Diving atLa Mer Beach (Saudi Arabia)
Upon arrival at La Mer Beach, divers discover a dedicated gateway to the Red Sea's underwater wonders. This location in North Obhur, Jeddah, is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of dive enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner taking your first breaths underwater or a certified diver seeking advanced exploration, La Mer provides the necessary programs and access for diverse underwater journeys. It functions as a complete resort environment for both relaxation and aquatic adventure.
As evening covers La Mer Beach, the local air temperature is measured at 22.7°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.42m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
21.7545, 39.0583
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Serving as a premier gateway to the Red Sea, La Mer Beach offers a comprehensive introduction to diving in Saudi Arabia. This site allows for various dive experiences, including explorations along beach entries, intricate reef systems, and captivating walls, all leading to a maximum depth of 60 m (196 ft).
Dive operations here emphasize PADI courses for all skill levels, from introductory Discover Scuba Diving sessions to advanced specialties like Deep Diver and Enriched Air Diver. The resort provides guided diving sessions, ensuring that divers can explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter diverse marine life with expert instruction. It's a key hub for engaging with the Red Sea's rich marine environment directly from shore, making it accessible for daily dive excursions.
This resort-based dive center acts as a central point for both training and recreational underwater activities, fostering a strong foundation for Red Sea exploration.
Best Time to Dive
Understanding the seasonal conditions is key to planning your dive at La Mer Beach for optimal enjoyment. November typically stands out with an 'Excellent' dive score, indicating favorable conditions. Most other months throughout the year maintain a 'Good' dive score, reflecting generally suitable diving weather. Air temperatures fluctuate significantly, ranging from approximately 24°C (75°F) in cooler months like January and February, to peaking around 33°C (91°F) during July and August. Rainfall is consistently minimal across all seasons, with no precipitation reported in May, June, July, or September, ensuring dry surface intervals. Wave heights are generally low, varying between 0.5 to 0.7 meters (1.6 to 2.3 feet) throughout the year, suggesting mostly calm waters for shore entry and surface activities.
Climate Historical Averages
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
Descending beneath the surface at La Mer Beach, divers are immediately immersed in the dynamic underwater topography that characterizes this Red Sea locale. You'll navigate through a combination of beach, reef, sandy bottom, and wall dive profiles, each offering distinct visual experiences. While specific water temperature data isn't consistently reported for this exact location, the Red Sea typically presents comfortable conditions, with temperatures generally ranging from 22-27°C (72-81°F). This warm environment fosters vibrant coral growth. Visibility often allows for clear views of the extensive reef structures and their inhabitants. The shore entry simplifies access, making it convenient to explore the immediate underwater world without boat transfers.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Prioritizing diver safety at La Mer Beach means adhering to established PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices. It's always advisable to consult with local dive professionals from operators like 17SIXTY, who are familiar with the site's present conditions. This ensures you receive the most current information regarding currents, visibility, and any relevant site-specific considerations. A range of PADI courses are available on site, including refreshers and specialties like PADI Deep Diver or PADI Underwater Navigator, which can enhance your skill set for deeper or more complex explorations. Familiarity with your equipment and proper buoyancy control will significantly improve your dive experience.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit is frequently recommended by dive operators for conditions like these. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Surface intervals may feel cooler. Those diving at La Mer Beach today will likely encounter water temperatures in the region of 28°C (82°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 23°C (73°F).
Forecasts suggest rising temperatures later this week. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Even small thermoclines can occasionally cause noticeable changes in water temperature.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
SAR
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at La Mer Beach
The vibrant underwater ecosystems at La Mer Beach host a diverse array of marine species. Divers frequently encounter a variety of reef fish, including colorful parrotfish, sweetlips, and snappers, often schooling around the coral formations. Look closely within crevices and along the sandy bottom for moray eels, crabs, and scorpionfish camouflaged against their surroundings. Opportunistic sightings might include the graceful hawksbill turtles gliding past, or various rays resting on the sand. The smaller residents, such as pipefish and sea anemones, add intricate detail to the reef environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of diving are available at La Mer Beach?
La Mer Beach offers diverse dive types including beach entries, exploration of vibrant reef systems, sandy bottom areas, and captivating wall dives. These varied environments cater to different skill levels and interests, providing extensive underwater landscapes to explore.
Is La Mer Beach suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, La Mer Beach is an excellent destination for beginners. It serves as a haven for curious new divers, offering PADI Discover Scuba Diving programs and guided sessions with expert instructors to ensure a safe and enjoyable introduction to the underwater world.
What is the maximum depth for diving at La Mer Beach?
Dives at La Mer Beach can reach a maximum depth of 60 m (196 ft). This allows for deep dive training and exploration for suitably certified divers, while also providing shallower areas for less experienced individuals.
What marine life can I expect to see here?
Divers often spot a rich variety of marine life, including parrotfish, sweetlips, snappers, and other reef fish. Encounters with moray eels, crabs, scorpionfish, and occasional hawksbill turtles are also common around the reefs and sandy areas.
What are the typical water temperatures for diving?
While not consistently reported for this specific site, the Red Sea generally offers comfortable water temperatures. Divers can typically expect conditions ranging from 22-27°C (72-81°F) throughout the year, making it suitable for a 3mm wetsuit.
What PADI courses are offered at La Mer Beach?
La Mer Beach hosts a variety of PADI courses, catering to all levels. These include Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Diver, Deep Diver, and specialties such as Underwater Navigator and Peak Performance Buoyancy.
When is the best time of year to dive at La Mer Beach?
November typically offers excellent diving conditions, though most months maintain a 'Good' dive score. The period from November through April generally presents milder air temperatures and consistently low rainfall, making it a comfortable time for diving.
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