Dune Arcadia Liveaboard

DUNE Arcadia sails the waters of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, a region prized for being far removed from the crowds of Egypt. The vessel operates year-round.

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast is one of the last truly open frontiers for liveaboard divers. Submerged reefs and small islands stretch for more than 350 miles, from the port of Yanbu in the north to the Farasan Banks in the far south. Dive tourism here is still young, and very few liveaboards operate in these waters. Many sites see no other boats, so you are often diving a reef all to yourselves.

In the north, the Yanbu region is regarded as the kingdom's diving capital. It is home to the Seven Sisters reef system, and nearby Rabigh has the Five Sisters. The reefs here are known for healthy hard and soft corals, turtles, barracuda, and big schools of jacks. The Sisters are also well known for hammerhead sharks, which are reported on these reefs for much of the year. Shaab Ammar is another hammerhead hotspot. Qadd Humais is known for its vibrant soft coral gardens. For wreck lovers, the British steamship SS Iona lies a short distance off Yanbu harbour.

Farther south, the Farasan Banks are a different world. This volcanic archipelago of small islands and scattered reefs has white sandy bottoms, clear blue water, and a very rich mix of marine life. Expect large gorgonian fans, black coral walls, and bright red sponges such as those at Choppy Reef. Sharks are a highlight, with whitetip reef, grey reef, silky, and occasionally hammerhead sharks reported. Pods of spinner dolphins are sometimes seen in the lagoon at Mubarak Reef, too.

[See: Saudi Arabia Dive Travel Guide]

DUNE Arcadia offers 15 en-suite cabins, each accommodating up to 2 guests. Every cabin has its own private bathroom and is fully air-conditioned, a perfect place to relax after a day diving under the Saudi sun. The cabins come in three categories: Standard, Superior, and Deluxe. All three share the same core comforts, including free Wi-Fi, extra towels, and USB and USB-C charging.

The Standard cabin is the entry-level option and a great-value choice for divers who mainly need a comfortable place to sleep and recharge, while the Superior cabin offers added comfort. For the best views onboard, the Deluxe cabin has a sea view and is a lovely choice for couples or for guests who want to wake up to the Red Sea.

Meals are prepared onboard by the boat's chefs, with a varied menu designed to suit different preferences. The chefs use fresh, local ingredients. Special dietary needs can be accommodated, but the vessel and crew need to be informed in advance.