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Writer's pictureChloe Griffin

Explore the Top 10 Dive Sites in the UAE

Diving offers an exciting adventure. It takes you beneath the sea to a new world. There, you find vibrant marine life and stunning landscapes.


The UAE has many dive sites. They cater to all levels of experience. They are for diving enthusiasts or those new to the sport.


Join us as we explore the top 10 dive sites in the UAE, each offering a unique underwater experience.


1. Zainab Wreck: A Sunken Ship Off the Coast of Dubai


Imagine descending into the depths to explore a sunken ship. The Zainab Wreck is off the coast of Dubai. It's a prime site for advanced divers. They seek to witness a fascinating underwater relic.


The wreck is 30 meters deep. It used to be called the Seasroun Five. It offers an intriguing dive. The Zainab was a Georgian cargo ship.


It was sunk in 2001 to avoid a naval inspection. This act led to an environmental incident. Today, it serves as a vibrant marine habitat.


The wreck’s structure is home to an array of marine species. As you explore the bow, midsection, and bridge, you’ll encounter yellow snappers.


You'll also see barracudas and batfish. The wreck’s surfaces are encrusted with oysters, attracting various fish species.


Divers should plan their descent carefully. They should check the depth often. Then, they should do a safety stop at 5 meters. Remember to respect the wreck as both a historical site and an important marine habitat.


2. Dibba Rock: The First Marine Protected Area in the UAE




For beginner divers, Dibba Rock is a fantastic introduction to the underwater world. Dibba Rock is the UAE's first Marine Protected Area. It has calm, clear waters that are ideal for novice divers.


The site's depths range from 2 to 15 meters. It is perfect for practicing key diving skills. You can also enjoy a variety of marine life.


Marine enthusiasts can expect to see moray eels, lionfish, clownfish, and even sea turtles. The site is shallow and protected. This makes it a haven for vibrant marine creatures. It's also an excellent choice for open water divers.


3. Inchcape 1: Exploring an Artificial Reef Dive Site

Inchcape 1 is a great dive site for advanced divers. It features an artificial reef made from a sunken ship. Submerged at 30 meters, this site provides a thriving environment for marine life. The ship, donated by Inchcape Shipping Services, is fully intact and serves as a crucial habitat for various species.


Dive into the bustling underwater scene. Honeycomb moray eels, pufferfish, snappers, marble rays, and torpedo rays live there. The vibrant coral structures are part of an artificial reef. They create a lively environment for seeing many types of marine life.


4. Hole in the Wall: Uncover Spectacular Rock Formations

Hole in the Wall, located on the UAE’s east coast, is a dive site known for its striking rock formations. Depths range from 4 to 15 meters, and the site features a large rock structure with a unique swim-through.


This site is ideal for open water divers looking to explore an interesting underwater landscape.

Among the rock formations, divers can spot east coast creatures such as small shrimp, rays, and turtles.


The site’s visibility can vary, especially near construction areas. But, it offers a diverse array of marine life. This life includes purple finger corals adorned with brittle stars and elusive needle shrimp.


5. Martini Rock (Qalwalit Rock): A Marine Haven

Martini Rock, also known as Qalwalit Rock, offers a captivating diving experience with depths ranging from 3 to 22 meters. This site, located near Khor Fakkan, features two pinnacles and an array of marine species.

Dive into the clear waters. There, you'll see shoals of Arabian mackerel, trevally, sergeant major fish, and fusiliers. The site also boasts larger marine life such as porcupine puffers, moray eels, green and hawksbill turtles, and barracuda. The diverse marine life and vibrant coral formations make Martini Rock a must-visit for divers of all levels.

6. Mariam Express: Discover an Underwater Wreck

For experienced divers, the Mariam Express wreck offers an exciting and challenging dive. This sunken ship rests on its side at 25 meters deep. It is home to barracuda, snappers, and rays.


The wreck provides a thrilling exploration opportunity and a chance to witness the marine life that has made it their home.


The dive to Mariam Express involves a boat ride from Umm Suqeim Harbour. The ride takes 45 to 60 minutes. The site is accessible year-round, and facilities vary depending on the diving center. Divers should bring all necessary equipment and be prepared for an awesome dive.


7. Snoopy Deep Reef: A Dive into the Unknown


It is near Fujairah’s Snoopy Island. The reef reaches depths of about 24 meters. This site features a wreck and trailer of a small diving boat that was purposely sunk to create an artificial reef.


The site is suitable for advanced open water divers due to its depth and the unique wreck environment.


8. Artificial Reef, Dibba: Witness a Man-Made Marvel





Off the coast of Dibba, the Artificial Reef offers a fascinating dive experience. It was created to mimic natural reef features. The underwater structure includes triangle blocks, reef balls, and a small boat wreck.


At a depth of 15 meters, the Artificial Reef is ideal for open water divers and above. The site is home to one-spot snappers, mackerel, batfish, groupers, and Arabian angelfish. The structures are great hiding spots for many marine species. They make diving fun.


9. Under the Bridge: Hidden Treasures in Jumeirah, Dubai


Under the Bridge in Jumeirah, Dubai, is a dive site that offers a range of marine life in shallow waters. At depths between 3 and 7 meters, this site is suitable for divers of all levels.


Discover seahorses, nudibranchs, stingrays, and various crustaceans as you explore the underwater habitat. Visibility may be limited. But, the site offers a rare chance to see small and intriguing marine creatures.


10. Shark Island: Dive with the Majestic Sharks


Shark Island is off the coast of Khor Fakkan. It provides an exciting dive. Depths range from 5 to 15 meters. This large outcrop features two dive areas: the bay and the wall.


Explore the bay’s hard corals. Also, see the wall’s granite formations. You will encounter shoals of mackerel, fusiliers, trevally, and other fish.


As the name suggests, Shark Island is known for sightings of blacktip reef sharks, especially from November to April. Divers can also spot turtles, moray eels, and tube-dwelling anemones.


Discover the Hidden Gems of UAE’s Underwater World


Beyond the top 10 sites, the UAE is home to many more hidden gems. Dive into the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Experience coral reefs teeming with marine life.


Discover the coral gardens that flourish in these warm waters. Each dive site has its own story and offers a unique adventure. It includes exploring sunken wrecks and swimming through schools of colorful fish. The UAE's underwater world is a treasure trove waiting to be found.


You can dive off the west coast. Or, explore the diverse marine habitats of the east. The UAE offers the best diving spots in the region.


The water is a comfortable temperature all year. This makes it an ideal destination for divers from around the world. The country is committed to marine conservation. This commitment ensures that the sites remain vibrant for future generations to enjoy.


Conclusion


The UAE’s dive sites offer a diverse range of experiences for divers of all levels. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the underwater world.


They have sunken ships, artificial reefs, and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, these top 10 dive sites in the UAE promise fun adventures.


As you start diving, prioritize safety and respect the environment. Savor every magical moment beneath the waves. Dive into these incredible sites and discover the wonders that await beneath the surface!


 

Ready to explore the wonders of the UAE’s underwater world? Join us on one of our upcoming dive trips and experience these breathtaking sites firsthand. Book your adventure today and start your journey into the depths!


What's your favourite dive site in the UAE?

  • Zainab Wreck

  • Dibba Rock

  • Sharm Rock (Three Rocks)

  • Snoopy Island


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