Scuba Diving in Saudi Arabia: Explore a Hidden Frontier

Marla-Tomorug

When most divers think of diving in the Red Sea, they picture Egypt’s aquarium-like coral reefs or Jordan’s peaceful dive sites. But one of the Red Sea’s best-kept secrets lies further east—along the unspoiled coastline of Saudi Arabia. With pristine reefs, deep walls, healthy marine life, and virtually no crowds, scuba diving in Saudi Arabia is a rare chance to explore a region that has only recently opened to tourism.

This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a blend of adventure and discovery for divers seeking something new. Whether you are a seasoned diver or just getting started, the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia has something extraordinary to offer.

Why Go Scuba Diving in Saudi Arabia?

Scuba diving in Saudi Arabia is unlike anywhere else in the Red Sea. With over 1,800 km (1,100 miles) of largely untouched coastline, the reefs here are in exceptional condition. The water is warm, visibility is often crystal clear, and the marine biodiversity rivals more famous destinations—without the dive boats and resort crowds.

The coral reefs remain vibrant and healthy, thanks to minimal tourism impact and strict marine protection in some areas. Expect to find everything from massive coral bommies and colorful reef fish to pelagics like barracuda and sharks. The Red Sea may even be a nursery for oceanic manta rays.

The Kingdom’s dive scene is also steeped in exploration. New dive sites are still being charted, making it one of the few places in the world where divers can experience true frontier diving.

Planning a tec diving trip? Get the Top 10 Red Sea Dive Sites for Technical Divers!

Top Places to Dive in Saudi Arabia

1. Yanbu

Located on the northwest coast, diving in Yanbu is known for its stunning drop-offs, vibrant coral gardens, and exciting wrecks. The city is relatively small but has become one of Saudi Arabia’s premier dive destinations. Highlights include:

• The wreck of Iona, a stunning British steamship from the late 19th or early 20th century.
• Sha’ab Suflani, a reef teeming with reef and pelagic fish and the potential for hammerhead sightings.
• Pristine visibility often exceeds 30 meters (100 feet).

2. Jeddah

Jeddah is one of the easiest places to go scuba diving in Saudi Arabia thanks to its accessibility and established dive centers. Shore diving, boat dives, fantastic wreck diving, and even night dives are all available. Highlights include:

• The Greek Staphonos or ‘Cable Wreck’, where you might spot whitetip reef sharks and blue-spotted rays.
• The famous Ann Ann wreck; Jeddah’s largest wreck dive.
• Thriving coral gardens ideal for underwater photography.

3. Farasan Islands

This remote archipelago in the southern Red Sea offers some of the most biodiverse diving in the country. The islands are a UNESCO-protected reserve and offer fantastic diving with numerous pelagics:

• Rich coral systems untouched by mass tourism.
• Schooling hammerheads, barracuda, tuna, and many other species of sharks.
• Deep dives and strong currents ideal for intermediate and advanced divers.

4. Al Lith and the Five Sisters

Al Lith is a lesser-known gem of scuba diving in Saudi Arabia. It offers access to the Five Sisters, a group of reef pinnacles in deep water that attract pelagic species.

• Drift diving and advanced conditions.
• Manta rays, sharks, turtles, and frequent whale shark sightings.
• Coral walls that drop into the blue.

Always wanted to encounter whale sharks? Check out the Top 5 Places to Swim With Whale Sharks 

Best Time to Go Scuba Diving in Saudi Arabia

Scuba diving in Saudi Arabia is possible year-round, but some seasons are better than others depending on your interests.

• October to May is the best time for overall conditions—warm water, good visibility, and calm seas.
• June to September can be very hot above water, but diving is still possible. Expect higher water temperatures and some thermoclines at depth.  
• November to February is ideal for spotting pelagics like hammerheads in deeper waters.  

Water temperatures typically range from 24°C (75°F) in winter to 31°C (88°F) in summer. Visibility often exceeds 20–30 meters (65–100 feet), especially offshore.

Ways to Go Diving in Saudi Arabia

1. Day Trips from Coastal Cities

Cities like Jeddah and Yanbu offer dive centers that run half-day or full-day trips to nearby dive sites. These are great for travelers who want to dive without committing to a longer trip.

2. Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboards are slowly starting to operate in Saudi waters, offering multi-day trips to remote reefs, islands, and drop-offs. If you are looking for adventure diving and the chance to explore sites few others have seen, a Saudi Arabia liveaboard is your best bet.

3. Resort-Based Diving

Some resorts and hotels, particularly near Jeddah and Yanbu, have partnerships with dive centers and offer packages for certified divers, including equipment rental and guided dives.

4. Shore Diving

In certain areas, especially around Jeddah, shore diving is possible. It is a budget-friendly way to enjoy scuba diving in Saudi Arabia, especially if you are an experienced diver with your own gear.

FIND OUT MORE: SSI x Edges of Earth: Saudi Arabia – The Diving Frontier They Never Told You About

Travel Tips for Diving in Saudi Arabia

• Visas: Saudi Arabia now offers an  eVisa for many nationalities, making it easier than ever to visit. Check current visa policies before you book.
• Cultural Awareness: While Saudi Arabia is modernizing, it is important to dress modestly and respect local customs when you are not diving.
• Logistics: The main dive hubs—Jeddah, Yanbu, and Jazan—are easily reachable by domestic flights or well-maintained highways. Rent a car if you want to explore more remote areas.
• Dive Insurance: Make sure you have travel and diving insurance for your trip.  
• Equipment: If you are planning on doing technical diving, check in advance about tank sizes, gas mixes, and availability.  

Helpful SSI Courses for Diving in Saudi Arabia

If you are planning to go scuba diving in Saudi Arabia, a few SSI courses can help you get the most out of your experience:

• SSI Deep Diving: Many of the Red Sea’s best sites, like the Five Sisters or the deeper walls of Farasan, benefit from deep-diving skills.
• SSI Boat Diving: Given the number of boat dives available, this short course helps you get comfortable with live drops, drift diving, and navigation from boats.  
• SSI Marine Ecology or Coral Identification: The reefs in Saudi Arabia are rich and diverse. A better understanding of coral species and marine life will enhance your dives.  
• SSI Navigation and Night Diving: Shore dives and certain reef systems benefit from these practical skills, especially if you are diving independently or in low light.  

These courses are not just about certification—they give you the knowledge and confidence to explore more and dive smarter in a unique and developing dive destination.

Should Saudi Arabia Be on Your Dive Bucket List?

Scuba diving in Saudi Arabia is still in its early stages as a tourist activity, which makes it a rare opportunity for discovery. You will not find packed dive boats or worn-out reefs. Instead, you will encounter healthy marine ecosystems, welcoming dive professionals, and a true sense of exploration.

It is a destination for divers who value adventure, biodiversity, and the chance to experience the Red Sea in its purest form. Whichever area you choose to dive, scuba diving in Saudi Arabia offers an unforgettable experience far from the usual crowds.

Ready to explore Saudi Arabia’s hidden underwater treasures?

Find your preferred SSI Training Center to start planning your dive trip.