Makkah Province dive sites

The Boiler Wreck is the remains of an unidentified coal-fired ship estimated to be around 100 years old, located on Abu Madafi reef approximately 10 kilometres north of the Jeddah coast. Little of the original ship remains intact beyond the two large boilers that give the site its name. The rest of the vessel has been consumed by coral growth and the passage of time, creating a unique hybrid wreck-and-reef dive.

The surrounding reef features a series of caves and swim-throughs that penetrate the shallows in four directions. These caves are the site's most atmospheric feature, with small openings in the reef above allowing shafts of sunlight to penetrate like natural spotlights, creating extraordinary light effects. The cave walls are covered in bizarre coral formations, and the interplay of light and shadow makes this a favourite site for underwater photographers.

Open Water divers can enjoy the shallow reef and wreck remains at 4 to 12 metres, but Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for the deeper sections at 18 metres and for the cave swim-throughs. A torch is essential for exploring the caves and illuminating the coral formations inside. The site is suitable for divers of most levels due to the generally calm conditions.