Sand Island - Jeddah
Sand Island is one of our picks for a relaxed dive in Jeddah, a proper antidote to some of the more current-swept sites further north. It’s got this mellow vibe that just lets you settle in. We’ve found the reef slopes gently, not too deep, making it perfect for longer bottom times and really soaking up the details. You’ll find yourself drifting past fields of staghorn coral, just glowing with their delicate branches. We always keep an eye out for the schooling yellowtail surgeonfish here, they’re usually swirling in huge, shimmering clouds that sometimes just engulf you for a moment. It’s a cool feeling, like being part of the ocean. Our favourite residents are the lyretail angelfish, their colours practically fluorescent against the corals. And listen, if you take it slow, you might spot a Pacific short-bodied pipefish tucked away, they’re masters of camouflage. We’d suggest hitting this one mid-morning; the light catches the reef just right, bringing out all the subtle hues of the corrugated coral. It’s a lovely, easy dive, great for knocking off the rust or just enjoying the beauty of the Red Sea without a huge challenge.
- Location
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
- Coordinates
- 22.253332, 39.023666
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
- Abo Almadafee أبو المدافع - 18m (wreck)
- ABUSABAA I - 15m (wreck)
- Abu Tair - 24m (reef)
- AGIA VARVARA - 11m (wreck)
- Al Bedayah
- AlBuhairat - 5-25m (reef)
- ALEXANDER III - 10m (wreck)
- Al Fahal East
- Al Fahal North
- Al Fahal South
- Al Fahal vis Wreck (wreck)
- Al leeth
- AL MEDINA - 1m (wreck)
- Altafyah Middle Reef - 20m (reef)
- ALYAMAMA - 4m (wreck)
Nearest Dive Centres to Sand Island
- 17Sixty - ["PADI"]
- Advanced Diver Center
- Al-Haddad Scuba - SSI
- Al-Haddad SCUBA - Sheraton Resort
- Al Sanbouk - ["PADI"]
- Benya Marine Group - ["PADI"]
Marine Life in Jeddah
Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.
Notable Species
- Armed Squirrel-fish (Neoniphon sammara) - Reef Fish
- Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
- Rainbowfish (Halichoeres hortulanus) - Reef Fish
- Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for Sand Island
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