ARAFAT - Jeddah

Arafat. Now that’s a name that gets a nod of recognition from Jeddah divers. This isn't your typical pretty coral dive, it’s a proper wreck experience, right in the shallows. We love it because it’s surprisingly accessible, with a maximum depth of two metres, making it perfect for snorkelers or new divers wanting to get their wreck fix without the need for advanced certs. The Arafat itself is a fishing boat, a stern trawler if we remember right, lying on its side. It met its end during a storm, quite dramatically, and now it’s become a home. You’ll spend your time here weaving in and out of the rusted superstructure, feeling the cool water against your skin as you duck through an opening that might have once been a crew cabin. Look closely and you’ll find damselfish darting between the metal plates and lionfish patiently lurking, masters of camouflage, waiting for a meal. It's a fantastic spot for photographers too, the way the light filters through the shallow water and plays on the rusted metal creates some really atmospheric shots. Our top tip? Go early in the morning before the day heats up too much, the visibility tends to be best then, and you’ll have the wreck mostly to yourself. It’s a good 45 minutes to an hour of gentle exploration, a real Red Sea classic for those who appreciate a bit of history beneath the waves.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.492222, 39.163612
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ARAFAT

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The story of the Arafat wreck near Jeddah is shrouded in mystery, with few historical records available to tell its tale. Its official classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' and its extremely shallow depth of only 2 meters strongly suggest it ran aground on one of the many treacherous reefs that line the Red Sea coast. Whether it was a local dhow, a small cargo vessel, or another craft caught out by a storm or navigational error remains unknown. For divers, this lack of information only adds to the allure of exploration. A visit to the Arafat is more of a snorkel or a shallow scuba tour than a deep wreck dive, offering a chance to see how the sea quickly reclaims a vessel, breaking it apart and integrating its remains into the vibrant reef ecosystem. It's a dive into the unknown, perfect for those charting the local waters off Saudi Arabia.

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 ARAFAT

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARAFAT

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