Dive Site: Magna Bay Coral Garden

Dive site facts: Magna Bay Coral Garden

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

10–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to occasional gentle drift

Visibility

30–60 m

Water temperature

20–32°C

Entry

Boat / easy descent

Level

All levels

Dive type

Coral garden, reef, photography

Night dive

Possible, conditions permitting

Region / port

Tabuk Region / Red Sea

Coordinates

27.78, 35.38

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Magna Bay Coral Garden are generally mild, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. However, occasional gentle drifts can be present, especially on deeper sections or at certain tidal states, which can enhance the dive experience by allowing divers to glide along the reef. Visibility remains consistently high, often exceeding 30 meters, due to the minimal runoff and pristine conditions of the Red Sea here. Surface conditions are typically calm, providing easy boat entries and exits, although windier periods, especially in winter, can sometimes lead to choppier seas. Divers should always be attentive to the pre-dive briefing regarding any localized current predictions to ensure a relaxed and safe dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Red Sea Clownfish

Year-round · common

Green Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Humphead Wrasse

Year-round · occasional

Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray

Year-round · common

King Mackerel

Year-round · occasional

Great Barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Whale Shark

February to May · rare

Hammerhead Shark

January to April, October, November · rare

Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Lionfish

Year-round · common

Dolphin

Year-round · occasional

Manta Ray

January to May, October to December · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Magna Bay Coral Garden begins with a boat entry, followed by a gradual descent onto a vibrant coral plateau at approximately 10-15 meters. From there, divers can explore a series of gently sloping reefs adorned with healthy hard and soft corals. The dive typically proceeds along a specific section of the reef, allowing ample time to observe the abundant reef fish, moray eels, and possibly turtles. Deeper sections extend to around 25-30 meters, featuring impressive coral structures and potential for larger marine life sightings. The turning point is usually dictated by air consumption or bottom time, with the ascent initiated back along the reef's contour. The safety stop is comfortably performed in the shallower coral gardens, offering further opportunities for marine observation before a boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Magna Bay Coral Garden is a photographer's dream due to its exceptional visibility and pristine coral formations. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye lens is ideal to capture the expansive coral landscapes and schooling fish. The clarity of the water allows for stunning ambient light photography, especially in shallower areas, but strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, even in bright conditions. For macro enthusiasts, the intricate details of the corals, nudibranchs, and smaller reef inhabitants provide endless subjects, best captured with a macro lens. Patience and excellent buoyancy control are crucial to avoid damaging the delicate corals and to get close to subjects without disturbing them. Maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• NEOM Reef

  NEOM Reef, specifically Magna Bay Coral Garden, is located in the Red Sea along Saudi Arabia's northern coastline, offering an…

• Duba Coral Forest

  Duba Coral Forest is a spectacular dive site located along Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastline, an area recently opened to international…

• Al Wajh Bank

  Al Wajh Bank, located along Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, stands as a prime, largely unexplored dive destination distinguished by its…

• Yanbu Coral Gardens

  Yanbu Coral Gardens, nestled off Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, stands as a premier dive destination, celebrated for its remarkably healthy…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Magna Bay Coral Garden typically involves flights into major Saudi Arabian international airports such as Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport - KAIA) or Riyadh (King Khalid International Airport - KKIA). From there, domestic flights or overland transfers are arranged to coastal departure points, often Yanbu or other ports in the Tabuk region, depending on the liveaboard itinerary. Liveaboards are the primary way to dive these remote northern Red Sea sites, offering multi-day trips ranging from 5 to 7 nights, combining Magna Bay with other pristine reefs and occasionally wrecks. There are currently no specific marine park fees mentioned for this particular site, but liveaboard costs include permits and local taxes. Booking well in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Saudi Red Sea is generally safe, but adherence to standard safety protocols is essential. Divers must carry valid dive insurance that covers medical evacuation and hyperbaric treatment. The nearest recompression chambers might be in Jeddah or other major coastal cities, requiring significant travel time, making rapid evacuation a critical consideration. Liveaboards typically have well-trained staff, emergency oxygen, and first aid. Site-specific hazards are minimal but include potential encounters with lionfish, stonefish, and occasional strong currents, although Magna Bay itself is known for calmer conditions. Always dive within your certified limits, follow your guide's instructions, and perform thorough buddy checks. Respect for the pristine environment includes strict no-touch policies for all marine life and coral.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Magna Bay Coral Garden FAQ