Scuba diving experience in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, new shipwrecks are discovered every now and then. Artificial reefs and wrecks with objects like big planes and ships are continuously being added to an already immersive scuba diving experience. The unique red coral reefs impart mesmerizing beauty to the dive spots. Here are some of the best diving centres in Saudi Arabia.

Top cities for scuba diving in Saudi Arabia

1. Jeddah – For challenging scuba diving

Jeddah is known for offering many diving spots in Saudi Arabia. When in Jeddah, Tourists cannot miss the calm beauty of the Boiler Wreck, the Ann Ann Wreck, Miss Marie Port, and many other dives. The Boiler Wreck is an artificial wreck near the Abu Madafi Reef with amazing corals and rare moray eels. The Ann Ann wreck is one of the top difficult dives in Saudi Arabia as most of the wreck provide a challenging environment even for experienced divers. The Cable Wreck at Abu Tair Reef is popular for divers of all levels. This is famous for spotting guitar sharks, goatfish, white-tip sharks, blue-striped snappers, stingrays, and many more sea creatures. The wrecks and ports in Jeddah are rich in corals and sea life and have many diving shops and staying places nearby.

Top scuba diving spots in Jeddah: Boiler Wreck, Cable Wreck, and Ann Ann Wreck

Marine creatures you may spot: Goatfish, guitar sharks, moray eels, and white tip sharks

2. Jazan – Beautiful Farasan Islands

Jazan has several small islands that are open to divers of all skill levels. Situated off the coast of Jazan, the Farasan Islands are located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Here the dive depth can range from the usual 10-meter depth to a mind-boggling 500-meters. The islands are thriving with marine life. If divers are lucky, they can easily spot clownfish, sharks, moray eels, barracudas, etc. Divers can also see magnificent whale sharks. The islands have breathtaking views, and tourists can plan a week’s getaway to explore the whole area.

Top scuba diving places in Jazan: 84 Islands in the Farasan Islands

Marine creatures you may spot: Whale sharks, clownfish, barracudas, and moray eels

3. Yanbu – Unexplored marine life

Yanbu has the famous Seven Sisters dive, where tourists get to see the rare hammerhead sharks in Marker No. 39, Marker No. 32, and Marker No. 41. These reefs have soft corals housing squirrelfish, snappers, pick handle barracuda, and many other fish species. Abu Galawa, an underwater dive, lined with corals and home to many species of sharks, is also situated in Yanbu’s Red Sea. Yanbu has unexplored underwater areas leaving room for divers to engage in explorative scuba diving activities. Tourists can easily travel to Yanbu through flights. It only takes about an hour to reach Yanbu from Jeddah’s international airport.

Top scuba diving spots in Yanbu: Seven Sisters dive, and Abu Galawa

Marine creatures you may spot: Squirrelfish, snappers, and barracuda

4. Jubail – Stunning Al Fanateer

Jubail has the best blue water diving spot for those who want to have a personal, less-crowded diving experience. Divers can explore the Fanateer Reef and the Jana Reef in the Persian Gulf. The Al Fanateer Beach in Jubail is one of the most popular beaches in the KSA, with separate diving, jogging, and walking areas. Apart from scuba diving in Jubail, tourists can also take exquisite boat trips to take a good view of the place’s scenic beauty.

Top scuba diving spots in Jubail: Jana Reef and Fanateer Reef

Marine creatures you may spot: Sharks, Whales, Starfish, Goatfish, and Barracudas

5. Dammam – Jana and Karan Islands

Dammam is another spot for less crowded diving. Divers get the best experience owing to artificial reefs, sunken ships, and schools of a variety of fishes. The city serves as the gateway to the islands of Jana and Karan. Jana Island is best for beginners as the water is relatively calm. The conditions are best for snorkeling and scuba diving both. Here, children can also take part in diving activities. Karan Island offers up-close interaction with rare green turtles.

Top scuba diving spots in Dammam: Jana Island and Karan Island

Marine creatures you may spot: Green turtles, parrotfish, stingrays, and barracudas

6. Al Khobar – Seashore diving sites

Half Moon Bay in Al Khobar is a small saltwater dive with a depth of approximately 25 m. The Bay has been the preferred choice for thousands of learning divers. For training, the shore diving site has artificial reefs with corals and objects like cement structures, sunken cars, etc. The coral reef has a variety of fishes with a small number of sharks. Scuba divers can also visit private beaches like Saudi Aramco Beach, King Fahad Military City Beach, King Faisal University Beach, etc., which are located around Half Moon Bay.

Top scuba diving in Al Khobar: Half Moon Bay

Marine creatures you may spot: Sharks and rare whale spotting

Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Al Khobar For A Vacation To Remember

Things to remember while diving in Saudi Arabia

• Scuba divers should not plunge straight away into the waters. They should always do a test run in swimming pools to understand the scuba equipment before the dive.
• One should be hydrated. Scuba diving reduces the water content in a human body, so it is important to keep a check on that.
• Scuba divers should always listen to their instructors. It is extremely important to cooperate and coordinate with a diving guide.
• One should not get overboard with their diving and wander off wherever they want. One must stay with the group at all times.
• Maintain a distance in the reefs or wrecks from the objects.

Scuba diving in Saudi Arabia is an amazing activity to explore the seascape of the country. The country has breathtaking seascape, calling tourists to dive into the waters and experience the corals and sea life like no other place. All beaches, wrecks, and reefs are easily accessible. The Scuba diving spots have nearby hotels, resorts, and fine-dining restaurants, making the whole scuba diving experience even more memorable.

Scuba Diving In Saudi Arabia FAQs

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What to wear in Saudi Arabia: How to decide?

How is the climate of Saudi Arabia?

The desert climate of Saudi Arabia is characterized by dry, hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is rare, and extreme temperature swings between day and night are common. Therefore, the clothing of Saudi Arabia depends upon the following seasons.

Spring (March to June): The climate remains pleasant during the day in spring. While nighttime temperatures in the north can drop below 15°C, it is the rainy season in the south (southwest). Therefore, the people have relaxed clothing styles with light cotton t-shirts and trousers.

Summer (June to September): During this period, the climate remains hot, with temperatures regularly reaching 45°C. The hilly southwest, on the other hand, is significantly more relaxed. Like springs, people tend to wear a lightweight abaya and loose dresses.

Autumn (October-November): In autumn, the climate is still cool, with daytime temperatures around 30°C, and comfortable evenings, with temperatures dropping to approximately 15°C in most cities. Clothes made from natural fibers are preferable clothing in autumn.

Winter (December-March): The best season to visit Saudi Arabia is in the winter season when the weather is moderate, offering plenty of sunny days and cold evenings. The temperature at night can drop dramatically; hence, keeping warm clothes and jackets handy is always a good idea.

Must Read: The Seasons In Saudi Arabia Offer The Best Of Nature, Festivals, And Activities

What are the local dress code in Saudi Arabia?

Both men and women must dress appropriately as per the sensibilities of Saudi Arabia. While thinking about what do women wear in Saudi Arabia, one must keep local views in mind. Women must dress modestly, which means their shoulders and knees must be covered. Underpants, night garments, or clothes that offend public morality and conservative views are among the unacceptable attires to wear in public.

What do local people wear in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabians’ clothing is not only a result of religious views but also by the realities of living in a hot and sandy environment. The long robes and headscarves were worn to shield one’s head and face from the harsh desert heat and sandstorms. Hence, headscarves and face coverings were worn to protect one’s body when walking or riding outdoors. Today, people continue the traditions along with infusing modern garments as per local views.

What women wear in Saudi Arabia?

Until recently, all Saudi women, Muslim or not, had to wear an abaya (a loose, all-covering black robe) and a headscarf. Nonetheless, due to the current government’s emphasis on cultural and social reforms, the way Saudi Arabian women dress is swiftly changing. As a result, women no longer need to don an abaya or headscarf as long as they wear something modest that covers most of their bodies. However, for most local women, the abaya and headscarves symbolize proud Arabians and their religion, rather than a mandatory dress constraint. Hence, the vast majority of Saudi women still wear the abaya.

What men wear in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, males wear a full-length loose-fitting garment with long sleeves known as thobe. Local Saudi men avoid wearing black thobes since black is the color of women’s abayas. Ghutra, a white and red checkered headdress with a double black cord known as an agal, is worn on the head. Men wear a taqiyah beneath the ghutra, a little white cap that prevents the ghutra from slipping away. On the other hand, some Saudi men have begun to adopt western clothing trends and reserve their traditional Saudi attire for cultural and religious occasions.

What should tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?

The Saudi Arabian dress code for outsiders, particularly ladies, has been eased to promote tourism. However, despite recent modifications in the law, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains an exceptionally conservative country with a strict dress code. If one intends to travel or relocate with their family in the country, it is critical that they know how to dress appropriately.

What do female tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?

New public decency standards were introduced in 2019, allowing visitors to wear some western-style attire. Female travelers are no longer required to wear an abaya or a headscarf. In public places, wearing short skirts, tight trousers, and revealing tops will attract negative gazes and disapprovals. Instead, female tourists should choose a loose outfit or dress covering the shoulders, chest, and legs. Another critical consideration while dressing for Saudi Arabia is to wear only opaque fabrics. People should not be able to see the underpants through clothes.

One should stay away from bright hues like red, yellow, and green, which can draw unwelcome attention. Instead, one can choose light and muted shades. Female tourists can wear jeans, but they should make sure the top half of the outfit is long enough to cover their backside. They can wear a bikini if they stay in a villa with their private pool but cover up when not in the water.

What do male tourists wear in Saudi Arabia?

Male tourists are not required to wear the customary Arabic thobe. However, one must always wear clothing that covers their shoulders and legs. In public, male tourists should avoid wearing narrow jeans, sleeveless shirts, or shorts. Men’s pants and t-shirts are casual apparels and are appropriate to wear daily in any non-formal setting. The t-shirt worn must not be provocative or affect public sentiment in the country (the graphic and message must be appropriate for the general public). Tourists can’t be shirtless in Saudi Arabia under any circumstances.

Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state with a solid commitment to its faith and traditions. One should keep these stringent rules in mind while visiting Saudi Arabia. Men and women should cover as much skin as possible to prevent offending local sensitivities or confront the formidable religious police. It will also assist tourists with blending with the locals in the country. People should also wear proper and unrevealing clothes at beaches during Ramadan.

Suggested Read: 8 Most Beautiful Beaches In Saudi Arabia An Unwinding Retreat

What to wear in Saudi Arabia FAQs

The post What To Wear In Saudi Arabia? Dress Code And Rules For Male And Female Tourists appeared first on Zamzam Blogs.