Saudi Arabia Scuba Diving Travel Guide - Bluewater Dive Travel
Back to list of destinations

Saudi Arabia

4.75
(1 REVIEW)
Diving in Saudi Arabia
Diving in Saudi Arabia
Diving in Saudi Arabia
Diving in Saudi Arabia
Diving in Saudi Arabia
Diving in Saudi Arabia
Diving in Saudi Arabia
Diving in Saudi Arabia

 

Scuba diving in Saudi Arabia

Book Now Button

Saudi Arabia DIVING HIGHLIGHTS

For many, Saudi Arabia is not the first destination that springs to mind when considering scuba diving destinations, but perhaps that is why it remains an unspoiled gem waiting to be discovered. Clear waters, excellent visibility, and consistent water temperatures create the perfect conditions to explore this untouched underwater paradise.

Saudi diving

 

Jump to:

Introduction - When to go - Marine Life

Diving Conditions - Dive Sites - How to Get There

How to Dive - Topside Activities

 

INTRO TO saudi arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lies at the furthermost part of southwestern Asia, extending across most of the northern and central Arabian Peninsula. It is nestled between the Arabian Gulf to the east, and the Red Sea to the west. Its western coastline is approximately 1,600km in length, representing 79% of the Arabian Peninsula’s Red Sea shoreline, filled with untouched pristine reefs, most of which remain unexplored.

While Saudi Arabia may be visited less frequently than other popular dive areas around the Red Sea, the marine life is no less impressive. Not only does the area host an abundance of pelagic marine life, including a healthy population of sharks and more than 1,200 species of fish amidst a plethora of healthy corals, but divers can also explore ancient wrecks, walls, caves and more. 

 

 

WHEN TO GO

Saudi Arabia is a year-round diving destination, thanks to its stunning climate. The water temperatures of the Red Sea hover between 68 and 88°F (20 to 31°C) throughout the year. The high season in the Red Sea is March to May, and the low season is December to February.

Alternatively, you may opt to dive in the Persian Gulf. The water temperatures are similar to that found in the Red Sea, but you'll find the dive sites are considerably less busy. 

Saudi diving

Back to Menu

 

Diving Information 

Book Now Button

Saudi arabia Marine Life   

As a diving destination, Saudi Arabia is relatively undiscovered by tourists, which means its underwater landscape is pristine and untouched. There are not many places in the world with such well-preserved dive sites home to a wide range of marine life. 

When diving in Saudi Arabia, you'll come across things like Red Sea Clownfish, Tassled Scorpionfish, Green Turtles, Dugongs, Humphead Wrasse, Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, King Mackerel, Coral Trout, Great Barracuda, Solitary Sailfish, Whale Sharks, nearly 50 species of shark and much more!

Saudi diving

The waters of Saudi Arabia are packed full of life, from small to big! 

Diving Conditions

  • Water Temperature: Water temperature: 68 to 88°F (20 to 31°C)
  • Visibility: Visibility is excellent, reaching up to 200 feet (60m)
  • Diving Difficulty: Suitable for all levels, including technical divers and snorkelers.

 

Dive Sites 

Jeddah 

Jeddah is one of the most popular diving areas in Saudi Arabia. There are a lot of great reefs and wrecks to explore, such as the Ann Ann Wreck, Chicken Wreck, Cable Wreck and Marbel Wreck.

Jeddah Diving Jeddah Diving

Cable Wreck (Left), Ann Ann Wreck (Right)

You can access all of the wrecks and stunning reefs via boat, and the water temperatures are usually a comfortable 80-86 degrees (27-30 celsius), except November to March when the water starts to cool down and can reach as low as 71 degrees (22 celsius). During these winter months, the wind comes from the south, resulting in big waves and strong currents.

Shore diving in Jeddah is primarily resort-based.

 

Yanbu

Yanbu is around 350km north of Jeddah and is called the capital of diving. Diving in Yanbu is incredible; the visibility is usually so excellent that it's not uncommon to see the sea bed 60ft below from the boat's deck. Some diving sites in Yanbu include the Iona Wreck (one of the most famous wrecks in Saudi Arabia), Nemo Garden, Seven Sister Reef, Abo Qalawa.

Yanbu Yanbu

Nemo Garden (Left), Seven Sister Reef (Right)

 

Al-Lith 

In the south of Saudi Arabia, Al-Lith is where you'll find lots of school fish and  pristine reefs. If you intend to visit Al-Lith, you'll need to plan your trip carefully as it's a little more off the beaten path. Contact us for help, our expert dive travel advisors can help you plan the perfect diving trip to Saudi Arabia!

Back to Menu

 

Travel Information 

Book Now Button

How to Get There 

Getting to Saudi Arabia is easy, there are four main international airports: King Khalid International Airport (RUH) - Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) - Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport (DMM) - Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) - Medina. There are also a number of smaller regional domestic airports around the country.

There are no covid-related restrictions and tourist visas can be applied for quickly and easily online.  

How to Dive saudi arabia

The best way to dive Saudi Arabia is by liveaboard. The dive industry in the country is growing quickly, but currently there are limited options to choose from. The M/Y Almonda is an excellent choice. It's a 40m/144ft long boat that can accomodate up to 24 guests.  

Topside & Non-Diving Activities

  • Historic forts
  • Oman's rugged mountains, offering some stunning scenery and great opportunities for non-divers or non-diving days
  • Huge desert dunes
  • Nice beaches
  • Shopping

 

Back to Menu

 

LIVEABOARD AVAILABILITY

Book Now Button

Back to Menu

Other Useful Information 

Book Now Button

Practical Information

  • Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
  • Language: The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken at resorts
  • Main Airport Code: RUH
  • Time Zone: UTC+3
  • Electricity: 240 volts, 60Hz

Back to Menu

Saudi diving

Saudi diving

GOT QUESTIONS? READY TO BOOK?

Call us today at 310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com

And let us book your dream vacation!

Back to Menu

Reviews (1)

  • Top Reviewer
GillF
12 Reviews
Mark as helpful 
5
4
5
5

I dived the Farasan Banks itinerary which is run from February through to May. After that it gets too hot in the south so the boat moves north to dive a different itinerary. I thought the diving was fantastic - new dive sites are being discovered all the time, and the guides are actively exploring and discovering new areas to add to the itinerary. There is one other boat that was also running this itinerary, but we only crossed paths with them once during the entire trip.

Most sites are fringing reef, with a large plateau at 30-40m leading to a steep drop off. We tended to dive the more exposed end of the reef to give us the best chance of spotting pelagics. Most dives started with a swim out above the plateau to the drop-off, 20 minutes in the blue looking for big stuff, and then a slow swim back up to the reef for the final 20 minutes exploring the shallows. The water was warm - between 27 and 30 Celsius. At some sites we had light to medium current, but we generally drifted with it rather than having to swim against it. Entries and exits were a mix of zodiac diving or straight from the main boat, depending on the conditions and how close we could get to the reef.

We were briefed to expect schooling hammerheads, huge shoals of barracuda and tuna, and plenty of silky, whitetip, and grey reef sharks. However, the water temperature had warmed up to the point that the big stuff was much deeper than it had been several weeks before. The other group had one encounter with a group of around 30 scalloped hammerheads that circled them for 5 minutes, but we generally didn’t see as much pelagic life as in previous trips. The guides told me that the best time to dive was February through April when the water is around 25C. We did spot one or two lone hammerheads, a couple of eagle rays, and a mobula ray. But the best experience was a family of dolphins that hung out with us for 10 minutes during our safety stop.

I was most impressed by the condition of the coral reefs. I have never experienced such healthy corals and sponges. The entire reef is covered - no patches of rock or areas of dead or damaged coral. It’s pristine! And there are tons of small and medium fish life. The ecosystem seems to be in perfect balance - completely untouched. Swimming over the plateau areas we looked down on nesting trigger fish, reef sharks sleeping on sandy patches, small groups of juvenile barracuda and jack - the amount of life was exceptional.

Saudi Arabia has a poor reputation in the west, however, I didn’t experience anything negative during my travel into and out of the country. The new international airport (Terminal 1) is very modern and well organised. The arrivals area has food and coffee outlets, a huge aquarium, and is only a short walk to the transport waiting area. Credit card and wireless payments are readily accepted. The Saudis I encountered spoke good English and were friendly and helpful.

I didn’t venture further than the airports on this trip, however, I met a lady on the boat who lives in Dubai and regularly travels throughout the Gulf States. She had just completed a road trip around Saudi with another female friend and the photos looked fantastic! She didn’t encounter any problems from a safety point of view, in fact she said she felt it was one of the safest Middle Eastern countries she has visited.

There is no requirement for non-Muslim ladies to wear a headscarf, in fact there were many without at the airport. Both men and women should cover their legs and shoulders when out in public - loose trousers and a t-shirt is perfectly acceptable. Once on the boat, it was no issue to wear standard liveaboard clothing - the crew are all Egyptian so quite comfortable with guests wearing shorts and vests, swimsuits, etc.

Visited on 05/2023 - Submitted on 05/28/2023

BE THE FIRST TO GET NEWS AND SPECIALS

Sign up for the mailing list today