Jazan and Farasan Islands

Scuba must be coordinated through a qualified and currently authorized provider. Ask for verification of the exact site and legal entry; diver certification and experience prerequisites; currents, boat traffic, visibility, surge, depth, gas reserve and ascent procedures; group ratio; emergency oxygen; VHF/satellite or other reliable communications; and a no-dive/port-closure policy. The government operates a Border Guards Zawil diving permit service, and NCW restricts protected-area use to designated activities. No local technical, overhead or independent deep-freedive safety infrastructure was confirmed. For snorkelers, identify a safe entry and exit and never swim near active ferry approaches. No solo breath-hold diving.

A Saudi Ministry of Health report confirms Farasan General Hospital has provided acute care. MOH also reported marine ambulance transfers from Farasan to Jazan and SPA documented a 2025 coordinated sea and air rescue. These are evidence of systems having operated, not a promise of response time, contemporary availability or a recompression chamber. Verify the receiving facility and chamber pathway with the dive center and insurer. In an emergency, contact Saudi ambulance 997 or coast guard 994 first; DAN offers 24/7 diving medical consultation at +1-919-684-9111.

The islands include UNESCO-designated marine and terrestrial conservation habitat. NCW documents gazelles, important birds, mangroves and seagrass. NCW visitor guidance calls for permits, approved routes and activity restrictions, with seasons affecting some protected habitats. Saudi Red Sea Authority marine visitor rules instruct against touching or feeding wildlife, removing coral or shells, littering and straying outside designated waters. Do not anchor on reefs, enter wildlife nurseries, land on unsourced outer islands, camp without explicit approval or assume fishing is allowed in the reserve. No guarantee of turtle, dugong, whale or gazelle sightings is warranted.