Dive Site: Five Corals

About Five Corals

The Five Corals, also referred to as the Five Sisters, represent a prominent dive site located in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia, approximately 100 kilometers south of the Seven Reefs. This site is celebrated for its distinctive underwater topography, featuring dramatic steep walls that plunge into the depths and expansive, tranquil coral plateaus closer to the surface. The reefs here are in pristine condition, showcasing an abundance of healthy hard and soft corals, largely due to low diver traffic in this emerging destination. Depths at Five Corals typically range from around 10 meters on the plateaus to approximately 30 meters along the walls, though deeper sections may be explored by experienced divers. The site benefits from excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, providing clear views of the extensive reef structures and marine life. Currents can vary, and liveaboards are often utilized to access these offshore reefs efficiently. Five Corals is a prime location for encountering larger marine species. Divers frequently observe schools of tuna, barracuda, and jacks patrolling the reef edges. During specific seasons, the site is known for sightings of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, silky sharks, and manta rays. Green sea turtles are also common residents throughout the year, adding to the rich biodiversity of the area. Diving here offers a blend of exhilarating wall dives and serene explorations of coral gardens. The site is typically accessed via liveaboard, allowing for multiple dives over several days and combining it with other notable Red Sea locations. The relatively untouched nature of these reefs provides a glimpse into the Red Sea's ecosystem as it once was, far from heavily dived areas.

Dive site facts: Five Corals

Depth

10–30 m

Current

Moderate

Visibility

30–40 m

Entry

Zodiac / liveaboard

Level

Advanced recommended

Dive type

Reef, wall, big_animals

Region / port

Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia

Coordinates

22.3964° N, 38.6239° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Five Corals can be moderate, particularly along the exposed walls and plateaus, which necessitates careful dive planning and potentially drift diving techniques. While specific information on tidal dependency is limited, liveaboards frequently utilize Zodiacs to drop divers at optimal points and retrieve them, ensuring safe entries and exits even with varying water movement. Visibility typically remains excellent, often exceeding 30 to 40 meters, though occasional plankton blooms during peak pelagic seasons might slightly reduce it. There is no mention of thermoclines or boat traffic issues, reflecting the relatively untouched nature of these reefs. Divers should be comfortable with potential currents and be proficient in buoyancy control to fully enjoy the site's rich marine environment.

Marine life & sighting chances

Tuna

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Jacks

Year-round · common

Hammerhead shark

January to April, October, November · occasional

Whale shark

February to May · occasional

Silky shark

January to May, September to October · occasional

Manta ray

January to May, October to December · occasional

Green sea turtle

Year-round · common

Dolphin

January to May, October to December · occasional

Tiger shark

January to April, October · occasional

Red Sea clownfish

Year-round · common

Humphead wrasse

Year-round · occasional

Bluespotted ribbontail ray

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Five Corals typically begin with a Zodiac drop directly onto the reef's outer edge, allowing divers to descend quickly along the dramatic wall. The initial descent often targets around 15 to 25 meters, where the vibrant hard and soft coral growth is most prolific and pelagic activity is common. Divers then follow the reef contour, either drifting gently with any prevailing current or exploring specific features like overhangs and crevices. The route usually involves a progression from the deeper wall sections to the shallower, peaceful coral plateaus, around 10 to 15 meters, where reef fish and macro life are abundant. Turnaround points are determined by air consumption and bottom time, ensuring a safe ascent. The safety stop is generally conducted over the top reef or plateau, allowing for an extended period to observe smaller marine life before surfacing to meet the liveaboard's tender.

Underwater photography

Five Corals offers excellent wide-angle photography opportunities, capturing the expansive walls, schooling pelagics, and healthy coral plateaus. A fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is recommended to capture the scale of the reef and large animal encounters. Consider using dual strobes to properly illuminate the vibrant corals and marine life, especially in deeper sections or when shooting against the blue. For macro subjects found on the plateaus, a standard macro lens with a diopter can be effective. Practicing excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging pristine corals and to maintain stable shots in potential currents. Be patient and observe marine life behavior, especially when attempting to photograph shy pelagic species.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Seven Sisters

  A prominent reef system often combined with Five Corals itineraries.

• Ann Ann Wreck (Jeddah)

  A notable wreck dive located closer to Jeddah, offering a different type of experience.

• Farasan Banks

  A remote, world-class destination for large pelagic encounters, accessible from Al Lith or via liveaboard.

• Boiler Wreck

  Another significant wreck dive in the Red Sea region of Saudi Arabia.

Getting there & logistics

Five Corals is typically accessed via liveaboard from departure ports such as Yanbu or King Abdullah Economic City, sometimes also from Al Lith. International travelers generally fly into major Saudi Arabian airports like Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport - KAIA) or potentially Yanbu (Prince Abdul Mohsin Bin Abdulaziz International Airport - YNB), connecting to their liveaboard embarkation point. Liveaboard trips often span 7 nights, combining Five Corals with other key Red Sea sites like the Seven Sisters. Permits and any park fees are usually handled by the liveaboard operator as part of the package. As tourism infrastructure is still developing, it's advisable to coordinate all travel and dive logistics well in advance with a specialized tour operator.

Safety & environment

While diving at Five Corals is generally safe when adhering to standard protocols, divers should be prepared for potential moderate currents, especially along deeper walls. Always dive within your certification limits and follow your dive guide's instructions. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation, is highly recommended due to the remote nature of the site. The nearest recompression chamber would likely be in major coastal cities like Jeddah or Yanbu, necessitating potentially lengthy evacuation procedures in case of a serious incident. Maintaining good health, being adequately rested, and having well-maintained equipment are essential for enjoying these pristine but sometimes challenging Red Sea environments. Respect for marine life and responsible diving practices are paramount to preserving these untouched reefs.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Five Corals FAQ