6 Red Sea Diving Experiences in Saudi to Add to Your Bucket List
The isolated stretches of the Red Sea coast in Saudi call for all kinds of adventure activities. More than anything, it invites divers from all over the world to discover a world beyond their imagination. From swimming with exotic fishes to exploring shipwrecks and ancient coral reefs, there is no dearth of beauty and adventure when diving in Saudi’s Red Sea coast.
Check out our top picks for planning the perfect diving trip across Saudi.
1. 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. That’s not all! If you are brave enough to swim past the edge of the coral reef, you may even encounter hammerhead or tiger sharks.
2. Farasan Bank
Delve into the thousands of reefs and over 150 lush green islands when diving in the Farasan Bank. 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 seabed populated by walls of black coral where clownfish, snappers and Moray eels shoot around in all directions.
3. Ann Ann Wreck
The biggest shipwreck in the Jeddah area, Ann Ann, sunk in 1977 and now rests between two reefs! Experience the wreck 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.
4. 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.
5. Cable Wreck
The Staphonos sank carrying building materials in 1978. Taking its name from its load 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 pierces through the water and lights up the broken ship, which is even home to a guitarfish that will leave you filled with awe.
6. Shushah Island Coral Reefscape
The 100-hectare Shushah Island Coral Reefscape is an effort to conserve coral reefs. Built because of a partnership between NEOM and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, you will be able to witness the world’s largest coral garden around Shushah Island here. 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 so make your plans already.
Are you already swimming in the thoughts of the Red Sea? Go ahead and plan your trip to Saudi to live it all!
