Diving And Snorkelling Spots Along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast

by Iffat Nawaz

Diving And Snorkelling Spots Along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast

23 Oct 2025

Are you ready for an underwater adventure like no other? If you are a seasoned traveller and diving enthusiast, The Sandy Times is excited to share the absolute best Red Sea diving in Saudi Arabia and snorkelling spots. This hidden gem is quickly becoming a top spot for underwater exploration, and it is easy to see why.

The Saudi Arabian stretch of the Red Sea is rapidly emerging as the "Last Frontier" of diving, offering a compelling alternative to more heavily trafficked destinations like Egypt and Jordan. The primary draw is the opportunity for unspoiled exploration in a vast, virtually uncrowded marine environment.

Also, pristine coral health and vibrant colour distinguish the reefs here. Decades of minimal human impact and restricted access have resulted in ecologically resilient systems. Surveys indicate good to excellent reef health, with many areas boasting superior live coral cover compared to other regions, making it a globally significant biodiversity hotspot.

The region’s isolation and minimal fishing pressure support incredible marine biodiversity. Divers frequently encounter sharks (including hammerheads and oceanic whitetips), dugongs (the world's third-largest population), manta rays and various large pelagics. Over 1,200 fish species thrive here, with a high number of endemic species found nowhere else.

Scuba diving in Saudi Arabia is about discovery and adventure. With over 800 newly documented dive sites, you won't find packed dive boats or worn-out reefs, providing a true sense of pioneering exploration for both advanced divers and snorkellers. The exceptional visibility, warm waters, and the focus on sustainable tourism make the Saudi Red Sea diving saudi arabia experience a premier choice for divers seeking to witness the underwater world in its purest, most resilient form. Let's dive together to explore diving and snorkelling spots along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast.

Photo: Yasser.Bakhsh

The northern jewels of Saudi Arabia Red Sea Coast: Umluj and Al Wajh

The northern coastline of the Saudi Arabia Red Sea Coast is defined by two emerging towns: Umluj and Al Wajh. The region is revered for its turquoise waters and vast archipelagoes, earning it the nickname, "The Maldives of Saudi Arabia." It represents the ultimate destination for those seeking a genuine untouched marine experience.

Umluj: The snorkeller’s paradise

Umluj is renowned for offering unparalleled snorkelling from the beaches of Saudi Arabia. While its main beach often prohibits boats to protect the delicate coral, this allows you to simply walk in and explore the fringing reefs.

Spots like Al Alhasi Beach are perfect for snorkelling, presenting crystal-clear, warm, shallow water and accessible coral gardens. The sandy bottom ensures excellent visibility, making it perfect for novice snorkellers.

Umluj is the gateway to an archipelago of over 100 islands, including Bayada Island. To explore these remote, uninhabited islands — the main draw for deeper reef access — you must book through a licensed tour operator.

The calm, rich waters are home to schools of colourful reef fish (clownfish, lionfish, surgeonfish) and give a chance to spot majestic dugongs and sea turtles.

Photo: Francesco Ungaro

Al Wajh: The hidden dive gem

Located further north, Al Wajh provides a slightly more rugged, adventurous dive experience. It is the perfect hub for both casual snorkellers and experienced divers looking for scuba diving spots near Al Wajh and Umluj.

Al Wajh's coastline, particularly around Fukha Bay and remote beaches, features healthy soft corals and teeming marine life, transforming a beach trip into an unforgettable marine adventure.

The town's natural harbour is a launch point for boat trips to deeper sites, including dramatic drop-offs and caves. This area provides the depth and remoteness sought by advanced divers who want to explore pristine wrecks and less-charted reefs.

While day trips are available from the Al Wajh Harbour, this area lends itself well to liveaboard options for reaching the most isolated islands and exploring the best diving in Ulmuj Saudi Arabia and its vicinity.

To maximise your northern adventure, the ideal time for both snorkelling and diving is during the cooler months from October to April.

Photo: Saad Alaiyadhi

Best diving spots in Saudi Arabia: Jeddah Coast

Jeddah, the Kingdom’s lively commercial gateway, serves as the most accessible and convenient entry point for scuba diving in Saudi Arabia. Its developed infrastructure and numerous certified dive centres make it the perfect starting line for both seasoned professionals and beginners seeking an introductory experience.

As a major city, Jeddah grants easy logistics for travellers. You can access numerous dive centres directly from the city, many of which are situated near northern lagoons like Sharm Obhur (near Bahadur Resort and La Plage). These centres offer everything from introductory scuba diving for beginners Jeddah programmes to specialised certifications and women-only courses, ensuring a high safety standard and making it one of the best diving spots in Saudi Arabia. Day trips are readily available, including short cruises to nearby islands.

The coastline around Jeddah is famous for its combination of thriving reefs and historic wrecks.

For advanced divers, sites like the Ann Ann Wreck in the Abu Faramish area and the Cable Wreck (southwest of Jeddah) have thrilling penetration opportunities and stunning underwater photography subjects. The Cable Wreck is noted for its whitetip reef sharks and tuna, though its currents require expertise.

The Al-Arbaeen Coral Reef is a vast ecosystem filled with colourful fish, while the clear, protected waters of Sharm Obhur are best for spotting sea turtles and humphead wrasse.

Bayada Island, often called "Jeddah's Maldives," is popular for short, accessible snorkelling and diving trips, providing a unique diving near Jeddah experience suitable for first-timers.

While coastal development is present, venturing to the outer reefs ensures access to healthier, vibrant coral systems, often serving as the jumping-off point for longer dive safaris to the more remote Red Sea regions.

Photo: Francesco Ungaro

Tips: Planning your Saudi Red Sea dive adventure

To make the most of your Red Sea diving experience in Saudi, proper planning is essential for this new and exciting destination.

Best time to dive in Saudi Arabia

Diving is possible year-round, but seasons dictate your experience and marine life encounters:

Peak season (October to May):
Summer (June to September):

Photo: Francesco Ungaro

Logistics and Permits (A new destination)

As a newly accessible frontier, diving requires planning through licensed operators, who handle the necessary permits from the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA).

Certification: For liveaboards, the general rule is a minimum Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) certification with at least 50 logged dives due to the remote nature and potential for strong currents. Open Water Divers may be able to complete their AOWD course onboard.

Requirements: You must possess a valid Saudi tourist visa, diving certification, and comprehensive dive insurance. Your chosen dive operator will manage the required governmental dive permits and logistics for your specific trip itinerary.

The Saudi Arabia Red Sea Coast is undeniably the world’s last great diving frontier. The answer to "is diving good in Saudi Arabia" is a resounding yes, distinguished by its pristine coral reefs, extraordinary marine biodiversity (including the region's third-largest dugong population and seasonal whale sharks), and the unique sense of adventure that comes with exploring new documented sites.

From the accessible wrecks near Jeddah to the untouched snorkelling from the beach of Saudi Arabia in Umluj and the deep walls near Al Wajh, this destination caters to every level of diver. With development projects like NEOM emphasising sustainability, now is the ideal time to book your trip and discover the pure, uncrowded beauty of this aquatic paradise before it fully emerges as a global tourism hotspot.

by Iffat Nawaz