From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers

The best part of this Jeddah outing is the chance to reach Red Sea reefs and wreck sites by boat, rather than staying close to shore. You get two guided underwater sessions, a small maximum group of 10, and time between them to rest, eat, and enjoy the sea.

I like the small-group setup and the fact that tanks and weight belts are included. I also like the practical extras: snacks and soft drinks on board, multilingual guides, and possible sites such as Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, and Crazy 8.

The main catch is important: if you have not logged a scuba descent within the past six months, you will not be permitted to join the boat descents. You may snorkel instead, so bring proof of recent experience and confirm your equipment needs before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Two boat-based underwater sessions: The trip visits reef, wreck, or island sites rather than relying only on shore access.
• Possible Red Sea locations: The route may include Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, Crazy 8, or another suitable site.
• Small group of up to 10: This makes the day easier to manage than a large boat outing.
• Tanks and weights included: You only pay extra if you need rental equipment such as a regulator, BCD, wetsuit, mask, or fins.
• Recent experience is required: No logged scuba descents within six months means snorkeling rather than scuba.
• Allow five and a half hours: The schedule includes about two hours on the water each way, two underwater sessions, a rest period, and a short breakfast stop.

Reaching the Red Sea from Al-Haddad Scuba

Your day begins at Al-Haddad Scuba in Jeddah. From there, you travel to the yacht and spend roughly one hour reaching the offshore area. That boat ride is part of the outing, not just a transfer. It gives you time to settle in, check your kit, and get a feel for the pace of the day.

The boat carries a maximum of 10 participants. That number may include people snorkeling as well as certified scuba guests. A recent trip had four scuba guests and six snorkelers, which created a quiet, manageable group on board. A small boat also makes it easier to hear instructions and ask for help with equipment.

Bring your passport, visa, or other identification with you. This is a useful practical detail for a boat trip from Jeddah, and one guest specifically found it important. Keep your documents protected from spray rather than leaving them loose in a bag.

The schedule is not especially early or rushed based on the supplied timing, but exact departure times can vary. Check the available start time when you book, and arrive ready to spend most of the day around water.

What two guided underwater sessions are like

The main program gives you two guided boat descents, each scheduled for about one hour. The boat may head toward a reef, wreck, coral island, or another local site depending on conditions and the day’s plan.

Possible locations include Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, and Crazy 8. The information provided does not promise a fixed site, so you should think of this as a chance to explore the Jeddah area rather than a ticket to one named wreck. That flexibility can help the crew choose a suitable location, but it also means you cannot book this trip expecting one exact underwater landmark.

The first session comes after the one-hour boat ride. You will be guided through the entry process and underwater route, with tanks and weight belts supplied. The presence of a guide matters most if you are unfamiliar with local conditions, boat entries, or the site chosen that morning.

Between the two sessions, there is about one hour to rest. This is a good buffer. You can recover, drink something, check your gear, and watch the coast or open water from the boat instead of rushing straight into the second session.

The second underwater session also lasts about one hour. Having two separate descents gives you more time underwater than a single short stop, and it lets you experience a second area if the boat changes location. If the same area is used, you may still see a different section of reef or wreck on the second outing.

Snorkelers can join the boat, but the snorkeling areas may not be the same as the scuba locations. This distinction matters. If your primary goal is scuba, confirm your eligibility before you arrive, because being placed with the snorkeling group can change the whole nature of the day.

Coral reefs, wrecks, and what you may see

The Red Sea is the reason to book this trip. The supplied information points to coral reefs, fish, wreck sites, and coral islands. One recent outing found the underwater environment in good condition, with plenty of coral and fish, and had the sites largely to itself.

That does not guarantee empty water every day. Still, the small group and offshore route offer a better chance of a quieter outing than a crowded shore facility. I particularly like the possibility of visiting a wreck such as Chicken Wreck, since a wreck adds shape and character to an otherwise reef-focused session.

The exact underwater scenery will depend on the selected site, weather, visibility, and current conditions. The operator may choose one area from the available options rather than trying to cover every named location. Keep your expectations open, and judge the trip by the overall Red Sea time rather than one specific fish or wreck.

For certified scuba guests, the two-session format is useful because you can settle into the first descent, then use the second to explore with more confidence. For snorkelers, the trip offers access to the same general offshore setting, but you should not assume that snorkeling will follow the same route as the scuba group.

The six-month rule is the most important condition

You must have logged scuba descents within the six months before the activity date to take part in the boat sessions. If you have been out of the water longer, the operator may allow you to snorkel instead.

This is not a minor booking detail. One person who had gone about a year without scuba expected a refresher and two boat descents, but was instead moved to a shore-based arrangement with an additional charge. The experience did not match the planned boat outing, and the guest also reported receiving only water rather than the advertised snacks and drinks.

To avoid that kind of mismatch, contact the center before booking if your last scuba session was more than six months ago. Ask exactly what proof is accepted and whether a refresher can be arranged in advance. Do not assume that a short refresher automatically qualifies you for the boat.

This rule may feel strict, but it is also tied to safety. The boat sites can be different from the snorkeling areas, and the crew needs to know that certified guests are currently comfortable in the water.

Equipment: what is included and what costs extra

Your price includes tanks and a weight belt. That is a fair starting package for certified scuba guests who already own personal equipment.

The following items are not included:

• BCD
• Regulator
• Wetsuit
• Mask
• Fins
• Nitrox tank

Rental equipment is listed at approximately 145 SAR. The exact amount may depend on which items you need, so ask for a complete rental total rather than assuming the listed figure covers only one piece of kit.

This is where the advertised price needs context. At $93 per person, the trip can offer good value if you already have your personal equipment and need only tanks and weights. If you need the full set, the added 145 SAR changes the final cost considerably. Nitrox is also extra, so do not assume it is part of the standard package.

Equipment quality and readiness deserve special attention. One very positive trip had a full rental set in top condition. Another much less positive experience involved long delays and equipment that was reportedly not ready at the marina. Because those accounts are sharply different, I would confirm your equipment reservation before the activity date and arrive with enough time to check every item.

Snacks, drinks, and the short breakfast stop

Snacks and soft drinks are included on board. They are welcome during a long day at sea, especially between the two sessions. Water is also part of the practical setup, though one negative account said that only water was offered on that particular outing.

Food is not included. The schedule has a 15-minute breakfast stop, but that does not mean breakfast is supplied. Treat it as a short meal break and bring or arrange your own food if you need more than the included snacks.

You should also bring a change of clothes and a towel. Neither is included. This is easy to overlook, especially if you are coming directly from your hotel or another Jeddah activity.

Pack lightly but sensibly: identification, swimwear, towel, dry clothes, food, and any personal scuba equipment you prefer to use. Protect documents and electronics from water.

Timing, comfort, and group atmosphere

The full outing lasts 330 minutes, or five hours and 30 minutes. The stated sequence is roughly:

1. Meet at Al-Haddad Scuba.
2. Travel by yacht for about one hour.
3. First scuba session for about one hour.
4. One-hour rest period.
5. Fifteen-minute breakfast stop.
6. Second scuba session for about one hour.
7. Return by yacht for about 80 minutes.
8. Arrive back at Al-Haddad Scuba.

That is a substantial amount of time on a boat. If you enjoy sea travel, the pace should feel relaxed rather than crammed. If you get uncomfortable offshore, prepare for the long return journey, which is scheduled at about 80 minutes.

The maximum group size is 10, and guides speak Arabic, English, Italian, and Russian. That language range is useful when technical instructions matter. The strongest positive feedback focused on punctuality, friendly staff, smooth organization, and a guide who worked hard to support the group.

The picture is not perfect. One account described a late start, missing equipment, no visible instructor, and serious safety concerns. Because scuba depends on proper checks and clear supervision, do not ignore that possibility. If the boat, kit, or staff setup does not appear ready, ask questions before entering the water.

How the $93 price holds up

At $93, this outing is reasonably priced for a five-and-a-half-hour boat program with two guided sessions, tanks, weights, snacks, and soft drinks. The small group is another point in its favor. You are not paying only for time underwater. You are also paying for the boat ride to offshore sites and the organization of two separate sessions.

The value is strongest for a certified guest who brings a mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, and regulator, or who can rent them at a reasonable additional cost. The value is weaker if you need a full equipment package, nitrox, food, towels, and clothing changes on top of the base price.

I would also compare the cost with your priorities. If you want the flexibility of a small group and the possibility of reefs or wrecks away from shore, the price makes sense. If you need a guaranteed wreck, a named instructor, full equipment, or a fixed itinerary, confirm those points first.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky. Still, those policies do not replace a pre-trip check about recent scuba experience and equipment availability.

Who should book this Jeddah boat outing?

I would recommend it most strongly to a currently active certified scuba guest who wants two guided sessions in the Red Sea and is comfortable with a flexible site plan.

It also suits you if you:

• Like small groups rather than large boat crowds.
• Are happy to visit whichever reef, wreck, or island site the crew selects.
• Already own most of your scuba equipment.
• Can spend five and a half hours on a boat.
• Appreciate multilingual support.
• Want a mix of reef scenery and possible wreck exploration.

I would be more cautious if your last scuba session was over six months ago, if you need a full rental kit, or if you require a guaranteed site. Snorkelers can still join, but the snorkeling route may differ from the scuba route.

Should you book it?

Book this Jeddah outing if you are recently active in scuba, want two boat-based sessions, and value a small group over a guaranteed named site. The strongest parts are the Red Sea setting, the possible reef and wreck locations, the included tanks and weights, and the friendly, capable service reported on well-run departures.

Before paying, confirm four things directly: your last logged scuba date, the full rental cost, the day’s equipment readiness, and whether snacks and soft drinks will be available. If those answers are clear, $93 is a sensible price for a half-day at sea. If they are vague, choose a different date or request written confirmation first.

FAQ

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts 330 minutes, or five hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the trip begin?

You start at Al-Haddad Scuba in Jeddah and return there after the boat trip.

How many scuba sessions are included?

The experience includes two guided boat-based scuba sessions, each scheduled for about one hour.

Which locations might the boat visit?

Possible areas include Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, Crazy 8, other wreck sites, coral reefs, and coral islands. The exact location is not fixed.

What equipment is included?

Tanks and weight belts are included.

What equipment costs extra?

BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins are not included. Rental equipment costs approximately 145 SAR. Nitrox tanks are also excluded.

Can I join if I have not scuba dived recently?

You must have logged scuba descents within the six months before the activity date to join the boat sessions. If not, you will snorkel instead.

Are food and towels included?

Snacks and soft drinks are included, but food, a change of clothes, and towels are not.