Why Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s Premier Diving Destination
Dive into the Red Sea’s crystal-clear waters, home to 1,200+ marine species, from playful clownfish to majestic whale sharks. With 500+ dive sites, year-round warm temperatures, and world-class facilities, Jeddah offers unforgettable adventures for beginners and experts alike.
Top Dive Sites in Jeddah
1. Sharm Obhur: Turtle Haven & Coral Gardens
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Highlights: Swim with sea turtles and vibrant clownfish in shallow reefs.
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Skill Level: Beginner-friendly.
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Location: Just 30 minutes from central Jeddah.
2. Abu Tair Island: Wreck Diving & Macro Photography
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Must-See: The Stavronisos shipwreck, covered in corals and home to rare critters.
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Pro Tip: Bring an underwater camera for stunning close-ups.
3. "Ann Ann" Wreck: A Photographer’s Dream
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Unique Feature: A historic wreck transformed into an artificial reef teeming with life.
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Depth: 18–25 meters (advanced divers).
4. Mount Laith Island: Whale Shark Encounters
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Bucket-List Experience: Dive alongside gentle whale sharks (peak season: April–July).
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Bonus: Pristine beaches for post-dive relaxation.
Why Divers Love Jeddah
✔ Biodiversity Hotspot: Spot Napoleon wrasse, hammerhead sharks, and technicolor corals.
✔ All-Year Diving: Best visibility in spring (March–May), but waters stay warm (26–30°C) even in winter.
✔ Top Facilities: PADI-certified centers with gear rentals, guided tours, and night dives.
Planning Your Trip
For Beginners
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Try resort courses or snorkeling at Sharm Obhur.
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Opt for guided dives with instructors.
For Advanced Divers
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Explore deep wrecks and drift dives at Abu Tair.
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Join whale shark expeditions at Mount Laith.
Essential Tips
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Certification: Open Water Diver (PADI/SSI) required for most sites.
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Conservation: Never touch corals or harass marine life.
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Pack Smart: Reef-safe sunscreen, hydration packs, and a waterproof logbook.
Beyond Diving: Explore Jeddah
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Al-Balad Historic District: Wander through UNESCO-listed coral-stone buildings.
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Red Sea Cuisine: Savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Ready to Dive In?
1. Choose Your Dive Center
Jeddah has PADI-certified operators offering courses, guided dives, and equipment rentals. Top-rated centers include:
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Red Sea Dive Center (Beginners-friendly, Sharm Obhur tours)
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Jeddah Divers (Specializes in wreck & advanced dives)
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Blue Reef Scuba (Whale shark expeditions at Mount Laith)
2. Check Requirements
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Certification: Bring your PADI/SSI card (Open Water Diver minimum for most sites).
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No certification? Book a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience (includes training).
3. Book Online or In-Person
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Website: Most centers offer instant booking (e.g., www.redseadive.com.
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WhatsApp: Contact via +966 12 345 6789 for last-minute trips.
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Walk-ins: Visit centers in Obhur Corniche or North Jeddah.
4. Pricing & Packages
Experience | Price (SAR) | Includes |
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Introductory Dive | 400–600 | Gear, guide, shallow reef |
Advanced Wreck Dive | 800–1,200 | 2 tanks, boat trip |
Whale Shark Tour | 1,500+ | Full-day trip, meals |
Prices vary by season (peak: Oct–Apr).
5. What to Bring
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Swimwear, towel, and waterproof camera.
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Medical Form: Some centers require a health questionnaire.
Book your Jeddah scuba adventure today and discover why the Red Sea is a global diving gem!
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©Gulf DN