Jazan Province dive sites

The Farasan Islands are located approximately 40 kilometres offshore from Jizan in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Access for diving is typically via liveaboard from Jizan or Jeddah. A public ferry connects Jizan to Farasan Island for general visitors, but reaching the best dive sites on the outer islands and banks requires a liveaboard or dedicated dive charter. The diving infrastructure is developing but still limited compared to northern Red Sea destinations.

The Farasan Banks represent one of the last genuinely unexplored reef systems in the Red Sea. The archipelago comprises roughly 170 islands with a vast system of submerged banks, pinnacles, and walls. Because commercial fishing is limited and recreational diving has been minimal, the reefs are in extraordinarily pristine condition. Visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres, and encounters with large marine life including manta rays and whale sharks are common.

October through April offers the best conditions, with comfortable water temperatures between 24 and 29 degrees, calm seas, and excellent visibility. Summer months from May to September bring higher water temperatures and can have reduced visibility. The monsoon season can also make sea conditions rougher for boat travel to the outer islands.