Corals, clownfish, shipwrecks... the best diving spots in Saudi Arabia

The Red Sea's exceptional fauna

The Red Sea has the dual distinction of being one of the seas least exposed to currents and, above all, the one with the highest salinity (35% higher than the average). As a result, the fauna that thrives here is unique, with many more rare fish than elsewhere. These include the world's fastest fish: the black marlin, at 109 km/h, and the Napoleon fish, which is unfortunately on the brink of extinction. It owes its nickname to the shape of its head, which is similar to that of the aforementioned emperor's crown. 1,200 other species can be observed in this unique place that is the Red Sea.

Free benefits

This extreme salinity also helps to improve blood circulation, a welcome bonus. What's more, the water temperature also creates a thalassotherapy atmosphere thanks to the ambient temperature, which never drops below 21°C.

Who hasn't dreamt or dreamt of getting within centimetres of the most fearsome predator of the seas? It's completely possible at Sharm Obhur, a diving spot near Jeddah. The company 17sixty allows you to dive in the middle of the teeth of the sea, surrounded by a steel protection cage. The cage dives to a depth of 1.7 metres and the sharks graze it without any danger to you. Of course, the activity is completely safe and supervised by professionals. What's more, the sharks don't come alone: they're joined by loads of turtles, eels, the famous clown fish and all sorts of other extraordinary fish.

The cable wreck

The first wreck to be discussed here is that of the Greek Staphonos, sunk in 1978 and nicknamed the "cable wreck" because of its cargo. It is located near the island ofAbu Tair to the south-west of Jeddah. Little by little, this human infrastructure has been restored to nature, and today it is one with the sea. It's an astonishing sight to see this giant of metal traversed by white-tip sharks, blue-spotted rays and other local beauties. They make the ship their own, as if it had always been there.

Ann Ann

This second wreck spot is for more experienced divers. In fact, the ex-sailor dived to depths of over 32 metres, in which case you'll need to be careful about decompression stops. The so-called "Ann Ann " sank in 1977 and now lies vertically on the seabed. It's amusing to see almost intact rooms such as the captain's quarters now occupied by sharks, tuna and rays basking in these large empty rooms. Many divers like to sit on the toilet, which is also in good condition, for a souvenir photo.

Abu Faramesh is famous for its wreck, but also for its immense coral reef, 40 km long. The multicoloured coral shares its colours with those of the other marine species in the vicinity: bicoloured sharks, greenish eels, shimmering fish, rays dotted with blue spots and so on. It's a sight to behold. The Yanbu spot also has plenty of colours to admire, including the coral around the Farasan Islands.

Wonders in danger

However, these wonders are not eternal or indestructible. Saudi Arabia has recently become one of the world's most popular diving destinations, and not without repercussions. It's important to remember that the simple act of touching or stepping on a coral growth can destroy it and have an impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The wonders of Saudi Arabia should obviously be shared, but above all protected.

Diving alone or without experience can be dangerous, which is why you need to know how to surround yourself. As well as diving clubs on the coast, there are other even more attractive options. There are companies offering multi-day cruises to the various diving spots in the Red Sea. Several itineraries are available to suit everyone's wishes. The boat has a Jacuzzi and a huge Solarium deck for relaxing between dives. The cruise includes all meals, soft drinks and towels, so all you have to do is get on board and enjoy the wonders of the Red Sea.

Diving and women in Saudi Arabia

Recent social reforms have made diving accessible to women in the kingdom. What's more, Women's Diving Day has been launched, democratising the sport for all genders. The country has also made progress on a number of similar fronts. It is no longer compulsory to wear an "abaya", a dress covering the whole body. However, women are strongly advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and to avoid dresses above the knee and short sleeves.