Dive Site: Marker 32

About Marker 32

Marker 32, also known as Almarkeb, is a well-regarded dive site located near Yanbu in the Saudi Arabian Red Sea. It is considered a secret spot, especially valued by advanced divers, technical divers, and freedivers due to its varied underwater landscape and tranquil conditions. The topography is notably diverse, featuring accessible shallow cracks on the eastern side that range from 3 to 7 meters. For those seeking greater depths, a remarkable wall plunges beyond 60 meters. The site is characterized by healthy, rich coral ecosystems, supporting a thriving marine community across its vibrant reefs, particularly prominent on the west side. While specific coral species are not detailed in the provided information, the presence of a 'beautiful Reef' indicates a flourishing environment. Divers can expect to encounter an array of colorful tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and distinctive chicken fish. Spotted stingrays are also a highlight of the local fauna. Marker 32 is renowned for its calm, stable diving conditions, largely due to the lack of strong currents, ensuring a relaxed and extensive exploration opportunity. It presents a pristine and uncrowded experience, making it a sought-after destination for those looking to avoid busy dive spots and enjoy the Red Sea's untouched beauty.

Dive site facts: Marker 32

Depth

3–60+ m

Current

Mild

Visibility

Very Good Viz

Water temperature

23–30+ °C

Entry

Boat access (tender)

Level

Advanced, Technical, Freediving

Dive type

Coral reef, Wall dive

Region / port

Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Coordinates

22.3864° N, 38.7499° E

Conditions & Currents

Marker 32 is known for its mild currents, providing calm and stable diving conditions that are ideal for relaxed and extensive exploration. This absence of strong water movement ensures a comfortable experience, particularly beneficial for advanced divers and technical divers focusing on deep wall descents. Divers can expect serene conditions, allowing for longer bottom times and less demanding entry and exit techniques. The generally stable currents also contribute to the site's excellent visibility, enhancing the overall dive experience without the need for complex drift diving strategies. This makes the site highly accessible for focused exploration of its diverse topography and marine life.

Marine life & sighting chances

Stingray

occasional

Sea Turtle

occasional

Chicken fish

occasional

Tropical colored fish

common

Hammerhead sharks

occasional

Silvertip sharks

occasional

Silky sharks

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Marker 32 typically begins with a boat entry, often utilizing tenders to reach specific points along the reef. The site's topography allows for varied routes; divers can explore shallow cracks on the right side, starting at 3-7 meters. Alternatively, advanced divers can descend along the impressive wall, which drops beyond 60 meters. The lack of strong currents facilitates a relaxed descent and ascent, enabling extensive exploration of the vibrant coral ecosystems. The dive usually involves following the reef structure, allowing divers to observe tropical fish, sea turtles, and spotted stingrays. For deep dives, bottom time and ascent rates must be carefully monitored. Safety stops can be performed in the calmer, shallower sections of the reef, taking advantage of the abundant marine life at 5 meters for a full three minutes.

Underwater photography

Marker 32 offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, particularly along its deep walls and vibrant coral reefs, where large schools of tropical fish and pelagic species may be encountered. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive landscapes and the potential for hammerhead, silvertip, or silky shark sightings. For macro subjects like specific fish or smaller reef inhabitants, a macro lens could be beneficial in the shallower crack areas. Given the excellent visibility and strong natural light in the Red Sea, external strobes will enhance color and detail, especially when shooting deeper on the wall or in overhead environments. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the pristine coral structures and avoid disturbing marine life, ensuring clear shots without stirring up sediment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Marker 42 Mansi

  Located 8 km south, known as "the forgotten" with a towering madreporic column.

• Abu Galawa

  One of the Seven Sisters diving sites near Yanbu.

• Sharm Yanbu

  A shallow wreck dive, also located near Yanbu.

• Five Corals

  Rabigh's coral reefs, offering vibrant hard and soft corals.

• Farasan Banks

  A renowned area further south, accessible via liveaboard for diverse marine life and extensive reef systems.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Marker 32 is primarily via liveaboard or day boat trips departing from Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Liveaboards like the M/Y Almonda are specifically designed for extended operations in remote Red Sea sites, often embarking from Yanbu or King Abdullah Economic City. Typical itineraries for liveaboards exploring the Seven Sisters, which includes Marker 32, can span several days to a week. No specific permits or fees are mentioned for Marker 32 itself, but they may be included in the liveaboard package. This site is frequently combined with other nearby reefs such as Marker 42 Mansi and Abu Galawa, forming part of a larger diving adventure in the pristine Saudi Arabian Red Sea.

Safety & environment

Divers should be aware that Marker 32 features deep descents beyond 60 meters, making it suitable for advanced and technical divers who are experienced in managing depth-related hazards. While currents are generally mild, proper dive planning, including gas management and decompression procedures, is essential for deeper profiles. It is crucial to have appropriate insurance coverage that includes diving and emergency evacuation, especially given the site's somewhat remote location. Although specific recompression chamber locations are not provided in the sources, medical facilities are typically concentrated in major cities like Yanbu. Divers should always dive within their certification limits, maintain excellent buoyancy, and avoid contact with the reef to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Marker 32 FAQ