Dive Site: Suflani Reef

About Suflani Reef

Suflani Reef, located south of Yanbu, is distinguished by its fascinating geological formations within the reef wall. Divers encounter unique recesses and cavities at shallow depths, forming corridors that penetrate the reef structure. At specific times, sunlight streams through these cracks, creating stunning visual effects as it illuminates the interior of these underwater passages. This site is part of the larger Seven Sisters area, celebrated for its exceptionally healthy hard and soft coral formations. The topography here includes walls, plateaus, and rock formations, with overall depths in the region ranging from 5 to 35 meters. Suflani Reef itself features sections where you can enter these striking natural corridors, offering a truly distinctive diving experience. The marine ecosystem is robust, supporting a rich diversity of fish and invertebrates, typical of the pristine Saudi Red Sea. While larger pelagics like hammerheads are sighted in the broader Seven Sisters region, Suflani Reef's appeal lies in its intricate structure and the interplay of light and coral. The diving here is pristine and largely unspoiled due to low diver traffic, offering conditions reminiscent of the Red Sea's earlier days. Access to Suflani Reef is typically via liveaboard from Yanbu, as part of an itinerary that explores the Seven Sisters area. Dives often involve drift techniques due to mild to moderate currents, requiring careful attention to entry and exit procedures.

Dive site facts: Suflani Reef

Depth

Shallow areas to 35 m (regionally)

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

15–60 m

Water temperature

26–32°C

Entry

Tender / negative entry (from liveaboard)

Level

Advanced recommended

Dive type

Wall, coral garden, light play

Region / port

Yanbu

Coordinates

22.4184° N, 38.6639° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Suflani Reef, as part of the Seven Sisters area, are typically mild to moderate, making drift diving a common practice. Divers must pay close attention to the dive briefing for precise current direction and strength, which dictate entry, descent, and exit procedures. The boat tracks divers and picks them up downstream after the dive. While visibility is consistently excellent, often exceeding 15 meters and reaching up to 60 meters, plankton blooms in the hotter summer months can occasionally reduce it. Water temperatures range from 26°C to 32°C, ensuring comfortable conditions, though careful planning for surface intervals is advised in extreme heat. These conditions are suitable for advanced divers who are comfortable with drift diving techniques.

Marine life & sighting chances

Red Sea Clownfish

common

Barracuda

common

Dogtooth Tuna

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Dolphin

January to May, October–December · common

Turtle

Year-round, especially January–May · common

Hammerhead Shark

January to April, October, November · occasional

Silky Shark

January to May, September–October · occasional

Tiger Shark

January to April, October · occasional

Whale Shark

February to May · occasional

Manta Ray

January to May, October–December · occasional

Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Suflani Reef typically begins with a tender or negative entry from a liveaboard, with divers descending quickly to manage any surface current. The dive focuses on exploring the unique reef wall, particularly its recesses and cavities that form natural corridors. Divers can enter some of these passages at shallow depths, observing the dramatic light shafts that penetrate through cracks in the reef. The dive generally follows the reef wall or a plateau, with mild to moderate currents often guiding the drift. Depths can vary, but the main features are in shallower areas of the wall, with the broader reef system reaching up to 30-35 meters. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to protect the pristine corals. The dive profile allows for extended bottom time with a multi-level ascent. A safety stop is conducted at 5 meters, usually in a shallower part of the reef or in the blue, depending on the boat’s position and current. The liveaboard tracks divers and picks them up downstream, so divers must adhere closely to exit procedures.

Underwater photography

Suflani Reef offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and ambient light photography, particularly within its distinctive reef corridors. A fisheye or wide rectilinear lens is ideal for capturing the sun's rays penetrating the cavities and the extensive coral formations. The exceptional visibility, often exceeding 40 meters, enhances ambient light shots. However, strobes are recommended to reveal the vibrant colors of both hard and soft corals. For macro subjects, a macro lens can be useful for capturing the smaller reef fish and invertebrates inhabiting the healthy corals. Photographers should maintain impeccable buoyancy to avoid contact with the pristine reef while framing shots of the unique light play.

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.

• 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…

• 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…

• SS Iona

  A British steamship wreck approximately 8 miles from Yanbu.

• Five Corals

  The Five Corals, also referred to as the Five Sisters, represent a prominent dive site located in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia…

• Marker 35

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

Getting there & logistics

Access to Suflani Reef is primarily via liveaboard departing from Yanbu, a major port city on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. International travelers typically fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, then connect to Yanbu (YNB) or arrange ground transport. Liveaboard trips in the Seven Sisters area, which includes Suflani Reef, typically span multiple days, offering an immersive experience away from crowded dive spots. Itineraries often combine various reef walls, coral gardens, and potential pelagic encounters. As tourism infrastructure is still developing, a liveaboard offers the most comprehensive way to explore these remote and pristine sites. Specific permits and marine park fees may apply, usually handled by the liveaboard operator.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Red Sea, including Suflani Reef, requires adherence to standard dive safety protocols. The nearest recompression chamber is likely located in Jeddah, a significant distance from the Seven Sisters area, underscoring the importance of insurance covering dive accidents and medical evacuation. Divers should ensure their insurance policy explicitly includes provisions for remote diving locations and air evacuation. Site-specific hazards at Suflani Reef include mild to moderate currents, necessitating careful attention to dive briefings and conservative dive planning. Advanced diver certification and experience with drift diving are recommended. Always dive within your training limits and with a reliable buddy. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging the pristine coral formations, which also protects you from potential sharp edges or stinging organisms.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Suflani Reef FAQ