Dive Site: Ann Ann Wreck (Jeddah)

About Ann Ann Wreck (Jeddah)

The Ann Ann Wreck, located about a two-hour drive from Jeddah on the 26-Mile-Reef, presents itself as one of Jeddah's largest and most intricate wreck dives. This impressive vessel, which sank in 1977, now rests upright on the seabed. Its stern reaches a maximum depth of approximately 32 meters, while the bow is firmly embedded in the reef at around 5 meters. Despite some breakage, the wreck maintains a breathtaking presence underwater. Divers can explore its massive rudder adorned with shellfish and a propeller decorated with soft corals. The cargo rooms are mostly empty, but access to the electrical room, galley, and captain's room offers a unique experience. This dive site is rich in marine life, providing encounters with Blue-striped snappers, blue spotted stingrays, and tunas. White-tip sharks are also occasionally sighted cruising around the wreck. The vibrant soft corals covering parts of the wreck contribute to its allure. Given its depth and condition, with parts of the wreck badly broken, the Ann Ann Wreck is best suited for advanced divers. The surface water above the wreck can experience high swells, which adds to the challenge. Visibility in the Red Sea around Jeddah is generally excellent, ranging from 21-30 meters (70-100 feet) year-round, with conditions sometimes as good as 60 meters (200 feet). Water temperatures remain consistently warm, between 26-31°C (79-88°F), making for comfortable diving almost any time of year.

Dive site facts: Ann Ann Wreck (Jeddah)

Depth

5–32 m

Typical dive

30–45 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

24–31°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced, wreck experience recommended

Dive type

Wreck, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Jeddah

Coordinates

21.5333, 39.0833

Conditions & Currents

Currents are variable depending on tides and specific location, often mild but can be strong at some sites. High swells can occur above the wreck, adding to the challenge for divers. Dive profiles here run between roughly 5 and 32 metres, so plan your gas and no-decompression limits around the deeper part of the site. It is usually briefed as a dive for advanced divers. It can be dived from a liveaboard or a day boat, depending on where you start the trip. Because the flow can pick up quickly, drift profiles, a surface marker buoy and a tight group are standard practice here, and the crew's briefing always overrides any general description.

Marine life & sighting chances

Blue-striped Snapper

common

Blue-spotted Stingray

common

Tuna

occasional

White-tip Reef Shark

occasional

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Moray Eel

occasional

Clownfish

occasional

Parrotfish

occasional

Angelfish

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Triggerfish

occasional

Butterflyfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Ann Ann Wreck typically begins with a boat drop directly over the site, which lies approximately two hours from Jeddah. The bow of the ship is at a shallow 5 meters, while the stern extends to about 32 meters, offering a progressive depth profile. You can start by exploring the shallower sections, observing the impact point of the bow into the reef, then gradually descend along the hull. Penetration opportunities exist within the cargo rooms, the electrical room, the galley, and the captain's quarters, requiring appropriate training and caution. Divers often circle the entire wreck, observing the massive rudder and propeller adorned with soft corals and shellfish. Keep an eye out for resident fish like snappers and stingrays. The turn point is flexible, dictated by air consumption and no-decompression limits, especially at deeper sections. Your safety stop will be conducted in the shallower waters near the bow or adjacent reef, allowing for a gradual ascent and decompression.

Underwater photography

The Ann Ann Wreck offers superb opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For the vast structure of the wreck, especially its upright position and the intact rudder and propeller, a wide-angle lens is essential. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of soft corals and marine growth, combating the loss of color at depth. When venturing into the cargo holds or other penetration areas, a powerful video light or torch is crucial for illumination and focusing. For macro enthusiasts, the wreck's encrusting organisms and smaller inhabitants, like nudibranchs or lionfish, provide excellent subjects. Maintain exemplary buoyancy control to avoid disturbing fragile coral growth or kicking up silt within the wreck's interior. Given the wreck's reported shift onto its side in 2022, be mindful of new angles and potential unstable sections, prioritizing safety and observation in your shot planning.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Cable Wreck

  Another significant wreck dive in Jeddah, known for ambient light and guitar sharks.

• Boiler Wreck

  A man-made wreck considered one of Jeddah's best dives, surrounded by smaller wrecks.

• Seven Sisters (Jeddah)

  A reef system with pinnacles and vibrant coral, hosting barracudas and reef sharks.

• Thuwal Reef

  Known for its healthy corals and diverse reef fish.

• Al Lith Mangrove Reef

  Offers a unique ecosystem with mangroves and diverse marine life, sometimes including whale sharks.

• Jabal Al Lith Seamount

  Famous for whale shark sightings in spring and early summer.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Ann Ann Wreck is typically arranged via dive centers operating out of Jeddah. Jeddah is served by King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), which is a major international hub. Dive trips to the Ann Ann are generally day trips, requiring a two-hour boat journey from the city. While liveaboards are emerging in Saudi Arabia, the Ann Ann is primarily visited through local dive operators. No specific permits beyond standard dive excursion bookings are usually required, but it's advisable to confirm with your chosen dive center. Trips can be combined with other Jeddah-area sites like the Cable Wreck or local reefs, offering a comprehensive Red Sea experience.

Safety & environment

Diving the Ann Ann Wreck demands careful attention to safety, particularly due to its depth, potential for strong swells at the surface, and the wreck's broken nature. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Jeddah, and divers should always carry appropriate dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Given the wreck's shift in 2022, exercise extreme caution during penetration, as structural integrity may be compromised; advanced wreck diving certification is highly recommended. Always dive with a reputable local operator, ensure your gear is well-maintained, and follow your guide's instructions regarding current conditions and site-specific hazards. Stay within your training limits and continuously monitor your air consumption and no-decompression limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ann Ann Wreck (Jeddah) FAQ