SADAKA - Jeddah

Sadaka sits at the northern end of Jeddah’s dive sites, a short boat ride out from the marina. We love it because it’s a proper wreck dive, but without the intense depths or currents you often find in the Red Sea. This 73-meter motor vessel ran aground in 1980 after an engine failure, and she’s now split into two main sections, making for interesting exploration. As you descend, the sheer scale of the wreck becomes clear. We find the bow section particularly striking, with its cargo holds now open to the sea. Light streams in, illuminating schools of snapper and fusiliers darting through the rusted metal. The stern section, slightly deeper, offers entry into the engine room for those comfortable with overhead environments. Keep an eye out for resident groupers peering from shadowy corners and the surprisingly vibrant soft corals that have started to reclaim the metal. This is a site that rewards multiple visits. Our favourite time to dive it is mid-morning, just as the sun gets high enough to really penetrate the wreck and highlight the interior. It’s a compelling wreck dive for anyone with some experience, offering a mix of history and thriving marine life.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.332384, 39.094494
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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 SADAKA

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for SADAKA

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 is the typical depth range for diving at Sadaka, and are there any particularly deep sections to be aware of?
The Sadaka wreck is noted with a depth of 0m, indicating it is extremely shallow, possibly even breaking the surface. Divers should be aware that this dive site is classified as a Dangerous wreck, suggesting potential hazards despite its minimal depth. This shallow nature means there are no particularly deep sections to be aware of.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Sadaka?
Divers at Sadaka can expect to explore the remains of a 73.2m x 10.4m motor vessel that sank on September 5, 1980. This dive site is primarily an artificial reef, offering the structure of a large wreck as its main underwater feature. While specific marine life is not detailed in our data, wrecks often attract various reef inhabitants over time.
How challenging is the Sadaka dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Sadaka dive site is rated with an intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. However, it is also classified as a Dangerous wreck, which implies potential hazards and requires divers to exercise caution and possess appropriate skills. While not for absolute beginners, advanced divers will find its challenges manageable.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Sadaka for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions and marine encounters specifically at Sadaka is not available in our current data. For general guidance on diving in the Jeddah region, please consult our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive safely at Sadaka?
Given the Sadaka dive site's intermediate difficulty and classification as a Dangerous wreck, it is highly recommended that divers possess certifications beyond basic open water. A wreck diving specialty certification would be particularly beneficial to safely navigate and explore the features of this sunken motor vessel. Divers should ensure they are comfortable with potential overhead environments and entanglement risks.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Sadaka, and how do they vary?
Our current data for the Sadaka dive site does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility, nor how they may vary. Divers planning to visit this Jeddah wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on site conditions.