Unveiling the Underwater Gems of Yanbu: A Diver’s Paradise
Embark on an unforgettable diving adventure from Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Our journey begins with an 18-mile westbound voyage towards the captivating Seven Sisters area.
Seven Sisters: A Feast for the Senses
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Marker 32, Marker 34, Abu Galawa, Marker 39, and other remarkable dive sites. Explore the expansive plateaus teeming with life, where your gaze might be rewarded with sightings of majestic pelagic fish. Schools of hammerhead, silvertip, and silky sharks patrol these waters, while the rich walls boast a mesmerizing blend of colorful hard corals and swaying gorgonian forests.
Witnessing the Symphony of the Reef
Bathed in the golden light of dawn and dusk, these pristine reefs come alive. Witness the incredible diversity of marine life thriving in this untouched underwater paradise, where every coral flourishes.
Mansi Reef: A Solitary Jewel
Sailing 8 miles south, discover the isolated splendor of Mansi Reef (Marker 42). This magnificent madreporic column rises from the depths, its walls adorned with vibrant gorgonians. With a touch of luck, you might encounter a mesmerizing school of hammerhead sharks patrolling the southern slopes.
Sha’ab Suflani: A Descent into the Deep
Our journey continues south for 16 miles, leading us to the awe-inspiring Sha’ab Suflani atoll (Marker 44). Prepare to be captivated by its vertical walls plunging over 300 meters into the abyss.
The Five Coral Atolls: A Realm of Untouched Beauty
From Sha’ab Suflani, we set sail south for approximately 75 miles, arriving at the aptly named Five Corals – a cluster of 5 pristine atolls facing the town of Rabigh. These magnificent reefs, untouched and teeming with life, await exploration.
Maria Reef: A Diver’s Dream
Maria Reef stands out as one of the most captivating dives in the area. Descend into its depths and be mesmerized by the impressive presence of passing fish – from tuna to schools of trevally and barracudas, all swimming undisturbed amidst a vibrant tapestry of soft corals blanketing the reef’s surface.
Exploring the Sisterhood
Joey Reef, Noura, Mary Ann, and Mary Jane – the other four “sisters” – offer unique underwater experiences. These majestic madreporic columns boast walls teeming with gorgonians that plummet vertically into the depths. Keep your eyes peeled for schools of hammerhead sharks and graceful manta rays, with the latter offering a rare opportunity for nighttime encounters along the southern plateau of Joey Reef.
This adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the underwater wonders around Yanbu. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant reefs, diverse marine life, and the sheer majesty of the unexplored deep.
