From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers

Thinking about exploring the vibrant waters of the Red Sea but want honest insight before booking? This certified diver trip from Jeddah promises two guided boat dives at some of the region’s best sites. While the experience boasts stunning coral reefs and expert guidance, it’s worth considering some logistical challenges mentioned by previous guests. Perfect for seasoned divers or adventurous snorkelers, this trip offers a chance to enjoy the sea with professionals.

In this review, we’ll explore what makes this tour appealing, what to expect along the way, and things to keep in mind. From the quality of the underwater sites to the safety and organization of the operation, we aim to give you a balanced look at whether this experience suits your expectations.

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Key Points

Vibrant Underwater Scenes: Enjoy guided dives at renowned spots like Anas Reef and Chicken Wreck, both known for lively coral and wreck diving.
Professional Guidance: Led by Haddad Scuba, the trip offers safety and expertise, especially for certified divers.
Flexible Skill Levels: Suitable for those with logged dives within the last six months, with snorkeling alternatives if not.
Pricing & Value: At $120 per person, the experience provides two guided dives, tanks, and snacks—great value for underwater lovers.
Mixed Reviews: While many found the guides professional and the scenery breathtaking, some reviews cite organization issues and safety concerns.
Additional Costs & Rentals: Basic gear like wetsuits and fins are rentable at approximately 145 SAR, so budget accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Why Consider a Red Sea Diving Trip from Jeddah?

For lovers of the sea and underwater landscapes, the Red Sea offers some of the most colorful and diverse marine life in the region. This boat trip and diving experience from Jeddah, hosted by Haddad Scuba, aims to give certified divers two guided dives in a single day. The promise? Exotic reefs, underwater wrecks, and a professional team guiding the way.

What we find truly appealing is the chance to explore top regional sites like Anas Reef or the Chicken Wreck, both known for their vibrant coral and marine life. Plus, the inclusion of tanks, weights, and snacks makes it a fairly comprehensive package for underwater explorers. However, it’s wise to consider that organization and safety standards have received mixed reviews, so experience levels and expectations should be matched carefully.

This tour is ideal for certified divers looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy the Red Sea’s underwater wonders. Snorkelers with logged dives within six months also have the option to join, making it accessible to a broader range of water enthusiasts.

Looking for more options in Jeddah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Stunning Underwater Sites: The trip’s main draw is the chance to visit some of the best-known diving spots in the region. Anas Reef, for example, is celebrated for its coral formations and diverse marine species. The Chicken Wreck offers a fascinating wreck site that adds a historical dimension to your underwater adventure.

Professional Diving Support: Haddad Scuba prides itself on having experienced guides, which is crucial when exploring unfamiliar waters. As one reviewer mentioned, “Everybody was professional,” highlighting the positive attitude of the crew.

Ease of Access: Starting from Jeddah, the boat trip offers a straightforward way to access the Red Sea’s underwater scenery without the hassle of additional travel. The boats are designed for multiple divers, with included gear and snacks to keep you energized.

Value for Money: At $120 per person, the package includes two guided dives, tanks, and snacks. Considering the cost of renting gear separately and the cost of a typical dive trip elsewhere, this offers a reasonable price point for a half-day adventure.

Inside the Itinerary: What to Expect

The Journey Begins at the Marina: The trip usually departs from Jeddah’s marina, with some logistical details to keep in mind. Past guests mention the importance of arriving early, as the schedule can sometimes be disorganized, with delays or miscommunications.

Diving Spots and Underwater Highlights: The boat is taken to various sites, which may include coral reefs, wrecks, or islands. The selection depends on weather conditions and group preferences. The reefs are lively, and you’ll find an abundance of coral and marine life, ideal for underwater photography.

Guided Dives: The dives are led by professional guides, ensuring safety and providing guidance. Tanks and weights are included, but some gear needs to be rented (approx 145 SAR), including wetsuits, fins, and masks.

Snacks & Refreshments: On board, complimentary snacks and soft drinks are offered, making it easier to relax between dives. This added touch helps keep energy levels high, especially in the warm waters.

Safety & Skill Considerations: To participate, you need logged dives within six months. One reviewer pointed out that if you haven’t logged dives recently, you’ll be limited to snorkeling, which still offers a fantastic view of the underwater world but lacks the thrill of diving.

Return & Post-Trip: After two dives, the boat returns to the marina, where you can rinse off, debrief, and plan your next adventure. Some guests noted organizational hiccups, so patience and flexible expectations are advised.

The Reality: What Do Past Guests Say?

Positive Experiences: Several reviewers praise the professionalism of the guides and the beauty of the sites. One traveler said, “Everybody was professional,” emphasizing the competence of the crew. Others enjoyed the convenience of the included snacks and the variety of sites visited.

Cautionary Tales: Not all feedback is glowing. Giovanni, a less satisfied guest, described the experience as “extremely disorganized and dangerous.” He reported arriving at the dive center only to find no equipment available, no instructor present, and a general lack of safety standards. These comments highlight the importance of managing expectations and verifying the operational standards beforehand.

Overall Impressions: The mixed reviews suggest that while the scenery and the core activity can be fantastic, the experience’s quality depends heavily on operational execution. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays and ensure their equipment needs are clarified in advance.

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Practical Details & Tips

Price: $120 per person is a reasonable rate for two guided dives, tanks, and snacks—but be aware of optional gear rentals at about 145 SAR.
Duration: The trip generally lasts a few hours, including transfers, making it suitable for a half-day outing.
Group Size: While not explicitly stated, small to medium groups are typical for such tours, allowing for personalized guidance.
Languages: Guides speak Arabic, English, Italian, and Russian, making communication accessible for many travelers.
Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve your spot with the flexibility of paying later, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

There's plenty more to explore in Jeddah

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour suits certified divers who want to explore the Red Sea’s marine life without fussing over logistics. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with organized group trips and are looking for scenic coral reefs or wreck sites.

Snorkelers with recent logged dives can also join, although they should be aware that snorkel-only options are available if they haven’t dived in a while. The experience is best for those who value professional guidance but are prepared for some variability in organization.

If your main priority is safety, proper gear, and well-organized trips, do your homework beforehand and confirm details with the operator. This trip offers a solid opportunity to experience the Red Sea’s underwater realm, but your satisfaction hinges on operational standards and weather conditions.

FAQs

Do I need to be a certified diver to join?
Yes, this trip is intended for certified divers. If your logged dives are within the last six months, you’re good to go. Otherwise, you’ll be offered snorkeling instead.

Is gear rental necessary?
Some gear, such as wetsuits, fins, masks, and regulators, need to be rented at about 145 SAR if you don’t bring your own. Tanks and weights are included in the price.

What sites will we visit?
The specific spots vary, but you might visit popular sites like Anas Reef or wrecks such as Chicken Wreck. These locations are known for their vibrant reefs and interesting wreckage.

How are safety standards?
Guides are described as professional, but some reviews mention disorganization and equipment issues, so caution and verification are advised.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is food provided?
No, food isn’t included. You’ll find snacks and soft drinks on board, but it’s sensible to bring your own if you prefer specific dietary options.

To sum it up, this boat trip from Jeddah offers a promising glimpse into the Red Sea’s underwater world, provided you’re prepared for some logistical quirks. It’s best suited for experienced divers seeking accessible, guided exploration of coral reefs and wrecks, at a fair price point. As with all marine adventures, a little planning and patience will ensure you get the most out of this vibrant, aquatic outing.