Jeddah: Red sea shore diving (Discovery)

Traveling to Saudi Arabia often conjures images of historic sites and desert landscapes, but the Red Sea offers a different kind of magic—one filled with shimmering waters and lively marine life. This Red Sea Shore Diving (Discovery) experience from Jeddah promises a chance to explore this underwater wonderland, even if you’re not a seasoned diver. While it’s designed primarily for beginners and curious snorkelers, it also offers enough for more experienced explorers to enjoy.

What makes this tour appealing? We love the professional guidance provided by experienced instructors, the convenience of all-inclusive gear and meals, and the opportunity to see marine creatures like sharks and stingrays up close. However, a potential drawback might be the late start experienced by some guests, which can throw off your day’s schedule. This tour suits those eager to experience the Red Sea’s vibrant marine environment in a relaxed, guided setting.

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Key Points

All-inclusive package with gear, instructor, photos, and meals
Discover the Red Sea’s diverse marine life, including sharks and rays
Flexible booking options, with the ability to reserve now and pay later
Not suitable for travelers diving within 24 hours prior
A mix of beginner-friendly activities and professional guidance
Moderate rating (3.8/5), reflecting varied but generally positive reviews

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What to Expect from the Red Sea Shore Diving Tour

This tour, offered by Traventure, is centered around a 30-45 minute discovery dive at a local diving resort on the Red Sea coast. The goal isn’t to turn you into a professional diver but to give you a safe, guided glimpse into the vibrant underwater world. The tour begins with a pick-up service—a considerate touch for convenience—followed by a brunch that helps fuel you for the adventure ahead. After gearing up with all necessary diving equipment, you’ll head into the water under the watchful eye of a trained diving instructor.

It’s worth noting that the activity is suitable for beginners and those who want a straightforward introduction to snorkeling or shallow diving. The marine life described includes colorful fishes, stingrays, sharks, and the massive coral reef that can reach heights of up to 40 meters, according to one reviewer. Expect to spend around 30 to 45 minutes underwater, enjoying the sights at a maximum depth of 20 meters, which is perfect for those new to diving.

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

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Pick-up and Brunch

Your day starts with a hotel or designated pick-up (this is included in the price). This transfer is generally efficient, though one reviewer noted that activities started two hours late due to communication issues. After arriving at the diving resort, you’ll be treated to light meals and drinks—an essential perk that keeps your energy up for the underwater exploration.

Gear, Instructions, and Safety Briefing

Next, the focus shifts to safety and instruction. The tour includes all diving gears, such as masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits, so you won’t need to bring anything extra unless you prefer your own equipment. The instructor will spend time explaining diving codes and gestures, making sure everyone is comfortable and aware of safety protocols. This part is especially helpful for first-timers or those unfamiliar with marine activity.

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The Discovery Dive

Once ready, you’ll descend into the Red Sea for the main event. Reviewers highlight the professionalism of the guides, with one mentioning that they felt “confident in the instructor.” The diving time ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, with depths reaching 20 meters. During this stretch, you can expect to see a variety of marine creatures—from stunning coral formations to sharks and stingrays. One guest described the reef as “massive,” with colorful fish darting in and out of the coral.

There's plenty more to explore in Jeddah

Post-Dive and Photos

After surfacing, you’ll have the chance to review photos taken underwater, a great way to preserve memories of your marine adventure. The tour also includes light meals and drinks, which help you recover and reflect on the experience. Drop-off back at your hotel completes the day.

The Highlights and Unique Aspects

Marine Life and Scenery

The Red Sea is renowned for its diversity of marine species and coral reefs, and this tour offers a peek into that underwater universe. Reviewers mention sightings of sharks, stingrays, and colorful fishes, with one describing the reef as “massive” and “like 40 meters high.” Many guests appreciate the chance to see sharks in their natural habitat, which adds a thrill to the experience.

Professional Guidance and Equipment

The reviews underscore the knowledgeable guides, who are praised for their patience and expertise. One reviewer noted that they “felt confident in my instructor” and appreciated the detailed safety briefing. All necessary gear is provided, removing the hassle of renting or bringing your own equipment.

Convenience and Flexibility

The tour includes pick-up, brunch, gear, photos, and drop-off, making it a full and hassle-free experience. The option to reserve and pay later is a practical feature, offering flexibility for travelers uncertain about their schedule.

Photos and Memories

Having underwater photos included is a huge plus for many. One traveler mentioned that their guide “captured additional pictures and footage,” helping them relive (and share) their underwater adventure.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

Late Starts

One review mentioned a two-hour delay because the guide didn’t receive messages with specific information. While such hiccups are rare, they can disrupt your day’s plans. It’s advisable to confirm your schedule and stay flexible.

Weather and Water Conditions

While not explicitly stated, the summertime heat can be intense, so packing sunscreen and water is essential. Visibility and marine activity could also vary depending on weather, though the tour’s all-inclusive gear and guidance mitigate risks.

Non-inclusion of Certain Items

The tour doesn’t include towels, fishing, or boat rides. If you’re hoping for a full day of boating or wish to fish, you’ll need separate arrangements. This tour is primarily focused on the underwater experience at the designated diving site.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for beginners and casual snorkelers looking for a safe, guided introduction to the Red Sea’s marine life. It’s also suitable for those who value convenience, professional instruction, and a chance to photograph their underwater moments. However, if you’re an experienced diver seeking a more challenging or extensive dive, you might find this tour somewhat limited.

Travelers interested in family-friendly activities will appreciate the straightforward, safe environment, while those with limited time in Jeddah will find this a quick yet satisfying escape to the sea.

The Sum Up

This Red Sea Shore Diving (Discovery) tour offers a practical, well-organized way to get a taste of Saudi Arabia’s underwater beauty. The inclusion of all gear, guidance, photos, and meals provides good value for those seeking a hassle-free marine adventure. The presence of knowledgeable guides adds confidence, especially for beginners or nervous swimmers.

While late starts and limited dive duration might be considerations, the overall experience delivers a memorable glimpse into the vibrant underwater world, with the chance to spot sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish. It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided, safe, and moderately paced introduction to snorkeling and shallow diving.

If you’re curious about the Red Sea’s marine life and want a straightforward, all-inclusive experience, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the tour is designed for those new to diving or snorkeling, with safety instructions and professional guides ensuring a comfortable experience.

What is included in the tour? The package covers entry tickets, all diving gear, one discovery dive (30-45 mins), a diving instructor, underwater photos, and light meals and drinks.

Are there any age restrictions? The available information does not specify age limits, but it’s generally suitable for those comfortable in water and able to participate in a shallow dive.

Do I need to bring my own equipment? No, all necessary gear is provided, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins.

What should I bring? You should bring your identification (ID or passport) for entry. Consider packing sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially in summer. Towels are not included.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is it possible to extend the dive? The tour includes only one discovery dive lasting around 30 to 45 minutes; additional dives would require separate arrangements.

Are meals included? Yes, light meals and drinks are part of the package, providing energy for your underwater adventure.

How do I get picked up? The tour offers hotel or designated pick-up services, making it convenient to start your day without extra hassle.

What if I experience delays or issues? One review highlighted a delay of two hours due to communication lapses, so it’s wise to confirm details beforehand and be patient if minor delays occur.

This tour provides a well-rounded, guided introduction to the Red Sea’s incredible marine environment—perfect for those wanting a straightforward, memorable sea adventure.