Diving in Lebanon

Red Sea & Middle East

3 regions

90 dive sites

Lebanon isn't your typical dive destination, and that’s precisely why we love it. Forget crowded reefs; here, you're diving through layers of history, with ancient Phoenician and Roman anchors scattered among World War II wrecks. The Mediterranean’s eastern reach offers surprisingly robust ecosystems, a real testament to the resilience of nature. Most of the action hugs the Beirut coast, but don’t overlook Byblos for its ancient harbour remains or the quieter, turtle-friendly waters off Tyre. We’ve spotted loggerheads here, along with playful groups of rough-toothed dolphins if you’re lucky. Expect visibility to average 15-20 metres, improving from late spring through early autumn, which is when we’d suggest planning your trip. Keep an eye out for the smaller, more unusual stuff too - boa dragonfish are a rare treat, and those thick schools of annular seabream are mesmerising. It’s a dive scene still emerging, making it feel wonderfully undiscovered.

Lebanon Dive Regions

3 diving areas in Lebanon

Beirut Coast

The capital's waters hide sunken Phoenician harbours, French mandate-era wrecks, and rocky reefs with grouper and octopus.

Byblos

One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with ancient harbour structures and coastal reef diving.

Tyre

Diving Tyre is a unique experience. This isn't your typical colourful coral reef destination, so leave that expectation at the surface. Instead, you're descending into history, exploring ancient Phoenician and Roman ruins scattered across the seabed. We love the sheer thrill of finning past amphorae, columns, and what feels like entire submerged cityscapes. Visibility can be a bit variable, but when it’s good, the light plays wonderfully off the sandy bottom, highlighting the weathered stone. We’d suggest going in late spring for clearer water. Look closely for the smaller stuff, too; we've spotted arch-fronted swimming crabs scuttling amongst the rocks and the occasional white grouper darting between ancient foundations. It’s not about bright colours here; it’s about a silent, submerged story, an archaeological adventure that truly stands out.

90 dive sites