Saudi Arabia is quickly emerging as a top diving destination in the Red Sea, thanks to its pristine coral reefs, rich marine biodiversity, and relatively untouched underwater landscapes. But when is the best time to dive in Saudi Arabia?
The answer depends on where you’re going and what kind of diving experience you’re seeking. With a coastline stretching along both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, conditions vary by region and season.
When to Go Scuba Diving in Saudi Arabia
- Winter to Spring (November–May): Best time to dive the Farasan Banks and southern Red Sea for whale sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerheads.
- Spring to Early Autumn (March–September): Ideal for diving Seven Sisters, Five Corals, and Yanbu for consistent visibility, warm water, and varied marine life.
- Summer (June–September): Very warm sea in the south (up to 32°C), better diving conditions shift north to Yanbu and Umlaj.
Marine Life by Region
🐋 Farasan Banks (Al Lith)
| Species | Peak Months |
|---|---|
| Whale Shark | February to May |
| Hammerhead | January to April, November |
| Silky Shark | January to May, November |
| Tiger Shark | January to April |
| Manta Ray | February to April, December |
| Dolphin | January to May, November, December |
| Turtle | Year-round, especially Jan–May |
| Water Temp | 28°C (Feb) to 32°C (July–October) |
Farasan Banks is known for large pelagic sightings, deep reef walls, and seasonal megafauna. Best explored via liveaboard from Al Lith.
Seven Sisters, Five Corals & Umlaj (Yanbu Region)
Seven Sisters & Five Corals Itinerary ➤
| Species | Peak Months |
|---|---|
| Whale Shark | February to May |
| Hammerhead | January to April, October, November |
| Silky Shark | January to May, September–October |
| Tiger Shark | January to April, October |
| Manta Ray | January to May, October–December |
| Dolphin | January to May, October–December |
| Turtle | All year, especially January–May |
| Water Temp | 26°C (Jan–Feb) to 32°C (July) |
This northern route combines wall dives, coral plateaus, and large marine encounters with consistently good visibility. Accessible from Yanbu and ideal for advanced divers.
What Makes Scuba Diving in Saudi Arabia Unique?
- Year-round diving with regional seasonal peaks
- Low diver traffic and well-preserved reefs
- High visibility often exceeding 60 meters
- Access to large pelagics and pristine coral systems
- Perfect for liveaboard safaris with few crowds
Plan your Saudi Arabia liveaboard today and explore what Jacques Cousteau once called one of the most fascinating untouched areas of the Red Sea.
Seven Sisters Five Corals
You are expected to see whale sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, reef white, reef black tip, mantas, turtles.
Farasan Banks
Be among the first generation of divers to explore Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Banks — a destination once documented by Cousteau
Book Saudi Arabia scuba trip :
Individuals Divers
Contact us to get a professional consultation. We will help with all of the details: flights, organisation, documents needed.
Dive Groups
Bring your group to dive with you and get special conditions for your place.
Professionals
Full charter bookings available for professionals, offering complete control over the itinerary, dive sites, and schedule to meet your training or expedition needs.