From swimming with exotic fishes to exploring shipwrecks and ancient coral reefs, you are bound to find both beauty and adventure when diving in Saudi’s Red Sea Coast. Here’s our top picks to planning the perfect diving trip across Saudi.
Abu Galawa
Abu Galawa is one of the most beautiful diving sights in Yanbu, an area of pristine, unexplored reefs. Home to schools of Barracuda and Roving Coral Groupers, the Galawa reef is the perfect spot to witness the Red Sea’s rich sea life. Shallow anchorages allow for overnight stays and spectacular late-night dives. Those brave enough to swim off the past the coral reef’s edge and off the drop, where the seabed plunges, may even come across Hammerhead or Tiger Sharks.
Farasan Bank
Thousands of reefs and over 150 lush green islands are waiting to be explored when diving in the Farasan Banks. With depths ranging from 10m to 500m, the Banks offer adventure to divers of all experiences and interests. Those who reach the bottom will be met with sandy white seabeds populated by walls of black coral where Clown Fish, Snappers, Moray Eels dart around in all directions.
Ann Ann Wreck
The biggest shipwreck in the Jeddah area, the Ann Ann, sunk in 1977 and now rests between two reefs. The wreck is in harmony with the coral, its rudder hosts a colony of shellfish and Blue Spotted Stingrays, and White-tip Sharks seek shelter and food amongst the debris. The trip is suitable for advanced and expert divers who can swim through the boat’s cargo hold and explore the captain’s quarters.
Jabal Al Lith
Astonishing corals can be seen through the shallow turquoise waters from Al Lith Island off the coast of Jeddah. Plunge into the water and explore the white sand of the shallow before heading for the depths, which reach 300m and where the water turns to a deep cobalt blue. Arrive between March and June when magnificent Whale Sharks gather in the area. Once you have finished exploring the waters, head onto the island to climb its mountains and traverse a network of caves.
Cable Wreck
The Staphonos sank carrying construction materials in 1978. Taking its name from its cargo of cables, the diving spot is one of the most interesting in the Red Sea. Lying at a relatively shallow depth of only 24m, the wreck is easy to reach and navigate. Ambient light pieces through the water and lights up the broken ship, which is even home to a Guitarfish that lives near the bow.
Shushah Island Coral Reefscape
The 100-hectare Shushah Island Coral Reefscape will accelerate solutions for conserving coral reefs. A joint partnership between NEOM and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is in the process of creating the world’s largest coral garden around Shushah Island. The island’s water is already home to over 300 native coral and more than 1,000 fish species. This paradise for divers will open in 2025 once the coral reefs have been fully populated and restored