Dive Site: Shib Habil Reef

About 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 aggregation of whale sharks. This site stands out within the broader Farasan Banks region, which is lauded for its pristine and healthy reef systems, having experienced minimal human impact due to Saudi Arabia's recent opening to tourism. Jacques Cousteau famously described the Farasan Banks, encompassing sites like Shib Habil, as one of the planet's most fascinating areas, emphasizing its untouched condition and rich biodiversity. The reef's topography, while specific details aren't broadly published, aligns with the Farasan Banks' characteristic vibrant coral gardens, walls, and pinnacles. Depths in the general region range from 5 to 500 meters, with typical dives often descending between 15 to 40 meters. The unique draw of Shib Habil is its role as a consistent aggregation site for whale sharks. Whale sharks are a prominent feature here, with studies recording their presence annually from 2010 to 2015, showing a notable parity in male and female numbers, which is unique for the species. These are generally immature individuals ranging from 3 to 8 meters in total length. Beyond whale sharks, the surrounding Farasan Banks are exceptionally rich in marine life, including hammerhead, silky, grey, and whitetip reef sharks, as well as various fish, turtles, and rays. Diving at Shib Habil is typically part of liveaboard operations exploring the southern Red Sea. Divers often experience these remote sites without crowds, allowing for intimate marine encounters. Current conditions can vary from mild to substantial, influencing dive profiles and marine life sightings. The site offers a distinctive opportunity for close observation of whale sharks in their natural habitat, making it a truly special dive destination.

Dive site facts: Shib Habil Reef

Depth

5–500 m (regionally)

Typical dive

15–40 m, 50–60 min (regionally)

Current

Mild to strong

Visibility

15–60 m (regionally)

Water temperature

20–32°C (regionally)

Entry

Liveaboard / tender

Level

AOWD recommended, experience with current and depth helpful

Dive type

Pelagic, coral garden, drift, wall

Night dive

Possible at selected sites (regionally)

Region / port

Jizan Province / Al Lith Port

Coordinates

22.2314° N, 38.7779° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Shib Habil, similar to the wider Farasan Banks, can range from gentle to substantial, with stronger flows often found along deeper outer reef walls. These varying currents contribute to the rich pelagic life found here, including the aggregation of whale sharks. Divers should be prepared for potential drift diving conditions, and the dive profile will adapt based on current strength and direction, especially when seeking pelagic species. Visibility typically remains excellent, ranging from 15 to 60 meters in the region, though plankton blooms during warmer months can occasionally reduce it.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whale shark

December–May · common

Scalloped hammerhead shark

November–May · common

Grey reef shark

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Green turtle

Year-round · common

Moray eel

Year-round · common

Clownfish

Year-round · common

Tuna

Year-round · common

Silky shark

January–May, November · occasional

Tiger shark

January–April · occasional

Manta ray

February–April, December · occasional

Dolphin

January–May, November, December · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Shib Habil are typically conducted from tender boats launched from a liveaboard. Given the site's fame for whale sharks, initial entry will often be a negative descent if conditions require it, quickly targeting depths where these pelagic giants are observed, generally in the upper water column or along the reef's outer edges. Divers will spend their time observing whale sharks, ensuring respectful distances and maintaining good buoyancy. The profile may involve following the whale sharks, gradually ascending to shallower sections of the reef for exploration of coral formations. Safety stops are often performed in the blue water or against a shallower part of the reef, with the liveaboard crew tracking divers for pickup down-current, especially if a drift dive is in effect. Flexibility is key, as the encounter with whale sharks dictates much of the dive's progression.

Underwater photography

Shib Habil offers exceptional wide-angle photography opportunities, primarily for capturing the aggregations of whale sharks. A wide-angle lens is essential to frame these large subjects effectively. Natural light photography is often sufficient in the typically clear waters, but strobes can enhance color and detail, particularly for reef scenes or if light penetration is reduced. Patience is crucial, as whale sharks are curious but should not be approached aggressively; allow them to come to you. Maintain impeccable buoyancy to avoid disturbing the marine life or stirring up sediment. Consider a dome port for split shots if conditions allow, adding a unique perspective to your whale shark encounters.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Long Reef

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

• Dohra Nord

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

• Farasan Channel

  The Farasan Channel, often referred to as the Farasan Banks, represents a vast network of pristine coral reefs located approximately 300…

• Farasan South Wall

  The Farasan South Wall is an integral part of the vast Farasan archipelago, located approximately 40 kilometers off the Jizan coast in…

• Farasan Banks

  The Farasan Banks are an extensive volcanic archipelago located in the southern Red Sea, recognized as one of Saudi Arabia's premier diving…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Shib Habil is exclusively via liveaboard operations departing from Saudi Arabian ports, most commonly Al Lith Port in the Jizan Province. Liveaboard trips to the Farasan Banks, where Shib Habil is located, typically range from 7 to 10 days, dedicating multiple days to exploring the remote southern Red Sea. These itineraries combine a mix of pelagic encounters with pristine reef diving. Currently, specific permits for individual dive sites are managed by the liveaboard operators, and divers should confirm any entry requirements or fees with their chosen operator. International travelers would generally fly into major Saudi airports like Jeddah (JED) or Riyadh (RUH) and then connect to a domestic flight or ground transfer to reach the departure port.

Safety & environment

Diving at Shib Habil, especially as part of a Farasan Banks liveaboard, requires careful attention to safety protocols due to its remote location. The nearest recompression chamber would likely be in a major city like Jeddah, necessitating potentially long evacuation times in case of a serious diving incident. Divers must carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and hyperbaric treatment. Site-specific hazards include variable currents, which demand good buoyancy control and experience with drift diving. Always follow your dive guide's instructions regarding interaction with marine life, particularly whale sharks, to ensure both diver and animal safety. Given the remote nature, divers should be self-sufficient and well-prepared with proper equipment and emergency signaling devices.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shib Habil Reef FAQ