MECCA - Jeddah

The Mecca wreck, a merchant vessel that met its end in 1976, rests upright at a comfortable 14 meters. It's a proper ship, over 100 meters long, and surprisingly intact for its age, giving you plenty of superstructure to explore. As you fin along its decks, you’ll spot resident lionfish peeking from shadowy corners and schools of snapper darting around the cargo holds. It’s a gentle wreck dive, good for divers who want to take their time and really soak in the history of a proper sunken ship without dealing with tricky currents or deep depths.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.308332, 39.100000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

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 MECCA

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for MECCA

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 dive depths at sites in the Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia?
The MECCA wreck, located near Jeddah in the Makkah Region, has a reported depth of 14 meters. This specific site is a merchant vessel that sunk in 1976. Information regarding typical dive depths for other sites in the broader Makkah Region is not available in the provided context.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see in the Makkah Region's dive sites?
Divers exploring sites like the MECCA wreck in the Makkah Region can expect to encounter significant underwater features such as large historical vessels. The MECCA itself is a merchant vessel, measuring 108.2m x 14.3m, which capsized and sank. Information regarding specific marine life sightings at this site or in the broader region is not provided in the current data context.
How challenging are the dive sites in the Makkah Region, and are there options for beginner divers?
The MECCA wreck, a notable dive site in the Makkah Region, is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. This site is also specifically noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards. While this particular site may not be ideal for absolute beginners due to its classification and difficulty, information on other beginner-friendly options in the broader Makkah Region is not available in the provided context.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in the Makkah Region for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data context does not include specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters in the Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in the Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia?
For diving sites like the MECCA wreck in the Makkah Region, which is rated as intermediate difficulty and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess appropriate training and experience. While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided context, it is generally recommended to have certifications suitable for intermediate-level diving and specialized wreck diving for such sites. Always ensure your training matches the demands of the dive.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions like when diving in the Makkah Region?
The current data context for dive sites in the Makkah Region, such as the MECCA wreck, does not provide details on typical water temperatures, visibility, or current conditions. Divers planning a trip to Jeddah should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date environmental information.