Plongée à Farasan Islands — Saudi Arabia

The Farasan Islands are a remote archipelago off Saudi Arabia's southern Red Sea coast, designated as a wildlife sanctuary and home to one of the region's largest dugong populations. Virtually undived until recently, the reefs are in exceptional condition with seasonal manta rays and whale sharks. Getting here requires a ferry from Jizan and permits, but the pristine wilderness rewards the effort.

Score
59.5
Visibilité
10–30m
Température
25–33°C
Meilleurs mois
October, November, December
Back to directory
World Class
Intermediate
Farasan Islands
Saudi ArabiaRed Sea
59.5

SCORE

16.7000°N

41.9833°E

The Farasan Islands are a remote archipelago off Saudi Arabia's southern Red Sea coast, designated as a wildlife sanctuary and home to one of the region's largest dugong populations. Virtually undived until recently, the reefs are in exceptional condition with seasonal manta rays and whale sharks. Getting here requires a ferry from Jizan and permits, but the pristine wilderness rewards the effort.

Saudi's Southern Red Sea Wilderness

Visibility10–30 m
Temperature25–33°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$110
Best MonthsOctober, November, December, January
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML72.0CH72.0VIS62.0SV48.0TMP82.0DA52.0OP55.0TS42.0GT45.0VAL62.0CRD92.0SP32.0

Marine Life

72.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
68
Megafauna Encounters
78
Reef Fish Abundance
70
Macro Life
55
Endemic Species
62
Marine Life Diversity
72.0
Coral & Reef Health
72.0
Visibility & Conditions
62.0
Dive Site Variety
48.0
Water Temperature
82.0
Depth & Access
52.0
Operator Quality
55.0
Topside Experience
42.0
Getting There
45.0
Value & Cost
62.0
Crowding
92.0
Social Proof
32.0

Dive Types

reefdriftpelagicmangrove

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Farasan Fortmangrove kayakingbird watchinggazelle spotting

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Farasan Fort
  • Ottoman-era merchant houses
  • German House

Non-Diver Score

4/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber80 km — King Fahd Central Hospital Hyperbaric Unit, Jizan
Nearest Hospital80 km

No hospital on islands; ferry to Jizan (80 km) for hyperbaric and hospital — dive conservatively and carry emergency O2

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Farasan Dive Expeditions

PADI

4.3
25 reviews