which may be seen include barracudas, caranxs, mantas and napoleon wrasse. The depth ranges from 20 to 55 m (66 to 180 ft), and visibility from 10 to 30 m (33 to 99 ft)
• Jumna — a reef dive in the Sawakin Archipelago on a wall with deep drop-off. About 29 miles southeast from Port Sudan.
• Merlo — a reef about 3 miles from the lagoon of Shambaia.
• Shaab Rumi — a coral reef about 26 miles from Port Sudan.
• Shaab Amber — a coral barrier reef 33 miles from Port Sudan
• Umbria wreck — an Italian registered cargo vessel scuttled about 3 miles from Port Sudan by the crew to avoid capture at the beginning of WWII. 155 m long, 18 m wide, lying on its side in 36 m of water. The cargo included bombs, detonators, explosives, concrete, and three Fiat cars.