If you dream of exploring fascinating dive sites located far from more popular destinations, a liveaboard dive holiday to Yemen could be just what you’re looking for. The Zubair islands are located about forty nautical miles from Yemen’s northwest coast, rising up from the southern Red Sea. These uninhabited volcanic islands cover an area of just about 75 square nautical miles, and much of the underwater world here has yet to be explored. Ready for adventure? Let’s go!
Wrecks, Healthy Coral, Marine Life, and More – What’s Not to Love?
Vessels large and small have sailed the Red Sea for millennia. With the rise and fall of one empire after another, ships have made their way to the bottom. While tragic for the ships’ crews and their loved ones left behind, these wrecks serve as beautiful underwater habitats for abundant marine life, and it’s likely that you’ll get the opportunity to dive at least one of them while on a Zubair Islands liveaboard cruise. One very popular wreck is the remains of a mangled steel freighter that rises all the way up to the surface. Home to octopus, reef fish, and lots of crustaceans, this wreck is accessible to all divers as well as to snorkelers, so long as the weather is mild. You’ll marvel at its massive propellers and rudders.
Underwater photographers find no shortage of wonders to capture while exploring this paradise. The black volcanic rocks contrast beautifully with the colorful corals and sponges that thrive in abundance here, and there is no shortage of macro life including nudibranchs, tiny crabs, shrimps, and other photogenic creatures.
Be sure to spend some time focusing your attention on the deeper blue beyond these beautiful reefs, because it’s not uncommon to encounter larger animals passing by. Huge manta rays are seen with regularity, as are sharks and an astounding variety of pelagic fish. If currents are calm, your cruise operator will likely take you to sites such as Shark Shoal and Quoin Rock, both of which are teeming with life, and both of which feature maximum depth at just over 10 meters. At Maha’s Rock, which is typically suitable for diving even when other sites are blown out, masses of sea anemones create a splendid backdrop for an entire kaleidoscope of reef life. Manta rays are often encountered at this site as well; it is possible to see several of these amazing animals flying by during the course of a single dive.
The liveaboards that travel to Yemen’s Zubair Island group typically offer night diving upon request, so long as conditions are suitable. In addition, they often offer topside treks along extinct volcano craters. The main anchorage is located at Saba Island, which boasts an underwater volcanic crater that’s perfect for relaxed snorkeling, plus beautiful white sand beaches and a splendid turquoise lagoon where brilliant pink flamingos can be seen in huge numbers. There are not many places in the world where you can enjoy an experience similar to the one you’ll have at the Zubair Islands. If you’re ready for some great diving that’s truly unique, this is one adventure you might find difficult to pass up.