Saudi Arabia is an emerging and exciting diving destination on the Red Sea coast, combining pristine coral reefs, rich marine life, and sunken historical sites. The clear blue waters of the Red Sea offer stunning coral reefs, a rich and diverse marine life, as well as exciting historic shipwrecks, whale sharks, and underwater visibility, making it a top destination for best scuba diving in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia marine life
If you are looking for scuba diving in the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia, prepare for a unique environmental experience that reveals an amazing marine world that includes:
- Shipwrecks: Available for diving all year round
- Hammerheads: All year round
- Manta rays: June to October
- Whale Sharks: February to May
- Sea turtles, reef fish, trevally, soft corals: available year round
Best places for the best scuba diving in Saudi Arabia
There are many places for best scuba diving in Saudi Arabia:
Jeddah
Jeddah is a vibrant diving hub, offering an impressive array of wrecks and reefs such as:
- Anna’s wreck.
- Coral reefs near the coast.
Night diving is also available, and most boat trips are available from the resorts.
See also: Diving in Jeddah Red Sea
Yanbu
Yanbu is known as the diving capital, and its most prominent sites include:
- Iona Wreck: A famous sunken British ship.
- Seven Sisters Reef: A popular area for hammerhead sharks that appear there throughout the year.
- Mark 39: A coral reef teeming with barracuda, snapper, and squirrelfish.
- Mark 32: An ideal location for underwater photographers, where tiger sharks and yellowfin tuna can be seen.
- Mark 41: Dive a magical wall filled with coral and tuna.
Al-Layth
Al Lith is home to numerous pristine coral reefs and tropical fish. Depths range from 30 to 300 meters, offering divers of all skill levels a chance to enjoy the underwater world.
Tabuk
Tabuk has the longest coastline on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, and is characterized by:
- It includes mega projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project.
- It offers warm, clear waters and pristine reefs that most divers have never discovered.
- Suitable for exploratory diving enthusiasts.
About Saudi Arabia
Located between the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia is a historical point of contact between Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was an important center of trade and still holds priceless cultural and historical treasures, from Mecca to the ruins of Mada’in Saleh. With the recent opening of tourism, visitors can explore more than 1,500 kilometers of coastline, dotted with pristine coral reefs, sunken wrecks, and sharks. Cities such as Jeddah, Yanbu, and Al-Lith are among the most prominent coastal destinations, offering excellent diving opportunities.
How to get to Saudi Arabia?
Direct flights are available to major cities such as Jeddah and Riyadh from many international capitals. It’s best to fly to Jeddah or Yanbu for easy access to the famous diving sites on the west coast, such as:
- Jeddah: The main gateway for diving, via King Abdulaziz International Airport.
- Yanbu and Jazan: They can be reached from Jeddah by domestic flights that take about an hour and a half.
- Riyadh: King Khalid International Airport can be an entry point, and cruises are also available from Egypt.
See also: Luxury Tours Saudi Arabia
How to dive Saudi Arabia and where to stay?
The best way to enjoy diving in Saudi Arabia is via liveaboard Saudi Arabia, which offers access to remote locations not accessible from shore, such as the 24-guest yacht M/Y Almonda, offering a luxurious experience. There are also dive resorts near Jeddah’s marinas. On land, a number of luxury resorts and hotels in Jeddah and Yanbu offer comprehensive diving packages.
Dive seasons and weather
Saudi Arabia’s west coast is suitable for diving year-round. Temperatures range between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius, and each season has its own advantages:
- Winter and spring: Ideal for diving in the south, such as Al Lith and Farasan Islands, where the waters are moderate and visibility of large creatures such as sharks is better.
- Summer: It is preferable to dive in the north, such as the Yanbu area, to avoid the high water temperatures in the south.
See also: Best Time to Go Saudi Arabia
Diving environment in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Red Sea is characterized by unique biological diversity:
- Type: Coral reefs and wrecks
- Level: Beginners and above
- Season: All year round, best from November to May
- Depth: 5 to over 40 meters
- Underwater visibility: between 15 and 35 meters
- Temperature: between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius
Why Saudi’s dive sites will challenge Egypt’s status?
While Egypt is known for popular diving destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, Saudi Arabia offers a different diving experience, featuring pristine coral reefs and undiscovered sites. The lack of tourist crowds and the preservation of the marine environment also make Saudi Arabia an ideal destination for divers seeking unique experiences.
What is there to see for scuba divers in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea?
Marine life in the Saudi Red Sea includes a diverse array of creatures, such as sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and dolphins. You can also explore ancient shipwrecks and diverse coral reefs.
See also: Saudi Places to See
When to go
The best time to dive in Saudi Arabia is during winter and spring, when weather and sea conditions are ideal. During this period, underwater visibility is excellent, and temperatures are suitable for diving.
Non-diving activities
The Saudi experience isn’t limited to diving alone. Visitors can enjoy:
- Shopping in traditional markets
- Exploring oases and deserts
- Visit historical sites such as AlUla and Diriyah
- Mountain trekking, caving, and tasting delicious local foods.
See also: Fun Things to Do in Saudi Arabia
Practical information about Saudi Arabia
- Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- Language: Arabic (English is widely spoken in resorts)
- Electricity: 240 V, 60 Hz
- Time zone: UTC+3
- Visa: Available electronically for many nationalities
Top tips for your visit to Saudi Arabia
Follow these tips to enjoy a unique tourist trip:
- Book diving trips and accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Make sure to use sunscreen, as temperatures are high all year round.
- Respect religious and cultural customs and traditions.
- Ensure the quality and maintenance of your diving equipment before your trip.
See also: Guide to Luxury Tours Saudi Arabia
Diving off the coast of Saudi Arabia is not just a sport; it’s an adventure filled with discoveries and fascinating marine diversity. From Jeddah to Al-Lith and Yanbu, a wonderful experience awaits you. Whether you’re planning to dive Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea or simply want to discover scuba diving Saudi Arabia for the first time, Saudi Arabia awaits you with an unforgettable marine adventure.
Book your trip now by visiting Saudi Arabia Group Tour.
People also ask
Is there good diving in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Saudi Arabia offers some of the best diving sites in the Red Sea, with pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.
How much does it cost to scuba dive in Saudi Arabia?
Costs vary depending on the location and type of trip, but generally range between 150 and 300 Saudi riyals.
Which is the best Wadi in Saudi Arabia?
Wadi Lajab in the Jazan region is one of the most prominent tourist valleys, distinguished by its unique terrain and running water.
Which place is better for scuba diving?
Locations like Yanbu, Al Lith and Farasan Islands are among the top places that offer the best scuba diving in Saudi Arabia, providing diverse and unique experiences.
