Saudi Arabia
The journey begins with arrival in Jeddah, where guests are met and transferred to the port. Once on board, divers are welcomed by the crew, assigned their cabins, and given a briefing on the boat's facilities and safety procedures. The rest of the day is spent settling in, unpacking dive gear, and getting acquainted with the vessel ahead of the week's adventure.
The second day begins with a check dive, allowing divers to test their equipment, adjust their weighting, and reacquaint themselves with underwater conditions in a calm, controlled environment. This adaptation dive is an important step before venturing into the more open waters of the Farasan Banks, ensuring every diver feels comfortable and ready. Afterward, the boat begins its navigation toward the main dive region.
On the third day, the boat arrives in the Farasan Banks, a region renowned for its untouched coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. Several dives are carried out throughout the day at different sites within this area, where divers can encounter vibrant coral gardens, schools of reef fish, and occasionally larger pelagic species. The remote and less-visited nature of these banks makes for a truly exploratory diving experience.
The fourth day continues the exploration of the Farasan Banks, with dives conducted at new sites offering different underwater topography, from shallow coral plateaus to deeper walls and drop-offs. Each dive reveals a distinct character of the reef system, and divers have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of marine life, including reef sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish, depending on conditions.
The fifth day marks the final stretch of diving within the Farasan Banks. Sites for the day are selected based on current conditions, wind, and visibility, ensuring the best possible experience for the group. This day often serves as a highlight of the trip, as divers have had time to acclimate fully and can make the most of the region's rich and varied dive sites.
On the sixth day, the boat navigates toward Qadd Humais Island, a site with a distinct underwater landscape compared to the Farasan Banks. Diving around this island offers a change of scenery, with the possibility of encountering species and reef formations unique to this part of the Red Sea. It is a fitting way to close out the diving portion of the trip with something new before heading back.
The seventh day features the final dive of the trip, giving divers one last chance to enjoy the underwater world before the journey comes to an end. Following this dive, the boat begins its return navigation toward Jeddah. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing on board, reviewing photos and videos, and reflecting on the week's diving highlights with fellow travelers.
On the final day, the trip concludes with disembarkation from the boat. Guests have free time to explore the city of Jeddah before heading to the airport for their return flight home. Divers leave with lasting memories of an unforgettable week exploring the Farasan Banks and Qadd Humais Island.
The Farasan Banks are renowned for their rich marine biodiversity and thrilling pelagic encounters. Divers can explore dramatic walls covered in hard and soft corals while encountering schools of tuna, barracudas, jacks, and other marine life. Strong currents and deep blue waters add an element of adventure, making these sites particularly rewarding for experienced divers.
CMAS 2** or Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) with a minimum of 50 dives is required.
On board, both local cuisine and international menus will be served.
Passengers are greeted at the airport by a DUNE Egypt representative, holding a “DUNE” sign. The meeting point will generally be just outside the arrival hall after the baggage claim and customs clearance area. You have the possibility of getting airport assistance with visa issuance for an extra fee.
