A Personal Dive into History and Emotion

If you're thinking about diving the Salem Express wreck, let me walk you through some personal tips and reflections that might help you decide. This isn’t your average dive—it’s emotional, intense, and deeply memorable. I’ve done this dive myself, and if you’re up for something powerful, it’s worth considering.

Here are my honest tips and insights to help you plan your Salem Express diving tour.

Tip 1: Know the Story Before You Go

Before booking anything, take some time to understand the history. The Salem Express was a ferry that tragically sank in 1991, carrying pilgrims returning from Mecca. Many lives were lost, and diving the site is more than just underwater sightseeing—it’s a moment of reflection.

Quick facts to remember:

  • Sank: December 14, 1991

  • Location: Off the coast of Safaga

  • Cause: Hit a reef during a storm

  • Type: Passenger ferry

Understanding this background will shape how you experience the dive—it’s not just about exploration, it’s about respect.

Tip 2: Ask Yourself Why You Want to Dive This Wreck

There’s no shame in being drawn to the adventure or the unique underwater landscape. But with a site like this, ask yourself if you’re mentally and emotionally ready.

Think about:

  • Are you okay diving at a site that is essentially a mass grave?

  • Are you interested in the history, not just the photos?

  • Are you ready to dive respectfully and follow your guide closely?

It’s okay if the answer is no. But if yes, you’re in for something unforgettable.

Tip 3: Choose the Right Dive Center

Not all dive centers handle Salem Express trips the same way. You want a team that treats the wreck with the reverence it deserves.

Look for:

  • Dive briefings that include the history

  • Guides with experience at the site

  • Safety-first approach to wreck diving

A great place to start booking is Jukadi.com—they list boats from El Gouna and other nearby hubs.

Tip 4: Prepare for an Early Start and a Long Day

The wreck is a bit of a journey from most resort areas.

If you’re in El Gouna:

  • Hotel to marina: ~30–45 minutes

  • Boat ride to site: ~1.5 to 2 hours

  • Tour duration: Full-day trip (6–8 hours)

Bring sun protection, something warm for the return ride, and your dive log to record the experience.

Tip 5: Respect the Site During the Dive

Once you descend, everything changes. You’ll see lifeboats, railings, even cabins—frozen in time. And nature has started to reclaim the wreck with soft corals and marine life.

My personal do's and don'ts:

  • ✅ Do listen carefully to your guide

  • ✅ Do stay outside sealed areas unless trained and allowed

  • ❌ Don’t touch or move anything—this is a memorial

  • ❌ Don’t enter small spaces unless you’re wreck-certified

Diving here feels like walking through someone’s home—handle it with care.

Tip 6: Bring the Right Equipment and Mindset

This isn’t a casual reef dive, so pack smart and dive safe.

Recommended gear:

  • Dive torch for exploring darker sections

  • Backup mask, just in case

  • Wreck reel if you’re planning penetration (with training)

And most importantly, bring a clear, respectful mindset. Leave the GoPro behind if it distracts from the moment.

Tip 7: Notice the Marine Life—but Don’t Make It the Focus

Yes, there’s life here. But it’s not a coral garden—it’s a shipwreck first.

What you might see:

  • Lionfish hiding in shadows

  • Moray eels among the broken railings

  • Batfish, wrasses, stingrays, and more

It’s a nice bonus, but let the history speak louder than the fish.

Tip 8: Dive Within Your Limits

Conditions at the wreck can change quickly, and currents can be tricky. This dive is generally suited for advanced divers.

What you’ll need:

  • Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent

  • Experience with deep or wreck diving

  • Comfort with emotional or intense dive sites

If it’s your first time wreck diving, let your guide know and stay conservative.

Tip 9: Visit During the Right Season

Weather plays a big role in how enjoyable (and safe) your dive will be.

Best time to dive:

  • March to November

  • Water temps: 24–30°C

  • Visibility: 15–30 meters

Avoid winter months if you’re not used to colder dives.

Tip 10: Reflect After the Dive

Once you’re back on the boat, take a moment to think about what you just saw. It’s heavy, it’s real, and it stays with you.

A dive like this doesn’t just go into your log—it stays in your heart. Talk to your guide or fellow divers. Everyone processes it differently.

Final Thoughts

Diving the Salem Express isn’t about thrill—it’s about depth, in every sense of the word. For me, it was one of the most memorable dives I’ve ever done, not because of the fish or the corals, but because of what it meant.

If you're curious and ready, don’t just read about it—experience it for yourself.

👉 Book your Salem Express wreck diving tour today through our trusted platform at Jukadi.com and secure your spot on one of the most unforgettable dives in the Red Sea.

Just remember this dive is a privilege, not a right. Treat it that way, and it will give you an experience you’ll never forget.