Dive Site: Jeddah Wreck Valley

About Jeddah Wreck Valley

Jeddah Wreck Valley, located off the coast of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, is a captivating dive destination renowned for its collection of historical shipwrecks and thriving coral gardens. Unlike more heavily trafficked Red Sea locations, this area remains pristine and relatively uncrowded, offering divers an unspoiled glimpse into an active marine ecosystem. The wrecks, ranging from cargo vessels to fishing boats, have become artificial reefs, providing shelter and sustenance for a diverse array of Red Sea marine life. The topography of the dive sites varies, featuring shallow reef platforms near wrecks and deeper sections that plunge to 40 meters. These depths cater to both novice and experienced divers, with some sites offering easy access for shore dives and others requiring boat excursions. The wrecks themselves are draped in soft and hard corals, creating visually stunning environments rich with color and texture. Marine life here is prolific, with frequent sightings of reef fish, rays, turtles, and various pelagic species, particularly during the cooler months. The consistent water temperatures and excellent visibility further enhance the diving experience, making it ideal for photography and extended explorations. Divers can expect to encounter everything from small reef inhabitants to larger migratory species, all thriving within healthy coral systems. The practical dive experience in Jeddah Wreck Valley often involves boat trips from local dive centers. These excursions typically include multiple dives per day, allowing ample time to explore different wrecks and nearby reefs. The calm conditions for much of the year, coupled with professional dive operations, ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure into this unique underwater landscape.

Dive site facts: Jeddah Wreck Valley

Depth

5–40 m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

15–60 m

Water temperature

22–31°C

Entry

Boat / Shore

Level

All levels, AOWD for deeper wrecks

Dive type

Wreck, reef, photography

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Jeddah, Makkah Province

Coordinates

21.45, 39.12

Conditions & Currents

Currents in Jeddah Wreck Valley are generally mild, particularly within sheltered areas around the wrecks and reefs, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. However, during the winter months, specifically from November to March, winds from the south can generate larger waves and stronger currents, especially in more exposed sites. Dive briefings will cover specific current directions and strengths, advising on appropriate entry and exit techniques to ensure diver safety and comfort. While thermoclines are uncommon, visibility can occasionally be affected by plankton blooms, particularly in deeper areas where pelagic activity is higher. Always listen to your dive guide for real-time conditions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Red Sea clownfish

Year-round · common

Tassled scorpionfish

Year-round · occasional

Green turtles

Year-round · occasional

Humphead wrasse

Year-round · occasional

Bluespotted ribbontail ray

Year-round · common

King mackerel

Year-round · occasional

Coral trout

Year-round · common

Great barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Whitetip reef sharks

Year-round · occasional

Dugong

Year-round · rare

Sailfish

Year-round · rare

Moray eels

Year-round · common

Lionfish

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive in Jeddah Wreck Valley begins with a boat entry, often directly above a wreck site. After a controlled descent, divers will explore the main features of the wreck, such as the Ann Ann with its shallow bow at 5 meters and stern at 32 meters, or the Chicken Wreck at 20 meters, noting details like the coral-encrusted propeller or cargo hold. The dive usually progresses around the structure, observing both the historical artifacts and the vibrant marine life that has colonized it. For the Marble Wreck, its shallow depth of 8-16 meters allows for longer bottom times and extensive exploration. Turn points are typically determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, after which divers gradually ascend, making their safety stop while observing schooling fish around nearby coral heads, before surfacing near the boat.

Underwater photography

Jeddah Wreck Valley offers superb opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For capturing the scale of the wrecks and the expansive coral gardens, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider using dual strobes to illuminate dark areas within wrecks and bring out the true colors of the corals and schooling fish. For smaller inhabitants like nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and cleaner shrimp often found nestled in the coral or wreck crevices, a macro lens will yield stunning detail. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially when navigating delicate coral formations or the tight spaces within wrecks, to avoid disturbing the environment or stirring up sediment. Always maintain a respectful distance from marine life and avoid touching any part of the wrecks or reef to preserve these unique habitats.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Ann Ann Wreck (Jeddah)

  Jeddah's largest wreck, offering exploration at various depths.

• Boiler Wreck

  A popular wreck in Jeddah, known for its intact boiler.

• Cable Reef

  Home to the Greek Staphonos wreck, also known as the 'Cable Wreck', with potential shark sightings.

• Shib Al Banat

  Offers vibrant coral gardens and rich marine diversity near Jeddah.

• Seven Sisters (Jeddah)

  A stunning reef system with numerous secrets and diverse marine life.

Getting there & logistics

To dive Jeddah Wreck Valley, visitors typically fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah. From there, access to dive sites is primarily via boat trips organized by local dive centers in Jeddah. Most dive packages are day trips, though liveaboard options are slowly emerging for exploring more remote Red Sea sites in Saudi Arabia. There are no specific marine park fees mentioned for the immediate Jeddah area, but this can change. Trips can range from single-day excursions to multi-day itineraries combining several wreck and reef dives. It is common for these dives to be part of an itinerary that also explores other Red Sea highlights along the Saudi coast.

Safety & environment

Diving in Jeddah Wreck Valley generally requires adherence to standard Red Sea safety protocols. While specific information on recompression chambers in Jeddah is not readily available, it is crucial for divers to confirm the nearest facility and emergency evacuation procedures with their dive operator. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and evacuations, is highly recommended. Site-specific hazards include potential strong currents during certain seasons, which necessitate careful attention to dive briefings, and the inherent risks associated with wreck penetration for those qualified. Divers must maintain good buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate corals or disturbing wreck structures. Always dive with a reputable center and follow your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Jeddah Wreck Valley FAQ