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Explore the Farasan Banks aboard the DUNE Arcadia: pristine reefs, crystal-clear water, turtles, rays and sharks, with a chance to meet the whale shark.
7 nights
15 to 17 dives
Level: Advanced (AOWD / CMAS 2*)
Best season: January to April
Your trip
A diving cruise in Saudi Arabia, at the heart of the Farasan Banks
In the south of Saudi Arabia, the Farasan Banks are a true playground for divers looking for wild, unspoiled nature. Far from the busiest Red Sea routes, this vast area of islands, islets, reefs, walls and underwater pinnacles is bathed in crystal-clear water. Below the surface, coral gardens, reef plateaus and dramatic drop-offs create spectacular landscapes.
Sites such as Marmar, Dohra, Malathu and Sha'ab Ammar are home to particularly rich marine life. Turtles, rays, jacks, tuna and schools of barracudas patrol the reefs, while dives in the blue offer great pelagic encounters. The Farasan Banks are known for several species of sharks: hammerheads, silkies, oceanic whitetips and sometimes tiger sharks. The luckiest divers may even meet a whale shark.
Still little known, the Farasan Banks combine untouched reefs, abundant wildlife and the unique feeling of diving a wild, intact Red Sea. The best season is from January to April. The cruise is open to Advanced Open Water Divers (CMAS 2*) and above.
Description
Highlights of the trip
Pristine coral gardens and reefs
Many different dive sites in a single week
Schools of hammerhead sharks
On arrival at Jeddah airport, a DUNE representative welcomes you and transfers you to the marina. You board the DUNE Arcadia, settle into your cabin and meet the crew before departure.
The cruise heads for Marmar Island, near Dohra Island, for a check dive to get back into the water, adjust your equipment and get used to local conditions. A second dive follows north of Marmar Island. Night on board.
The day starts with a dive around Dohra Island, then continues to Gorgonia Reef and its coral gardens. A third dive takes place on the north side of Sha'ab Ammar, a new reef environment of the Farasan Banks. Night on board.
Dives continue at Choppy Reef, then around Jebbara Island and Eagle Island: varied reliefs and atmospheres, with a good chance of seeing rays, sharks and abundant reef life. Night on board.
First dive at Mubarak Reef, then on to Malathu and its coral formations. The day ends at Long Reef and its extensive reef system. Night on board.
Today's dives take place around Qadd Humais Island, a plateau dotted with pinnacles covered in colorful soft corals. Depending on conditions, large rays, hammerhead sharks and other pelagics can be seen in the blue. Night on board.
A last day of diving in the Farasan Banks before heading back to the marina: one more chance to enjoy the reefs and marine life of the region. Last night on board.
Last wake-up on board. After breakfast, it is time to disembark. You are transferred to Jeddah airport for your flight home.
Gallery
The Farasan Banks in pictures
The DUNE Arcadia is a 43-meter liveaboard welcoming up to 30 divers in 15 cabins (standard and suites, twin or double beds), all air-conditioned with a private bathroom. Two large outdoor decks, one shaded with a bar, and two air-conditioned indoor lounges make every surface interval a pleasure.
Comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with twin or double beds and a private bathroom, in standard or suite category.
Two air-conditioned indoor lounges for meals, briefings and relaxing between dives, plus two large outdoor decks.
Boat layout
Deck plan of the DUNE Arcadia
Four decks designed for divers: a dedicated diving area at the stern with cloakroom, the dining room and lounges for friendly moments, 15 private cabins spread over three decks, and technical areas (galley, engine room) reserved for the crew.
First-aid kit and restrooms are available on every deck.
Itinerary map
7-night itinerary in the Farasan Banks
A 7-night loop from Jeddah through the heart of the Farasan Banks: Marmar and Dohra islands, Gorgonia Reef, Sha'ab Ammar, Choppy Reef, Jebbara and Eagle islands, Mubarak Reef, Malathu, Long Reef and Qadd Humais.
The route is given as an example: it depends on weather and sea conditions and may be modified by the captain.
More information
What is included and what is not
Practical information
Before you dive in
Diver's level
The cruise is open to CMAS 2* / Advanced Open Water Divers (AOWD) with a minimum of 50 logged dives.
Food
Full board on board, with local cuisine and international menus. Non-alcoholic drinks are included.
Accommodation
Accommodation is based on a shared double cabin. A supplement applies for single use. Cabin categories (standard, superior, suite) are priced differently if booked in advance.
Visa & transfers
You are welcomed at Jeddah airport by a DUNE representative holding a "DUNE" sign, just outside the arrivals hall after baggage claim and customs. Grouped airport–boat–airport transfers are included. The Saudi tourist e-visa is not included: apply online on visa.visitsaudi.com before departure.
Green commitment
Diving responsibly
DUNE holds the Manta Trust, Green Fins and Sulubaai labels, which reflect our commitment to the environment:
• Education programs for local communities
• Protection of manta and mobula rays through research, education and collaboration
• Protection of sharks through research, education and collaboration
• Beach and ocean clean-ups, and data collection to better understand marine litter
• Mooring buoys and no-anchor practices whenever possible to preserve the reef
• No chemicals or toxic products that could reach the ocean from our boats
Our values. We believe we have a responsibility to protect underwater biodiversity. We teach all our divers environmentally responsible diving techniques, reduce our water and energy consumption on board, and favor local, seasonal food to limit imported products. Traveling with us means helping to preserve the Red Sea for future generations.
Testimonials
The best people to talk about it are you!
What I remember most: drop-offs, caves, canyons, pinnacles and beautiful light underwater.
Incredible underwater richness! As a pelagic lover, I was won over!
The full day-by-day sheet as a PDF, to read at leisure or share with your dive buddies.
