Why Diving Saudi Arabia
Diving in Saudi Arabia offers unique experiences due to its pristine and diverse underwater environments, particularly in the Red Sea. Here are some key reasons why diving in Saudi Arabia is appealing:
1. Rich Marine Biodiversity: The Red Sea is home to over 1,200 species of fish and 200 types of coral, many of which are endemic to the region.
2. Healthy Coral Reefs: Compared to other popular diving destinations, the coral reefs in Saudi Arabia are relatively untouched and healthy, offering vibrant and colorful underwater landscapes.
3. Clear Waters: The Red Sea is known for its clear waters, providing excellent visibility for divers, often exceeding 30 meters.
4. Wreck Diving: There are several historical shipwrecks to explore, adding an element of adventure and history to diving experiences.
5.Diverse Dive Sites: Saudi Arabia offers a range of dive sites suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers, including wall dives, coral gardens, and underwater caves.
6. Year-Round Diving: The warm climate of Saudi Arabia allows for year-round diving, with water temperatures ranging from 24°C in winter to 30°C in summer.
7. Cultural and Natural Beauty: Divers can combine their underwater adventures with visits to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical sites, making it a well-rounded travel destination.
8. Emerging Destination: As an emerging diving destination, it provides an opportunity to explore less crowded and more pristine sites compared to more popular dive spots.
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Diving in Saudi Arabia offers a variety of remarkable sites along its Red Sea coastline. Notable dive sites include:
1. Jeddah: Known for its vibrant coral reefs and several wrecks like the Ann Wreck and Miss Marie Port.
2. Yanbu: Offers pristine coral gardens and diverse marine life, ideal for both novice and experienced divers.
3. Farasan Islands: Located in the southern part of the Red Sea, this area is famous for its untouched reefs and abundant marine biodiversity.
4. Al Lith: Home to the Five Sisters, a group of small islands offering excellent dive spots with a mix of coral gardens, reef walls, and pelagic fish.
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How to get there...
Traveling to Jeddah Airport from Europe offers several options, contingent upon your departure city and preferred mode of transportation. Here’s a breakdown of how you can reach Jeddah Airport from Europe:
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Direct Flights: Many major European cities offer direct flights to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, provided by airlines such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and Turkish Airlines. Direct flights typically offer the most convenient and expeditious means of reaching Jeddah Airport from Europe.
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You will be met at the airport by a representative of the liveaboard.
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You will be transferred to Al-Lith jetty for embarkation (depending on arriving time
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The day of Dis-embarkation you will be transferred to Jeddah for last night hotel B/B
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The following day you will be transferred from the hotel to Jeddah airport
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You will be met at the airport by a representative of the liveaboard.
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You will be transferred to Al-Lith jetty for embarkation (depending on arriving time)
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The day of Dis-embarkation you "might be" transferred to Jeddah for last night hotel B/B
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The following day you will be transferred from the hotel to Jeddah airport
How to get KSA Visa
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eVisa System: Saudi Arabia provides an electronic visa (eVisa) system for tourists hailing from eligible countries. Travelers can conveniently apply for the tourist visa online via the official Saudi Arabia eVisa portal or authorized visa facilitation services.
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Eligibility: Eligibility criteria for the tourist visa may differ based on nationality. While some nationalities are eligible for visa-on-arrival, others may need to utilize the eVisa system and apply in advance.
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Application Process: Prospective visitors are required to complete an online application form, furnish necessary documents (such as a passport with at least six months validity, a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation), and settle the applicable visa fee.
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Application Process: Prospective visitors are required to complete an online application form, furnish necessary documents (such as a passport with at least six months validity, a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation), and settle the applicable visa fee.
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Visa Types: Saudi Arabia offers various types of tourist visas, including single-entry and multiple-entry options, each with differing durations of stay. The validity and duration of the visa are contingent upon the traveler’s preferences and the chosen visa type.
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Visa Fees: Visa fees for Saudi Arabia’s tourist visa can vary based on factors like visa type, nationality, and processing time. It is advisable to consult the official eVisa portal or authorized visa facilitation services for the most current fee information.
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Processing Time: While the processing time for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia may vary, applications are typically processed within a few days following submission. Expedited processing may be available for certain travelers at an additional cost.
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Entry Requirements: Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, tourists holding a valid tourist visa must adhere to immigration procedures and present their passport and visa documents to the immigration authorities.
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Visa Extensions: Travelers interested in extending their stay in Saudi Arabia beyond the visa validity period may explore the option of applying for a visa extension through appropriate channels.
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Before planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, it is imperative for travelers to verify the latest visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, as these are subject to change. The official Saudi Arabia eVisa portal and embassy/consulate websites serve as reliable sources of up-to-date information and guidance regarding the tourist visa application process.
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For those interested, the official link for the eVisa application is: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
Diving Farasan Bank
The departure base of the cruise is the port of Al Lith located 210 km south of Jeddah. In the spring, a few miles outside the port, it is easy to come across families of whale sharks intent on feeding on the rich plankton present below the coast in these waters. After navigation for about 3 hours, we reach the first dive sites. Dive spots that will immediately give the feeling of being in an unexplored world. The island of Mar Mar besides being a splendid dive is an excellent night mooring. Not far away are the islands of Dohra, Jadir, and Malathu and the splendid outcropping reefs of Gorgonia, Bandu, and Long Reef. Sailing for 25 kilometers to the south we will come across a second reef area which includes Sha'ab Ammar, a large horseshoe-shaped reef also used as a night mooring.
Continuing southwards we meet the islets of Danak, Jabbara, Eagle, and the coral atolls of Mudarr, Fantasy, and Choppy, stages of spectacular diving. A common feature of all these dive sites is the incredible variety of hard and soft coral found on the plateaus as well as the massive presence of coral and pass fish. Diving on the falls of the plateaus, generally oriented to the north and south, you can witness the passage of the large pelagic fish, including schools of hammerhead sharks and the tiger shark admired several times at different diving points. We will also pass by Mubarak reef and Marbat Al Khail which are remarkably healthy and pristine dive sites. The last dive at Canyon reef will close this wonderful itinerary on the edge of reality.
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Farasan Banks is an area of ​​virgin reefs and wild islands, a kingdom of ospreys and gannets; where turtles lay their eggs. Uncontaminated seabeds inhabited by all kinds of marine animals and walls that rise vertically from the depths are the scenario that presents themselves when you dive at Farasan Banks. You are expected to see whale sharks, hammerheads, reef white, reef black tip, turtles and a variety of hard and soft corals.
Itinerary
Saturday
Arrival to Jeddah international airport
Transfer toAl lith port
Sunday – Thursday
Navigation early morning, after navigation for about 3 hours, we will reach the first dive sites. Primordial , the island of Mar Mar besides being a splendid dive is an excellent , overnight. The islands of Dohra, Jadir, and Malathu and the splendid outcropping reefs of Gorgonia, Bandu, and Long reef. Sailing to the south will reach the second reef area which includes Sha'ab Ammar, a large horseshoe-shaped reef , overnight
Heading to south we meet the islets of Danak, Jabbara, Eagle, and the coral atolls of Mudarr, Fantasy, and Choppy, stages of spectacular diving.
The incredible variety of hard and soft coral found on the plateaus are the common dive sites as well as the massive presence of coral and pass fish.
Diving on the falls of the plateaus, generally oriented to the north and south, you can see the schools of hammerhead sharks and the tiger shark admired several times in different diving points.
Friday
Dive Canyoun Reef , Back to the port of Al lith
Saturday
After Breakfast, Transfer to Jeddah Airport for final departure