Question 1

When is the best time to dive the Farasan Banks?

Accepted Answer

Plan first around November to May, the window recommended by a Farasan Banks liveaboard operator. November to April is generally easier for combining an offshore cruise with Al Lith shore time; May can be hotter. The weather is not guaranteed to be calm in any month, and vessel departure calendars, route authorizations and dive sites can change. March to May is the documented whale shark peak at Shib Habil near Al Lith, which is not the same as a guaranteed offshore Banks encounter. Ask the specific vessel for exact dates and contingency routing. [Diving World Red Sea - Farasan Banks](https://divingworldredsea.com/en/destination/freak-banks/) [Saudi National Center for Meteorology - Climate of the Kingdom](https://new.ncm.gov.sa/en/climate/climate-of-kingdom) [KAUST Discovery - Whale shark populations are young and transient](https://discovery.kaust.edu.sa/en/article/5647/whale-shark-populations-are-young-and-transient/)

Question 2

Do I need Advanced Open Water certification for Farasan Banks liveaboards?

Accepted Answer

For the advanced offshore itineraries examined, plan on yes. DUNE explicitly requires CMAS two-star or Advanced Open Water plus at least 50 logged dives. Saudi Master lists Advanced Open Water or equivalent, Nitrox certification, at least 50 logged dives and experience in currents on its Farasan Banks page. An Al Ahlam package summary confusingly says no certificate or minimum log dives, but its own Al Lith page places first-time training in protected local water and stronger-current reefs with experienced divers. Do not rely on the package summary; obtain written eligibility approval. [DUNE Liveaboard - Farasan Banks](https://liveaboard.dune-world.com/trip/farasan-banks-trip/) [Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks](https://masterliveaboards.com/saudi/farasan-banks/) [Al Ahlam Marine - Our Packages](https://alahlam.sa/packages-3/) [Al Ahlam Marine - Al Lith Resort and Marina](https://alahlam.sa/our-branches/allith/)

Question 3

Can beginners dive in Al Lith without joining the Farasan Banks expedition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a separate operator-advertised local pathway. Al Ahlam describes sheltered training sites at its Al Lith resort and Abu Latt lagoon, including first certifications, beginner dives and rental equipment. That evidence does not make open-water walls at Marmar, Malathu or other offshore Banks appropriate for a beginner. Request the exact local boat, site, instructor credentials, dive center authorization and medical requirements. Beginner course dates and availability were not independently confirmed; a promotional page is evidence of an offered service, not a booking confirmation. [Al Ahlam Marine - Al Lith Resort and Marina](https://alahlam.sa/our-branches/allith/) [Al Ahlam Marine - Top Destinations](https://alahlam.sa/top-destinations/) [Saudi National Platform - Diving Permit](https://my.gov.sa/en/services/19796)

Question 4

How do I reach the Farasan Banks from Jeddah?

Accepted Answer

Fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and then follow the itinerary on your actual cruise confirmation. Some operators embark at Al Lith following a prearranged road transfer from Jeddah; Dream Divers describes a transfer of approximately two and a half hours, while another operator gives roughly two and a half to three hours. Other Farasan Banks operators, including Saudi Master and DUNE, publish Jeddah-to-Jeddah sailings. Those departure ports are not interchangeable. Check the marina, boarding time, inclusive transfers and return-flight buffer before buying flights. The Jazan ferry to Farasan Islands is a different trip. [Dream Divers - Itineraries](https://dreamdiver.sa/itineraries/) [Diving World Red Sea - Farasan Banks](https://divingworldredsea.com/en/destination/freak-banks/) [Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks](https://masterliveaboards.com/saudi/farasan-banks/) [DUNE Liveaboard - Farasan Banks](https://liveaboard.dune-world.com/trip/farasan-banks-trip/)

Question 5

Are the Farasan Banks the same place as the Farasan Islands near Jazan?

Accepted Answer

No. This guide covers the Al Lith coastal gateway and the offshore Farasan Banks expedition-diving area. Farasan Islands near Jazan are a distinct destination with their own access arrangements and protected-area administration. The National Center for Wildlife identifies Juzur Farasan protected area as the island archipelago in the Jazan region, not as a general permit applying automatically to every offshore Banks site. Several tourism pages use the word Farasan loosely, so check the boarding port and itinerary map carefully. Do not book a Jazan ferry expecting to reach an Al Lith Banks cruise. [National Center for Wildlife - Protected Areas](https://ncw.gov.sa/en/protected-areas) [Al Ahlam Marine - Our Packages](https://alahlam.sa/packages-3/) [Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks](https://masterliveaboards.com/saudi/farasan-banks/)

Question 6

Where can I snorkel around Al Lith with a non-diver?

Accepted Answer

Al Ahlam describes snorkeling in the protected eastern lagoon of Jabal Al Lith, also referred to as Abu Latt Island, with small beaches and local boat access from its Al Lith resort and marina. Its four-day Al Leith package includes an island day with snorkeling and downtime at the resort. This is better evidenced for casual snorkelers than an exposed Farasan Banks wall. Ask whether a private or group boat is running, whether flotation and supervision are available and whether the lagoon is suitable that day. No offshore whale shark swim or permanent snorkel-only beach access was verified. [Al Ahlam Marine - Top Destinations](https://alahlam.sa/top-destinations/) [Al Ahlam Marine - Al Leith Tour](https://alahlam.sa/alleith-tour/) [Al Ahlam Marine - Al Lith Resort and Marina](https://alahlam.sa/our-branches/allith/)

Question 7

Can a non-diver join a Farasan Banks liveaboard?

Accepted Answer

Saudi Master says non-divers can come aboard, but states that its trips primarily serve scuba divers and that snorkeling depends on route, currents and surface conditions. No operator independently guaranteed daily snorkeling or shore landings at the offshore Banks. A non-diver should ask about cabin pricing, age limits, vessel motion, onboard activities, swimming permissions and medical-evacuation coverage before booking. For a mixed group with different abilities, an Al Lith resort-based day-boat and lagoon plan is more flexible and has direct local operator support. Do not assume every dive site offers a safe in-water alternative. [Master Liveaboards - Saudi Arabia FAQs](https://masterliveaboards.com/faq/saudi/) [Al Ahlam Marine - Al Lith Resort and Marina](https://alahlam.sa/our-branches/allith/)

Question 8

Can I freedive at the Farasan Banks or take a freediving course in Al Lith?

Accepted Answer

The searched direct sources document recreational scuba cruises, local training dives, snorkeling and lagoon excursions, but did not establish a dedicated local freediving school, instructor, line-diving service or regular event. Swimming at a scenic reef does not establish permission for independent breath-hold diving. Strong currents, deep open-water walls, boat traffic and remoteness make unsupervised offshore practice especially unsuitable. Contact an appropriately licensed provider about allowed sites and professional rescue cover, and verify the applicable Border Guard activity permits. Avoid solo breath-hold diving; do not interpret the scuba operators' beginner courses as freediving courses. [Al Ahlam Marine - Al Lith Resort and Marina](https://alahlam.sa/our-branches/allith/) [Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks](https://masterliveaboards.com/saudi/farasan-banks/) [Saudi Red Sea Authority - Guide for Practitioners and Tourists](https://www.redsea.gov.sa/yachts/passengers-tourists-en.html) [Saudi National Platform - Diving Permit](https://my.gov.sa/en/services/19796)

Question 9

Are whale sharks guaranteed near Al Lith in spring?

Accepted Answer

No. KAUST and peer-reviewed monitoring document a seasonal aggregation of mainly juvenile whale sharks at Shib Habil near Al Lith, with the strongest observed presence from March through May and moderate presence around January, February and June. These are research records, not a guarantee for a traveler or a charter itinerary, and the nearshore aggregation is distinct from the offshore Farasan Banks cruise route. Saudi marine-life guidance prohibits touching, feeding and direct interference with wildlife. Operators must confirm whether any dedicated observation activity is permitted, ethically run and scheduled. Do not pressure a captain to approach animals. [KAUST Discovery - Whale shark populations are young and transient](https://discovery.kaust.edu.sa/en/article/5647/whale-shark-populations-are-young-and-transient/) [PLOS ONE - Multi-method assessment of whale shark residency](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0222285) [Saudi Press Agency - NCW and SWSDF conservation guidelines](https://www.spa.gov.sa/fa/N2368342)

Question 10

Do I need a diving permit or marine park tag in the Farasan Banks?

Accepted Answer

Saudi Arabia has an official Border Guard electronic service for diving permits, and the national portal lists that service as free. Vessel sailing authorizations are also handled through a separate government service. However, the sources reviewed do not establish whether individual international cruise guests submit applications themselves or the licensed operator handles all clearances. A separate Farasan Banks-wide marine park tag or mandatory tourist levy was not independently identified. DUNE advertises environmental and service supplements, while Saudi Master lists marine park and port fees as included on this itinerary. Ask your operator for a written itemized invoice and permit responsibilities. [Saudi National Platform - Diving Permit](https://my.gov.sa/en/services/19796) [Saudi National Platform - Issuance of Sailing Permits](https://my.gov.sa/en/services/20828) [DUNE Liveaboard - Farasan Banks](https://liveaboard.dune-world.com/trip/farasan-banks-trip/) [Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks](https://masterliveaboards.com/saudi/farasan-banks/)

Question 11

What safety and medical support should I verify before an offshore Banks cruise?

Accepted Answer

Ask the cruise director for a current emergency action plan covering surface rescue, oxygen supply, communications outside mobile coverage, the nearest usable landing point, medical evacuation arrangements and treatment referral. The Banks are remote and some reefs are current swept. Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah independently advertises treatment for decompression sickness and other diving accidents; availability and access from your exact site require direct confirmation. Dive insurance should explicitly cover your depth, remote retrieval, emergency evacuation and recompression. Saudi ambulance is 997, with DAN international emergency advice at +1-919-684-9111. Do not assume an evacuation time. [Divers Alert Network - What To Look for on a Dive Boat](https://dan.org/alert-diver/article/what-to-look-for-on-a-dive-boat/) [Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital - Hyperbaric Oxygen Service](https://en.dsfhjeddah.fakeeh.care/specialties/hyperbaric-oxygen-service) [Master Liveaboards - Saudi Arabia FAQs](https://masterliveaboards.com/faq/saudi/) [Divers Alert Network - Emergency Hotline](https://dan.org/about-dan/contact/) [Saudi Press Agency - Red Crescent emergency dispatch](https://www.spa.gov.sa/N2331563)

Question 12

How long should I wait to fly after diving the Farasan Banks?

Accepted Answer

DAN recommends a minimum surface interval of 18 hours after multiple dives per day or multiple days of no-decompression diving, with longer intervals adding a safety margin. Master Liveaboards generally recommends 24 hours after the last dive and may prevent a guest from diving if a return flight is too early. The exact last-dive schedule can change with weather or itinerary revisions. For a multi-day cruise, book flights conservatively, ideally allowing at least a full day after your final dive, and follow your dive computer and medical advice if more restrictive. Never fly with possible decompression sickness symptoms; seek urgent care. [Divers Alert Network - Flying After Diving](https://dan.org/health-medicine/health-resources/diseases-conditions/flying-after-diving/) [Master Liveaboards - General FAQs](https://masterliveaboards.com/faq/)

Question 13

What should I pack and budget for a Farasan Banks liveaboard?

Accepted Answer

Bring your certification cards, recent dive log, passport, approved visa, signed medical forms, insurance certificate, dive computer, surface signaling equipment, sun protection and any specialty items your vessel requires. Confirm DIN versus yoke regulators and rental sizing because Dream Divers and Saudi Master publish different vessel gear configurations. The cruise is a premium trip: published packages may exclude equipment, flights, visa, optional transfers, environmental supplements or tips. For example, DUNE lists EUR 150 in environmental taxes plus EUR 60 in service fees for a seven-night cruise, while Saudi Master presents its own port and marine park fees as included. [DUNE Liveaboard - Farasan Banks](https://liveaboard.dune-world.com/trip/farasan-banks-trip/) [Master Liveaboards - Farasan Banks](https://masterliveaboards.com/saudi/farasan-banks/) [Dream Divers - Itineraries](https://dreamdiver.sa/itineraries/) [Visit Saudi - Official eVisa Terms and Conditions](https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Home/TermsConditions)

Remote Saudi Red Sea walls and shark country, with a gentler Al Lith lagoon escape.

What Makes It Special

Where to dive

Malathu Island

MarMar

Wildlife In Al Lith and Farasan Banks

Barracuda

Plan your visit

Getting there and around

Safety and conservation

FAQs

Al Lith and Farasan Banks

Remote Saudi Red Sea walls and shark country, with a gentler Al Lith lagoon escape.

What Makes It Special

Where to dive

Malathu Island

MarMar

Wildlife In Al Lith and Farasan Banks

Barracuda

Plan your visit

Getting there and around

Safety and conservation

FAQs

Grey Reef Shark

Grouper/Basslets

Parrotfish

Reef Manta Ray

Scalloped Hammerhead