Anatoli wreck - Jeddah

The Anatoli wreck, just off Jeddah, isn't always the first name on everyone's lips, but we think it deserves a closer look. She's an old freighter, sunk decades ago, and what we love about her is how completely she's become part of the reef. Instead of a stark, mechanical structure, you're swimming through a ship that's been softened and draped in soft corals, like an old sofa covered in velvet. Penetration is possible in places, though we always recommend proper training and equipment for overhead environments. The cargo holds are particularly atmospheric, with shafts of light cutting through, illuminating schools of glassfish that shimmer like scattered glitter. Keep an eye out for resident groupers lurking in the shadows and scorpionfish camouflaged on the encrusted metal. The stern section, in particular, is a favourite of ours for finding nudibranchs tucked away amongst the growth. It’s a dive that rewards slow, careful exploration, rather than a race to see everything. Ideal for divers who appreciate the quiet beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.463333, 39.120000
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Anatoli wreck

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision

The Anatoli wreck, a popular dive site off the coast of Jeddah, is the final resting place of a motor vessel that sank following a dramatic collision in 1976. On a busy day of shipping, the Anatoli met with the LASH Atlantico, and the resulting impact sent it to the bottom of the Red Sea. The wreck now lies on a sandy bottom, a permanent monument to the inherent dangers of maritime navigation.

Lying at a manageable depth of around 20 meters, the Anatoli is within reach of most certified divers. The vessel is broken and twisted from the collision, creating a visually impressive and somewhat chaotic underwater scene. While its accessible depth is inviting, divers should be aware that it is considered a 'dangerous' wreck. The compromised hull presents numerous hazards with sharp, rusted metal and potentially unstable sections, making penetration extremely risky. The wreck is best enjoyed from the outside, where divers can appreciate how it has been colonized by coral and become a bustling habitat for local fish species.

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 Anatoli wreck

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Anatoli wreck

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