Al Fahal vis Wreck

Best months: Jan–Dec

Why dive here

Al Fahal vis Wreck is a wreck dive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Water ranges 25-32°C, warmest August, September, October.

Water25-32°C · warmest August, September, October

CharacterWreck dive

The Al Fahal wreck, visible right from the surface, gives you a sense of its history before you even get in the water. We love a wreck that tells a story, and this one, sitting broken on the reef, certainly does. Dropping down, you’ll find sections of the hull have become home to so many fish. It’s not a deep dive, making it perfect for longer bottom times and really soaking in the atmosphere. As you explore, keep an eye out for the resident dusky angelfish flitting between twisted metal, and we always spot a few Picasso triggerfish eyeing us from the coral growth. The Red Sea clown surgeons often school here, a shimmering curtain against the darker hulk of the ship. Our favourite detail? The way the light filters through the gaps, illuminating patches of staghorn coral that have taken root. This isn't a wreck for penetration, but it's fantastic for circling, observing the way life has reclaimed the structure. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially in the late morning sun.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today06:0518:5012h 45m daylightGolden hour 18:20

Al Fahal vis Wreck Wreck History

Year Sunk

1978

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

Tonnage

3,138 GRT

The wreck often referred to in conjunction with the Al Fahal reef system is the Greek cargo ship, the SS Staphonos. In 1978, while en route to Jeddah with a full load of construction materials, including pipes, steel cables, and rebar, the Staphonos made a fatal navigational error. It struck the reef hard, grounding itself firmly upon the coral. Efforts to refloat the vessel failed, and it was eventually abandoned to the sea, where waves and weather broke it in two.

Today, the Staphonos, also known as the 'Cable Wreck' due to its cargo, is one of Jeddah's most popular dive sites. The wreck lies in two distinct sections. The bow rests on its side on the shallow reef top at around 8 meters, while the stern has slipped down the reef wall to a depth of 24 meters. The debris field between the two sections is a fascinating scatter of its cargo, with giant spools of steel cable creating a unique underwater landscape. The entire wreck is now a vibrant artificial reef, teeming with Red Sea life, including schools of goatfish, resident moray eels, and occasional visits from turtles and eagle rays.