Dive Site: Marker 42 Mansi

About 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 Sisters region, approximately 18 kilometers west of Yanbu Port. It rises from significant depths, presenting vertical walls that are richly adorned with gorgonian corals. The topography features a towering main structure with a notable southern slope where pelagic species are often encountered. Dives typically explore depths ranging from 20 to 40 meters, revealing vibrant hard and soft coral growth along its extensive walls. The site's isolation contributes to its pristine condition and the prevalence of large marine life. Mansi Reef is particularly renowned for its hammerhead shark sightings, especially along its southern slope, with schools occasionally observed in the blue. Beyond sharks, divers can expect to see a variety of reef fish, barracudas, and manta rays, which are known to visit areas with plankton presence. Whale sharks, tiger sharks, and various reef sharks are also common in the broader Seven Sisters area during their peak seasons. Liveaboard itineraries from Yanbu frequently include Marker 42 Mansi as a highlight for its dramatic drop-offs and consistent pelagic action. Divers navigate along its spectacular walls, observing a thriving ecosystem, making it a key site for advanced divers seeking untouched Red Sea experiences.

Dive site facts: Marker 42 Mansi

Depth

20–40 m

Typical dive

20–35 m, 50–60 min

Current

Moderate probability

Visibility

Good to excellent (30m+)

Water temperature

26–32°C

Entry

Zodiac / liveaboard

Level

Advanced (AOWD recommended)

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic, coral garden

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Yanbu region, Saudi Arabia

Coordinates

22.3474° N, 38.5809° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Marker 42 Mansi are generally considered moderate, with an average probability of presence. Divers should anticipate potential drift along the reef walls, particularly when exploring the deeper sections and plateaus. Visibility at this isolated site typically ranges from good to excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, which is beneficial for spotting pelagic species in the blue. Water temperatures vary seasonally, from 26°C in winter months to 32°C in summer, making a 3-5mm wetsuit suitable for most of the year. Due to its exposure and the potential for pelagic encounters in open water, divers should maintain good buoyancy control and be prepared for deeper profiles.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hammerhead shark

January-April, October-November · common

Manta ray

January-May, October-December · occasional

Whale shark

February-May · occasional

Tiger shark

January-April, October · occasional

White-tip reef shark

Year-round · common

Black-tip reef shark

Year-round · common

Silvertip shark

January-May, September-October · occasional

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Trevally

Year-round · common

Tuna

Year-round · occasional

Amberjack

Year-round · occasional

Turtle

Year-round, especially January-May · common

Hawkfish

Year-round · common

Surgeonfish

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Marker 42 Mansi typically begins with a descent close to the main coral column, often from a Zodiac. You'll follow the wall, which initially forms a coral belt sloping from 12 to 18 meters. This leads to a plateau at 25 meters, extending parallel to the wall for over fifty meters. From here, you’ll typically head southwest, keeping the wall to your right, until you reach a thriving forest of gorgonians at around 35 meters. This area is known for pelagic passages, with tuna and amberjack appearing from the blue. After exploring the gorgonian forest and watching for hammerhead schools, you'll gradually ascend, reversing your route along the wall. The return path leads back to the plateau, where numerous pinnacles, some detached from the main wall, create channels teeming with tropical fish and anemones. Your safety stop will be conducted at shallow depths along the reef, offering more opportunities for macro life observation.

Underwater photography

Marker 42 Mansi offers fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For capturing the extensive gorgonian forests and the dramatic wall topography, a wide-angle lens is essential. Be prepared for blue water shots to capture passing pelagics like hammerheads and manta rays; patience is key as they emerge from the depths. Strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the hard and soft corals, particularly in deeper sections. For macro subjects, search among the gorgonians for hawkfish and along the pinnacles for clownfish in anemones. Given the potential for moderate currents and deeper dives, excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing the delicate coral structures and to maintain stable shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Five Corals

  A collection of reefs with varied marine life, including Joeys Reef and Marias Reef.

• 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…

• 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 35

  Marker 35 is a captivating dive site situated within the Seven Sisters, a renowned collection of reef islands located approximately 18…

• Marker 32

  Part of the Seven Sisters region, known for pelagic sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Marker 42 Mansi is primarily via liveaboard trips departing from Yanbu Port, located 18 kilometers to the east. Travelers typically fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which serves as a major international hub with direct flights from many European cities. From Jeddah, guests are transferred to Yanbu, a journey that can vary depending on traffic and schedules. The standard itinerary for this region, often called 'Seven Sisters and Five Corals,' is usually an 8-night/7-day liveaboard experience, offering extensive diving opportunities across multiple sites. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this site, but liveaboard costs include all permits and amenities. These itineraries are ideal for advanced divers seeking remote, untouched Red Sea exploration.

Safety & environment

Diving at Marker 42 Mansi, given its depth and potential for currents, requires adherence to advanced diving protocols. Divers should be AOWD certified or equivalent and comfortable with deep dives and potential pelagic encounters. While specific details on the nearest recompression chamber are not consistently available, it is essential for divers to have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Saudi Arabia's dive infrastructure is still developing, making self-sufficiency and meticulous dive planning paramount. Always dive within your limits, monitor your air consumption, and ensure you have a surface marker buoy (SMB) for open-water ascents, especially when drift diving. Follow your dive guide's instructions closely, as conditions can change.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Marker 42 Mansi FAQ