Dive-site story
Located offshore southwest of Jeddah, Abu Tair—often associated with the expansive Shiab Alkabir reef system—presents a mix of dramatic coral walls, open plateaus, and historic wreckage. Divers explore healthy hard-coral structures before drifting along drop-offs frequented by pelagic species. The reef's most famous landmark is the wreck of the Staphonos, commonly known as the Cable Wreck, which settled along the reef slope and now shelters vast schools of fish within its remaining structural frames.
The Staphonos (Cable Wreck) encrusted with soft corals and sponges
Expansive coral plateaus populated by giant morays and blue-spotted rays
Sheer drop-offs where reef sharks and barracudas cruise in the blue
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Autumn through spring brings milder ambient temperatures and calmer wind patterns.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grey reef sharkCarcharhinus amblyrhynchos | Common | ||||||||||||
| Whitetip reef sharkTriaenodon obesus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Great barracudaSphyraena barracuda | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant morayGymnothorax javanicus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Hawksbill sea turtleEretmochelys imbricata | Common | ||||||||||||
| Blue-spotted ribbontail rayTaeniura lymma | Common |
Marine forecast
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