April 4, 2023

Flying from any country most probably Cairo or Amman to Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport JED), Saudi Arabia.

Some flights arrive in the early morning hours on April 5. We get assistet at the airport with immigration and transferred directly to the boat afterwards. Check-in on board and set up your gear! 11 nights on board can begin now!

April 5 – 15, 2023

Our dive cruise will directly beginn on April 5 heading south to Farasan banks and other top dive sites in this area! 10 full dive days with max. 3 day dives and some night dives will also be offered during the week. The itinerary will be flexible and dependent of weather and decisions by our experienced crew and captain. They will do their best to offer you an unforgettable experience.

As there is whaleshark season in april we might head out to snorkel and freedive with whale sharks if there will appear some opportunities for that.

April 15 – 16, 2023

Arrival back in the harbour will be the afternoon of april 14th. Last night will be spent on board. On april 15 after breakfast we will be transferred back to Jeddah where we have a final overnight before heading back home.

Late afternoon we will visit the old town of Jeddah, a UNSESCO world heritage site.

There might be an extension on land planned in a small group after the cruise (to be announced). Let us know if you are interested in that.

On April 16th we will be transfered to the international airport for our journey back home.

M/Y Saudi Explorer

Launched in December 2019 in Egypt by Rosetta Shipyards, the M/Y Saudi Explorer ( m/y Typhoon) is designed to operate in all sea conditions. Its iron hull and large sailing range give this vessel excellent stability, making it ideal for long-range exploratory cruises.

The interior is carefully detailed to ensure maximum comfort for 20 guests. All cabins, located on the main and upper decks, enjoy a sea view. The outdoor common areas and diving area have been designed to meet the expectations of the most demanding divers.

There are 10 double/twin cabins with en-suite facilities and air conditioning all located on the middle and sun deck. A large common are for dining with a Bar & TV is located on the lower deck.

For diving the boat comes with 2 tender zodiacs a 6 m with 40 hp engines, a Nitrox compressor from Bauer providing 12l aluminium tanks with din/int valves (bigger and smaller tanks possible on request)

Technical details:

Maximum capacity: 20 guests

Satellite number: +88 216333874

Unlimited dives subject to boat logistics and sailing times. Last day maximum 2 dives

Length: 33 metres

Width: 7.9 metres

Cruising speed: 10 knots

Fuel capacity: 50 tonnes

Engines: 2  x MAN 750 hp

Water capacity: 30 tons

Water makers: 2 x 1,000 litres per day

Generators: 2 x 140 kW Doosan

Electrical voltage: 220 volts – 24 V

Electrical sockets: Type C

Safety equipment: radar, echo sounder, G.P.S., Plotter, VHF radio, DCS, SSB radio, satellite phone, oxygen kit, first aid, 2 life rafts, fire alarm

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia remains one of the least dived areas of the Red Sea. Since 2019 it is again possible to apply for tourist visa and the kingdom has become much easier for many Europeans to travel. New exciting opportunities for divers have become available. Saudi arabia has with 1.600 km of coastline 79% fo the Arabian Peninsula’s Red Sea shoreline and there are as many reefs as in the rest of the Red Sea put together.

It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of Saudi Arabia; a country that covers four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula. The lifeless desert of the inland Empty Quarter is larger than France, Belgium and the Netherlands combined.

Most of the reefs and coastline remains unexplored. This lends itself perfectly to a liveaboard cruise, but even then, you will only explore a small fraction of the coastline. While there is still no official protection of reefs in Saudi Arabia, there is little large-scale commercial fishing, so even the reefs near the cities remain of a high standard. Many dive sites still remain to be discovered by recreational diver. Our trip will lead to Farasan Banks. A place to be known for the best diving down there.

Water temperatures are generally about 25–35°C. Although air temperatures in Saudi Arabia are known to reach an incredible 48°C in the summer, coastal temperatures are a little more moderate with higher humidity. Jeddah’s temperature hovers around 29–37°C throughout the year and the city has an average annual rainfall of just 61mm.

If you’re interested in exploring Saudi Arabia before or after the cruise we can arrange a guided tour starting from Jeddah (from 4 to 12 days based on individual offers). Ask as for more information.

Please note:  Itinerary can change due to government or captain’s decisions. This destinations has expedition character so we don’t excpect everything to work like in well know tourist destinations like Egypt or similar.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia remains one of the least dived areas of the Red Sea. Since 2019 it is again possible to apply for tourist visa and the kingdom has become much easier for many Europeans to travel. New exciting opportunities for divers have become available. Saudi arabia has with 1.600 km of coastline 79% fo the Arabian Peninsula’s Red Sea shoreline and there are as many reefs as in the rest of the Red Sea put together.

It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of Saudi Arabia; a country that covers four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula. The lifeless desert of the inland Empty Quarter is larger than France, Belgium and the Netherlands combined.

Most of the reefs and coastline remains unexplored. This lends itself perfectly to a liveaboard cruise, but even then, you will only explore a small fraction of the coastline. While there is still no official protection of reefs in Saudi Arabia, there is little large-scale commercial fishing, so even the reefs near the cities remain of a high standard. Many dive sites still to be discovered for the recreational diver. Our trip will lead to Farasan Banks. A place to be known for the best diving there.

Water temperatures are generally about 25–35°C. Although air temperatures in Saudi Arabia are known to reach an incredible 48°C in the summer, coastal temperatures are a little more moderate with higher humidity. Jeddah’s temperature hovers around 29–37°C throughout the year and the city has an average annual rainfall of just 61mm.

If you’re interested in exploring Saudi Arabia before or after the cruise we can arrange a guided tour starting from Jeddah (from 4 to 12 days based on individual offers). Ask as for more information.

Please note: We have not been to this place yet. Operator and information we use here are based on feedback from friends and clients. Itinerary can change due to government or captain’s decisions. This destinations has expedition character so we don’t excpect everything to work like in well know tourist destinations like Egypt or similar.