Saudi Arabia, a land of deep history and culture, is now emerging as an exciting destination for underwater adventurers. Blessed with turquoise waters that fringe much of its coastline, Saudi Arabia harbours some of the most exquisite snorkelling and diving locales imaginable. These pristine waters, largely untouched by the global diving community until recently, teem with coral reefs and an astonishing array of marine life. 

The Red Sea stands out as a jewel in this aquatic crown, renowned for its warm water, kaleidoscopic coral formations, abundant sea creatures and exceptional visibility. As one of the planet's most remarkable and diverse tropical reef ecosystems, the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness a captivating spectrum of marine biodiversity, including various shark species in their natural habitat. 

While traditional snorkelling has limitations for underwater exploration, the Red Sea's allure is undeniable. The burgeoning diving tourism market in Saudi Arabia, estimated at $38.2 million in 2024 and projected to reach $77.3 million by 2030 with a robust CAGR of 12.5%, underscores its growing appeal. 

Dominated by scuba diving, which held a 75.15% market share in 2024, this expansion is fueled by increasing overall tourism.

For many diving enthusiasts, Saudi Arabia might not immediately come to mind as a premier scuba diving destination. However, this very fact contributes to its allure as an unspoiled gem patiently awaiting discovery. Keep reading for Red Sea Adventures.

Just a short journey north of the bustling city of Jeddah lies the captivating Obhur Creek, an inlet teeming with accessible and rewarding diving and snorkelling experiences. This picturesque area, facing the open expanse of the Red Sea, is dotted with numerous beach resorts at the edge of coral reefs, proposing a chance to slip into an underwater paradise directly from the shore.

Each resort boasts its own well-equipped dive shop, providing everything you need, from rental gear to expert instructors for those eager to pursue a scuba diving certification. Obhur Creek caters to all experience levels with its varied and high-quality offerings.

Obhur Creek offers year-round diving in the warm Red Sea. A thin wetsuit is recommended in winter, but comfortable wetsuit-free conditions are available throughout the year.

As you enter the crystal-clear waters, you will be surrounded by an array of fish and marine life. Snorkellers can admire colourful corals and fish, while divers will discover fascinating creatures like scorpionfish, clownfish, and moray eels in the depths below. Each dive reveals a new wonder.

A day trip from Obhur Marina on a dive boat is special. While snorkellers enjoy the shallow waters of Bayada, adventurous divers head to various offshore sites. One local company even allows cage diving with sharks in their natural habitat. Plus, dolphins often accompany the boats, providing magical encounters for passengers. 

Jeddah is one of the most sought-after diving destinations in Saudi Arabia, and for good reason. One of the jewels in Jeddah's diving crown is its south reef. This diverse site offers a spectrum of underwater landscapes, ranging from shallow sun-drenched reefs teeming with life to dramatic deeper walls adorned with coral formations. 

Divers here can immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of fish species, navigating through intricate coral gardens that showcase the Red Sea's biodiversity.

Access to Jeddah's spectacular wrecks and pristine reefs is primarily by boat, allowing divers to venture further offshore and discover the hidden treasures beneath the surface. The water temperatures around Jeddah are generally inviting, ranging from a comfortable 80-86 degrees Fahrenheit (27-30 degrees Celsius) for most of the year.

However, between November and March, the waters begin to cool down, potentially reaching lows of around 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius). It is worth noting that during winter, southerly winds can bring about larger waves and stronger currents, which divers should be mindful of.

While the majority of diving excursions in Jeddah involve boat trips to offshore sites, shore diving opportunities are primarily associated with the various resorts lining the coast. These resorts often provide direct access to fringing reefs, allowing for convenient entry into the underwater realm.

Abu Faramish beckons for divers seeking encounters with larger pelagic species and a more offshore adventure. Situated a bit further from the Jeddah coastline, this dive site is renowned for attracting impressive marine life, including sleek barracudas and sizable groupers. 

The underwater topography of Abu Faramish is equally captivating, characterised by striking coral pinnacles that rise from sandy bottoms, creating a broad-ranging and dynamic diving environment ripe for exploration.

A significant draw to Abu Faramish, situated approximately two hours by boat from Jeddah, is the Ann Ann wreck, the largest wreck dive in the vicinity. This impressive vessel rests at an angle, its submerged deck adorned with a dazzling display of corals starting at a depth of 14 metres. An abundant fish community has made the wreck their home, showing a rich spectacle of marine life. 

For experienced divers, the Ann Ann presents a range of special features. Its intact propeller sits at around 30 meters, inviting a descent past curious snappers, elegant blue-spotted rays, and impressive schools of barracuda. Adding to the allure, qualified instructors can guide divers through the captain's quarters and cargo room, presenting a fascinating glimpse into the ship's past. The combination of abundant marine life and the intriguing structure of the Ann Ann wreck makes Abu Faramish an exceptional dive destination.

A scenic two-hour drive south of Jeddah unveils the charming town of Al Lith, the jumping-off point for an unforgettable aquatic adventure to the star attraction: Jabal Al Lith (Al Lith Island). This captivating island, a unique blend of sandy beaches and dramatic mountain terrain spanning just 4.5km by 2km, offers a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. 

The crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounding its shores are perfect for leisurely snorkelling, allowing you to glimpse the vibrant marine life that thrives close to the coast. Notably, the months between March and June present an awe-inspiring spectacle as majestic whale sharks gracefully glide through these waters, creating a chance for memorable encounters.

Beyond its immediate allure, Al Lith is the crucial starting point for boat excursions venturing out to the legendary Farasan Banks, a sprawling archipelago of small islands that captivates every visitor. Here, the fine coral sand creates an idyllic habitat for sea turtles, while colonies of birds find nesting havens in the low-lying vegetation. The water clarity in this region is so exceptional that it often surprises even the most seasoned divers, revealing a breathtaking underwater panorama. Prepare to be mesmerised by coral walls teeming with a dazzling array of small fish while large rays gracefully cruise around the sandy-bottomed coral canyons, creating an underwater landscape of unparalleled beauty.

The Al-Lith area, located in the southern reaches of Saudi Arabia, is a haven for those seeking encounters with abundant schools of fish and pristine, untouched reefs. However, venturing to Al-Lith requires more careful planning due to its slightly more remote location. 

Welcome to Yanbu, affectionately known as both 'The Pearl of the Red Sea' and Capital of Diving' — a testament to the unparalleled underwater beauty that awaits beneath its shimmering surface. Situated approximately 330-350 kilometres north of Jeddah, Yanbu boasts a blend of rich marine biodiversity, pristine and untouched reefs and remarkably crystal-clear waters that beckon divers and snorkellers from around the globe.

The Seven Sisters Reef is the most celebrated among its many underwater treasures. This expansive reef system encompasses numerous distinct dive sites, promising underwater explorers an abundance of wonders to discover. Keep your eyes peeled for thrilling encounters with barracuda, graceful red snapper and even the occasional shark gracefully cruising through the depths.

Adding to the magic, the beloved sea turtle is a common sight in the waters surrounding Yanbu, often serenely gliding through the coral gardens. Within the Seven Sisters Reef lies Abu Galawa, arguably one of the most breathtaking sites. It features enchanting underwater grottos, dramatic drop-offs and an astonishing array of marine life that will leave you spellbound.

The Iona wreck, a famous vessel that died after colliding with a nearby coral reef system, adds a touch of history and intrigue to Yanbu's underwater landscape. The wreck now serves as an artificial reef with various marine life. The Iona's presence in the Red Sea during World War I remains a fascinating mystery, adding an extra layer of allure to this exceptional dive site.

Beyond its extraordinary underwater offerings, Yanbu itself boasts a charming, restored old town, inviting exploration of its cultural heritage. And when your day of aquatic adventure comes to a close, indulge in a hearty meal at one of the area's renowned fish restaurants, the perfect way to savour the fresh catches of the Red Sea.