| Access: by boat | Dive type: wreck |
| Depth: 12 – 30 m | Level: all divers |
| Snorkeling: no | Difficulty: easy to medium |
| Current: none or low | Site included in the dive package: no |
A former car and passenger ferry, the Salem Express is certainly one of the most controversial wreck dives in the Red Sea, being one of the greatest marine tragedies in the region, with significant loss of lives, which occurred in December 1991, when it sank just an hour away from its final destination, the Safaga Port.
The controversy over whether the wreck of the Salem Express should or shouldn’t be dived is one which will probably never reach a final and satisfactory conclusion. If you choose to dive it, keep in mind that doing so requires utmost respect and care, as there are still many personal items all over the wreck.
The Salem Express lies quite shallow. The wreck starts at 12 m and the seabed is at 30 m deep. This is a huge wreck (100 m long) and you will need at least 2 dives to explore it all. Beginner divers can turn around the wreck from outside and see the propellers, corridors, upper decks, restaurant and bridge. Whereas advanced and skilled divers can peer into windows and easily enter the ship from many points. The sea floor, 29 m deep, is littered with debris. At the stern of the ship, divers can enter the large car door. The wreck still contains cars and luggage.
Salem Express is a full day boat trip, subject to a minimum number of participants (7 people min.), since it is located in Safaga, 200 km north of Marsa Alam.
🕒 Duration: full day
€ Inclusions / Exclusions:
✓ Transfer from your hotel in Marsa Alam to Safaga port
(approx. 2h30) and back
✓ Full day on the boat
✓ Lunch, snacks and drinks on board
✓ 2 guided dives
✓ Air (12L tanks)
✓ Weights
✓ All taxes and fees
✗ Diving equipment (available for rent)
✗ Additional services
✗ Tipping
🕒 Duration: full day
€ Inclusions / Exclusions:
✓ Transfer from your hotel in Marsa Alam to Safaga port
(approx. 2h30) and back
✓ Full day on the boat
✓ Lunch, snacks and drinks on board
✓ 1 introductory dive
✓ Full diving equipment rental
✓ Air (12L tanks)
✓ Weights
✓ All taxes and fees
✗ Additional services
✗ Tipping