Explore the Best Dive Routes in Saudi Arabia
Farasan Banks
Your Underwater Adventure Map
Buckle up, bubble buddies! We're about to embark on a fin-tastic voyage through the Farasan Banks. This isn't your grandma's diving trip – we're talking unexplored underwater worlds that'll make your mask fog up with excitement!
Our aquatic adventure kicks off from Al Lith, a cool 210 km south of Jeddah. But hold onto your snorkels, because the show starts before we even reach our first dive site! In spring, we might just bump into some whale sharks having a plankton picnic right outside the port. It's like stumbling upon a cetacean food festival!
After a three-hour cruise (cue the Gilligan's Island theme), we'll hit our first dive spots. Get ready to feel like Jacques Cousteau on steroids – these sites are so untouched; you'll wonder if you've accidentally discovered Atlantis.
First stop: Mar Mar Island. It's not just a splendid dive; it's also our five-star underwater hotel for the night. Nearby, we've got the islands of Dohra, Jadir, and Malathu, plus the reef rock stars Gorgonia, Bandu, and Long Reef. It's like an underwater neighborhood where all the cool corals hang out.
Heading 25 kilometers south, we'll find Sha'ab Ammar – a horseshoe-shaped reef that's luckier than any horseshoe you've ever seen. It's our VIP suite for another night.
But wait, there's more! As we continue our southern swagger, we'll hit the islets of Danak, Jabbara, and Eagle. Don't forget the coral atolls of Mudarr, Fantasy, and Choppy – these dives are so spectacular, you'll think you're in an IMAX movie.
What can you expect to see? Well, imagine the most crowded coral party you've ever been to, then multiply it by awesome. We're talking hard corals, soft corals, and more fish than you can shake a snorkel at. The plateaus are like underwater Times Squares – always buzzing with activity.
But the real show happens at the edges of these plateaus. Keep your eyes peeled to the blue, because this is where the big boys come to play. Schools of hammerhead sharks might cruise by like they're on a sharky highway. And if you're really lucky, you might spot a tiger shark – the striped celebrity of the sea!
We'll also swing by Mubarak reef and Marbat Al Khail. These sites are so pristine, you'll feel like you should wipe your fins before entering.
Our grand finale? Canyon reef. It's like the underwater equivalent of a standing ovation – the perfect way to close out this mind-blowing aquatic extravaganza.
So, are you ready to dive into a world that's more "National Geographic" than your wildest dreams? Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe an extra memory card), because the Farasan Banks are calling, and it's going to be epic!
Farasan Banks' Underwater Circus
Listen up, aquaholics! Farasan Banks isn't just another dive spot – it's Mother Nature's own aquatic theme park, minus the overpriced snacks and long queues!
Picture this: virgin reefs so untouched, they'll make you feel like the first diver ever. It's like stumbling into the VIP section of the Red Sea! And those wild islands? They're the exclusive resorts for ospreys and gannets. Talk about prime real estate!
But wait, there's more! This place is basically a five-star hotel for turtles. They don't just visit; they lay eggs here. It's like Turtle Airbnb, but with better views.
Now, let's talk about what's waiting for you beneath the waves:
- Whale sharks: The gentle giants of the sea. They're like swimming school buses, but way cooler and with better table manners.
- Hammerhead sharks: Nature's way of saying, "Who needs a normal-shaped head anyway?" They're the punk rockers of the shark world.
- Reef white and black tip sharks: The tuxedo-wearing locals of the reef. Always dressed to impress!
- Turtles: The chilled-out surfer dudes of the sea. They're not in a hurry, and after diving here, you won't be either.
- Hard and soft corals: It's like an underwater garden party down there, and every coral's invited. Expect more colors than a crayon factory explosion!
And let's not forget those vertically rising walls. They're like nature's own skyscrapers, but with way better residents. No noisy neighbors here – just an ever-changing parade of marine life that'll make your eyes pop behind your mask.
So, gear up, dive in, and prepare for sensory overload. Farasan Banks isn't just a dive site; it's an underwater wonderland that'll have you questioning if you've accidentally stumbled into the pages of a marine biology textbook – only way more fun and with 100% less homework!
Remember, what happens in Farasan Banks, stays in Farasan Banks... except for the awesome memories and slightly prune-like fingers. Happy bubbles, folks! Check out our gallery for more breathtaking photos. If you can't wait to join us, reserve your cabin now.
.Climate Description for Scuba Diving in Al Lith and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Here’s an overview of the climate to help you plan your diving adventure in these dynamic coastal cities.
Ah, welcome to the sun-soaked saga of Jeddah and Al-lith, two Saudi Arabian cities locked in a heated battle for the title of "Most Likely to Make You Sweat Through Your Thobe"! Let's start with the air temperature, shall we? Both cities seem to be competing in the "Human Oven" Olympics, with temperatures peaking around a toasty 38°C in June and July. Al-lith takes the gold medal here, consistently out-baking Jeddah by a degree or two. Winter? Oh, you mean that brief moment in January when the temperature dips to a "chilly" 25°C, and locals start wondering if they should invest in a light sweater.
Now, onto the water temperature - because who doesn't love a warm bath in the Red Sea? The chart shows that even the water is trying to give the air a run for its money. Both cities see their coastal waters heating up to a balmy 32°C in August and September. It's like Mother Nature decided to install a giant hot tub along the Saudi coast. Just don't forget your snorkel and sunscreen!
But wait, there's more! The sunshine hours chart reveals that both Jeddah and Al-lith are solar powerhouses. In the peak of summer, these cities bask in a whopping 14 hours of sunshine daily. That's enough time to get a tan, lose it to sunburn, and then get another tan all in one day! Winter sees a dip to about 9 hours of sunshine, which is still more than enough to make a British tourist weep with envy.
In conclusion, while Jeddah and Al-lith might seem like they're auditioning for the role of "Earth's Hottest Spots," fear not, intrepid divers! Thanks to the gentle sea breeze – nature's very own air conditioning – the perceived temperature is always more "tropical paradise" than "inside of a kebab oven."