Gubal and Abu Nuhas is defined by wrecks. Virtually every site here features a shipwreck, from the deep, upright Rosalie Moller to the shallower hulls of the Giannis D, Chrisoula K, Ulysses, and Carnatic clustered along Sha'ab Abu Nuhas reef. Most dives are boat-only and suit intermediate divers, though the Rosalie Moller demands advanced experience. Reefs, walls, and drift conditions at Gubal Island and Small Gubal add variety. The marine life colonising these wrecks is rich, with Crocodilefish, Giant Moray, Indian Lionfish, and Bluespotted Fantail Ray observed consistently across the region.
Monthly water temperature across Gubal & Abu Nuhas's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water stays warm through the year, rising through summer and autumn and dipping only slightly in late winter and early spring. The cooler months from March through May, and again from September through November, attract the most diving activity, likely reflecting calmer surface conditions and favourable visibility. Currents run strong at several sites, particularly around Gubal Island and Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, so drift-dive experience is an advantage.
2 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Gubal & Abu Nuhas ranges from about 22°C in February to 27°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 27°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Gubal & Abu Nuhas; in the coldest months (about 22°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 11 sites in Gubal & Abu Nuhas (11 scuba diving sites and 3 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Gubal & Abu Nuhas's dive sites, April, May, September, October and November are most often reported as the best months to visit.
The wrecks and reefs here support a wide range of species observed consistently across the region. Crocodilefish, Indian Lionfish, and Scorpionfish are found at nearly every site, along with Giant Moray, Bluespotted Fantail Ray, and Chromodoris Nudibranch. Reef fish including Twoband Clownfish, Yellowbar Angelfish, Regal Angelfish, Crown Butterflyfish, and Desjardin's Sailfin Tang are common throughout.
The majority of sites are rated intermediate, making them accessible to divers who hold an entry-level certification and have some open-water experience beyond their course. Several sites involve overhead environments inside wreck sections, which require additional awareness. The Rosalie Moller is the exception, rated advanced due to its significant depth range.
Every site in the region requires boat access. There are no shore entries. Divers should plan liveaboard or day-boat departures accordingly, as the sites are spread across open water and around offshore reefs and islands.
Sha'ab Abu Nuhas is primarily a wreck destination, with multiple vessels including the Giannis D, Chrisoula K, Carnatic, and Ulysses resting along or near the same reef. Gubal Island offers broader variety, combining wall, reef, wreck, and drift diving in a single location, and is noted for strong currents that give the dive a more dynamic character.
