Dive Site: Seven Sisters (Jeddah)

About Seven Sisters (Jeddah)

Seven Sisters, located approximately 18 miles offshore from Yanbu, stands as a collection of vibrant reef islands and is considered Saudi Arabia's leading diving destination. This region is celebrated for its exceptionally healthy hard and soft coral formations, showcasing a rich biodiversity that remains largely unspoiled due to low diver traffic. Divers can expect dramatic reef walls and expansive plateaus that host an impressive array of marine life. The topography features wall dives, coral plateaus, and rock formations, with depths ranging from shallow areas to overhangs at 30 to 35 meters. The site also includes unique features such as underwater grottos and corridors within the reef, offering diverse exploration opportunities. Visibility is consistently excellent, often exceeding 15 meters and sometimes reaching up to 60 meters, complemented by warm water temperatures that fluctuate between 26°C and 32°C depending on the season. The marine ecosystem here is remarkably healthy, providing habitats for numerous fish species, invertebrates, and various sharks, including hammerheads and tiger sharks. Encounters with large pelagics like whale sharks, manta rays, and barracuda are common, especially during peak seasons. The area offers a pristine diving experience, reminiscent of the Red Sea's earlier, less-explored days, making it ideal for liveaboard safaris. Diving at Seven Sisters often involves drift techniques due to mild to moderate currents, necessitating careful attention to dive briefings for entry, descent, and exit procedures. The site is best accessed via liveaboard from Yanbu, offering a truly immersive experience away from crowded dive spots.

Dive site facts: Seven Sisters (Jeddah)

Depth

5–35 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

15–60 m

Water temperature

26–32°C

Entry

Liveaboard / tender

Level

Advanced recommended

Dive type

Wall, coral garden, pelagic

Region / port

Yanbu

Coordinates

21.4167, 38.8333

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Seven Sisters are generally mild to moderate, making drift diving a common practice. Divers should pay close attention to dive briefings regarding current direction and strength, as well as entry and exit procedures, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whale Shark

February to May · occasional

Hammerhead Shark

January to April, October, November · common

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

Humphead Wrasse

occasional

Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray

common

King Mackerel

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Seven Sisters typically involves a liveaboard operation. Entry is usually a negative or tender entry, with divers descending quickly to avoid current on the surface. The dive generally follows a reef wall or plateau, with the current guiding the dive. Depths often range from 5 meters on the reef crest to 30-35 meters at the base of walls where overhangs and cleaning stations can be found. Divers should maintain good buoyancy to avoid contact with the pristine coral. The dive profile is often a multi-level ascent, allowing for extended bottom time and gradual decompression. A safety stop is conducted at 5 meters, typically near a shallower part of the reef or in the blue, depending on current and boat positioning. The boat tracks divers and picks them up downstream, making careful attention to the dive briefing crucial for exit procedures.

Underwater photography

Seven Sisters offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens to capture the extensive coral formations, dramatic reef walls, and schools of pelagic fish like barracuda and hammerheads. The exceptional visibility, often exceeding 40 meters, allows for stunning ambient light photography, but strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the hard and soft corals. For macro subjects, a macro lens will be invaluable for capturing the diverse invertebrates and smaller reef fish that inhabit the healthy reef system. Pay close attention to buoyancy to avoid stirring up sediment or damaging delicate corals, especially in tighter areas or near cleaning stations. Ethical photography means never harassing marine life for a shot and maintaining a respectful distance.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Five Corals

  Another reef system in the Yanbu region known for healthy corals.

• Abu Galawa

  Located within the Seven Sisters complex, featuring underwater grottos and rich reef fish concentrations.

• SS Iona

  A British steamship wreck near Yanbu, rich in marine life.

• Boiler Wreck

  Found on Abu Madafi Reef near Yanbu, with its stern at 18 meters.

• Suflani Reef

  South of Yanbu, characterized by recesses and cavities with unique light effects.

• Marker 35

  A dive site in the Seven Sisters area known for soft coral formations.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Seven Sisters is primarily via liveaboard departing from Yanbu, often combined with other sites like Five Corals. Yanbu is reachable through its local airport (YNB), which connects to major international hubs, or by driving from Jeddah (JED) which has more extensive flight options. Liveaboard trips typically range from several days to a week, offering dedicated exploration of this remote area. Currently, specific permit fees for Seven Sisters are usually integrated into liveaboard package costs, as independent day trips to this offshore location are less common. The focus is on pristine, uncrowded diving, making liveaboard journeys the most practical way to experience these sites.

Safety & environment

Diving at Seven Sisters requires adherence to standard Red Sea safety protocols. The nearest recompression chamber is likely located in Jeddah, necessitating prompt evacuation in case of a serious dive emergency, which would involve boat transfer and potentially air ambulance. Comprehensive dive insurance covering evacuation and medical treatment is therefore essential. Site-specific hazards include potential encounters with strong currents, requiring advanced diving skills and close attention to dive master briefings, particularly for drift dives. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile coral ecosystems. Always dive within your training limits, ensure your equipment is well-maintained, and never dive alone. Communication with your buddy and dive guide is paramount for safety in this relatively remote region.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Seven Sisters (Jeddah) FAQ