ALYAMAMA - Jeddah

The Alyamama wreck, sunk in 1978, isn’t about depth, it’s about accessibility and the sheer volume of life that has claimed this barge. At a maximum of four metres, it’s basically an open-air aquarium. We love floating above the skeletal remains, spotting the resident parrotfish nibbling algae off the rusted hull, their colours popping against the muted metal. What makes Alyamama special is how the light plays on the structure. On a sunny day, shafts of sunlight pierce the shallow water, illuminating every nook and cranny. You’ll see schools of juvenile snapper darting in and out of the twisted metal, and often a grumpy stonefish or two camouflaged perfectly on the deck. It’s a site for photographers, for snorkelers, and for divers who appreciate the quiet beauty of a man-made structure slowly being reclaimed by the ocean. Our favourite time to visit is late morning, before any wind picks up, when the surface is like glass and the wreck is perfectly still beneath you. Just watch your buoyancy, it’s easy to stir up the sand here.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.450000, 39.150000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - ALYAMAMA

Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Not every wreck needs to be a legendary warship to offer a fantastic dive. The Alyamama, a barge that sank off the coast of Jeddah in March 1978, is a perfect example. Resting in just 4 meters of water, this is the quintessential 'fun' dive. Its extreme shallowness means that parts of the hull and superstructure break the surface, making it incredibly easy to locate and navigate. With no concerns about depth, bottom time, or decompression, it's an ideal site for new divers, training dives, snorkelers, and photographers looking to play with the abundant natural light.

Over the decades, the simple structure of the Alyamama has been transformed into a thriving artificial reef. The warm, nutrient-rich waters of the Red Sea have encouraged a vibrant explosion of coral growth across its metal surfaces. It now hosts a dense community of reef fish, moray eels, and crustaceans, making it a lively and colorful underwater playground. The Alyamama proves that even the most humble of vessels can become a beautiful and rewarding dive site.

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 ALYAMAMA

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALYAMAMA

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