Dive Site: Marker 35

About Marker 35

Marker 35 is a captivating dive site situated within the Seven Sisters, a renowned collection of reef islands located approximately 18 miles offshore from Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. This area is celebrated for its exceptionally healthy hard and soft coral formations, thriving in an ecosystem largely undisturbed by high diver traffic. The topography features dramatic reef walls and expansive coral plateaus, with depths varying from shallow reef crests to overhangs found at 30 to 35 meters, inviting exploration of its diverse underwater landscapes. The marine environment at Marker 35 supports a rich array of fish species and invertebrates, making it a hotspot for encounters with large pelagics. Divers frequently spot hammerhead and tiger sharks, along with whale sharks, manta rays, and barracuda, especially during peak seasons. This site delivers a pristine diving experience, reminiscent of the Red Sea's earlier, less-explored days, which makes it an ideal destination for liveaboard safaris. Diving here often involves drift techniques due to the presence of mild to moderate currents, which necessitates careful attention to dive briefings for safe entry, descent, and exit procedures. The site is best accessed via liveaboard operations departing from Yanbu, providing an immersive experience away from more crowded dive locations.

Dive site facts: Marker 35

Depth

5–35 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

15–60 m

Water temperature

26–32°C

Entry

Liveaboard / tender / negative entry

Level

Advanced recommended

Dive type

Wall, coral garden, pelagic

Region / port

Yanbu

Coordinates

22.3154° N, 38.6839° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Marker 35 are generally mild to moderate, making drift diving a common and effective technique for navigating the site. Divers must pay close attention to the dive briefing regarding current direction and strength, as these can influence entry and exit strategies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Visibility is consistently excellent, often ranging from 15 to 60 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life and reef structures. Water temperatures remain warm, typically between 26°C and 32°C, meaning thermoclines are rare. Divers should be prepared for potential surface chop during windy periods, particularly from spring into early summer, which might affect tender operations.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whale Shark

February to May · occasional

Silky Shark

January to May, September–October · occasional

Tiger Shark

January to April, October · occasional

Manta Ray

January to May, October–December · occasional

Dolphin

January to May, October–December · common

Turtle

Year-round, especially January–May · common

Barracuda

common

Dogtooth Tuna

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Red Sea Clownfish

common

Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray

common

King Mackerel

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Marker 35 typically begins with a negative or tender entry from a liveaboard, allowing divers to quickly descend and manage any surface current. The dive profile generally follows the natural contours of the reef wall or a coral plateau, with currents often guiding the drift. Depths can range from shallow reef crests at 5 meters to the base of walls at 30-35 meters, where divers can discover overhangs and cleaning stations. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to protect the pristine coral formations. The dive usually features a multi-level ascent, optimizing bottom time and allowing for gradual decompression. A safety stop is conducted at 5 meters, either in a shallower reef section or in the blue, depending on current conditions and boat positioning. The liveaboard tracks divers and picks them up down-current, making close attention to the exit briefing essential.

Underwater photography

Marker 35 offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro underwater photography. For capturing the expansive coral formations, dramatic reef walls, and schools of pelagic fish like barracuda and hammerheads, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens is highly recommended. The often superb visibility, frequently exceeding 40 meters, is ideal for ambient light shots, but using strobes will enhance the vibrant colors of both the hard and soft corals. Macro enthusiasts will find a dedicated macro lens invaluable for documenting the diverse invertebrates and smaller reef inhabitants. Practicing excellent buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the delicate corals and to achieve sharp, well-composed images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• King Abdullah Reef

  King Abdullah Reef, named in honor of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is one of Aqaba's most cherished and healthy house reefs, nestled along…

• Dohra Nord

  Information on the specific dive site "Dohra Nord" is not available in the provided sources.

• Long Reef

  Long Reef (South) is the deeper southern section of an extensive offshore reef system located near Al Lith, Saudi Arabia.

• Mubarak Reef

  Mubarak Reef is a significant dive site within the expansive Farasan Banks in Saudi Arabia, a region acclaimed for its unspoiled reefs and…

• Marker 42 Mansi

  Marker 42 Mansi, or "the forgotten" in Arabic, is a distinctive and isolated madreporic coral column situated in Saudi Arabia's Seven…

• Shib Habil Reef

  Shib Habil is a small, coastal reef located off the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, uniquely recognized for hosting a significant…

Getting there & logistics

Marker 35, part of the Seven Sisters, is exclusively accessed via liveaboard trips departing from Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Divers typically fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, then transfer to Yanbu to board their vessel. Liveaboard itineraries to the Seven Sisters region usually span several days, allowing extensive exploration of multiple dive sites. As a relatively new and protected diving destination, there may be specific permit requirements or fees for entry, which are typically arranged by the liveaboard operator. These trips offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience Saudi Arabia's pristine Red Sea, combining wall dives and coral plateaus with consistent chances for large marine encounters.

Safety & environment

For diving at Marker 35, divers should ensure comprehensive dive insurance is in place, covering emergency evacuation and hyperbaric treatment, as medical facilities and recompression chambers can be distant. The nearest major medical support would likely be in Yanbu. Given the site's remote nature and liveaboard access, evacuation procedures might be prolonged. Site-specific hazards include mild to moderate currents, which necessitate adherence to dive briefings and buddy system protocols. Strong buoyancy control is crucial to protect the delicate corals and prevent accidental contact. Divers should be mindful of boat traffic during surface intervals and ascent, especially in areas with tenders. It is always recommended to dive within personal limits and experience levels.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Marker 35 FAQ