Ann Ann (Wreck) - Jeddah

The Ann Ann wreck, resting on its starboard side at 25 metres, feels like stepping back in time. We love how accessible it is; even at this depth, the light filters through the superstructure, creating these shafts you can swim through. It’s got that perfect blend of history and healthy marine life, making it a standout for intermediate divers comfortable with overhead environments. Her bow points north, and the stern section, with its enormous prop, is where we always start. You can glide through the cargo holds, now home to schools of snapper and fusiliers that swirl around you, almost blocking out the light completely. Look for the resident moray eels tucked into the darker corners and the occasional reef shark patrolling the sand nearby. Our favourite part has to be the bridge, surprisingly intact, with the steering column still visible – it’s a great photo op. We’d suggest going in the morning; the visibility tends to be better, and the light plays wonderfully off the metal. It’s a proper wreck dive, full of atmosphere and plenty to explore without being overly complex.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.897500, 38.870600
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Wreck History - Ann Ann (Wreck)

Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Ann Ann, a sizeable cargo carrier, met its end in 1977 during a voyage through the Red Sea. In a catastrophic navigational error, the vessel ran hard aground on the notorious Wingate Reefs, just off the coast of Jeddah. The impact tore a massive gash in its hull, sealing its fate. The crew was safely rescued, but the ship was immovable. Battered by the relentless waves, the Ann Ann eventually broke in two, creating the spectacular underwater site divers know today.

The wreck offers a dramatic and unforgettable dive. The bow section rests broken and twisted on the shallow reef top at around 8 meters, while the much larger, intact stern section lies upright after sliding down the reef slope, coming to rest on a sandy bottom at 25-30 meters. This split personality allows for a fantastic multi-level profile. Divers can explore the ghostly bridge, peer into the engine room, and swim along the cargo cranes, all of which are now draped in a stunning tapestry of hard and soft corals. The structure acts as a magnet for Red Sea marine life, with schools of fusiliers, bannerfish, and patrolling lionfish making this historic wreck their vibrant home.

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 Ann Ann (Wreck)

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Ann Ann (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