Dive Site: Shib Nazar

About Shib Nazar

Shib Nazar is a significant offshore reef system situated to the northwest of Jeddah, within Saudi Arabia's central Red Sea. It is particularly renowned for its impressive hard coral formations that dominate the seascape, creating a vibrant and robust ecosystem that supports diverse marine life. This site is considered one of Jeddah's prominent diving locations due to its extensive reef structure. The topography of Shib Nazar features a reef crest that begins at a shallow depth of approximately 3 meters. From this vibrant plateau, the reef walls descend gradually to a maximum depth of around 25 meters. Divers exploring the shallower sections will encounter abundant anthias and damselfish, which populate the coral gardens. As you move deeper along the reef walls, the environment changes, revealing larger resident species such as groupers and moray eels inhabiting the crevices and overhangs. While specific marine life seasonality is not detailed, the Red Sea generally boasts year-round diversity. The clear waters and stable temperatures contribute to a consistent display of coral-dwelling organisms. The site provides a comprehensive diving experience, ranging from the colorful shallow areas to the deeper sections with larger fish. Given its depths and potential conditions, Shib Nazar is best suited for intermediate-level divers, offering varied exploration opportunities across its extensive reef system.

Dive site facts: Shib Nazar

Depth

3–25 m

Current

Moderate to strong possible, drift diving likely

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

24–31°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, drift, coral garden

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Jeddah

Coordinates

21.62, 38.85

Conditions & Currents

Information regarding current strength and direction at Shib Nazar is not explicitly detailed, however, offshore reefs in the Red Sea can experience varying conditions. Divers should anticipate potential currents that may require moderate effort, particularly when navigating along the reef walls that descend to 25 meters. The site is a shore entry dive, suggesting a potentially calm entry point, but local conditions, including waves and wind chop, should always be assessed on site. Visibility in the Red Sea around Jeddah is consistently good, often ranging between 21 to 30 meters, and can sometimes extend up to 60 meters, ensuring excellent viewing opportunities. Surface water temperatures are generally warm, fluctuating between 26-31°C year-round, which makes for comfortable diving conditions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Lionfish

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Green Sea Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Reef Fish (various species)

Year-round · common

White-tip Reef Shark

Year-round · occasional

Blue-spotted Ray

Year-round · occasional

Hammerhead Shark

November to February · rare

Napoleon Wrasse

Year-round · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Shib Nazar typically begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent onto the main reef structure. The dive usually progresses as a drift, allowing divers to be carried by the current along the extensive coral gardens. Depth will vary along the reef, with opportunities to explore shallower reef tops and deeper sections, potentially reaching down to 30 meters or more. Divers will follow the guide, maintaining good buoyancy to avoid contact with the pristine corals. The turning point is generally determined by air consumption and current conditions, with the boat tracking the divers for a comfortable surface pickup. The safety stop is conducted in the shallower parts of the reef or in the blue, depending on current and boat positioning.

Underwater photography

Shib Nazar offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive coral formations and vibrant reef ecosystems. With visibility often exceeding 20-30 meters, natural light is abundant in shallower areas, but strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life at depth. For pelagic encounters, a wide-angle lens is essential to capture the scale of any larger visitors. Macro photographers will find plenty of subjects among the intricate reef details, from nudibranchs to small crustaceans. Divers should maintain impeccable buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate corals and to get stable shots, especially in potential currents. Patience and respectful distance from marine life are key for ethical and impactful photography.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Seven Sisters (Jeddah)

  Seven Sisters, located approximately 18 miles offshore from Yanbu, stands as a collection of vibrant reef islands and is considered Saudi…

• Boiler Wreck

  The Boiler Wreck, located on Abu Madafi Reef near Jeddah, offers a diverse diving experience suitable for both novice and experienced…

• Cable Reef

  Cable Reef, also known as Rainbow Reef, stands out as one of Aqaba's most colorful and accessible dive locations, nestled within the…

• Ann Ann Wreck (Jeddah)

  The Ann Ann Wreck, located about a two-hour drive from Jeddah on the 26-Mile-Reef, presents itself as one of Jeddah's largest and most…

• Jeddah Wreck Valley

  Jeddah Wreck Valley, located off the coast of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, is a captivating dive destination renowned for its collection of…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Shib Nazar is primarily through dive operators based in Jeddah, which is served by King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Divers typically join day trips from Jeddah, though multi-day liveaboard excursions exploring the wider Red Sea region may also include this site. Trip lengths for day dives are usually half or full-day, while liveaboards can range from 3 to 7 days, often combining various reefs and wrecks. Saudi Arabia's dive tourism is emerging, so pre-booking with reputable dive centers is advised. Current regulations require appropriate visas for entry; divers should check the latest requirements well in advance of their trip.

Safety & environment

Diving in Saudi Arabia, including at Shib Nazar, requires adherence to standard safety protocols. While specific information regarding recompression chambers directly in Jeddah for recreational diving is still developing, comprehensive travel and dive insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, is highly recommended for all divers. Site-specific hazards may include currents, so divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and maintain excellent buoyancy control. Always dive with a qualified guide and adhere to depth and time limits. Communication with your buddy and the dive boat is paramount, especially during drift dives where the surface support tracks the group. The remote nature of some Red Sea sites means self-sufficiency and preparedness are key.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shib Nazar FAQ