Saudi Arabia has a long stretch of Red Sea coastline, making it a fabulous place for divers. On its east coast, the Arabian Gulf also offers warm, shallow seas with a diverse array of marine life to be observed. Just off the Kingdom’s dramatic coastline is a rich variety of sea creatures, coral reefs and shipwrecks in relatively shallow water. Not only does this make diving here fascinating, but the warmth of the water and the lack of pollution (relatively speaking) make it possible to dive all year round. In this section, we describe the characteristics of the different areas you can visit, and you can check out the 'Natural World' section to find out more about the marine life there is to see.
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There are numerous companies offering diving experiences for all levels, from snorkelling to PADI training. While the most popular sites tend to be in the Red Sea, there is also a flourishing marine ecosystem to explore in the Arabian Gulf. To learn more about diving in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, check out Blue Kingdom: The Ultimate Diving Guide to the Northern Red Sea.
Red Sea Diving Sites
While diving in the Red Sea, you may encounter any one of more than 1,200 species that live in these waters. Diving tours are available from Jeddah and the King Abdullah Economic City in Makkah Region, as well as Yanbu in the neighbouring Madinah Region.
Umluj
Coined the Maldives of Saudi Arabia, this small coastal town has much to offer divers.
North of the town is an archipelago of more than 100 small islands, which are home to about 300 species of coral, as well as sea turtles and dugongs. Visitors may only visit the islands with a tour company, so book first.
Yanbu
Yanbu is known as Saudi’s diving capital for its plentiful, warm seas. Start at the Seven Sisters, a chain of underwater peaks where you’ll likely see hammerhead sharks. Part of this range is Abu Galawa, a site known for colourful tropical species and turquoise waters, as well as a shipwreck to explore.
Jeddah
Just north of Jeddah, Sharm Obhur is an easy dive entered from the shoreline near the Bhadur Resort, which has its own diving centre. The reef is home to turtles, anemonefish, eels, lionfish and sharks.
Abu Tair offers a different experience to reef diving as it is home to the shipwreck known as Cable Wreck or the Staphonos. It is possible to see rays, sharks and other fish here.
Abu Faramish, about 45km from Jeddah, is a reef approximately 40km in length. It is home to the Ann wreck, which is suitable only for experienced divers. Keep your eyes open for tuna, rays, sharks and snappers.
Farasan Bank
The Farasan Bank is a series of islands, extending for approximately 560km along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast from Jebel al Lith, about 200km south of Jeddah. This massive reef also includes the Farasan Islands off the Jizan coast, and is one of the wildest in the world. The Farasan Islands are home to various specious of sea turtles, as well as the endangered dugongs, while Jabal al Lith offers the opporunity to swim with whale sharks.
