Dive Site: Yanbu Wreck

About Yanbu Wreck

The Aiona Wreck, also known locally as the Yanbu Wreck, is a prominent dive site off the coast of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. This British steamship, dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century, provides a fascinating glimpse into maritime history with its well-preserved structure. Located amidst the rich coral systems of the Red Sea, the wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. The dive site features a shallow section that is accessible to less experienced divers, alongside deeper corridors that appeal to those with more advanced certifications. The wreck is approximately 28 kilometers from the renowned Seven Sisters reef complex, placing it within a region celebrated for its pristine underwater conditions and exceptional visibility. Yanbu itself is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Red Sea,' benefiting from a unique oceanographic position where nutrient-rich deep water supports dense coral growth. Divers here can expect to encounter healthy coral growth not only on the wreck itself but also in the surrounding areas. The minimal impact from tourism has allowed the marine ecosystem to thrive, offering large fish populations that are often unafraid of divers. The exceptional visibility, frequently exceeding 25 meters, enhances the experience of exploring the ship's intricate details and the marine biodiversity it now hosts. Access to the Aiona Wreck is typically via dive boat, requiring a local operator due to its offshore location. Planning for the dive often involves consideration of the moderate currents that can be present in the area, ensuring a safe and rewarding exploration of this historical underwater landmark.

Dive site facts: Yanbu Wreck

Depth

8–22 m

Current

Light to moderate

Visibility

25 m

Water temperature

24–31°C

Entry

Boat / Tender

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, Reef, Drift

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Coordinates

24.05, 37.98

Conditions & Currents

The Aiona Wreck can experience light to moderate currents, which guides carefully consider when planning dives. While typically manageable, divers should be prepared for potential movement, especially in deeper sections or around the more exposed parts of the wreck. Entry and exit procedures are usually conducted by boat, with tender operations often utilized to ensure safe access and retrieval. Visibility at the site is consistently excellent, often reaching 25 meters, which enhances the exploration of the wreck's features despite any current. The water temperature remains warm, but thermal layers can sometimes be encountered at depth depending on the season. Divers with experience in current will find the conditions straightforward, allowing for an enjoyable drift along sections of the wreck when currents are present.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Green Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Lionfish

common

Bottlenose Dolphin

Jan-May, Oct-Dec · occasional

Hammerhead Shark

Jan-Apr, Oct-Nov · occasional

Whitetip Reef Shark

occasional

Blue-spotted Ribbontail Ray

common

Moray Eel

common

King Mackerel

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Aiona Wreck typically begins with a boat entry, often via tender, near the wreck's structure. Divers descend along a mooring line or the wreck itself, starting with the shallower sections that are rich in coral growth. The exploration then follows the contours of the ship, navigating through open cargo holds and along the deck. The profile usually involves a gradual descent to explore deeper corridors and structural elements, while keeping an eye on depth and bottom time. Currents can influence the route, leading to a gentle drift along the wreck's length. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, after which divers gradually ascend, spending the last part of the dive exploring the shallower, brightly lit sections for macro opportunities. Safety stops are conducted in the blue water above the wreck, followed by boat retrieval.

Underwater photography

The Aiona Wreck offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots capturing the ship's entire structure against the clear Red Sea backdrop to macro details of the corals and cryptic marine life that now inhabit it. For wide-angle, a rectilinear wide-angle lens is ideal to convey the scale of the wreck, especially when positioned to show divers exploring its various sections. Natural light penetration is excellent due to high visibility, but strobes are crucial for bringing out the vibrant colors of soft corals and reef fish. For macro photography, focus on the intricate ecosystems within the wreck's crevices and amongst the healthy coral growth, where you might find nudibranchs, gobies, or juvenile fish. Practicing excellent buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the fragile corals on the wreck and the potentially silty interior areas. Be mindful of your fins and equipment, ensuring they don't impact the delicate environment or kick up sediment that could ruin your shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Seven Sisters (Jeddah)

  Remote reef pinnacles known for clear water and pelagic encounters.

• Sharm Yanbu

  A calm, shallow shore dive with coral reefs and a small wreck, suitable for beginners.

• Yanbu Coral Gardens

  Shallow reefs with clear water and pristine coral.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Yanbu for diving the Aiona Wreck is typically via Yanbu Airport (YNB), with direct flights from major Saudi cities like Riyadh (1 hr 45 min) and Jeddah (1 hr 5 min). Alternatively, a drive of about 3.5 hours north from Jeddah is also an option. Dive operations for the Aiona Wreck are exclusively boat-based, usually departing from Yanbu's port. Divers typically book day trips through local operators, which often include two-tank dives. Liveaboard options are also emerging in Saudi Arabia, which might combine the Aiona Wreck with other remote sites like the Seven Sisters. A tourist e-visa is generally required for many nationalities. Day trip costs usually range from $80–$135 for a two-tank dive, while liveaboard trips can range from $2,040–$3,880 for longer itineraries.

Safety & environment

Diving the Aiona Wreck requires adherence to standard Red Sea diving safety protocols. Due to its offshore location and the potential for moderate currents, dives are always guided by experienced local operators. It is crucial to follow your guide's current-based briefings closely, especially regarding entry procedures, dive planning, and exit points. Divers should maintain strong situational awareness, particularly in areas with overhead environments or tighter corridors within the wreck. Always dive within your training and certification limits, and ensure your equipment is in excellent working order. As with all remote diving, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is essential. The nearest recompression chamber and medical facilities would be in Yanbu, but evacuation from an offshore site to a medical facility can take time. Avoid touching any part of the wreck or marine life to prevent injury and protect the fragile ecosystem. Dangerous wildlife, such as stonefish or barracuda, may be present, so maintain respectful distance and observe marine life without interaction.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Yanbu Wreck FAQ