Al Fahal and the North Reefs offer a concentrated collection of reef dives accessible by both shore and boat. The marine life list is broad and observation-backed: Green Sea Turtle and Bluespotted Fantail Ray are common across most sites, while Whale Shark, Tiger Shark and Dugong give the area real pelagic and megafauna appeal. Freckled Hawkfish is recorded at every site. Reefs range from shallow entry points to moderate depths, suiting beginners and more experienced divers alike.
Monthly water temperature across Al Fahal & North Reefs's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water stays warm throughout the year, peaking in the summer months and easing to its coolest in late winter, though conditions remain comfortable in all seasons. The best-months data points strongly to the cooler months from late autumn through to mid-spring as the preferred window for diving, with summer months seeing fewer visits likely due to peak heat. Currents at Destination Reef are noted as mild, and the mix of shore and boat entry adds flexibility.
1 operator
Saudi Arabia
17 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Al Fahal & North Reefs ranges from about 25°C in February to 32°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 32°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Al Fahal & North Reefs; in the coldest months (about 25°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 19 sites in Al Fahal & North Reefs (19 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
The area has observation-backed records of Whale Shark, Tiger Shark, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle and Dugong, making it one of the more diverse megafauna destinations in the Jeddah area. Common Blacktip Shark and Grey Reef Shark are also regularly encountered. Eagle Ray and Napoleon Wrasse appear on an occasional basis. Freckled Hawkfish is recorded across every site in the area.
Several sites, including Kharar Beach and Destination Reef, are listed at beginner skill level, so the area is accessible to newer divers. Kharar Beach offers a convenient shore entry with a reef that starts shallow before sloping deeper. Currents at Destination Reef are described as mild. More experienced divers will also find enough depth and marine life variety to hold their interest.
The area offers both entry types. Kharar Beach is a shore-entry site, making it easy to visit without organising a boat. Destination Reef at Al Fahal North and East is boat-access only. Checking with the local operator, Red Sea Citizen Dive Club, is the most direct way to confirm logistics for specific sites.
Beyond the signature megafauna, divers commonly encounter Bluespotted Fantail Ray, Scorpionfish, Orangestripe Triggerfish, Striped Surgeonfish, Banded Coral Shrimp, Batfish and Barracuda. Flatworm and Nudibranch add colour at closer range. Lionfish appear on an occasional basis, so staying aware of your surroundings on the reef is worthwhile.
