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.
Early observations for Yolanda House Reef report a surface air temperature of 30°C. The water surface is currently presenting wave heights of 0.4 m. Consider these environmental metrics before beginning your descent.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
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.
Yolanda House Reef
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Yolanda House Reef show 30° air, 27° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 36 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
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.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
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
Deep dive hazard. Increased narcosis and gas consumption risk.
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
Current and surface separation risk. Local briefing strongly recommended.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Reel / Spool
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Yolanda House Reef, Egypt. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 27°C (80°F), many divers find a 2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit provides comfortable protection.
Local dive briefings can provide the most accurate guidance.
Surface conditions are expected to warm up slightly in the coming days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to yolanda house reef.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
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.
Dive Sites Near Yolanda House Reef
View all dive sites in EgyptDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Yolanda House Reef
Working Hours
Today: 08:00 - 19:00
Story Divers
Circle Divers Sharm El Sheikh
Reef Oasis Dive Club
Seamax Sharm Dive Center
Emperor Divers
Sinai Dive Club
Scuba Diving Sharm
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Search Flights
Check available flights and routes on Expedia, using the nearby airports listed in this section.
Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently 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.
Planning to dive Yolanda House Reef?
Send one inquiry and receive offers directly from the best verified local dive operators.
Yolanda House Reef
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Yolanda House Reef show 30° air, 27° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 36 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.