Yanbu offers a varied diving landscape, from shallow shore-entry reefs accessible to beginners through to deep technical walls and drop-offs that demand advanced skills. The offshore Seven Sisters area stands out, combining natural reef structures with dramatic drop-offs, while sites closer to shore, such as Sharm Yanbu and Alsharm Yanbu, mix reef and wreck in gentle conditions. Indian Lionfish, Bluespotted Fantail Ray, and Day Octopus are encountered regularly across sites, with Tiger Shark, Green Sea Turtle, and occasional Whale Shark adding weight to the deeper dives.
Monthly water temperature across Yanbu'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 cooling only slightly toward late winter, making diving viable in every season. Diver activity data points to spring and the cooler months of autumn and winter as particularly popular periods. Sites range from sheltered shore entries to exposed offshore walls where currents and depth demand careful planning.
12 operators
Medina, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Water temperature around Yanbu ranges from about 24°C in March to 31°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 31°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Yanbu; in the coldest months (about 24°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 18 sites in Yanbu (17 scuba diving sites and 2 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Yanbu reefs host a wide cast of observed species. Indian Lionfish, Bluespotted Fantail Ray, Day Octopus, and Banded Coral Shrimp are very common across sites. Emperor Angelfish, Crocodilefish, Grey Reef Shark, and Tiger Shark are regularly recorded, and Whale Shark appearances have been observed, particularly at offshore sites.
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