Farasan Banks
Mandatory Requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, Nitrox Certification, minimum of 50 logged dives and experience in currents
Duration
8/10 nights
Skill level
Advanced
Overview
Strong currents
Breathtaking dropoffs
Manta Rays
Dolphins
Shark encounters
The Farasan Banks liveaboard itinerary heads south from Jeddah aboard Saudi Master for 7 nights on the remote offshore reefs of the Saudi Red Sea. The Banks are a mix of submerged atolls, isolated reefs and low sand islands where ospreys and other seabirds breed and turtles come ashore to nest. Most dives drop onto sandy plateaus scattered with coral towers before heading out to the current-swept corners, where grey reef sharks, silky sharks, hammerheads, big trevally and barracuda are seen in the blue. Back along the walls, black coral, grape coral and gorgonians cover the reef, with turtles, stingrays and dense schools of reef fish throughout.
Dates & Prices
What's included:
- Shared embarkation and disembarkation transfers
- Liveaboard accommodation
- Full board (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
- Soft drinks, tea, coffee, mineral water
- Marine park and port fees
- Up to 3 dives per diving day
- 12 Litre (80 cu ft) cylinder
- Nitrox
- Flights
- Visas
- Additional transfers
- Land excursions
- Equipment rental
- On board merchandise
- Crew and dive guide gratuities
- Dive & Travel Insurance
Maps & Itinerary
The Farasan Banks liveaboard itinerary starts and finishes at Jeddah Marina. Saudi Master heads south to spend the week diving the offshore atolls, reefs and sand islands of the northern and southern Banks before returning to Jeddah.
Northern Banks
The northern Banks comprise the islands of Marmar, Malathu, Dohra and Jadir, and the offshore reefs around them. South Gorgonian Reef is named for the fans lining its entire wall, and Twenty Miles is a circular pinnacle whose top sits just 10 m (33 ft) below the surface, with grey reef sharks and tuna coming in on the current. South West Malathu is one of the best corners on the Banks for hammerheads and silky sharks.
Southern Banks
Further south, the reefs around Danak, Mudarr, Jabbarah and Saqah combine wide plateaus with drop-offs lined with gorgonians, and dolphins are often seen around Mudarr. Choppy Reef’s south-east wall is thick with black coral, much of it hung with brightly coloured sponges and sea squirts.
Qadd Humais
Two islands of fine white sand that grow and shrink with the tide, on a broad coral platform covered in soft coral towers. Stingrays rest in the sand channels between the towers, and manta rays are regularly seen along the outer wall.
Where possible, Saudi Master offers up to 3 dives per day, typically scheduled as follows:
- Breakfast
- Briefing and dive 1
- Lunch and rest period
- Briefing and dive 2
- Snacks and rest period
- Briefing and dive 3, where possible
- Dinner
The dive sites and schedule shown above are illustrative and subject to change based on weather, sea conditions, local regulations, guests’ experience levels and the Captain’s discretion
Accommodation
8.8
Rated excellent
Nitrox
Included
Wifi
Free when available
Equipment
Surcharge
Tech Friendly
No
Prepare to embark on an amazing diving adventure aboard Saudi Master. Our 39.9-metre wooden-hulled liveaboard vessel has 12 individually air-conditioned cabins, hosting a maximum of 24 guests with a crew of 11 who have years of experience navigating Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea waters.
Saudi Master’s well-organised dive deck offers plenty of space for kitting up and equipment storage, while two pangas stand by to transfer divers to and from the dive sites. The mahogany and brass interior decor gives her a classic, characterful feel that perfectly suits the remote, expedition-style nature of diving in the the Red Sea and offshore around the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia.
Extras & Add-ons
Rental Gear | 7 nights |
|---|---|
Full Equipment set | 295 USD |
BCD | 55 USD |
Regulator | 55 USD |
Dive Computer | 55 USD |
Dive Light | 55 USD |
Wetsuit | 55 USD |
Mask | 38 USD |
Boots | 38 USD |
Fins | 38 USD |
SMB | 8 USD |
15 L Tank | 55 USD |
Extra 12 L Tank | 55 USD |
Full Equipment set includes BCD, Dive Computer, Fins, Mask, Regulator, SMB and Wetsuit. All rental equipment should be pre-booked, but can be paid for in advance or on board.
PLEASE NOTE: Items paid for on board are subject to 15% VAT.
Customer Reviews
Some of the great things our customers have said about our liveaboard in Saudi Arabia
Do you have questions about Saudi Arabia?
We have tried to include as much information as possible on our website. You may find, however, that you have additional questions about our Saudi Arabia liveaboard, diving in the Farasan Banks, or general destination information. Via the following link you can find answers to some commonly asked questions. Should you have other questions or queries, please contact our reservations team who will be pleased to assist you.
More Saudi Arabia liveaboard itineraries
Stay informed
Join the ever growing Master Liveaboards family and be the first to hear about our special offers. We’ll also keep you informed about the latest happenings from around the world and make sure you get plenty of dive travel inspiration.
