Liveaboards in Saudi Arabia

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.

The Cable Wreck, also known as the Staphonos or Greek Staphonos, lies off Jeddah's coast in Saudi Arabia. This historic vessel sank in 1978, carrying construction materials such as steel beams, cables, and chain-link fences, which ultimately gave it its enduring name. The wreck site, located southwest of Jeddah near Abu Tair Island, is now a thriving artificial reef, home to a rich variety of marine life. The ship rests on the seafloor at approximately 24 meters, where natural light still penetrates, illuminating its cargo holds and allowing for easy navigation through its interior. This depth range and light penetration make it suitable for a broad spectrum of divers to explore. The wreck is significantly overgrown with corals, blending it seamlessly into the surrounding marine environment. Divers regularly encounter a vibrant ecosystem thriving around the wreck. Large schools of goatfish and blue-striped snappers are often seen congregating around the mast, while white-tip sharks and blue-spotted rays patrol the sandy areas nearby. Guitar sharks are also known to inhabit the vicinity of the bow, making it a dynamic dive experience. Access to the Cable Wreck is exclusively by boat from Jeddah, offering a dedicated wreck dive experience. On calm days, the site is generally accessible to all levels of divers, providing a comfortable and rewarding exploration. However, during periods of rougher seas, the conditions can become more challenging, making it better suited for experienced divers.

The Cable Wreck, originally known as the Staphonos, sank in 1978 near Jeddah while carrying a cargo of construction materials, including steel beams, cables, chain link fence, and asbestos sheets. These materials gave the wreck its current name. It rests on the seabed at a depth of 24 meters, with ambient light naturally illuminating its cargo holds, making it relatively easy for divers to swim through and explore. This wreck forms a substantial artificial reef, fostering a vibrant ecosystem. Its structure is heavily encrusted with corals and provides habitat for a diverse array of marine species. The clear Red Sea waters ensure good visibility, enhancing the exploration experience. Marine life around the Cable Wreck is abundant. You can frequently encounter a guitar shark near the bow and white-tip sharks patrolling along the reef ledge. Large schools of goatfish and blue-striped snappers are often found congregating around the mast. The wreck's accessibility and moderate depth make it suitable for a range of dive levels. On calm days, the wreck is greatly explored by divers of all experience levels, offering a relaxed and rewarding dive. However, during rougher conditions, the site becomes more challenging and is better suited for advanced divers due to potential currents or swell. It's a popular choice for day trips from Jeddah, providing a rich wreck diving experience.

The Cedar Pride is a celebrated wreck dive located in the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan, part of the Red Sea. This 1161-ton cargo vessel sustained extensive damage from a fire in 1982 while in the Gulf. In 1985, at the request of the King of Jordan, the ship was intentionally scuttled to create an artificial reef, quickly becoming one of the world's most beautiful wreck sites. It rests gracefully on its port side across a sandy bottom in a canyon between two limestone rocks, offering a unique and vibrant habitat for marine ecosystems. The wreck's depths range from 9 meters at its shallowest points to 27 meters at its deepest, making it accessible for a wide range of divers. Its structure is now beautifully colonized by a variety of hard and soft corals, providing a stunning backdrop for the numerous fish species that call it home. The deck and superstructure are particularly rich in life, with the crow's nest standing out against the clear blue water, completely covered in soft corals. Marine life at the Cedar Pride includes schools of fish, moray eels, shrimps, pipefish, and soft coral crabs, making it a dynamic underwater environment. It is easily reachable from either shore or by boat, making it a convenient and essential dive for visitors to Aqaba. The wreck's clear waters and abundant life also make it a prime location for underwater photography, capturing the blend of history and thriving marine biodiversity.