Balena

Ever wondered what secrets lie beneath the shimmering surface of the Red Sea? Here in Hurghada, the Balena wreck whispers tales of a life both above and below the waves. The Balena, a Norwegian transport boat built in 1952, originally served as a mail ship. In the 1990s, she journeyed to Egypt, transformed into a liveaboard. Sadly, the Balena met a fiery end in 2001, sinking to her current resting place just a few hundred meters from the beach. Now, lying in a mere 9 meters of water, the Balena is a vibrant underwater oasis. Divers and snorkelers can explore her remains, marveling at the bustling marine life that calls her home. The wreck is remarkably well-preserved. Divers with even basic Open Water Diver certification can explore her decks. This shallow depth allows for extended exploration of the ship’s structure. Look closely at the colorful soft corals decorating the walls and railings. You’ll find boxfish and pufferfish darting amongst them. Schools of garfish and smaller barracudas circle the wreck, while blue spotted rays settle on the sandy bottom below. Around the stern, with its protruding propeller and rudder system, you might spot small gray morays. The Balena is particularly famous for the abundance of nudibranchs. These colorful sea slugs add splashes of vibrant color to the wreck. The water near the beach is rich in plankton. This creates somewhat cloudy visibility, but it also adds a mystical atmosphere to the dive. The Balena is more than just a wreck. It’s a testament to the ship’s history and a thriving ecosystem teeming with life.