Dive Site: Al Lith Mangrove Reef

About Al Lith Mangrove Reef

Al Lith Mangrove Reef, located approximately 210 km south of Jeddah, serves as the primary launch point for exploring the renowned Farasan Banks. This region is celebrated for its largely untouched underwater landscapes and exceptional marine biodiversity, setting it apart as a true frontier diving destination. The Red Sea coastline here boasts vibrant and healthy coral systems, thriving thanks to minimal human impact and protective measures. Divers at Al Lith can anticipate a diverse topography, including vertical walls, dramatic deep drop-offs, and expansive coral-covered plateaus. These formations provide habitats for a wide array of marine life, from colorful reef fish to impressive pelagic species. Depths can vary significantly, catering to different experience levels while maintaining excellent visibility. The area is particularly famous for its seasonal megafauna encounters, attracting divers eager to witness large pelagics like whale sharks, hammerheads, and manta rays. While diving is possible year-round, specific seasons enhance the chances of encountering these majestic creatures. Water temperatures remain consistently warm, contributing to comfortable diving conditions throughout the year. The dive experience at Al Lith is characterized by its remote and pristine nature. Access to the best sites, especially the Farasan Banks, is primarily via liveaboard, offering multi-day trips to explore locations rarely visited by day boats. This ensures a unique adventure for those seeking unspoiled reefs and a genuine sense of exploration.

Dive site facts: Al Lith Mangrove Reef

Depth

5–300 m

Current

Mild to strong drift

Visibility

20–60 m

Water temperature

23–32°C

Entry

Liveaboard / tender

Level

Advanced recommended, current experience helpful

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic, coral gardens

Night dive

Possible on liveaboard

Region / port

Al Lith / Farasan Banks

Coordinates

20.16, 40.21

Conditions & Currents

Diving at Al Lith and the Farasan Banks often involves drift diving, especially around the reef pinnacles of the Five Sisters. Currents can range from mild to strong, necessitating experience with such conditions, particularly for advanced divers exploring deeper areas. Briefings emphasize entry procedures, descent timing, and clear communication to ensure divers stay with the group and are tracked by the boat for pickup. Visibility typically exceeds 20-30 meters, often reaching up to 60 meters, though plankton blooms can occasionally reduce clarity during peak pelagic seasons. Water temperatures are consistently warm, minimizing the concern for thermoclines.

Marine life & sighting chances

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Al Lith, especially in the Farasan Banks, often begins with a tender drop-off for a drift dive along a coral wall or pinnacle. Divers descend rapidly to target depths, often between 18-30 meters, exploring the vibrant reef structures and keeping an eye out for pelagic encounters in the blue. The current dictates the path, so maintaining buoyancy and staying close to your buddy and group is crucial. Dive guides lead the way, pointing out marine life while monitoring depth and air consumption. The turn point is determined by air limits and planned bottom time, often initiated by ascending slightly and drifting along the reef top for the latter part of the dive. Safety stops are typically performed as a controlled drift in the shallower reef areas or out in the blue, depending on current strength, before the boat picks up divers at the surface.

Underwater photography

Al Lith offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For the expansive coral walls, deep drop-offs, and pelagic encounters, a wide-angle lens is essential to capture the grandeur of the Red Sea's untouched reefs and schooling fish. Strong external strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors at depth and against the clear blue water. When encountering large pelagics like whale sharks or mantas, position yourself to allow them space and capture their natural behavior. For macro enthusiasts, the healthy corals host a variety of smaller creatures; a macro lens will reveal nudibranchs, small reef fish, and interesting invertebrates. Good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid damaging fragile corals and to maintain stable shots in potentially strong currents. Always respect marine life by not chasing or disturbing subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Farasan South Wall

  Part of the wider Farasan Banks, known for deep walls and pelagics.

• Jabal Al Lith Seamount

  A nearby deep-water structure attracting large marine life.

• Farasan Banks

  The broader archipelago accessed from Al Lith, famous for pristine reefs and megafauna.

• Umluj Islands

  Further north, offering diverse reef systems and calmer conditions.

Getting there & logistics

Al Lith is primarily accessed by liveaboard, as it serves as the launch point for multi-day expeditions to the remote Farasan Banks. Divers typically fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive north of Al Lith. Transfer services from Jeddah to Al Lith are usually arranged by the liveaboard operators. Trip lengths vary but commonly range from 5 to 7 days, allowing extensive exploration of the pristine reefs. There are no specific dive permits mentioned for individual sites, but liveaboard operators manage all necessary clearances for diving in this region. This area is usually combined into a dedicated Farasan Banks itinerary, separate from northern Red Sea routes.

Safety & environment

Diving in the remote Farasan Banks from Al Lith requires a strong emphasis on safety due to the distance from major medical facilities. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Jeddah, necessitating potential lengthy evacuation in an emergency. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation, is not just recommended but essential. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and comfortable with varying current conditions. Always dive within your training limits and with a reliable buddy. Liveaboard crews are trained in emergency procedures and carry first-aid equipment, but self-reliance and adherence to dive plans are paramount in this frontier diving environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Al Lith Mangrove Reef FAQ