AL MEDINA
Why dive here
AL MEDINA is a wreck dive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Water ranges 26-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Al Medina wreck, just off Jeddah, isn't deep. At only a metre below the surface, it’s not really a dive but more a snorkel, or maybe a very shallow splash-and-gawp. But don't let the depth fool you, this old steamship, sunk in '62 and then refloated only to sink again, has a real story. We love how accessible it is, perfect for a quick dip on a hot day or for getting your non-diving friends excited about what lies beneath. What you'll see here is the skeletal remains of a sizeable vessel, its rusted plates and beams offering a home to all sorts of critters. Small damselfish dart through the corroded structure, and we’ve often spotted parrotfish grazing on the algae that coats the metal. The real charm is that you can get right up close, peering into what was once the engine room or bridge, the sunlight dappling through the shallow water and illuminating the wreck. It's a fascinating look at history and marine life intertwined, without needing a tank.
Typical AL MEDINA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
AL MEDINA Wreck History
Year Sunk
1971
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
The steamship Al Medina has a unique two-part sinking story. The vessel first came to grief in 1962, when it parted its anchor cable during a storm and sank near Jeddah. It lay in this sunken state for a number of years before a decision was made to refloat it. Its second life was brief, as it was then purposefully sunk on May 6, 1971, finding its final resting place 1.5 miles south of the Jeddah anchorage.
Lying in just one meter of water, the Al Medina is less of a scuba dive and more of an easily accessible snorkeling and free-diving site. Its extreme shallow depth means parts of the wreck may be visible from the surface, constantly bathed in sunlight. The structure, though likely broken up by years of wave action, has created a simple but effective artificial reef. It provides shelter for juvenile reef fish, crustaceans, and other small marine creatures, making it a perfect spot for underwater photographers and beginners to explore a piece of maritime history without a deep descent.
Nearest Dive Centres to AL MEDINA
Dive shops near AL MEDINA
Star Seas Diving Center
Dream Diver
Red Sea Divers
Blue Reef Divers
Dive Holics
Future Experts Sports Company
Reviews for AL MEDINA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AL MEDINA
AL MEDINA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AL MEDINA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (21.69, 39.01) (4km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
31°C
87°F · Range: 28.7–32.1°C
Current Speed
2.24 cm/s
Direction: NE (63.4°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.079 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
37.06 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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