Scuba diving in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia DIVING HIGHLIGHTS

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. 

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Diving Information 

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!

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.

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.

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!

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Travel Information 

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

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LIVEABOARD AVAILABILITY

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Other Useful Information 

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

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