Diving atYolanda House Reef (Egypt)
Yolanda Reef presents a distinctive underwater landscape, where vibrant coral gardens blend with the scattered remnants of a shipwreck. This site features a small wall descending to a plateau between 12 and 20 m / 39 and 66 ft, adorned with numerous small pinnacles of colorful soft corals. Beyond the plateau, the seafloor dramatically drops to depths exceeding 750 m / 2,460 ft, creating a dynamic transition from shallow reef to deep ocean.
Evening condition tracking at Yolanda House Reef features an air temperature of 23°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.34m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Coordinates
27.7263, 34.2612
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
The site's narrative revolves around the Cypriot merchant ship Yolanda, which met its fate here in the 1980s. While a powerful storm eventually carried the vessel's main hull to extreme depths of 180 m / 590 ft, its extensive cargo remains distributed across the reef in shallower zones.
This cargo—a curious assortment of bathtubs, toilets, sinks, and even an old BMW—now forms an integral part of the underwater landscape. Divers navigate among these coral-encrusted artifacts, exploring structures that have been seamlessly adopted by the marine ecosystem. The fusion of natural coral gardens with these man-made remnants creates a compelling exploration, allowing divers to witness nature's reclaiming process.
The dive experience at Yolanda Reef frequently encompasses an adjacent exploration of Shark Reef. This combined approach, often managed as a single, extended drift, offers a comprehensive tour of the Ras Mohammed National Park's southern tip, guided by professionals to maximize the immersive Red Sea encounter.
Best Time to Dive
Planning your dive during the summer months, particularly around July, often aligns with peak visibility and abundant pelagic action at Yolanda Reef. Air temperatures during this period average 33-35°C / 91-95°F, and rainfall is typically negligible. While excellent conditions prevail year-round, July sees hundreds of schooling barracuda, jackfish, and batfish, adding to the spectacle. However, these months can also bring stronger currents, which, while beneficial for nutrient flow and marine activity, may affect visibility locally or for less experienced divers. The water temperature, not consistently reported but generally warm in the Red Sea, contributes to comfortable diving throughout the year, with less thermal shock affecting suspended particles.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Upon entry, divers are immediately immersed into a vibrant coral garden that characterizes Yolanda Reef. The initial descent often leads to a well-defined plateau ranging from 12 to 20 meters, where the first signs of the *Yolanda*'s cargo become visible, now encrusted and serving as artificial reefs. While the main wreck lies at extreme depths, the scattered sanitary fixtures and vehicle parts provide an archaeological element to explore. Currents here can vary; at times they are gentle, allowing for leisurely exploration of the pinnacles and coral formations, but they can also be strong, necessitating a drift dive approach. This diversity in conditions allows for varied experiences, from slow photography sessions to exhilarating drifts along the reef's edge.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating Yolanda Reef safely requires an awareness of its occasionally strong currents, particularly around the submerged mounds. These currents can be a significant factor, making guided dives highly advisable to ensure proper trajectory and safety for all certification levels. Divers should be mindful of their air consumption and no-decompression limits, especially if planning to extend exploration to both Shark and Yolanda Reefs in a single dive. Given the site's popularity, maintaining situational awareness regarding other dive groups is also important to prevent congestion and ensure a relaxed experience. Adhering to responsible diving practices, such as maintaining proper buoyancy and avoiding contact with corals or wreck remnants, is crucial here.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers planning deeper dives may feel cooler than those staying in shallower areas.
Many divers find that 3-5mm wetsuit offers a comfortable balance between warmth and mobility. Surface intervals may feel cooler. Environmental models indicate a modest warming trend ahead. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Current temperature readings suggest that the water at Yolanda House Reef is around 24°C (75°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 23°C (73°F).
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
EGP
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Yolanda House Reef
Observing the marine life at Yolanda Reef reveals a dynamic interplay between the natural reef and the artificial structures of the wreck. Blue Spotted Stingrays and Giant Morays are often spotted dwelling among the coral-encrusted sanitary fixtures and vehicle parts. Around the vibrant pinnacles and reef walls, divers commonly see schools of Snappers, Emperor Fish, and Fusiliers. Keep an eye out for well-camouflaged Stonefish and Crocodile Fish near the bottom, while the open water above the submerged mounds can host impressive shoals of barracuda, jackfish, and batfish.
Snapper
Shark
Batfish
Crocodiles
Emperors
Emperor Fish
Stonefish
Blue Spotted Stingray
Barracuda
Fusilier
Giant Moray
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main attraction at Yolanda Reef?
The primary draw is a combination of a vibrant coral garden and the unique scattering of cargo from the Yolanda shipwreck, including sanitary fixtures and an old BMW, all integrated into the reef ecosystem.
What kind of wreck is at Yolanda Reef?
The Yolanda was a Cypriot merchant vessel carrying general cargo. While its main hull was swept to deeper waters, numerous items like bathtubs, toilets, and sinks are spread across the shallower reef, making for an unusual archaeological dive.
What is the typical depth range for diving here?
Diving typically occurs on a plateau between 12 and 20 meters / 39 and 66 feet, where most of the wreck's cargo and coral gardens are found. The surrounding area can drop dramatically to depths over 750 meters / 2,460 feet.
Are there strong currents at Yolanda Reef?
Yes, currents at Yolanda Reef can be strong at times, especially around the exposed mounds. This makes it a popular site for drift diving, though guided dives are recommended for safety.
What marine life can I expect to see?
You can expect to encounter diverse fish species such as Snappers, Emperor Fish, and Napoleon Wrasse. Look for camouflaged Stonefish and Crocodile Fish, as well as schooling barracuda, jackfish, and batfish, particularly in summer.
Is Yolanda Reef suitable for beginner divers?
Due to potentially strong currents and the depth of the drop-offs, Yolanda Reef is generally better suited for certified divers with some experience, or beginners diving under strict guidance.
How is Yolanda Reef typically accessed?
Yolanda Reef is easily accessed by liveaboards departing from Sharm El Sheikh in Northern Egypt. Day boats from Sharm El Sheikh also frequent the site.
Can I dive both Shark and Yolanda Reefs in one dive?
Yes, it's common for experienced dive guides to plan a route that allows divers to explore both Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef within a single, extended dive.
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