Sudan

Liveaboard Diving in Sudan

From Cousteau's Conshelf experiment to hammerhead sharks, Sudan has an adventure for every interest, but lack of infrastructure means this diving hotspot is best accessed by liveaboard.

Sudan liveaboards

Just south of Egypt, yet seemingly miles away, Sudan’s Red Sea holds dozens of world class dive sites yet only a handful of divers visit this African country each year. From world famous wrecks such as the Umbria to the healthy coral reefs and pinnacles which attract lots of sharks, this part of the Red Sea is sure to become a popular destination in years to come. There’s a good reason Jacque Cousteau picked Sudan to be the home of his Conshelf experiment. However, due to a lack of scuba diving infrastructure in this region of Sudan, the Red Sea is best dived from a liveaboard. Most of the liveaboard cruises in Sudan last between 6 and 10 nights. Most of the liveaboards in Sudan are budget-friendly yet adhere to a standard of luxury. All of the dive safari ships in the Red Sea are motor-powered, offering a smooth and quiet ride. The Cassiopeia, the MY Seawolf-Dominator, Le Baron Noir and the Don Questo all traverse the Red Sea of Sudan.

2 liveaboards in Sudan

MY Odyssey

USD 1,613Per trip

Don Questo

Pricing on request

See all 2 liveaboards

Diving in Sudan

Quick facts

Scuba Divers might choose to travel to Sudan for any number of reasons, but chief among them are fascinating shipwrecks, large numbers of sharks and colorful coral reefs. Reef sharks, oceanic whitetips, hammerheads, tigers and thresher sharks can all be encountered throughout the country. Whale sharks, manatees and dolphins may also surprise lucky divers. When you’re bored of the big stuff, you’ll be able to dive over healthy coral reefs with about 800 species of fish. At least 10% of these are endemic to the Red Sea. A vast number of dive environments greet liveaboard guests in Sudan. Dramatic drop-offs, shallow reefs, pelagic-filled pinnacles and open ocean drifts are included in most safari itineraires, but the most popular sites are the shipwrecks. Several are located at depths only tec divers can reach, but others sit within recreational limits. The Umbria represents an accessible World War II wreck and the Conshelf dive sites connect divers with the legend of Cousteau. While diving in Sudan can be suitable to all levels, many liveaboard itineraries require an advanced certification. Some operators will further require a tec or wreck diver certification along with 50 previous dives.

BEST TIME TO GO

March to June

The best time to dive in Sudan is from March to June or October to November. However, the Red Sea can be dived by liveaboard year-round, and the best time to dive this Middle Eastern region is a matter of personal preference. Do keep in mind that many liveaboards cut back departures in Sudan between July and September. December to February is the winter in Sudan. During these months, the water is quite cold, dipping to 73˚F (23˚C). However, during the winter months, you’ll have the best chance at spotting hammerhead sharks. December to February also boasts the best visibility in the Red Sea. Finally, the winter months represent the windy season, meaning that surface conditions may become quite rough. March to June are the spring months in Sudan. At this time, the air and water temperatures are both moderately warm, offering a fantastic balance. However, March to May is high season for diving in Sudan, so be sure to book ahead for the best deals. July to September are the low season for the Red Sea. Air temperatures reach uncomfortable levels for outside activity. Most liveaboard boats follow the marine life north into Egypt during these months. Finally, October to November is the autumn season in Sudan. Again, air and sea temperatures balance for comfort above and below the surface. These months are also the best time to spot thresher sharks and manta rays throughout Sudanese waters. Much like the spring months, liveaboards in Sudan can sell out quickly for this time period.

View our full scuba guide

How to Get to Sudan

The main port of departure for liveaboards in Sudan is Port Sudan. Most dive safari crews will arrange for roundtrip transfers from the airport for your convenience. The closest airport to Port Sudan is Port Sudan New International Airport. You may find the occasional direct flight from Europe, but it is generally more convenient to fly into either Cairo or Khartoum and then transfer to Port Sudan by domestic flight.

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