ORPHEUS - Yanbu

The Orpheus in Yanbu is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you. We love how accessible it is, literally just sticking out of the water, which means even snorkelers can get a proper look. This bulk carrier went down in 1979, and she’s been slowly coming apart ever since, now forming a sprawling, shallow playground for divers. You’ll find her massive hull plates split open, creating swim-throughs you can fin through, sunlight dappling the coral that’s taken over the steel. Our favourite part is exploring the shallowest sections, where the light penetration is incredible. You can glide over the bridge structure, now a vibrant reef, watching fusiliers dart amongst the twisted metal. Look closely and you’ll spot crocodilefish perfectly camouflaged on the deck plates, and we often see small reef sharks patrolling the deeper edges of the wreckage. It’s an epic site for photographers, especially early morning when the light is soft, or late afternoon for those golden hour shots against the superstructure. Currents can pick up, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack tide to really savour the details.

Location
Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
24.430834, 37.158333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 ORPHEUS

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

Recommended Packing List for ORPHEUS

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at the Orpheus dive site?
The Orpheus dive site is remarkably shallow, with a typical depth of just 2 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive, perfect for extended bottom times and exploring the superstructure near the surface. You can find more details about this unique wreck at Orpheus dive site.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Orpheus?
The primary underwater topography at Orpheus is the impressive bulk carrier vessel itself, a 178m x 22.9m wreck grounded on Shuaiba Reef. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, wrecks like Orpheus often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time. Divers can explore the superstructure and hull of this fascinating historical vessel.
How challenging is the Orpheus dive site, and is it suitable for all levels of divers?
The Orpheus dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certification and are comfortable with wreck diving environments. While not recommended for absolute beginners, experienced recreational divers will find it a rewarding exploration.
When is the best time of year or day to dive Orpheus for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Orpheus for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For the most current information on local conditions and seasonal variations in Yanbu, it is always best to consult with local dive operators. You can also explore general tips on when to dive for different regions.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at the Orpheus site?
Given its intermediate difficulty, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience to comfortably and safely explore the Orpheus wreck. While no specific certification is explicitly stated as required in the provided data, having experience with wreck diving or a relevant specialty can greatly enhance your dive. Always check with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions experienced when diving at Orpheus?
The provided data does not contain specific information regarding the typical current and visibility conditions at the Orpheus dive site. As conditions can vary, it is always recommended to check with local dive centers in Yanbu for the most up-to-date reports before planning your dive.