Dive the Farasan Banks, an area of incredible reefs and wild islands. Big fish, wall and blue dives await you on this winter Saudi scuba diving itinerary. This is the place that Jacques Cousteau during his first expedition to the Red Sea in 1963 aboard the Calypso described as one of the most fascinating and unspoiled areas on the planet.
Diving in Saudi Arabia offers unique experiences due to its pristine and diverse underwater environments, particularly in the Red Sea. Here are some key reasons why diving in Saudi Arabia is appealing: 1. Rich Marine Biodiversity: The Red Sea is home to over 1,200 species of fish and 200 types of coral, many of which are endemic to the region. 2. Healthy Coral Reefs: Compared to other popular diving destinations, the coral reefs in Saudi Arabia are relatively untouched and healthy, offering vibrant and colorful underwater landscapes. 3. Clear Waters: The Red Sea is known for its clear waters, providing excellent visibility for divers, often exceeding 30 meters. 4. Wreck Diving: There are several historical shipwrecks to explore, adding an element of adventure and history to diving experiences. 5.Diverse Dive Sites: Saudi Arabia offers a range of dive sites suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers, including wall dives, coral gardens, and underwater caves. 6. Year-Round Diving: The warm climate of Saudi Arabia allows for year-round diving, with water temperatures ranging from 24°C in winter to 30°C in summer. 7. Cultural and Natural Beauty: Divers can combine their underwater adventures with visits to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical sites, making it a well-rounded travel destination. 8. Emerging Destination: As an emerging diving destination, it provides an opportunity to explore less crowded and more pristine sites compared to more popular dive spots. Diving in Saudi Arabia offers a variety of remarkable sites along its Red Sea coastline. Notable dive sites include:
1. Jeddah: Known for its vibrant coral reefs and several wrecks like the Ann Wreck and Miss Marie Port. 2. Yanbu: Offers pristine coral gardens and diverse marine life, ideal for both novice and experienced divers. 3. Farasan Islands: Located in the southern part of the Red Sea, this area is famous for its untouched reefs and abundant marine biodiversity. 4. Al Lith: Home to the Five Sisters, a group of small islands offering excellent dive spots with a mix of coral gardens, reef walls, and pelagic fish. |
You will be met at the airport by a representative of the liveaboard.
You will be transferred to Al-Lith jetty for embarkation (depending on arriving time)
Navigation early morning, after navigation for about 3 hours, we will reach the first dive sites. Primordial , the island of Mar Mar besides being a splendid dive is an excellent , overnight. The islands of Dohra, Jadir, and Malathu and the splendid outcropping reefs of Gorgonia, Bandu, and Long reef. Sailing to the south will reach the second reef area which includes Sha'ab Ammar, a large horseshoe-shaped reef , overnight
Heading to south we meet the islets of Danak, Jabbara, Eagle, and the coral atolls of Mudarr, Fantasy, and Choppy, stages of spectacular diving.
The incredible variety of hard and soft coral found on the plateaus are the common dive sites as well as the massive presence of coral and pass fish.
Diving on the falls of the plateaus, generally oriented to the north and south, you can see the schools of hammerhead sharks and the tiger shark admired several times in different diving points.
Dive Canyoun Reef , Back to the port of Al lith
After Breakfast, Transfer to Jeddah Airport for final departure