Port Sudan
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Sudan. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Sudan
- Region
- Red Sea State
- Population
- 500,000
- Best time to go
- November to March
- Main airport
- Port Sudan New International (PZU)
- Coordinates
- 19.62°N, 37.22°E
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Overview
Port Sudan is the country's main seaport, founded by the British in the early twentieth century on the Red Sea coast. The town itself is functional, but offshore lie some of the least-visited and most pristine reefs in the Red Sea.
Travel to Sudan is not advised at present. This guide looks ahead to a time when divers and travellers can return safely to the coast and the old coral town of Suakin.
Things to see
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Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Sp, Public domain Sanganeb Marine National Park
A coral atoll with a lighthouse, walls of coral and sharks, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain The Umbria wreck
An Italian liner scuttled in 1940 just off the port, now encrusted with coral and full of fish.
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Photo: Bertramz, CC BY 3.0 Suakin
The ruined coral-stone town to the south was once Sudan's chief port and a departure point for pilgrims.
Things to do
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Liveaboard diving
Dive boats from Port Sudan reach remote reefs and Jacques Cousteau's old underwater station at Sha'ab Rumi.
Find tours -
Photo: Malik Adam Abuzaid, CC0 Fresh fish by the sea
Pick a fish at the market and have it grilled or fried at a simple restaurant nearby.
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Photo: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Sp, Public domain Dungonab Bay
A remote bay to the north, known for dugongs and manta rays, part of a protected area.
Where to stay
City centre
A handful of hotels near the port and the corniche.
Hotels in City centreLiveaboard boats
For divers, a boat is the best way to see the reefs.
Hotels in Liveaboard boats
Getting around
Taxis and hired drivers are needed for Suakin and the coast.
The airport is a short drive south of the town.
When to go
November to March is cooler and best for diving, with good visibility. Summer brings extreme heat and humidity on the coast.
Plan your trip to Port Sudan
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.