Dive Site: Dohra Nord

About Dohra Nord

Information on the specific dive site "Dohra Nord" is not available in the provided sources. However, diving in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea generally offers pristine, unexplored reefs brimming with marine biodiversity due to previous travel restrictions. The region is often described as an untouched marine environment, comparable to the Red Sea as it was decades ago. Diving typically occurs from liveaboards, which explore remote areas like the Farasan Banks. Liveaboard itineraries often include multiple dives per day, usually three, allowing divers to explore diverse topographies such as coral reefs and vertical walls that descend into deep waters. These sites are home to extensive hard and soft coral gardens, creating vibrant underwater landscapes. Many potential dive sites remain unmapped and undiscovered, offering a sense of true exploration. Expect encounters with a wide array of marine life, including various reef fish species. Pelagic encounters are also possible, with observations of turtles and large schools of barracudas reported. Divers might also spot different shark species such as hammerheads, tiger sharks, and whale sharks, particularly during specific seasons. The sheer abundance of life reflects the untouched nature of these waters. Liveaboard diving often involves diving from a mother ship, with zodiacs or tenders used for transfers to dive sites. Daily diving limits are set by boat logistics and navigation times, typically allowing for numerous dives over several days. Divers are expected to hold appropriate certifications, with an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent (like CMAS Level 2) often recommended for these remote and pristine locations.

Dive site facts: Dohra Nord

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

15–40 m, 50–60 min (Farasan Banks average)

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

15–60 m (Farasan Banks average)

Water temperature

20–32°C (Farasan Banks average)

Entry

Liveaboard / tender

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic, coral garden

Night dive

Possible (selected sites in Farasan Banks)

Region / port

Jizan Province / Al Lith Port

Coordinates

22.2714° N, 38.5989° E

Conditions & Currents

Dohra Nord is known for experiencing moderate to strong currents, typical for many outer reef sites in the Farasan Banks. These robust currents significantly contribute to attracting the rich pelagic life, especially hammerhead sharks. Divers should be prepared for drift dives, as conditions can vary and dictate the dive plan. Excellent buoyancy control is essential to navigate the currents and avoid contact with the pristine coral structures. Entry is typically from a tender boat for these drift dives, with the liveaboard crew tracking and picking up divers downcurrent. Visibility typically exceeds 30 meters, but plankton blooms during the hot season can temporarily reduce it.

Marine life & sighting chances

Scalloped hammerhead shark

November–May · common

Grey reef shark

Year-round · common

Whale shark

December–May · common

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Green turtle

Year-round · common

Moray eel

Year-round · common

Clownfish

Year-round · common

Tuna

Year-round · common

Silky shark

January–May, November · occasional

Tiger shark

January–April · occasional

Manta ray

February–April, December · occasional

Dolphin

January–May, November, December · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Dohra Nord typically involves a tender boat entry, often initiating a drift dive due to the moderate to strong currents. The initial descent is frequently aimed at depths of 25-40 meters, especially when seeking pelagic encounters like hammerhead sharks along plateau edges. Divers will explore the reef's dramatic architecture, which includes canyon swim-throughs and healthy coral walls, while maintaining excellent buoyancy to prevent contact with the pristine formations. Reef sharks can often be found resting on the sand between coral structures in shallower areas. As a drift dive, the route is determined by the current, with divers moving along the reef. Safety stops are performed either in the shallower sections of the reef or in open water after surfacing, with the liveaboard crew tracking and picking up divers downcurrent.

Underwater photography

Dohra Nord offers outstanding opportunities for wide-angle photography, particularly for pelagic species. When encountering hammerhead sharks, which often approach in groups, a wide-angle lens is essential to capture their impressive presence. Visibility often exceeds 30 meters, enabling natural light photography at shallower depths, but strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the healthy corals and to properly illuminate subjects in deeper or dimmer conditions. For capturing the unique reef architecture and canyon swim-throughs, a wide-angle setup is also ideal. Divers should focus on maintaining excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems while positioning for shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Shib Habil

  Known for seasonal juvenile whale shark aggregations (April-May), typically snorkeled or shallow-dived.

• Long Reef

  Another drift dive site in the Farasan Banks, often combined with Dohra Nord on liveaboard itineraries.

• Malathu (South West Malathu)

  A macro-focused site with soft corals and small critters, offering a gentler, photography-oriented dive.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Dohra Nord and the Farasan Banks is almost exclusively via liveaboard, typically departing from Al Lith Port. Al Lith is approximately 210 km south of Jeddah. Liveaboard itineraries usually dedicate several days to exploring the southern Red Sea, including sites like Dohra Nord. These trips often follow pelagic migrations, with the southern Farasan Banks being explored primarily between November and May. Permits and national park fees are generally included in liveaboard packages, as this is a remote, lightly-dived region. This area is considered expedition diving, catering to experienced divers who are self-sufficient, rather than a resort destination with extensive infrastructure.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber facilities are likely in Jeddah, approximately 210 km north of Al Lith, the primary departure port for the Farasan Banks. Given the remote nature of Dohra Nord, emergency evacuation can be complex and time-consuming, necessitating comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control due to the currents and the presence of pristine coral structures. A minimum of 50 logged dives is often required for these liveaboard itineraries, indicating the need for experienced divers comfortable with varying current strengths and deeper dive profiles. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, especially regarding drift dive procedures and safety stops.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Dohra Nord FAQ