Liveaboard diving safari Saudi Arabien

Liveaboard Saudi Arabia

Diving in Saudi Arabia

For years, Saudi Arabia was hardly accessible for tourism purposes. In September 2019, the country gradually opened its doors to tourism, issuing tourist visas since then. The limited tourism makes Saudi Arabia particularly appealing to divers. Here, you can dive into an almost untouched underwater world of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea, featuring rich marine life and a diverse array of fish—a reminiscent experience of Egypt in the 80s. Dive tourism in Saudi Arabia is still in its infancy, with only a handful of onshore dive centers and scarce dive safaris—approximately 1-2 dive safari boats.

NiCe Dive & Trips On-Site

In March 2023, we explored Saudi Arabia, specifically Jeddah, and embarked on a dive safari to the Farasan Banks. We were the first Austrian travel organizer to arrange a group trip to the Kingdom after the introduction of tourist visas. We were impressed by the Kingdom, its residents, and the diving opportunities through a dive safari. We are closely connected with professional partners on-site, especially Nina, the founder of NiCe Dive & Trips, frequently travels for personal exchanges to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we can provide you with all relevant information firsthand. If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia and want not only information about dive safaris but also about the country, you are in the right place.

--> Click here for NiCe Dive & Trips' Saudi Arabia travel report

The dive sites themselves still have an expedition character, showcasing incredible biodiversity and fish abundance.

Dive Safari in Saudi Arabia with M/Y Almonda

Since 2023, our partner, Ocean Breeze, has been operating the dive safari boat "M/Y Almonda" in Saudi Arabian waters. In the first half of the year and December, tours head to the south to the Farasan Banks. From May to October, the northern reefs - Five Corals & Seven Sisters - are explored. Below, you'll find more information about the dive regions "Farasan Banks" and "Five Corals & Seven Sisters.

Tauchdeck M/Y Almonda
Hauptdeck Almonda Saudi Arabien

Are you thinking about going on a diving safari in Saudi Arabia?

Considering a dive safari in Saudi Arabia? That's more than a great idea! Get in touch with us; we'll take the time to provide you with all the necessary information, advise you on the best travel times, on-site options, and optimal flight connections.

We also regularly organize group trips to Saudi Arabia, and you're more than welcome to join us.

Are you a dive club, a diving association, or a group of friends planning a group trip to Saudi Arabia?


We would be delighted to assist you in the planning and execution. Together, we can joyfully design your individual and exclusive journey to Saudi Arabia. We have the right connections on the ground to organize an impressive and adventurous land stay with excursions and an unforgettable dive safari in the Saudi Arabian Red Sea.

We warmly invite you to get in touch with us if you would like us to personally introduce the kingdom to you, either remotely or on-site.

Liveaboard routes in Saudi Arabia

Tauchsafari Saudi Arabien

Farasan Banks (Al Lith - Al Lith)

The departure port for the dive safari is the port of Al Lith, located 210 km south of Jeddah. In the spring, there is a chance to encounter whale sharks just outside the port. The whale sharks feed on the plankton present in the waters.

After approximately 3 hours by boat, you reach the first dive sites. Even these dive sites give you the feeling of being in an unexplored world.

The island of Mar Mar not only features a beautiful dive site but also an optimal mooring location. Not far away are the islands of Dohra, Jadir, and Malathu, as well as the magnificent reefs of Gorgonia, Bandu, and the Long Reef. 25 nautical miles to the south lies another reef named Sha'ab Ammar, a large horseshoe-shaped reef used as a night mooring.

Heading further south, you'll find the small islands of Danak, Jabbara, and Eagle, as well as the atolls Mudarr, Fantasy, and Choopy, providing for spectacular dives. A common feature of these dive regions is the incredible diversity of hard and soft corals. The variety of fish at these spots is also exhilarating. Many of the dive sites have plateaus in the north and south, where you might encounter the occasional large fish.

Our absolute favorite was the Mubarak Reef, far south. There is a significant chance of encountering hammerhead sharks here. We were fortunate enough to come across a school of approximately 60 to 70 individuals.

Manta Tauchsafari Saudi Arabien

Five Corals & Seven Sisters (Yanbu - Yanbu)

The starting port for this dive safari is in Yanbu, where the dive safari also concludes. Yanbu is approximately 316 kilometers from Jeddah.

Located 75 nautical miles south of Sha'ab Suflani is the dive area "Five Corals." It consists of five coral atolls opposite the city of Rabigh.

The beautiful reefs are close to each other, inviting colorful and fish-rich dives.

The Maria Reef is one of the most fascinating dive sites in this region. From the first meters, you'll find schools of fish such as tuna, barracudas, and fusiliers. It feels like being in an aquarium with many incredibly beautiful soft corals.

The reefs Joey, Noura, Mary Ann, and Mary Jane are other spectacular dive sites. Equipped with columns and walls covered with gorgonians that drop deep into the depths. These dive spots have an increased chance of encountering schools of hammerhead sharks and manta rays. Additionally, the chances are not bad to be visited by a tiger shark.

Fancy an adventure, healthy coral reefs, and the chance to encounter large fish? Join us in February 2024 for a dive safari in Saudi Arabia.

Click here for more information about the dive safari group trip with NiCe Dive & Trips.

Arrival in Saudi Arabia

The journey to Saudi Arabia from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland is already quite convenient. There are two airlines in total offering direct flights to Saudi Arabia. The flight time is approximately five to six hours, depending on the departure airport. The flight arrives at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah.

Transfer from King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah to the Dive Safari Ship

Depending on the dive region you are visiting, either the Farasan Banks or the Five Corals & Seven Sisters, the travel time to the port is between three and three and a half hours.

If you are taking a dive safari to the Farasan Banks, you will be taken to the Port Al Lith.

If your dive safari leads to the Five Corals and Seven Sisters, you will be taken to the port in Yanbu.

Tourist Visa in Saudi Arabia

The tourist visa should be applied for online in advance to avoid long waiting times upon arrival in Jeddah. We are happy to assist you with the application; just get in touch with us.

Procedure of the Dive Safari in Saudi Arabia

The dive safaris with the M/Y Almonda take place from Saturday to Saturday. Upon arrival at the ship (Saturday), the check-in process takes place, some boat and safety briefings are conducted, and guests are provided with a buffet dinner. The next day (Sunday), the first dive site is visited after obtaining permission from the military. The fun can begin. Up to four dives are offered daily. On the penultimate day (Friday), you have the opportunity to make two dives before returning to the port. The last night is spent in the port, and on Saturday, the transfer to the airport takes place or to Jeddah if a subsequent land stay is planned.

Instead of a deco beer, there is tea and coffee

Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, and its import is also not allowed, so there is no alcohol on the ship. The absence of a deco beer might cause mixed feelings. I, Nina, can only say that the dive safari should definitely be done despite the lack of alcohol. The dive sites and sightings compensate for the missing deco beer, and besides, you start each new day fresh and lively. So don't let that discourage you.

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M/Y Almonda - Liveaboard - Saudi Arabia

Tauchsafari Farasan Banks Saudi Arabien
Seven Sister Tauchsafari Saudi Arabien
Five Corals Saudi Arabien Tauchsafari
Riff Tauchsafari Saudi Arabien

Dive Safari 8 Days / 7 Nights in Saudi Arabia
From 1,895 euros per person

Vessel: M/Y Almonda

Included Services:

  • Transfer to/from Jeddah Airport
  • 7 nights on M/Y Almonda in a 1/2 double cabin
  • Hotel transfer
  • Full board
  • Snacks
  • Soft drinks
  • Tea and coffee
  • Water
  • National park fees
  • Fuel fees and port fees
  • Nitrox for certified divers
  • Night dives
  • Towels (for the cabin and diving)
  • Laundry service
  • Wi-Fi
  • Stand-up Paddleboard

Not included services:

  • Flight connection
  • Visa $143 (can be applied online or on-site)
  • Tips
  • Land excursions
  • Dive courses
  • Rental equipment
  • Alcoholic beverages (Note: not available on the ship!)
  • Dive and travel insurance


We would be happy to provide you with a quote, including a suitable flight connection.

M/Y Almonda Saudi Arabien
Deck Plan Almonda Saudi Arabien
Tauchdeck Saudi Arabien Almonda

Vessel M/Y Almonda

Created with Sketch.

2 x Cabins for 2 persons on the main deck - Master Suites
2 x Double cabins on the lower deck
8 x Cabins for 2 persons on the lower deck
1 x Large salon
1 x Sun deck with bar
1 x Upper deck with a sun area and a hot tub
1 x Washing machine

Technical data

Created with Sketch.

Name: M/Y Almonda
Length: 39.9 meters
Width: 8.57 meters
Built in July 2017
Max Speed: 12 knots
Two engines
Two compressors
Freshwater capacity: 14 tons
Diesel capacity: 16 tons
12 crew members
2 Dive Guides
GPS, Echo sounder, Satellite telephone
Firefighting and alarm system
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in cabins and strategic locations
Emergency oxygen tanks
Stocked first aid kit
Life jackets
2 x 25-person life rafts
1 x 65-person life raft

Diving 

Created with Sketch.

29 x 12-liter tanks
5 x 15-liter tanks
2 x 350 liters/minute air compressor
1 x 600 liters/minute air compressor
EAN 36% & EAN 32% available
3 camera stations

Turtle Saudi Arabia
Riff Saudi Arabien Tauchsafari
Liveaboard Saudi Arabien
Kabine Tauchsafari Almonda
Sonnendeck Tauchsafari Saudi Arabien
Jacuzzi Almonda Tauchsafari
Doppelkabine Tauchsafari Saudi Arabien
Essbereich Almonda
Briefing area Almonda Liveaboard Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabien Tauchsafari
Saudi Arabien Tauchsafari
Tauchsafari Saudi Arabien