BLUE SEA - Jeddah

The Blue Sea wreck is just a fantastic dive if you love big pieces of history on the seafloor. Sunk way back in 1976 after catching fire in Jeddah port – imagine the commotion – this 159-meter behemoth now rests upright, starting in about 20 meters and dropping down to around 40. We love how intact it is; you can really get a sense of its scale. Swim along the deck, peer into cargo holds that now house schools of yellowfin goatfish, and marvel at the superstructure. Look for lionfish tucked into shadowy corners and the occasional hawksbill turtle cruising by. Our favourite is exploring the bow, where the anchor chains still hang, draped in soft corals. It's a proper wreck dive, best for those comfortable with deeper profiles and keen on exploration rather than just fish spotting. If you get there early, before the boat traffic picks up, the visibility can be truly stunning.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.498300, 39.120000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - BLUE SEA

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
fire

The final voyage of the Blue Sea ended in a dramatic blaze in the port of Jeddah in November 1976. The motor vessel was berthed with a full complement of crew and several hundred Muslim pilgrims on board when a fire erupted. In what was a major success for maritime safety, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the burning ship before the fire could claim any lives.

To prevent the fire from spreading to other vessels and port infrastructure, the blazing Blue Sea was towed out of the harbor. It succumbed to the flames and damage during the night, sinking to its final resting place. Today, the wreck lies at 40 meters, making it a dive for advanced and technical divers. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past-a passenger vessel that once carried hundreds of people, now silent on the floor of the Red Sea, its decks and corridors home to the region's rich marine life.

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 BLUE SEA

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BLUE SEA

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths offered at 'BLUE SEA' dive sites?
The 'BLUE SEA' dive site, a fascinating wreck, offers a typical diving depth of 40 meters. This depth provides an excellent opportunity to explore the historical motor vessel, which sank in 1976. You can find more details about this site at BLUE SEA.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving with 'BLUE SEA'?
When diving at 'BLUE SEA', your primary underwater feature will be the impressive wreck of a motor vessel, measuring 159m x 21m, which sank in 1976. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, wrecks typically become artificial reefs, attracting diverse marine ecosystems over time. For general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level of diving at 'BLUE SEA' locations, and are there options for beginners and advanced divers?
The 'BLUE SEA' dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, with a depth of 40 meters. This makes it suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. While not ideal for absolute beginners, it offers a rewarding challenge for those with intermediate skills looking to explore a deep wreck.
What is the best time of year to dive with 'BLUE SEA' for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data for the 'BLUE SEA' dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters. We recommend checking general regional diving conditions for Jeddah or consulting our When to Dive section for broader guidance on seasonal diving.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for the dive sites offered by 'BLUE SEA'?
Given the 'BLUE SEA' dive site's intermediate difficulty and depth of 40 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is typically required or highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck dives. Always check with your dive operator for specific certification requirements.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at 'BLUE SEA' dive sites?
The provided data for the 'BLUE SEA' dive site does not include specific information regarding typical currents or general underwater conditions. For the most current conditions, it's always best to consult with local dive operators in Jeddah before your dive.