From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers

The Red Sea rewards preparation. From Jeddah, this five-and-a-half-hour boat outing takes certified scuba divers to two underwater sites around reefs, wrecks, or coral islands. I like the small maximum group of 10 and the chance to visit places such as Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, or Crazy 8, depending on the day’s conditions.

I also like that tanks, weight belts, snacks, and soft drinks are included. The main concern is equipment and recent-experience rules: most personal gear costs extra, and you cannot make the boat descents if your last logged scuba session was more than six months ago. In that case, you will snorkel instead.

Key points to know before booking

• Two boat-based scuba sessions: You spend about an hour at each underwater site, with a break between them.
• Small group size: The boat is limited to 10 participants, though the mix may include both scuba participants and snorkelers.
• Popular Jeddah sites: Possible locations include Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, and Crazy 8.
• Recent logbook required: No logged scuba sessions within the previous six months means snorkeling only.
• Bring official identification: Keep your ID, passport, or visa with you during the boat ride.
• Rental gear costs extra: Tanks and weight belts are included, while a BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins cost about 145 SAR to rent.

A practical Red Sea outing from Al-Haddad Scuba

The day begins at Al-Haddad Scuba in Jeddah. From there, you head to the yacht for roughly an hour on the water. The total activity lasts about 330 minutes, or five hours and 30 minutes, so you should treat this as a half-day commitment rather than a quick morning swim.

The arrangement is straightforward. You travel by boat to a selected Red Sea site, complete the first guided underwater session, return to the boat for a rest, have a light breakfast, and then head into the water again. The return boat ride takes about 80 minutes before you arrive back at Al-Haddad Scuba.

That amount of time on the water is useful because the best sites are not necessarily right beside the marina. The boat gives the operator more choice than a shore-based outing, although the exact location depends on conditions and the day’s plan. You should not book this expecting one fixed landmark every time.

What makes the possible sites appealing

The named locations give you a useful sense of the trip’s character. Anas Reef and Duqais suggest a focus on coral formations and marine life, while Chicken Wreck offers the added interest of a wreck site. Crazy 8 is another possible area, though the supplied details do not describe its exact underwater features.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. You are buying access to a guided Red Sea boat outing, not a guaranteed visit to one named site. Weather, sea conditions, local planning, and the group’s needs can affect the route. I would ask Al-Haddad Scuba which site is planned on your date, especially if a wreck matters more to you than a reef.

The underwater appeal is clear. Recent feedback described intact coral, fish, and quiet sites with little boat traffic during one February outing. That is encouraging for anyone who values a less crowded underwater setting. Still, conditions can change, and no specific fish species or visibility figure is promised.

Two one-hour sessions, with a proper pause between them

The first underwater session lasts about one hour. A professional guide leads the group, which is helpful when a boat carries people with different experience levels. The operator accepts certified divers, but the six-month rule shows that certification alone is not considered enough if you have been out of the water for too long.

After the first session, you have about an hour for a break. This is not wasted time. You can rest, drink something, check your equipment, and let your body recover before the second session. If you are returning to scuba after a long gap, that pause may be especially welcome.

A 15-minute breakfast is also listed during the middle of the day. Snacks and soft drinks are included, but a full meal is not. One poor account described receiving only water and no snacks, so I would bring a little extra food if you need more than a light bite. Do not assume breakfast means a full catered meal.

The second session also lasts about one hour. Two separate water sessions give you more than a single short look at the reef. You may also feel more settled on the second outing, since you have already checked how the boat handles, how the equipment feels, and how the guide manages the group.

The six-month rule is the most important condition

Read this requirement carefully before paying. If you have not logged a scuba session within the last six months, the operator says you will not be allowed to take part in the two boat sessions. You will snorkel instead.

That rule affected one booking after a year away from scuba. The customer expected a refresher, but the boat plan changed because the recent-session requirement was not met. A shore refresher was offered instead, with an additional charge of 155 SAR for about 10 minutes of practice and two shore sessions. That arrangement was not the boat trip originally expected.

The lesson is simple: bring proof of recent logged sessions if you have it, and contact the operator before booking if your last session was more than six months ago. Ask exactly what alternative will be offered and what it will cost. This is especially important if you are flying into Jeddah or arranging the activity around a tight schedule.

The experience is aimed at certified scuba users, not beginners seeking an initial qualification. Snorkelers can join the boat, but the underwater sites and schedule may not be identical for both groups. If you are booking with friends who have different experience levels, confirm how the group will be handled.

Equipment: included basics, costly essentials

Tanks and weight belts are included. That keeps the headline price of $93 per person from looking worse than it first appears. For a certified scuba user who owns most of the rest of the kit, the price is fairly easy to understand.

The basic rental package does not include a BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, or fins. Renting these items costs approximately 145 SAR. Nitrox tanks are also excluded. In practical terms, a diver without personal equipment should budget for the rental charge on top of the advertised price.

This split can work well for regular scuba users carrying their own gear. It is less attractive for occasional divers who need nearly everything. Before you reserve, ask what is available in your size and what condition it is in. One highly positive account praised rented equipment as being in top condition, while another described a serious lack of equipment and basic organization. Those two accounts point to the need for direct confirmation rather than guesswork.

You should also bring a change of clothes and a towel. Neither is included. The supplied details do not list hotel pickup, transport to Al-Haddad Scuba, or personal insurance, so plan your own way to the starting point and check what protection your existing policy provides.

How the boat day feels in a group of 10

The maximum group size is 10, which is a real advantage on a water activity. A smaller group usually makes equipment checks, movement to the water, and communication easier than a crowded boat.

The actual mix may not be 10 scuba users. One outing had four scuba participants and six snorkelers. That is still a small boat group, but it can affect the rhythm of the day. Snorkelers and scuba users may spend parts of the outing in different areas or follow different water routines.

The strongest feedback praised punctuality, friendly staff, and an efficient setup. Another person said the staff were professional, helpful, and worth returning to. Those comments fit the best version of this trip: a calm boat, organized equipment, and a guide who keeps an eye on the group.

At the same time, one very poor account described a late start, missing equipment, no instructor at the marina, and unsafe organization. I cannot ignore that. Scuba requires careful attention to equipment and supervision, so you should speak up if a regulator, BCD, wetsuit, or other required item is not ready. If the setup does not feel safe, do not let the schedule pressure you into entering the water.

Snacks, drinks, and the Ramadan detail

The operator includes snacks and soft drinks on board. This is a modest benefit, but it matters during a long morning with two sessions and a boat ride of nearly three hours in total. Water and a simple snack can make the break more comfortable.

One February outing took place during Ramadan, yet drinks and snacks were still available. That is useful context if you are visiting during the holy month and are unsure how the boat service will work. You should still confirm the current food arrangement, since the experience may vary by departure and staff.

Food beyond the included snacks is not covered. The breakfast stop lasts only 15 minutes, so I would not count on a substantial meal. Pack something suitable for your own needs, particularly if you are sensitive to motion or require a specific diet.

Safety, guides, and communication

Guided supervision is part of the experience, and guides are available in Arabic, English, Italian, and Russian. That range is helpful when you need to discuss equipment, hand signals, site conditions, or your comfort level before entering the water.

The strongest feedback praised the guide’s effort and professionalism. One account specifically described the divemaster as attentive and doing a very good job. No guide name is provided, so there is no particular instructor I can recommend by name.

Still, the conflicting reports mean you should judge the setup on the day. Check that your equipment is assembled and functioning before leaving the marina. Make sure you know who is leading your group, where you will enter the water, and what the plan is if you need to end a session early.

You should also carry your ID, passport, or visa during the boat ride. This was given as a specific practical reminder by a satisfied participant, and it is easy to overlook when you are packing swim gear.

Is $93 a fair price?

At $93 per person, the trip offers two guided boat sessions, tanks, weight belts, snacks, soft drinks, and a small group. For a certified scuba user who owns a BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins, that is a reasonable package for a half-day Red Sea outing.

The value drops if you need the listed rental equipment. Adding approximately 145 SAR can make the final cost much higher than the headline figure. You should compare the total price, not just the advertised amount.

The price also includes access to boat sites rather than a simple shore session. That matters if you want reefs, possible wrecks, or coral islands that are reached by water. On the other hand, the route is not fixed, and a site change may be necessary.

The cancellation terms offer some protection. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. That flexibility is useful when your Jeddah plans are still moving, but it does not remove the need to verify your recent scuba history and rental needs.

Who should book this Red Sea outing?

I would recommend it most strongly to certified scuba users who logged a session within the last six months and already own most of their equipment. You get two guided water sessions, a small group, and a chance to reach several named Red Sea locations from Jeddah.

It also suits a mixed group of scuba users and snorkelers. Snorkeling is available for first-timers and experienced participants, but you should confirm how the two groups are separated at the sites.

I would be more cautious if you have been away from scuba for a year or more. Ask about a refresher before booking and get any extra fee in writing. I would also contact the operator directly if you need a full rental kit, since equipment availability was the main source of concern in the poorest account.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if the operator confirms your recent scuba log, equipment availability, and planned meeting details. The best version offers a small group, two worthwhile sessions, helpful staff, and coral sites that can feel pleasantly quiet.

Do not book on autopilot. If you need rental gear, calculate the extra 145 SAR. Bring identification, a towel, spare clothes, and extra food. Most important, ask what happens if your last logged session is older than six months. With those points settled, this is a good-value way to reach Jeddah’s Red Sea sites without committing to a full-day expedition.

FAQ

Where does the experience start?

It starts at Al-Haddad Scuba in Jeddah.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is about 330 minutes, or five hours and 30 minutes.

How many scuba sessions are included?

Two guided boat-based scuba sessions are included, with each session lasting about one hour.

Which underwater sites might the boat visit?

Possible areas include Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, Crazy 8, wreck sites, coral reefs, and coral islands. The exact location can vary.

Is snorkeling available?

Yes. The trip is designed for snorkelers as well as certified scuba users.

What happens if I have not logged a scuba session in six months?

You will not be allowed to take part in the boat-based scuba sessions and will snorkel instead.

Are tanks and weight belts included?

Yes. Tanks and weight belts are included for scuba participants.

Which equipment costs extra?

A BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins are not included. The listed rental cost is approximately 145 SAR. Nitrox tanks are also excluded.

Are food and drinks provided?

Snacks and soft drinks are included. A 15-minute breakfast stop is listed, but a full meal is not included.

What languages are available?

Guides are available in Arabic, English, Italian, and Russian.