From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers

REVIEW · THE RED SEA

From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers

4.2 · 8 reviews 5h 30m From $93 Operated by Haddad Scuba · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Two guided underwater sessions, all planned. This Jeddah Red Sea boat trip, run out of Al-Haddad Scuba, is built around expert guidance, tight group size, and real chances to see coral and marine life.

What I like most is how consistently the operation shows up ready to go, with professional, punctual staff and gear that is reported to be in good shape.

The second big win is included essentials, like tanks and weight belts, and the fact you get snacks and soft drinks aboard. One thing to consider up front: if you do not have logged scuba dives within the last 6 months, you will not be allowed to do scuba and will switch to snorkeling instead.

Key Details That Matter on This Al-Haddad Scuba Boat Day

From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers - Key Details That Matter on This Al-Haddad Scuba Boat Day

  • Small group limit (10 participants), so you spend more time underwater and less time waiting around.
  • Two guided scuba sessions by boat, moving between underwater areas rather than doing everything from shore.
  • Tanks and weight belts included, but you may still need to rent other gear on top of your booking.
  • Possible switch to snorkeling if your last logged scuba activity is more than 6 months ago.
  • Snacks and soft drinks on board, with reports they can still show up during Ramadan.
  • Boat routing can change by conditions, with sample areas listed like Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, and Crazy 8.

Getting To Al-Haddad Scuba and What Happens First

From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers - Getting To Al-Haddad Scuba and What Happens First
Your day starts at Al-Haddad Scuba, where you’ll get the “ready for the water” portion handled. Expect check-in, fitting assistance if you need it, and gear coordination before you step onto the yacht.

One practical tip: the tour experience stresses coming prepared with your ID or passport or visa. It sounds small, but it can prevent last-minute friction once you’re on the move.

Also, think of this as a full half-day schedule, not a quick side activity. The total duration is 330 minutes, so you should plan your other Jeddah plans with buffer time.

More Red Sea boats where the reef starts a few metres out

The Yacht Segment: Why the First Hour Sets the Tone

From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers - The Yacht Segment: Why the First Hour Sets the Tone
After starting at the shop, you’ll board the yacht for about an hour. This isn’t wasted time. It’s where the crew settles the group, checks who is doing scuba versus snorkeling, and runs through safety basics in plain language.

In practice, this trip can include a mix of scuba participants and snorkelers. Some departures have a small scuba group paired with snorkelers, which often means the boat atmosphere stays calm and focused.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy. The schedule has you out on open water before you gear up, and you’ll want your body comfortable before the first water entry.

Underwater Stops: From Anas Reef to Chicken Wreck

From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers - Underwater Stops: From Anas Reef to Chicken Wreck
The core idea is two guided scuba sessions at regional sites, often including coral areas and wreck sites. The operator lists sample routing like Anas Reef, Duqais, Chicken Wreck, and Crazy 8, and the plan can choose one area or combine multiple sites depending on conditions.

What that means for you: you’re not just repeating the same type of bottom twice. If conditions allow, you may get a mix of scenery, structure, and marine life. That variety is one reason people come back.

A common positive theme is the underwater world being intact, with coral and fish life on site. That matters because it’s not enough to have “a place to swim.” You want a site where the ecosystem is still doing its job.

The Two Scuba Sessions: How the Middle of the Day Works

From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers - The Two Scuba Sessions: How the Middle of the Day Works
After the first yacht segment, the schedule shows about an hour at the first scuba location, then time breaks. You’ll then return for a rest interval before the second session.

That rhythm is helpful. You get time to reset, catch your breath, and re-hydrate before the second underwater outing. Even with experienced scuba participants, having a real break reduces fatigue and makes the second session more enjoyable.

The second scuba block runs about another hour, followed by another yacht return stretch of around 80 minutes. So think of the day as two planned underwater windows, not one long, exhausting push.

Breaks, Breakfast, and Staying Comfortable Between Sessions

From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers - Breaks, Breakfast, and Staying Comfortable Between Sessions
The itinerary includes a break of about an hour, then a short breakfast stop (around 15 minutes). Drinks and snacks are included on board, and that’s a big deal in a hot coastal setting where hunger and dehydration can creep up fast.

One small comfort detail that stands out is that even during Ramadan, people reported they still received drinks and snacks. That suggests the crew keeps basic hospitality consistent even when schedules and routines are different.

What you should do: eat something light, keep water intake steady, and avoid overloading your stomach before your second entry. You’re not trying to “win a food challenge.” You’re trying to stay comfortable for gear, water, and timing.

A few more Saudi trips worth slotting into the same itinerary

Gear and Rental Costs, Plus What You Should Confirm

From Jeddah: Boat Trip and Diving for Certified Divers - Gear and Rental Costs, Plus What You Should Confirm
This booking includes tanks and a weight belt for all scuba participants. That’s a real value because it removes the biggest hassle item for many travelers.

However, some gear may need to be rented, and the list provided includes BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins, for about 145 SAR. Nitrox tanks are not included. If you plan to use nitrox, you’ll need to arrange that separately.

Here’s what I’d double-check before leaving the dock:

  • You’re given the gear you expect (especially BCD and regulator).
  • Your mask fit is checked and not rushed.
  • You’re clear on where weights are placed and how you’ll enter the water.

One caution from the lower-end experiences: in rare cases, equipment availability and instructor presence were reported as problematic. I can’t predict your day, but it’s smart to verify your gear and role before you get too far from the dock.

Safety, Guides, and Group Size: What “Small” Actually Does

You’ll have a live tour guide who can work in Arabic, English, Italian, and Russian. That multilingual coverage matters because scuba safety is all about clarity: buoyancy, timing, surface instructions, and what to do if something feels off.

The group limit is small, capped at 10 participants. That typically helps in two ways: you spend less time herding people, and guidance tends to feel more personal.

Also, note the day can involve only one boat at a site in some cases. That’s a good sign for quieter underwater viewing and less crowd pressure around coral or wreck areas.

Price and Value: What $93 Covers, and What Might Cost Extra

The price is $93 per person, and on paper that’s reasonable because the booking includes two guided underwater sessions, boat transport, tanks, and weight belt. Add snacks and soft drinks, and you’re not carrying every small cost yourself.

Where value can change for you is gear. If you need rentals for BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins, the listed cost is about 145 SAR. For travelers who do not own gear, that rental becomes part of the real budget.

Nitrox is not included, so if you’re planning that, build extra cost into your plans.

So here’s the practical math approach: if you already own your mask, fins, and regulator, you might only rent the rest. If you’re traveling with none of it, treat the rental cost as expected rather than a surprise.

Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This experience is designed for certified scuba participants and includes guided scuba sessions. The big requirement that affects who should book is the logged activity rule: if you do not have logged dives within the last 6 months, you will not be allowed to do scuba and will switch to snorkeling.

So it fits best if you:

  • Have recent logged scuba time within the last 6 months.
  • Want a small-group boat day with clear guidance.
  • Prefer structured underwater outings rather than solo exploring.

It also fits if you’re comfortable snorkeling and you’re okay switching modes. In mixed groups, that’s often the plan when someone does not meet the scuba recency requirement.

If you’re rusty and not sure where you stand, ask questions before booking. Don’t assume you’ll be able to do scuba anyway. The schedule has to follow policy for safety and group flow.

Practical Tips That Make the Day Go Smoother

Bring your ID or passport or visa. You’ll thank yourself when you’re standing there on a boat schedule with paperwork rules.

Wear something you can live in for the day, then change later. The booking notes food and change of clothes are not included, and towels are not included, so plan to bring what you need for comfortable transitions.

If you need rental gear, give yourself a little buffer time at check-in. Quick fitting and calm checks help avoid last-minute stress once you’re already on the water.

Finally, set expectations for the underwater experience: sites can shift, so your best plan is to be happy with coral, fish, and wreck structure if conditions steer you there.

Should You Book This Jeddah Scuba Boat Trip?

I think this is a strong option if you meet the scuba recency rule and want a small-group Red Sea boat day with tanks and a weight belt included, plus snacks and soft drinks on board. The consistent praise for professional pacing, punctual timing, and attentive guidance is exactly what you want in a coastal activity with real safety importance.

I’d be more cautious if you are unsure about your last logged scuba time, or if you rely entirely on rentals and need everything to be perfectly ready the moment you arrive. In that case, confirm your gear plan ahead of time and verify instructor presence before you commit to the water.

If you want your Jeddah time to feel organized, focused, and genuinely underwater oriented, this one is worth booking. If you’re not eligible for scuba based on recent logs, treat it as a snorkeling boat day and plan accordingly.

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Tanks and weight belt are included, plus snacks and soft drinks on board.

Do I need to bring my own scuba gear?

Tanks and weight belts are provided. BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins are not included and can be rented for about 145 SAR.

Can I scuba if I have not logged dives in the last 6 months?

If you do not have logged dives within the last 6 months of your activity date, you will not be allowed to scuba and will do snorkeling instead.

How many people are in the group?

This is a small group, limited to 10 participants.

What languages are the guides available in?

The live tour guide can work in Arabic, English, Italian, and Russian.

What about food and towels?

Food is not included, and towels are not listed as included. Change of clothes is also not included, so plan accordingly.

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