🇸🇦Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Saudi Arabia

Gulf of Aqaba

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Persian Gulf

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Red Sea

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Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

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Somali/Arabian

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Arabian (Persian) Gulf

ecoregion

Gulf of Oman

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Northern and Central Red Sea

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Southern Red Sea

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Western Arabian Sea

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7 sisters (الشعاب السبعة)

The 7 Sisters, or الشعاب السبعة, consists of a cluster of seven distinct coral reefs known for their exceptional visibility and unique marine biodiversity. The site features strong currents and depths that are more suited for experienced divers, making prior diving experience beneficial. Divers can observe a diverse range of hard and soft corals, along with notable marine life such as large schools of great hammerhead sharks and barracuda. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.

23.8147, 37.9381

Abo Almadafee أبو المدافع

Abo Almadafee is a shore entry dive site characterized by its diverse marine life, including various species of sharks, tuna, barracuda, and dolphins. The site features notable underwater caves and an area suitable for snorkeling and swimming located behind the main dive site. Visibility is generally good, and the currents can vary, making it important for divers to be aware of conditions. Additionally, whiting fish and different types of shrimp can also be observed in this area.

22.0605, 38.7612

Abu Tair

Abu Tair is situated around 45 kilometers southwest of Jeddah and is notable for its diverse marine life and historical shipwrecks. The site provides a unique opportunity for divers to explore both the underwater ecosystems and remnants of past maritime activities. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of varying skill levels. The area is characterized by its rich biodiversity, which includes various species of fish and coral formations, enhancing the diving experience.

21.6731, 38.8305

alfasma

Alfasma is a dive site located at the end of Yanbu Creek, approximately 10 minutes from the coast guard center. This site is suitable for beginner divers and is characterized by a rich diversity of marine life. Notable species include guitar rays, dolphins, lionfish, and groupers, alongside many other typical Red Sea fish. The coral formations here are healthy and thriving, contributing to the vibrant underwater ecosystem.

24.1426, 37.9260

Alharrah الحرة

Alharrah is characterized by its ancient fossilized lava formations, which appear as black rocks along the shore. The site features soft sand beaches that are conducive for swimming and suitable for beginner divers. The depth reaches 10 meters within a distance of 400 meters from the shore. Marine life includes stingrays, clownfish, and various soft corals, along with nocturnal species such as shrimp and coral tubules.

25.1287, 37.2609

Altafyah Middle Reef

Altafyah Middle Reef is located approximately 90 kilometers south of Jeddah and is accessible via safari boats. The reef features large pinnacles that begin at a depth of 11 meters and extend down to 23 meters. Divers can expect varying current conditions, ranging from minimal to strong, and visibility can fluctuate between medium and excellent. The marine life is diverse, with sightings of shoals of yellow, blue, and silver fish. Additionally, groups of barracuda are often seen, along with occasional encounters with silky sharks, napoleon fish, and tuna.

20.9362, 39.1837

Anas Reef

Anas Reef is a coral island situated near the Abu Tair area. The reef is characterized by healthy coral structures and abundant marine life, contributing to clear waters that provide excellent visibility throughout the year. Commonly observed species include blue spotted rays and jackfish, along with schools of various fish. Additionally, blacktip reef sharks can occasionally be seen passing through the area. The site is accessible via shore entry.

21.6562, 38.8786

Bahadur Resort House Reef

The Bahadur Resort House Reef is accessible from the shore and is suitable for both entry-level and intermediate divers. The site features a diverse array of colorful corals and a variety of typical Red Sea reef fish. The underwater environment provides an opportunity to observe the rich marine life characteristic of the region.

21.7563, 39.0526

Blue Reef diver Training pool

The Blue Reef Diver Training Pool is located in North Obhur, Jeddah, and serves as a controlled environment for beginner divers. The pool is fully enclosed, preventing sunlight and air from entering, which creates a stable training atmosphere. It features a shallow area and a depth of up to 3 meters, making it ideal for students of all ages. This facility supports various aquatic education programs, particularly those focused on recreational scuba diving.

21.7616, 39.0739

Chicken Wreck

The Chicken Wreck, formerly known as M.V. Glaros, is a 60-meter-long cargo ship that sank in 1976 at a depth of 20 meters (66 feet). The wreck is covered with hard and soft corals and is frequented by various marine life, including pipefish, hawkfish, and lionfish.

21.7874, 38.8243

Coco Beach

Coco Beach, located in the northern part of Jeddah, is accessible from the shore and caters to divers of all experience levels. The site features two caves situated to the north at a depth of 3 meters, while a platform can be found to the south at approximately 5 meters, making it suitable for beginners. The dive site descends to a sandy bottom at a depth of 36 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including stingrays, white ribbon eels, sweetlips, clownfish, and parrotfish, along with diverse hard and soft corals typical of the Red Sea ecosystem.

21.7569, 39.0520

crazy eight

Crazy Eight is located 26 kilometers from Jeddah Creek and features a diverse underwater landscape. The northern section of the site has a shallow reef that ranges from 7 to 13 meters in depth, while the southwestern area presents a drop-off that extends beyond 60 meters. The site is known for its excellent visibility throughout the year. Marine life includes barracudas, jackfish, and moray eels, with silky sharks frequently observed in the vicinity. Typical Red Sea fish species are also abundant.

21.6548, 38.8721

Half Moon Bay (شاطئ نصف القمر)

Half Moon Bay is located on the east coast of Saudi Arabia in Alazeezia AlKhobar. Divers access the site from the shore, with a maximum depth of 7 meters. The area typically experiences minimal current, making it suitable for open water training. Visibility can be variable, which provides an opportunity for navigation practice and night diving. Marine life includes frequent sightings of angelfish and snappers, with occasional appearances of large groupers, crabs, and seahorses. Upside down jellyfish are also commonly observed.

26.1275, 49.9932

Jackson Reef

Jackson Reef is a notable dive site characterized by its diverse coral gardens, featuring both soft and hard corals. The site can be explored as a drift dive or a mooring dive. Divers may encounter challenging currents, particularly around the corners of the reef. The backside of the reef is known for sightings of hammerhead sharks, especially from July to October. A variety of marine life is present, including turtles, rays, sharks, moray eels, manta rays, jackfish, and tuna.

28.0059, 34.4652

Jackson Reef

Jackson Reef is located in the Straits of Tiran and is known for its diverse marine life. The southern part has shallow areas with soft corals and schools of reef fish, while the northern side experiences stronger currents with sightings of grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and hammerheads. Expect to see pods of spinner and Risso's dolphins in the area.

28.0126, 34.4713

Jana Island (جزيرة جنا)

Jana Island features several dive sites, including the north and south walls, Sabri reef, Chandelier, Cocktail, and Jana 2. The dive sites are accessible via a shore entry and offer a depth range, with the deepest point at the wall reaching 25 meters. Divers can explore greater depths by following the sandy bottom. The underwater environment is primarily composed of hard corals, supporting a diverse array of marine life such as snappers, groupers, jackfish, turtles, anemone fish, guitar rays, and blue-spotted stingrays. There is also a possibility of encountering whale sharks in the area.

27.3936, 49.9055

Kharar Beach

Kharar Beach is a notable dive site with a shore entry that provides easy access to the water. The coral reef here is relatively untouched by divers, contributing to its healthy condition. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including at least 2-3 green sea turtles, reef sharks, groupers, and Napoleon wrasse. The area is free from significant pollution due to its distance from urban centers, allowing for a diverse and vibrant underwater ecosystem.

22.9181, 38.8648

La Plage Resort House Reef

La Plage Resort House Reef is located at the entrance of Jeddah Creek in Saudi Arabia. This site features a typical Red Sea coral reef ecosystem, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The area is well-maintained and offers opportunities for both diving and snorkeling. Marine life commonly observed includes manta rays, blue-spotted rays, groupers, clownfish, and boxfish, among others. The site benefits from the flow of various fish species entering and exiting the creek, enhancing the biodiversity. Entry to the site is from the shore.

21.7092, 39.0834

Laguna Reef

Laguna Reef is a drift dive with two sections: North and South. North Laguna features soft corals, table corals, gorgonians, and anemones at depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters. South Laguna has a steep wall covered in soft corals and gorgonians, with abundant marine life including schools of butterflyfish and large pelagic species.

28.0183, 34.4869

Long Reef (South)

Long Reef (South) is recognized as the longest coral reef in the Allaith region, extending approximately 55 km from the shore. The reef features a gradual decline on both the eastern and western sides, reaching depths of 70 to 80 meters. The southern section of the reef descends from 35 meters to 25 meters, where divers can observe a variety of soft and hard corals. At a depth of 35 meters, there is a notable presence of large gorgonian corals. Strong currents may attract grey reef sharks in the deeper areas, making this site suitable for experienced divers.

19.4585, 39.8915

Malathu Island

Malathu Island features a plateau that descends over 25 meters to a depth of 35 meters. Below this, another plateau can be found at depths of 45 meters and 60 meters, with steep declines on either side. Located to the south of Malathu Island, the site is home to gorgonian corals in deeper areas. Divers may encounter silky sharks along with a variety of soft and hard corals and associated fish species.

19.7488, 39.9077

Ras Gomaa

Ras Gomaa is a challenging dive site located between Woodhouse and Jackson reefs. This site is accessible only by boat and is best dived in calm weather conditions, as estimating the current can be difficult. The area features an untouched reef bank characterized by coral reefs exhibiting wild growth patterns. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including turtles and different species of sharks, as well as a variety of fish that thrive in current-rich environments.

28.0063, 34.4693

salhia beach

Salhia Beach is located in North Obhur and offers a diving experience with depths ranging from 5 to 10 meters, suitable for recreational divers. The underwater environment features a wall of corals, providing a habitat for various marine life. In the shallower areas, divers may encounter sting rays, squids, and occasionally turtles. At greater depths, schools of fish and a mix of soft and hard corals can be observed. The site can reach depths exceeding 40 meters, making it versatile for different diving levels.

21.7387, 39.0644

Scuba Master training pool

The Scuba Master training pool is situated in Abhur Al Shamaliya, Jeddah, with a maximum depth of 3.2 meters. This facility is designed for training purposes and is suitable for students of all ages, accommodating various training programs including swimming and recreational scuba diving. The pool features outdoor seating and umbrellas, allowing for a comfortable environment that is exposed to sunlight and air.

21.7621, 39.0838

Sharm Yanbu (شرم ينبع)

Sharm Yanbu is a shallow dive site located north of Yanbu, with a maximum depth of 12 meters. It is well-suited for training and beginner divers, as well as for discovery scuba experiences. The site is known for its calm conditions and is also a popular choice for night dives. Divers can explore a small wreck and observe a variety of marine life, including turtles, lionfish, stonefish, and the occasional dolphin.

24.1472, 37.9351

Sheraton Beach Resort

Sheraton Beach Resort provides a shore diving experience typical of the Saudi Red Sea coastline. The site is accessible for both novice divers and those with certification. It is particularly suitable for extended range (XR) divers due to the availability of deeper dive opportunities. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of Red Sea reef fish, and there have been sightings of dolphins, especially in the early morning hours. A resident octopus can often be found in the channel, and snake eels may occasionally be observed in the area.

21.7331, 39.0698

SOL Beach

SOL Beach is located in the northern part of Jeddah and features a diving platform at a depth of approximately 5 meters, with a maximum depth reaching up to 40 meters. This site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers. When currents are present, the area becomes vibrant with colors and diverse marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various species, including manta rays, silky sharks, and occasionally turtles, along with a wide array of marine creatures typical of the Red Sea.

21.7335, 39.0681

Staphonos Wreck

The Staphonos Wreck is located at a depth of 79 feet (24 m). It sank in 1978 and is composed of steel beams and other materials. The wreck is home to various fish that can be found sheltering in the bow, and the natural light allows for clear visibility without artificial lighting.

21.7042, 38.8217

Woodhouse Reef

Woodhouse Reef features an elongated structure between Thomas and Jackson reefs, with depths ranging from 20 to 25 meters (66-82 feet). The site includes a significant drop-off and a canyon at 25 meters, surrounded by healthy coral growth, making it suitable for divers of all levels. Expect to see various marine life during the drift dive.

28.0018, 34.4632

Woodhouse Reef

Woodhouse Reef is the longest of the four primary reefs in the Straits of Tiran, accessible by boat. This site features a notable split in the middle, and divers should exercise caution towards the reef's end due to potential strong currents and a washing machine effect. The reef is rich in color and biodiversity, with typical Red Sea fish species present. Divers may also encounter eagle rays, turtles, and large tuna. During the summer months, sightings of hammerhead and reef sharks can occur.

28.0003, 34.4658