Dive Site: Long Reef

About Long Reef

Long Reef (South) is the deeper southern section of an extensive offshore reef system located near Al Lith, Saudi Arabia. It is primarily known for its impressive coral slopes and significant drop-offs, which plunge to depths around 70-80 meters, creating a thrilling environment for advanced divers. The site is a renowned location for encounters with blue-water pelagic species, particularly sharks, drawn in by the noticeable currents. The topography transitions from vibrant upper reef structures adorned with both soft and hard corals to deeper walls where large gorgonian fans become prominent. Dives typically commence on the shallower ledges before gradually descending along the reef edge, offering diverse underwater landscapes. While the central Saudi Red Sea offers diving year-round, calmer conditions are generally found during the spring and autumn months, making these periods ideal for visiting remote offshore sites like Long Reef. Expect excellent visibility and robust coral growth across the reef. Due to its offshore location, advanced depth profile, and potential for strong currents, Long Reef is typically accessed via liveaboard or a local operator. It is regarded as an advanced blue-water reef dive that demands careful planning regarding gas consumption, group spacing, and proficient boat handling for pickups.

Dive site facts: Long Reef

Depth

25–35 m (with drop-offs to 70–80 m)

Typical dive

Variable based on current; advanced depth

Current

Strong current

Visibility

25 m

Entry

Tender / boat entry

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Reef, wall, drift, pelagic

Night dive

Not permitted

Region / port

Farasan Banks, near Al Lith

Coordinates

22.3544° N, 38.6209° E

Conditions & Currents

Long Reef frequently experiences strong currents, particularly along its deeper drop-offs and southern declines, making it a demanding drift-style dive. These currents are a significant factor in dive planning and can influence the dive route and depth progression. Divers must be proficient in managing gas consumption and maintaining group spacing due to the blue-water exposure. Tender entry and exit are standard, requiring good boat handling from the crew for safe pickups, especially in active water. Visibility here is consistently excellent offshore, typically around 25 meters, providing clear views despite the moving water. Thermoclines are generally not a primary concern, but surface conditions can be affected by wind, especially outside of the calmer shoulder seasons.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey Reef Shark

occasional

Hammerhead Shark

Winter & Spring · occasional

Tiger Shark

rare

Barracuda

common

Trevally

common

Fusilier

common

Gorgonian

common

Grape Coral

common

Soft Coral

common

Hard Coral

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Long Reef typically begins with a boat entry onto the upper reef structure, usually in the 25-meter range, allowing divers to explore the vibrant coral garden. The route then follows the reef edge as it slopes downwards, leading towards the dramatic drop-offs that characterize the site. Divers progress along the wall, observing the transition from shallow hard and soft corals to deeper formations of large gorgonian fans. The guide continuously assesses current strength and direction, determining how far down the drop-off the group will venture. This can involve depths of 30-38 meters or more, depending on conditions and gas limits. Turn-around points are often dictated by current shifts, gas consumption, or the guide's assessment of deep blue-water exposure. The safety stop is typically conducted on the shallower sections of the reef, allowing for decompression while enjoying the diverse reef life.

Underwater photography

Long Reef offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive coral slopes, dramatic drop-offs, and schooling fish against the clear blue water. A wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the vastness of the reef and the significant gorgonian formations. For pelagic encounters, be ready with a fast shutter speed and consider strobes to bring out the color of passing sharks and barracuda in the deeper, current-swept areas. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially when navigating strong currents near the walls, to avoid damaging delicate corals. Practice patience and observe marine life from a respectful distance, particularly when hoping to photograph shy pelagics.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mar Mar Island

  High-current Farasan Banks reef with caves and pelagic life.

• Dohra Nord

  Reef site in the Farasan Banks.

• Malathu Island

  Deep plateau reef off Malathu.

• Mubarak Reef

  Reef bursting with vibrant marine life, typically explored on liveaboard itineraries.

• Canyon Reef

  Magical dive site often used for check dives or end of itinerary dives.

Getting there & logistics

Long Reef is exclusively an offshore, boat-access dive site, reachable from the Al Lith area, south of Jeddah. Most divers access this remote location via liveaboard, which typically depart from Al Lith Port. Liveaboard itineraries to the Farasan Banks, where Long Reef is situated, often last 7 to 10 nights. Divers usually fly into Jeddah, then transfer approximately 210 km south to Al Lith for embarkation. The Farasan Banks is a protected area, and liveaboards often explore a circuit of untouched reefs, atolls, and islands, combining Long Reef with sites like Mar Mar Island, Dohra Nord, and Mubarak Reef. There are no specific entry fees for Long Reef itself, but marine park regulations and liveaboard costs apply.

Safety & environment

Diving Long Reef requires a high level of preparedness due to strong currents, advanced working depths, and blue-water exposure. Divers must have robust gas planning, excellent buoyancy control, and proficient drift diving experience. Potential encounters with dangerous wildlife, including various shark species, necessitate adherence to guide instructions and good team spacing. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Jeddah, implying a significant evacuation time in case of a dive emergency. Divers should carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation from remote locations. Always dive with a reputable local operator or liveaboard, as their crew are skilled in managing the challenging conditions and conducting safe pickups.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Long Reef FAQ