IONA/IONIAN (POSSIBLY) - Yanbu

The Iona, or Ionian as some still call her, sits upright in Yanbu’s waters, a stark silhouette against the blue. Descending onto her deck at 30 metres, you can feel the age of the ship, a former carrier now heavily encrusted. We love navigating the cavernous holds, imagining the cargo she once carried, though now they're home to schools of snapper that dart through the shadows. Look closely, and you’ll spot crocodilefish camouflaged on the rusted metal and lionfish fanning their spines in the currents. This wreck is perfect for experienced divers who appreciate history and the dramatic transformation of man-made structures into thriving ecosystems. Our favourite spot is exploring the stern, where the propellor offers a grand, if eerie, photo opportunity, often patrolled by a curious moray eel. We'd suggest going early in the morning before the day boats arrive; the light penetration through the Red Sea’s clear water is stunning then, casting ethereal beams onto the wreck. Be mindful of occasional strong downcurrents, particularly around the bow. The Iona isn’t just a dive; it’s a journey back in time, a substantial piece of history waiting to be explored.

Location: Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates: 24.071667, 37.851665
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 30m

Marine Protected Area: محمية ينبع الساحلية

Best Time to Dive in Yanbu

The warmest water temperatures in Yanbu occur in January, averaging 25.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 25.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 25.7°C (air: 22.7°C)
February: 25.7°C (air: 22.4°C)
March: 25.7°C (air: 23.8°C)
April: 25.7°C (air: 25.7°C)
May: 25.7°C (air: 28.1°C)
June: 25.7°C (air: 30.1°C)
July: 25.7°C (air: 30.6°C)
August: 25.7°C (air: 31.6°C)
September: 25.7°C (air: 31.1°C)
October: 25.7°C (air: 29.9°C)
November: 25.7°C (air: 27.6°C)
December: 25.7°C (air: 25.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Yanbu

Nearest Dive Centres to IONA/IONIAN (POSSIBLY)

Adventure Diver - ["PADI"]
DIVE PLAN - SSI
Galaxea - ["PADI"]
Opal Diving Club - ["PADI"]
Saudi Diving Center - SSI
Yanbu Diver - SSI

Marine Life in Yanbu

Home to 63 recorded species including 56 hard corals, 2 reef fish, 2 seagrass & algae, 1 crabs & lobsters, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Staghorn coral (Acropora pharaonis) - Hard Corals
Red Sea Clown Surgeon (Acanthurus sohal) - Reef Fish
Blacktail Butterflyfish (Chaetodon austriacus) - Reef Fish
Staghorn coral (Acropora acuminata) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora cytherea) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora humilis) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora nasuta) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora secale) - Hard Corals
Banded Cleaner Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) - Crabs & Lobsters
Staghorn coral (Acropora valida) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora hyacinthus) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora vaughani) - Hard Corals
Montipora coral (Montipora stellata) - Hard Corals
Smooth cauliflower coral (Stylophora pistillata) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora polystoma) - Hard Corals
Species code: Hs (Halophila stipulacea) - Seagrass & Algae
Staghorn coral (Acropora yongei) - Hard Corals
Galaxea coral (Galaxea astreata) - Hard Corals
Leptastrea coral (Leptastrea bottae) - Hard Corals
Table coral (Acropora clathrata) - Hard Corals

Recommended Packing List for IONA/IONIAN (POSSIBLY)

Based on average water temperature of 25.7°C.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°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