Picture it: you're 40 metres beneath the surface of the bluest waters you've ever seen, surrounded by bright, colourful coral and your company is the likes of moray eels and barracudas. To say that the Red Sea – home to over 1,200 species of fish – is a hidden world would be an understatement, but for water sports enthusiasts, Jeddah is its gateway.
Located on the coast of the Red Sea, this cosmopolitan city is the definitive base for adventurers looking to explore pristine reefs, rare marine creatures, untouched ecosystems, and sunken vessels with fascinating backstories in famously clear waters (visibility often exceeds 30 metres).
Go now, and you'll be among the lucky few as popular dive sites are almost entirely devoid of crowds. Note that while the water temperature is blissfully warm all year round (typically in the 22-30ºC range), it's best to plan your excursions from March to May or September to November, especially for optimum comfort during longer dives.
Scour the internet, and you'll see that the cost of diving in Jeddah ranges anywhere between SAR 300 and 700, but it all depends on the dive site and centre in question.
As for where to start?
Here, as we reveal the best diving and snorkelling sites in and around Jeddah.
1. The Cable Wreck
It was a Greek ship named The Staphonos that sank back in 1978, but echoing the bulk of its cargo – all manner of cables as well as steel beams, chain link fencing, and asbestos sheets – divers now know it as Cable Wreck.
Perfect if you're looking to go shipwreck diving near Jeddah, this renowned dive site southwest of the city sits at a depth of 24 metres, but don't let that deter you. Not only is the area famed for its abundance of marine life (sightings of white-tip sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, and dogtooth tuna are common) but there's also sufficient light from above to take in all its majesty without the need for a flashlight.
You can book your dive through the PADI-certified Fins & Flash, but a little caution is needed. While this site is accessible to divers of all skill levels, the strong currents make it one for experienced divers.
2. Ann Ann Wreck
One of the most challenging dive sites in all of Saudi Arabia, the Ann Ann Wreck is rightfully a favourite among seasoned scuba divers, who rave about the area's visibility, despite its depth – 32 metres at the stern.
Embedded in the Abu Faramesh reef, It's also the largest of its kind, giving you plenty of room to play. The massive, coral-encrusted propeller of the Ann Ann (which sank in 1977) is a prime attraction, as is a lone coral-covered toilet that sits upright, almost as if it's waiting to be used.
Dive Holics and Descent Dive Club, both rated among the best dive operators in Jeddah, lead divers to this site where you'll likely spot the common dolphinfish and humphead wrasse as well as stocky, yet shy reef sharks that reside here. A word to the wise: intense swells can sometimes cause sections of the wreck to move, so only venture into the captain’s quarters and cargo room with a qualified instructor in tow.
3. Jabal Al-Lith
A unique destination for divers, free divers, and snorkelers alike, Jabal Al-Lith is an absolutely stunning, remote island where sandy beaches are interspersed with mountainous terrain and sparse vegetation.
A two-hour drive from Jeddah to Al-Lith followed by a short boat ride is all it takes to reach this whale shark hotspot. Emerging from the seabed, these gentle giants gather in large numbers from March to June, and you're essentially guaranteed to be captivated as they move gracefully through the water. According to the experts at Hope of Spring dive centre, this site’s excellent visibility and calm waters make for easy shore dives and shallow reef dives — it's a top dive site if you're still a novice at underwater exploration.
4. Bayada Island
Another unspoiled island that's surprisingly easily accessible, Bayada Island has the paradisiacal combination of vivid blue waters and white sand beaches that offer much-needed respite from the grind of city life. This one belongs on your bucket list if you're looking to take a snorkelling tour and only have a few hours to spare. It's an excellent choice for those new to scuba diving, too.
The waters around this coral reef island are calm and shallow, rewarding beginners with the colourful company of trevally, clownfish and parrotfish. Leading dive centre Al-Haddad Scuba not only offers daily trips to Bayada Island, but a qualified instructor is also on board in case any of the participants are first-time snorkellers and need a hand. Sewar Marine, meanwhile, allows up to eight people aboard its Sewar Abhar Mini Yacht which features a private bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, making it a better choice if you're headed there with family or a group of friends.
5. La Plage
Considering shore diving in Jeddah is primarily resort-based, La Plage – located at Sharm Obhur, about 45 minutes north of the city – comes highly recommended. A host of facilities like a pool, a private beach with plenty of loungers, and kayaks for rent make this private resort a sought-after spot for families, but watersports enthusiasts of all levels will tell you that it's the diving and snorkelling experiences that take centre stage.
The house reef here is typical of what makes the reefs of the Red Sea so fascinating: resilient and truly teeming with tropical fish like manta rays, masked puffers, groupers and more. As for the ultimate advantage? You can skip the hassle of booking a boat, but still access crystalline waters, making the tidal creek of Sharm Obhur the best destination for scuba diving near Jeddah. Admittedly, memberships (be they monthly or longer) don't come easy, but they bring plenty of benefits – keep an eye on the resort's social media channels if you're interested in applying.
