wreck

Log This Dive

ARAFAT

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.