Saudi Arabia
Country Name: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Capital City: Riyadh
Population: Approximately 36 million (2024 est.)
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST), UTC +3
Diving Overview
Saudi Arabia offers unique diving experiences along its Red Sea coastline, known for its vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and abundant marine life. The warm waters and excellent visibility make it a growing destination for divers of all levels.
- Number of Dive Sites: Over 100
- Types of Diving: Reef, wreck, drift, and wall diving.
- Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Turtles, rays, sharks, various species of tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs.
- Average Water Temperatures: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
- Visibility Range: 15-40 meters (49-131 feet)
Important Information
Optimal Dive Seasons
The best diving conditions in Saudi Arabia are typically from October to April, when the temperatures are moderate and the waters are calm with excellent visibility.
Major Airports
King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), and King Fahd International Airport (Dammam).
The Travel Tip
A 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for diving in Saudi Arabia’s warm waters, but consider a thicker suit for deeper dives or during the cooler months.
Weather Patterns
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with extreme heat in summer and cooler temperatures in winter. Coastal areas along the Red Sea are humid, while inland regions are dry.
Internal Transportation
Options include domestic flights, a developing railway network, buses, and taxis, which provide connectivity across major cities and regions.
Attractions
Major attractions include the Red Sea coast for diving, the ancient Nabatean city of Al-Ula, the modern skyline of Riyadh, and the historical city of Jeddah.
Top Dive Regions
Saudi Arabia offers some of the most exciting and diverse diving experiences in the Middle East, with its Red Sea coastline providing unique underwater landscapes and abundant marine life. Yanbu is renowned for its pristine coral reefs and vibrant marine species, making it perfect for both novice and experienced divers. Jeddah combines modern infrastructure with easy access to some of the Red Sea’s most spectacular dive sites, including wrecks and coral gardens. Farasan Islands, located in the southern part of the Red Sea, are famous for their rich biodiversity, offering unforgettable encounters with a wide range of marine life. Lastly, Haql, near the Gulf of Aqaba, is a hidden gem known for its stunning coral formations and diverse marine species, offering thrilling dives for all levels of divers. These top dive sites highlight Saudi Arabia’s diverse marine environments and the country’s appeal as a premier diving destination.
Yanbu
Known for its pristine coral reefs and vibrant marine species, making it ideal for both beginner and advanced divers.
Jeddah
Offers modern amenities and easy access to the Red Sea’s most spectacular dive sites, including wrecks and coral gardens.
Farasan Islands
Located in the southern Red Sea, these islands are famous for their rich biodiversity, offering unforgettable encounters with a wide range of marine life.
Haql
A hidden gem near the Gulf of Aqaba, known for its stunning coral formations and diverse marine species, offering thrilling experiences for divers of all levels.
Marine Life
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is home to a rich and diverse array of marine life, making it a prime destination for underwater enthusiasts. The coral reefs here are among the most pristine in the world, teeming with vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and various species of sharks. The reefs are also home to colorful corals, sponges, and a variety of invertebrates. The Red Sea is renowned for its large pelagic species, including hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays, which can often be spotted in the region. The nutrient-rich waters support a diverse ecosystem, making Saudi Arabia a must-visit destination for diving and marine exploration.
Common Species: Sea turtles, rays, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, groupers, and various species of tropical fish.
Seasonal Highlights: The Red Sea sees a variety of marine life year-round, but the best time to encounter whale sharks is typically from May to September. Hammerhead sharks are often spotted during the winter months, making this a seasonal highlight for divers.
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Diving in Saudi Arabia: Farasan Banks
Introduction When people think about scuba diving, Saudi Arabia is not the first place that comes to mind; it’s usually vast deserts and ancient history. However, beneath the surface of the Red Sea lies an underwater paradise waiting to be…