AL MEDINA - Jeddah

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.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.486668, 39.166668
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - AL MEDINA

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.

Best Time to Dive in Jeddah

The warmest water temperatures in Jeddah occur in August, averaging 31.6°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 25.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.4°C
  • February: 25.4°C
  • March: 25.4°C
  • April: 26.7°C
  • May: 28.9°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 31.6°C
  • September: 31.1°C
  • October: 30.9°C
  • November: 30.0°C
  • December: 28.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Jeddah

Nearest Dive Centres to AL MEDINA

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AL MEDINA

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories