Just a short boat ride from the shores of Hurghada lies one of the Red Sea's most accessible and fascinating shipwrecks — the Susana, also known as the Excalibur. This 22-meter vessel rests upright in just 15 to 22 meters of water, making it an ideal wreck dive for beginners and seasoned divers alike.

What makes the Susana truly special is its location. The wreck sits directly offshore from the SeaGull Hotel, where Pro Master Hurghada operates its daily diving trips. You can literally step off the beach, board a boat, and within minutes be descending onto this incredible underwater time capsule.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about diving the Susana (Excalibur) — from its history and sinking to the marine life you'll encounter and practical dive tips.

The History of the Susana (Excalibur)

The Susana was a 22-meter wooden-hulled vessel that served as a cargo and passenger ship along the Red Sea coast. In 1996, tragedy struck when an electrical fire broke out aboard the ship. The crew fought the flames valiantly, but the fire quickly spread beyond control.

With the vessel taking on water and the fire raging, the captain made the difficult decision to beach the ship near the shore. The Susana settled upright on the sandy seabed just off the coast of Hurghada, where it remains to this day. Fortunately, all crew members survived the incident.

Did you know? The Susana is sometimes called the "Excalibur" because of a sword that was once mounted on the bow — a nod to the legendary King Arthur's sword. Though the sword is no longer there, the name stuck among local divers.

Over the years, the Susana has transformed from a charred wreck into a thriving artificial reef. Today, it's one of the most popular dive sites in the Hurghada area, drawing divers from all over the world who want to experience a shallow, intact wreck teeming with marine life.

Dive Site Overview

Location & Accessibility

The Susana wreck is located directly offshore from the SeaGull Hotel in Hurghada. This is where Pro Master Hurghada is based, making it incredibly convenient for our guests. The boat ride from the hotel beach to the wreck takes just 5–10 minutes, meaning you spend less time traveling and more time exploring underwater.

Depth & Conditions

The wreck sits upright on a sandy bottom at a depth of 15 to 22 meters (50–72 feet). The top of the wheelhouse is at around 12 meters (40 feet), making it accessible to Open Water Divers with minimal experience. Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters depending on the day.

  • Maximum depth: 22 meters (72 feet)
  • Minimum depth (top of wreck): 12 meters (40 feet)
  • Visibility: 15–30 meters (50–100 feet)
  • Current: Generally mild to moderate
  • Water temperature: 21°C–29°C (70°F–84°F) year-round
  • Recommended certification: Open Water Diver or higher

What to Expect Underwater

Diving the Susana is like stepping into a living museum. The wreck is remarkably intact, with the hull, wheelhouse, and cargo holds still clearly visible. Over the years, the wooden structure has become encrusted with corals and sponges, creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem.

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Marine Life Encounters

The Susana is home to an incredible variety of marine life. Look for moray eels peeking out from crevices, lionfish hovering near the wheelhouse, and parrotfish grazing on the coral-encrusted hull. You'll also spot snappers, trevallies, and batfish circling the wreck. With a bit of luck, you might even see a turtle resting in the cargo hold or a reef shark patrolling the perimeter.

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Penetration Diving

For more experienced divers, the Susana offers limited penetration opportunities. The cargo holds and wheelhouse can be explored with proper training, equipment, and guidance. Always dive with a certified wreck diving instructor if you plan to enter the wreck — and never penetrate beyond your training and comfort level.

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Photography

With its excellent visibility, abundant marine life, and dramatic wreck structure, the Susana is a photographer's dream. Wide-angle shots capture the scale of the wreck, while macro lenses reveal the tiny creatures that have made the wreck their home. The shallow depth also means plenty of natural light for vibrant colors.

Dive Tips for the Susana (Excalibur)

Whether you're a first-time wreck diver or a seasoned pro, here are some practical tips to make the most of your dive on the Susana:

  • Buddy up: Always dive with a buddy and maintain visual contact throughout the dive.
  • Watch your buoyancy: The wreck has plenty of overhangs and tight spaces — practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate coral growth.
  • Stay within limits: The maximum depth is 22 meters, but the wreck's top is at 12 meters — plan your dive profile accordingly.
  • Bring a light: A dive light helps illuminate dark corners and brings out the vibrant colors of the corals and fish.
  • Go with a guide: Dive with an experienced local guide (like our team at Pro Master Hurghada) who knows the wreck inside and out.
  • Respect the wreck: The Susana is both a historic site and a thriving marine habitat — take only pictures, leave only bubbles.

Why Dive the Susana with Pro Master Hurghada?

At Pro Master Hurghada, we believe that every dive should be an adventure you'll remember forever. Here's why divers choose us for their Susana wreck experience:

  • Prime location: We're based at the SeaGull Hotel, just minutes from the wreck.
  • Experienced guides: Our Master Instructors and Divemasters know the Susana like the back of their hand — they'll show you the best spots and ensure your safety.
  • Top-tier gear: We provide well-maintained, modern scuba equipment from leading brands.
  • Small groups: We keep our groups small for a personalized, safe, and enjoyable experience.
  • Flexible schedules: Daily trips from the beach — book a morning, afternoon, or even a night dive on request.

Ready to explore the Susana (Excalibur) for yourself? Join Pro Master Hurghada for an unforgettable wreck diving experience. Book your dive today and discover why this wreck is a favorite among divers in Hurghada.