Best 10 Diving and Snorkeling Places in Jeddah & Nearby

    Ready to Have Fun in Jeddah’s Underwater Playground?

Going by a second name “The Bride of The Red Sea” it's clear to assume that Jeddah offers some of the best above and underwater activities in the region! Because this city is not just about tall skyscrapers, bustling date markets, museums, and delicious Kabsa, it also provides an underwater wonderland as beautiful and colorful as a freshly painted canvas. Situated by the Red Sea Jeddah offers some of the best snorkeling, and diving spots, with stunning coral reefs, crystal clear, and friendly marine life putting a best show for you. So, get your swimming suit and oxygen supply ready (The views might take your breath away) and explore the top 10 spots of diving and snorkeling in Jeddah with us.

Once a sailing Greek ship, Staphonos sank in 1978 and now lies as a wreck 24 meters deep near Jeddah, looking like an underwater hardware shop. Marine VIPs including tuna, stingrays, and white-tip sharks reside on its decaying body, which still includes steel beams and cables. This diving is only recommended for experienced divers due to strong underwater currents, yet natural light keeps it camera-ready. Aspiring individuals can make a reservation with Fins & Flash, a PADI-certified company, but keep in mind that although the company caters to all ability levels, the ocean's current can make this Jeddah Red Sea snorkeling experience a bit challenging.

Found 32 meters deep on Abu Faramesh reef, the popular Ann Ann Wreck is Saudi Arabia's biggest underwater challenge and a favorite diving spot among experienced divers. It is the largest wreck of its kind and has a lot to offer, like an upright toilet covered in algae (in case fish need a break) and an old propeller coated in thick layers of coral. Dolphins, hump head wrasse, and reef sharks can be seen on outings here if you go diving in Jeddah with Dive Holics and Descent Dive Club. Expert advice: stay with a teacher because there are still a lot of moving parts in this crash!

With its blue water, colorful coral reefs, and a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, and dolphins, the Dhabhan shoreline near Jeddah is every snorkeler's dream come true. It stretches for miles and provides a big area for snorkeling and views of distinctive mangrove woods that are home to octopuses, crabs, and birdwatching locations. The management staff arranges facilities including equipment rentals and guided tours in the boat-accessible region. In addition to snorkeling, tourists can swim, fish, and boat, and there are cafes and restaurants close by for post-adventure meals.

The isolated island of Jabal Al-Lith located close to Jeddah, is a haven for free divers, and snorkelers. To provide a perfect holiday destination it has mountains, sandy beaches, and little vegetation, and is also well-known for its whale sharks, which congregate there from March to June. It is ideal for beach outings and shallow reef dives due to its calm waters, good visibility, and ease of access by a quick boat trip. Hope of Spring Dive Center recommends it as a great place for first-time scuba divers.  

Known for its bright blue waters and white beaches, Bayada Island is also called the Maldives of Jeddah attracting many tourists. Its shallow and tranquil waters are perfect for novices and provide opportunities to see parrotfish, trevally, and clownfish. First-time snorkelers can take daily trips with an instructor on board from Al-Haddad Scuba, and Sewar Marine, as they offer a private yacht option that can accommodate up to eight people and has a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. So if you want to go scuba diving in Jeddah without traveling long distances, this place is it!

If you want to enjoy shore diving and snorkeling with a bunch of extra luxuries, visit La Plage, which is 45 minutes north of Jeddah close to Sharm Obhur. Kayaks, a private beach, a pool, and gorgeous house reefs teeming with tropical species like groupers and manta rays are all available at the resort. Providing easy access to clean waters without a boat, it's ideal for divers of all skill levels. Even though they are exclusive and everybody can join them, their special memberships have several benefits.

Making a new entry into Jeddah's beach clubs, Coco Beach is a new favorite spot for recreational and novice divers, particularly those hoping to see hawksbill turtles. The best thing is they offer female-only diving experiences with West Coast Diver certified trainers every Tuesday and Saturday. Since the depths are kept below 12 meters, no prior diving experience is required. Red Sea species and colorful coral reefs can be seen on these fun snorkeling excursions and they also provide beachside homes, yoga at sunset, and simple Instagram booking.

For those who are keen to learn more about mangrove ecology, Obhur Creek is a popular location near Jeddah that you should be looking for. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers to visit because of its varied marine life, which includes fish, crabs, and octopuses. Visitors can combine this peaceful location with other best things to do in Jeddah, such as touring historical landmarks and taking in the city's thriving culinary scene, and other Red Sea's hidden gems.

Are you scared of deep waters because you might end up saying HI to a sea monster? Welcome to Fakieh Aquarium's artificial diving experience where the only thing you are going to encounter is pure joy! With tanks that replicate the natural habitat, this family-friendly location allows you to get up close and personal with the marine life of the Red Sea. You will encounter a wide range of vibrant fish and marine life; however, keep in mind that they are the ones performing the "snorkeling" while you remain dry! Isn’t it simply the most interesting and best thing to do in Jeddah?

Located 330 kilometers north of Jeddah, Yanbu is also referred to as "The Pearl of the Red Sea" and "The Capital of Diving," and is a popular diving location. Diverse marine life, such as barracuda, sharks, sea turtles, and red snapper can be found in its crystal-clear seas. Beautiful diving sites such as the Iona wreck, which is home to a variety of aquatic life, and the Abu Galawa site, which features underwater grottos can also be explored here. The best eateries in Yanbu's rebuilt old town serve fresh local fish after a day of diving or snorkeling, so don’t forget to try them.