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Red Sea diving sites

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Red Sea diving sites

Coral reefs, colourful fish and wrecks off the Jeddah coast, reached on organised boat trips from the marinas of Obhur and the northern coast.

Favourite places

Local food

  • Sayadiyah

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    A coastal Red Sea dish of fish served over spiced rice browned with onions — the classic seafood meal of Jeddah.

  • Grilled Red Sea fish

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Fresh hamour, najil or other local fish grilled with spices and served with rice and salad.

Where to eat

  • Fish market restaurants

    Central fish market near the old port, south of Al-Balad

    Choose fresh Red Sea fish at the market and have it grilled or fried at a nearby restaurant, served with sayadiyah rice — a long-standing Jeddah habit.

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Where to stay

Culture

Jeddah's fishermen and pearl divers worked these waters for centuries. Today protecting the reefs is part of Saudi Arabia's wider Red Sea tourism plans.

History

The Red Sea is known among divers for its clear, warm water and healthy coral reefs. Off Jeddah, fringing and offshore reefs lie a short boat ride from the coast, with coral gardens, reef walls and a number of shipwrecks, home to reef fish, rays, turtles and, at times, dolphins.

Diving from Jeddah was long enjoyed mostly by residents. With tourism opening up, licensed dive centres now run courses and boat trips for visitors, from beginner snorkelling to advanced dives.

Tour plans

A day on the Red Sea

Full day

  1. Step 1: Morning departure

    Meet the dive centre at an Obhur marina.

  2. Step 2: First dive or snorkel

    A reef or wreck chosen for conditions and level.

  3. Step 3: Lunch on board

    Rest between dives on the boat.

  4. Step 4: Second dive and return

    Back to the marina in the afternoon.

Travel information

Best time to visit

Diving is possible year-round; October to May is most comfortable on the boat. Water is warmest in summer, when the heat is intense on land.

How to get there

From the city: most boats leave from marinas around Obhur (Abhur), about 30–40 minutes north of central Jeddah by taxi. Book with a licensed dive centre — most arrange the boat and can arrange transfers.

Getting around

  • Trips are by boat from the marina to the reefs, usually with two dives or snorkel stops.
  • Divers need a certification for most dives; centres offer try dives and courses.

Travel tips

  • Dive only with licensed, established operators, and check equipment and safety briefings.
  • Do not touch or stand on coral; use reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Do not fly within the recommended time after diving.
  • Modest clothing is expected at the marina; swimwear is normal on dive boats.

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