Diving at Alsharm Yanbu (Saudi Arabia)
An accessible shore entry defines the start of a dive at Sharm Yanbu, a site well-regarded for its suitability for new divers and training. Located in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, this calm, shallow area offers a straightforward introduction to the underwater world. It's an excellent spot for those undertaking their PADI Open Water Diver certification or a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience, allowing comfortable exploration from the very first splash.
Tonight's objective overview for Alsharm Yanbu shows an air temperature of 42°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 1.1 m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Dive Site Overview
Sharm Yanbu presents itself as a versatile dive locale, frequently serving as a training ground for beginner divers due to its generally calm and shallow nature. Reaching a maximum depth of approximately 12 meters (39 feet), the site remains well within recreational limits, making it approachable for various certification levels, including discovery scuba experiences.
Divers here can explore a unique combination of small wrecks nestled amidst vibrant coral reef habitats, which adds significant interest to the underwater topography. The presence of these structures, along with the natural reef, provides diverse niches for marine life. Beyond its suitability for daytime exploration, Sharm Yanbu is also described as a good option for night dives, offering a different perspective on its marine inhabitants and submerged features under the cover of darkness.
Expansive sandy bottom areas transition smoothly into these lively reef systems, creating a varied environment suitable for both navigation practice and macro photography. This blend of accessible depths and interesting features positions Sharm Yanbu as a foundational Red Sea diving destination, perfect for building confidence and advancing skills in a controlled setting.
Conditions are Moderate
High Wind Advisory (43km/h). Unsafe surface.
Current conditions near Alsharm Yanbu show 42° air, 29° sea temperature, 1.2 m waves, and 43 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Assessing the local climate helps pinpoint optimal times for diving at Sharm Yanbu. The site generally offers good diving conditions year-round, with dive scores frequently rated as 'Good' across most months. Air temperatures show a notable range, averaging from approximately 22°C (72°F) in January to peaks around 34°C (93°F) in August and September. These warmer air temperatures during summer months can contribute to a comfortable surface experience. Wind speeds tend to be moderate throughout the year, typically ranging between 23-34 km/h (14-21 mph), which can influence surface conditions but often doesn't significantly impact the calm, sheltered nature of the dive site itself. Rainfall is minimal, with many months reporting zero precipitation; even the wettest month, December, averages less than 1 mm (0.04 inches) of rain. Given the available data, diving during the cooler air temperature months from November through April might offer a more temperate overall experience, though summer months remain viable for those who prefer warmer conditions. Water temperature data is not consistently reported for this specific location, but the region generally experiences warm sea conditions.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
The underwater environment at Sharm Yanbu is characterized by calm, shallow conditions, ideal for divers of all experience levels. Entry to the site is straightforward, typically conducted from the shore, which provides easy access. Maximum depth often sits around 12 meters (39 feet), keeping dives within no-decompression limits and allowing for extended bottom times. The water is consistently salt water, as expected in the Red Sea. While specific visibility reports are not consistently available, the site's calm nature usually bodes well for clear viewing. Divers navigating the site will find themselves exploring a mix of sandy bottom areas and vibrant coral reefs, creating interesting transitions in scenery. Wind and swell conditions are not consistently reported for this precise spot, but the overall sheltered feel contributes to its reputation as an easy dive.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Prioritizing safety at Sharm Yanbu involves being aware of the site's natural inhabitants. Stonefish are reported in the area; therefore, divers must exercise caution by maintaining excellent buoyancy control throughout the dive. Avoiding contact with the bottom and the reef is crucial, not only for personal safety but also for protecting the delicate coral ecosystems.
This practice helps prevent accidental encounters with potentially hazardous marine life. Always ensure proper weighting to easily hover above the seabed.
Given its beginner-friendly nature, new divers should review fundamental buoyancy skills before entering the water. Adhering to these simple guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable exploration of the site's wrecks and reefs.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
- Hard-soled Dive Boots
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Alsharm Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers who spend more time observing marine life often prefer slightly warmer gear.
The water around Alsharm Yanbu is currently holding at approximately 29°C (85°F), setting the tone for today's dives. Surface air temperatures are resting at 42°C (108°F). Water temperatures in this range are often well suited to diving with dive skin or rash guard. Strong winds are present; please take strong precautions against rapid cooling during surface intervals.
Forecast models indicate that diving conditions should remain largely unchanged.
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, live updates are temporarily delayed. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to alsharm yanbu.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.
+1-919-684-9111- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at Alsharm Yanbu
Exploring Sharm Yanbu reveals a variety of marine life commonly associated with Red Sea reefs and sandy areas. Divers frequently encounter Lionfish, identifiable by their distinctive fins, alongside several species of Sea turtles.
Starfish dot the sandy patches and reef edges, adding colorful details to the seabed. Baracuda are also often sighted, gracefully patrolling the deeper sections of the site.
While less frequently observed but still reported, larger pelagics like sharks, whales, and dolphins might make an appearance further offshore. The interplay between the coral reef structures and open sandy areas creates diverse microhabitats, supporting a rich cross-section of fish and invertebrate species.
Dive Centers Near Alsharm Yanbu
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Nearest Airports
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
Is Sharm Yanbu suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, the site is shallow and calm, making it ideal for training and discovery scuba. Its maximum depth of 12 meters (39 feet) is well within beginner limits.
What is the maximum depth at Sharm Yanbu?
A maximum reported depth of around 12 meters (39 feet) characterizes this site. Its shallow profile makes it accessible and safe for various levels of diving.
What kind of marine life can be seen?
Divers commonly spot Lionfish, Sea turtles, and Starfish. Baracuda are also frequently seen, and there are occasional reports of larger species such as sharks or dolphins.
Are there any wrecks to explore?
Yes, the site includes a small wreck. It sits alongside the coral reef habitat, providing an interesting feature for exploration.
Is night diving possible at this site?
Sharm Yanbu is described as a good option for night dives. The calm and shallow conditions make it suitable for nighttime exploration, revealing different marine behaviors.
What are the entry conditions for this dive site?
Entry to Sharm Yanbu is typically from the shore, making it easily accessible. Divers should be prepared for a beach entry.
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Conditions are Moderate
High Wind Advisory (43km/h). Unsafe surface.
Current conditions near Alsharm Yanbu show 42° air, 29° sea temperature, 1.2 m waves, and 43 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.