Budget Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia Red Sea Diving | Homejourney

Looking for a Budget Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia Diving : Red Sea Underwater that is safe, affordable, and practical for Singapore-based travellers, expats, and investors? This Homejourney guide walks you through when to go, how much to budget, which Red Sea coral reefs to prioritise, and how to dive Saudi Arabia responsibly while keeping options open for future property or relocation in Singapore.

As a Singapore-based traveller who has dived in the Red Sea and regularly compares costs between Jeddah, Yanbu and hubs like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, I’ll focus on what really matters: safety standards, realistic prices, and how to stretch your budget without cutting corners on dive quality or personal security.

Why Dive Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea on a Budget

The diving Saudi Arabia coastline runs roughly 1,800 km along the eastern Red Sea, with world‑class coral reefs, pelagic life, and uncrowded sites around Yanbu, Jeddah, Al Lith and the Farasan Banks.[1][2][6] Compared with Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, Saudi sites are less commercial, meaning healthier reefs, fewer boats, and often better value for experienced divers willing to plan ahead.[1][2] For Singapore residents used to busy Phuket or Tioman weekends, the quiet reefs and relatively untouched wrecks are a refreshing contrast.

From Singapore, Saudi Arabia is increasingly popular with travellers who combine Umrah, business, and Red Sea diving in one trip. The country’s Vision 2030 tourism plans have driven new marinas, safer coastal highways, and better‑regulated dive operations, especially in Jeddah and Yanbu.[1][6]

Best Time to Visit for Red Sea Diving from Singapore

The Red Sea is diveable year‑round, but choosing the right month can significantly affect comfort and cost. Water temperatures in Saudi’s northern Red Sea average about 24–29°C, with visibility often reaching 30 metres or more.[1][2][3][6] In the south, temperatures stay above about 26°C even in cooler months.[1][2][6]

December–May: Ideal for the Farasan Banks and southern Saudi, with comfortable air temperatures and active pelagic life.[1][2][6]
March–May, October–November: Good balance of water temperature, visibility and manageable heat for Jeddah and Yanbu.[2][3][5]
June–September: Peak marine life activity in many Red Sea areas, but very hot on land; budget travellers may find lower hotel rates inland, but shore breaks can feel exhausting.[2][3][7]

For Singapore divers used to warm Tioman waters (often 28–30°C), a 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient from March to November; in January–February, some divers prefer a 5mm for longer dives.

Getting to Saudi Red Sea from Singapore on a Budget

Most Singapore travellers fly via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, or direct when seasonal routes are available, into Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport), the main gateway to Saudi Red Sea diving.[1][6] From there, you can organise day trips with Jeddah dive centres or domestic flights/bus connections to Yanbu or Jazan for the Farasan Banks.[1][2][6]

Flight costs (economy, return, off‑peak): S$900–S$1,400 from Changi, depending on airline and season (approximate, based on recent fare comparisons from Singapore).
Domestic flights: Jeddah–Yanbu or Jeddah–Jazan can often be under S$150 one‑way if booked early.

Homejourney supports multiple currencies, including Saudi Riyal (SAR), so you can benchmark your underwater Saudi trip budget against potential Singapore property investments using Bank Rates to compare mortgage or financing rates in real time.

Budget Overview: What Singapore Divers Typically Spend

For a 5‑day scuba Saudi trip from Singapore combining Jeddah and Yanbu, a realistic mid‑range budget per person might look like this (excluding shopping):

Flights (Singapore–Jeddah return): S$900–S$1,400
Domestic travel (to Yanbu/Jazan): S$150–S$250
Accommodation: S$60–S$130 per night for clean mid‑range hotels or serviced apartments, depending on location
Diving (3–4 days, 2–3 dives/day): Typically S$120–S$220 per day including tanks and boat, excluding rental gear; prices vary by operator and season.[1][2][6]
Food & local transport: S$25–S$50 per day if you mix local eateries and ride‑hailing apps

Many Singaporean divers offset these costs by travelling in small groups (3–6 people) and negotiating package rates with dive centres, especially outside peak public holiday weeks.

Top Budget‑Friendly Dive Areas & Coral Reefs in Saudi Arabia

Yanbu – Wrecks, Walls and Healthy Reefs

Yanbu, in northern Saudi Arabia, is increasingly recognised for pristine reefs and wrecks like the IONA and other local sites, with fewer crowds than Egypt or Sharm El Sheikh.[2][6] Typical highlights include steep walls, coral plateaus and seasonal shark sightings.[1][2][6]

Who it suits: Intermediate to advanced divers who want a quieter experience and are comfortable with boat diving and currents.
Budget tip: Yanbu accommodation can be cheaper than central Jeddah; consider staying near the marina and sharing taxis to cut daily costs.

Jeddah – Accessible Red Sea Diving for First‑Timers

Jeddah offers shore and boat dives, making it ideal for newer divers who still want the best of Red Sea diving without complicated logistics.[1][6][8] Local operators run discovery dives and Open Water courses, plus guided reef dives suitable for those who trained in places like Sentosa or Bintan.

Who it suits: Singapore divers combining work or pilgrimage with 1–2 dive days; beginners testing the waters before a larger liveaboard trip.
Budget tip: Time your dives on weekdays; weekends can see higher boat demand and prices.

Al Lith & Farasan Banks – Big Marine Life on a Budget

Farther south, Farasan Banks and Al Lith are known for walls, plateaus, and shark cleaning stations, as well as schooling jacks and dolphins.[1][2][6] Water temperatures stay pleasantly warm year‑round, making this area popular from December to May.[1][2]

Who it suits: Advanced divers comfortable with currents and deeper profiles.
Budget tip: Liveaboard trips cost more upfront but can be cheaper per dive if you plan 3–4 dives per day versus land‑based day trips.

Practical Travel & Safety Tips for Singapore Divers

Visa & Entry Requirements

Saudi Arabia now offers an e‑visa system for many nationalities; Singapore passport holders can usually apply online and receive approval within days, but requirements may change, so always check the latest details with official Saudi tourism or embassy websites before booking.[6] If you are a long‑term resident in Singapore travelling on another passport, confirm your eligibility early, as visa fees and processing times differ.

Local Transport & Getting to Dive Centres

Jeddah and Yanbu rely mainly on taxis and ride‑hailing apps for city travel; there is no MRT‑style metro network like Singapore yet. From central Jeddah to common dive marinas, expect about 20–40 minutes’ drive depending on traffic. Sharing rides between 3–4 divers is often the most budget‑friendly option.

Diving Safety & Operator Checks

For a safe scuba Saudi experience, use the same due‑diligence mindset you would for any major financial or property decision. Before paying deposits, ask operators for: