Diving in Saudi Arabia

Red Sea & Middle East

5 regions

121 dive sites

Saudi Arabia is, without question, the Red Sea's final frontier, and it’s finally opening up. We’re talking about vast stretches of coastline, well over 1,700km, that have seen almost no diving pressure. Think about that for a minute. The reef systems, especially around the Farasan Banks and the Al Lith islands, are genuinely untouched, full of dense coral structures like huge fields of staghorn and birdsnest coral, often in ridiculously shallow water. Visibility can often reach beyond 30 metres, especially further offshore, and the current development projects in NEOM and around The Red Sea Project are just starting to scratch the surface of what’s out there. We’ve seen healthy populations of reef sharks cruising through pristine hard coral gardens, and the sheer scale of the undisturbed reef means you’re often the only boat for miles. We’d suggest focusing on the Farasan Islands if you’re looking for true exploration, or heading out from Al Lith for some impressive offshore pinnacles. The shoulder seasons, late spring and early autumn, typically offer the best balance of calm seas and comfortable temperatures.

Saudi Arabia Dive Regions

5 diving areas in Saudi Arabia

Al Lith & The Red Sea Project

The gateway to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Red Sea tourism development. Pristine offshore reefs and islands being opened to sustainable dive tourism.

Farasan Islands

A remote archipelago in the southern Red Sea with pristine coral reefs, manta rays, and dugong populations. Limited access ensures healthy marine ecosystems.

Jeddah

Jeddah diving is a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. Some days you get those incredible, gin-clear conditions the Red Sea is famous for, and other days, well, not so much. But when it's good, it's really good. We love the sheer number of sites accessible from shore or a quick boat ride. You’ll mostly find reef diving here, with some intriguing wrecks thrown in. Our favourite spots are definitely out around the offshore islands. That's where you'll escape the city's hustle and find conditions that feel more remote. Keep an eye out for Blackspot Surgeonfish schooling over the reef flats, and the Armed Squirrel-fish often peek out from under ledges. The Boiler wreck is a standout, offering a genuinely atmospheric dive. The current can pick up there, making for a lively drift, but it’s worth it for the sense of history and the marine life that congregates around the metal. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the best light filtering down. Visibility is generally better in the cooler months, though the water can get a bit chilly, so a 5mm suit is a good idea.

105 dive sites

NEOM & Tabuk

The far northwest coast near the Gulf of Aqaba features virgin reefs and emerging dive tourism.

Yanbu

Yanbu. Now, this is a spot we’ve been quietly raving about to anyone who’ll listen. It’s got that untouched feel, like you've stumbled on something special before the crowds do. The reefs here are just… *lush*. Think soft coral gardens that undulate with every gentle surge, explosions of orange and purple that are genuinely mesmerising. We love the sheer health of the place. You'll find huge stands of table coral and cauliflower coral, providing homes for big schools of fusiliers and anthias that really put on a show. Keep an eye out for orange-lined triggerfish darting amongst the staghorn, and if you’re lucky, a well-camouflaged frogfish tucked away in the sponges. Our favourite dives often involve drifting along walls thick with bubble coral, watching the light play through the shallows. The visibility is usually excellent, often pushing past 25 metres, giving everything a wonderfully clear, almost three-dimensional quality. Dive early in the morning for the best chance of spotting pelagics off the deeper reef edges. It's a proper Red Sea experience, just without the jostle.

16 dive sites