Saudi Arabia

Scuba diving in Saudi Arabia offers a remarkable experience, particularly along the Red Sea coast, which is home to some of the world’s most pristine and unexplored underwater landscapes. Divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins. Sites like Yanbu, Jeddah, and Al Lith are renowned for their clear waters, ideal for both beginners and advanced divers.

Yanbu’s coral gardens and Jeddah’s wreck dives provide a variety of experiences, from shallow reefs to deeper adventures. The Farasan Islands, a hidden gem, offer untouched diving spots with thriving biodiversity. Diving in Saudi Arabia also includes encounters with large pelagic species like whale sharks and manta rays during specific seasons. With its warm waters, unspoiled dive sites, and expanding diving infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is becoming a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts seeking unique and lesser-known adventures.

Yanbu – Seven Sisters

Known for its colorful coral formations and vibrant marine life, this site features seven pinnacles covered in soft corals, making it ideal for both beginner and advanced divers. Expect to see barracudas, turtles, and reef sharks.

Jeddah – Abu Tair Reef

A popular dive site with striking coral gardens, Abu Tair Reef offers a mix of shallow and deep dives. Divers can explore healthy hard and soft corals alongside schools of fish, such as snapper and jackfish, as well as occasional sightings of dolphins.

Al Lith – Shark Reef

Famous for encounters with large pelagic species like whale sharks, this dive site near Al Lith is a must for adventure seekers. During whale shark season (March to June), divers can get up close to these gentle giants.

Farasan Islands – Daws Reef

Located in the southern Red Sea, Daws Reef offers untouched beauty with colorful coral gardens, sea turtles, and schools of reef fish. Its remote location means fewer divers, allowing for an undisturbed underwater experience.

Yanbu – Sharm Obhur

A scenic dive site with caves and swim-throughs, Sharm Obhur is perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure and serene dives. Divers can explore coral walls with diverse marine life, including lionfish, moray eels, and nudibranchs.

Rabigh – Abu Galawa

This dive site is known for its stunning coral formations and clear waters, offering visibility up to 30 meters. The area is home to a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish and angelfish, and is suitable for all levels of divers.

Jeddah – Ann Ann Wreck

A fascinating wreck dive, the Ann Ann is a 90-meter-long cargo ship that sank in the 1970s. The wreck lies at a depth of 30 meters and has become a haven for marine life, including groupers, lionfish, and moray eels.

Duba – Abu Ghad

Located near Duba, Abu Ghad is known for its calm waters and diverse reef structures, making it an excellent spot for beginner divers. Divers can explore coral gardens and encounter small reef sharks, turtles, and a variety of tropical fish.

Al Lith – Mansi Reef

A favorite among photographers, Mansi Reef is known for its incredible visibility and rich biodiversity. The reef is home to countless species of corals, along with schools of colorful fish, making it perfect for underwater macro photography.

Haql – Coral Gardens

Situated near the Gulf of Aqaba, Haql’s Coral Gardens is a relatively unexplored dive site featuring pristine coral reefs and a variety of marine life, such as rays, butterflyfish, and triggerfish. It’s a hidden gem ideal for those seeking less crowded diving experiences.

Each of these sites highlights the rich underwater landscapes that make Saudi Arabia a rising star in the world of scuba diving.

The best time for scuba diving in Saudi Arabia depends on the location and what you hope to see underwater. Here’s a breakdown:

Red Sea (Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Lith, Farasan Islands)

The Red Sea coast is generally diveable year-round due to warm water temperatures that range from 24°C (75°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer. The ideal diving period is between October and May when air temperatures are cooler, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Visibility is often better during this time, and the sea conditions tend to be calmer, providing a more comfortable diving experience. March to June is whale shark season in Al Lith, offering a chance to encounter these gentle giants.

Persian Gulf (Dammam, Jubail)

The Persian Gulf experiences higher temperatures, with summer air temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Diving is more comfortable between November and April, when air and water temperatures cool down. This period also offers better visibility and more pleasant conditions for diving.

Overall, October to May is the prime time for diving in Saudi Arabia, especially along the Red Sea coast, due to the milder climate and ideal underwater conditions.