Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Lebanon

Mediterranean Sea - Eastern Basin

sea

Mediterranean Sea

province

Levantine Sea

ecoregion

Air Cavern

Air Cavern is located beneath the rocky shores of Hannouch and features a unique cold freshwater spring within. The site has two entrances: one accessible at a depth of 4 meters, suitable for less experienced divers, and another at 14 meters for those with medium experience. Inside the cavern, divers may observe various marine life, including shrimps and crabs, and there have been occasional sightings of the Mediterranean monk seal.

34.2933, 35.6704

Alice B (Wreck)

The Alice B wreck lies at a maximum depth of 37 meters, resting on the sandy bottom. The wreck is 50 meters long and 10 meters high, with the top starting at 27 meters. Divers can clearly observe the structure and are permitted to penetrate inside the wreck only if they have completed the required wreck training course. This site is suitable for divers with Deep and Nitrox Diver certifications due to its depth and conditions.

33.9827, 35.6068

Backyard

Backyard is a training site characterized by a rocky bottom that ranges in depth from 5 meters to 30 meters. It provides suitable conditions for various diving courses. While it can be accessed via shore diving, it is more effectively reached by boat. Divers may encounter marine life such as remora, schools of rabbitfish, lionfish, sargos, and occasionally turtles during their dives.

34.1527, 35.6275

Bubbles Cliff

Bubbles Cliff is a wall dive that descends from 20 meters to 45 meters, offering the potential for drift diving. This site is part of a continuous wall along the Amchit shoreline. While the preferred access method is by boat, it is also possible to reach the site from the shore, although this requires a lengthy surface swim. The wall is home to various fish species, including groupers, mullets, cornetfish, and sargos. Divers often encounter stingrays resting at the base of the wall.

34.1492, 35.6224

Cement Wreck

The Cement Wreck, also referred to as Captain Michel’s boat, is a small freighter that sank in 1939. It lies on a sandy bottom at a depth of 40 meters, with the shallower part of the wreck at 35 meters. Originally intended to transport cement bags, remnants of these bags can still be observed on the wreck. The site serves as a habitat for various marine species, including seabreams, lionfish, stingrays, and groupers, which are attracted to the rusting structure.

34.2909, 35.6341

Maabour

Maabour is a multilevel dive site featuring a buoy located at a depth of 16 meters. The underwater slope extends westward, reaching depths of up to 40 meters. To the north, divers can access Bubbles Cliff. Marine life commonly encountered includes stingrays, moray eels, and lionfish. On occasion, divers may also spot a sea turtle.

34.1432, 35.6231

Maamal Hadid

Maamal Hadid is a multilevel dive site with depths ranging from 5 meters to 40 meters. The dive location is situated near the remnants of a former steel factory, where divers may observe remains of steel structures along the underwater landscape. Marine life at this site includes various species such as grouper, lionfish, sargos, and rabbit fish. Additionally, encounters with squids and turtles are common during dives.

34.1495, 35.6256

Palapas Shore Dive

Palapas Shore Dive is accessible from the shore adjacent to Tabarja Beach resort, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The site features a rock formation that supports a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various fish species, octopuses, and occasionally stingrays. Additionally, there is a shallow shipwreck located nearby, enhancing the dive experience.

34.0147, 35.6245

Pyramids

Pyramids is an advanced dive site located near the sandy beach of Jbeil. The site features several pyramid-like structures on the sea floor, with an average depth of 38 meters. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including lionfish, stingrays, large groupers, and kingfish. The conditions here are suitable for experienced divers due to the depth and potential currents.

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Smashed

Smashed is a dive site characterized by a combination of rock and sand, situated approximately 10 minutes from the shore. The depth at this location ranges from 9 meters to 55 meters. A notable feature of this site is a shipwreck, although specific details regarding the circumstances of its damage are not available. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life here, including lionfish, stingrays, seahorses, and turtles, contributing to the area's biodiversity.

34.0392, 35.6267

The Edge

The Edge features a notable drop-off that descends from 30 meters to 50 meters. This vertical wall provides habitat for various sponges and fish species. It serves as an ideal location for advanced diving training. Divers can expect to see marine life such as groupers, lionfish, stingrays, turtles, and moray eels. Occasionally, sea stars may also be spotted in the area.

34.1697, 35.6203

The Tunnels

The Tunnels is a shallow dive characterized by a rocky bottom, making it accessible with an easy shore entry. At the entry point, freshwater springs contribute to cooler water temperatures, so wearing a wetsuit is recommended even during the summer months. Divers may encounter small fish, and on occasion, a turtle may visit the area. The entry point also serves as a spawning pool, providing opportunities for photography.

34.1705, 35.6310

University of Balamand Reef

The University of Balamand Reef is an artificial reef established in 2020, featuring a combination of metal structures, cement, and clay amphoras. This site is currently in the process of attracting a variety of marine species, including groupers, sargos, rays, and lionfish. The reef is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore its developing ecosystem.

34.1884, 35.6228

valley

Valley is a dive site located in Amchit, characterized by a rocky formation that descends from 22 meters to 34 meters in depth, surrounded by sandy valleys. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including stingrays, turtles, lionfish, and groupers, which are present throughout the year. The site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for divers to access the underwater features directly.

34.1545, 35.6227