Jeddah: Guided Snorkeling Trip with Snacks and Drinks

Jeddah’s best underwater scenery is not at the city beach. It is out on the Red Sea, where Haddad Scuba takes small groups to coral sites with plenty of fish. The trip can include two beautiful reefs, and patient guides such as Amir and Ahmed help first-timers stay calm and afloat.

I like the small group of no more than 10 people, since an instructor can keep an eye on nervous swimmers. I also like that snacks, fruit, sandwiches, and soft drinks are supplied, which matters on an outing that can run longer than the advertised five and a half hours.

The main catch is practical: the boat has no toilet or changing area, and one port may charge an extra 10 SAR entry fee. Some coral sites sit a long swim from the boat, so this is not the right choice if you are uncomfortable in open water.

Key points to know before you book

• Two reef stops may be part of the day: Expect several Red Sea locations, with past outings reaching two attractive coral reefs.
• Beginner support is a real strength: Guides have patiently helped new snorkelers float, breathe, and move with more confidence.
• The coral can be far from the boat: Strong swimming ability may be needed to reach the best viewing areas.
• Food and drinks are included: Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and soft drinks may be served in generous portions.
• The boat has limited facilities: Bring dry clothes, and do not count on a toilet or private place to change.
• Allow extra time: The stated duration is 330 minutes, but one outing lasted more than seven hours, partly because departure took about an hour.

Reaching the Red Sea from Jeddah

This is a boat-based snorkeling trip in Makkah Province, not a quick swim from a city shore. You spend the day moving out to different Red Sea locations, so the experience has two distinct parts: getting to the water and then spending time at the reefs.

The advertised duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. That is a useful planning figure, but I would leave extra room in your schedule. One outing took more than seven hours, with roughly an hour passing before the boat finally left. The longer day was considered a benefit by that participant, but it could matter if you have an evening flight, dinner booking, or another tour.

The transfer vehicle may feel tight if it is full. One person found the car short on space, so pack lightly and avoid carrying a large suitcase. The information provided does not give a fixed pickup timetable or a precise departure point, so check the meeting details carefully before you leave your hotel.

There may also be a small port admission fee of 10 SAR, payable separately. This charge was not clearly expected by at least one participant, so keep a little Saudi cash available and ask about port access before setting out.

What the boat day is really like

Once you reach the boat, the trip becomes fairly simple. The crew provides the basic snorkeling kit, including a mask, snorkel, and fins. You do not need to bring your own equipment unless you have personal gear you strongly prefer.

The boat visits various snorkeling locations rather than promising one single fixed reef. That is useful because sea conditions can affect which site works best on a given day, though it also means the exact route is not fully guaranteed in advance.

At least some outings have reached two separate coral reefs. The appeal is variety: you can see coral formations and schools of fish in more than one setting instead of spending the whole day at one mooring point. The available information does not name the reefs or specify their exact distances, so think of the route as a flexible Red Sea reef outing rather than a named-site expedition.

One important point: the coral may be a long swim from the boat. A strong swimmer described needing good ability to reach it, and this is the clearest physical caution attached to the trip. If you tire easily, stay close to the guide and ask where the easiest viewing area is before swimming out.

The boat itself is basic. There is no toilet and no changing facility, so treat the trip as a wet outing from the moment you put on your beachwear. Change before boarding and bring dry clothes for afterward. A waterproof pouch for your passport and phone is also sensible, though the required packing information specifically calls for your passport, beachwear, and a change of clothes.

Coral, fish, and the best part of the day

The underwater sights are the reason to book. The Red Sea is known for coral and marine life, and this trip is built around seeing both rather than simply taking a boat ride.

Conditions vary, so nobody should promise a fixed number of fish or a particular reef scene. Still, the strongest reports describe many fish and attractive coral, with some groups finding themselves alone at the snorkeling sites. That can make a big difference. You get more room to look around, and the water feels less crowded when you are trying to learn how to use a mask and snorkel.

I especially like the way the guides work with beginners. Ahmed was singled out for taking care of new snorkelers, showing them how to keep afloat and how to dip slightly lower for a better view. Other outings described patient help for inexperienced swimmers, with guides checking that people felt safe and comfortable.

That support does not remove the need for basic swimming confidence. A guide can help you use the equipment, but you still need to manage yourself in open water. If you are a weak swimmer, tell the instructor at the start rather than quietly following the strongest people toward the reef.

Language support is another useful feature. Guides may speak English, Arabic, Italian, or Russian. Amir, who speaks Italian very well, led one particularly successful outing. Communication is not always perfect, though, so use clear questions and confirm instructions about where to swim, when to return, and how far the reef is from the boat.

A small group makes beginner instruction better

The group is limited to 10 participants, which is a good size for an activity where people spread out in the water. You are less likely to disappear in a large crowd, and the instructor has a better chance of noticing if someone is struggling with the mask, snorkel, or fins.

The strongest praise goes to the guides’ care. They have been gentle with beginners, given simple advice on staying afloat, and helped people see more coral without pushing them beyond their comfort level. That is more valuable than a polished speech before boarding. Snorkeling can feel awkward at first, especially when breathing through a tube while looking down into open water.

Still, guide communication can vary. One person found it less clear than expected, despite enjoying the snorkeling itself. If you need help, ask directly and repeat the question if necessary. A quick demonstration is often more useful than a long explanation.

The trip is not designed only for experts. Its relaxed pace and instruction suit first-timers, provided they can swim. Experienced snorkelers may enjoy the sites, but they should not expect a technical scuba excursion or a specialist marine biology tour. This is a straightforward recreational outing focused on coral, fish, and time in the sea.

Snacks, drinks, and what to pack

Food is one of the better value points. Snacks and soft drinks are included, and the onboard offering may include sandwiches and fruit. One participant described the quantities as generous, which is welcome when a five and a half hour trip stretches into a much longer day.

The package does not include a full meal as a separate item, and the written details say food is not included even though snacks and drinks are listed as included. I would read that distinction carefully: expect light provisions, not a restaurant-style lunch. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand or bring suitable food if the operator permits it.

Towels are not provided. Pack your own, along with:

• Passport
• Beachwear
• A full change of clothes
• Towel
• Waterproof protection for valuables
• Any personal swimming aids you normally use

The passport requirement is easy to overlook on a beach outing, but bring it. Keep it protected from spray and hand it over only when needed.

Because there is no changing room, wear your beachwear before boarding. After snorkeling, you may need to dry off and change in a simple, exposed setting rather than a private cabin. That is not a dealbreaker, but it changes how you should pack.

Is $110 a fair price?

At $110 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time by the water. The value depends on what you want from the day.

The price covers the boat outing, snorkeling equipment, instruction, snacks, and drinks. You also get a small group rather than a crowded boat, plus access to several snorkeling areas. For a first-timer who would otherwise need to rent equipment and arrange transport separately, that package is reasonably strong.

The value is better if the trip reaches two good reef sites and runs longer than planned. It is weaker if you mainly want a short swim near shore, dislike basic boat facilities, or already own equipment and can arrange a cheaper local outing.

Remember the possible 10 SAR port charge. It is small compared with the total cost, but unexpected fees are irritating, especially when the tour price is already in the higher day-trip range.

I would judge the price as fair for a guided, small-group Red Sea excursion, not a bargain. The instruction and care for beginners are the main reasons to pay more. Strong swimmers who need little help may find the premium less important.

Who should book this Red Sea outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full half-day on the water and prefer having equipment, a guide, and simple refreshments arranged in advance. It is particularly suitable for beginners who can swim but feel unsure about breathing through a snorkel or staying relaxed in open water.

It also fits visitors who want a small group. With no more than 10 people, the outing should feel more personal than a large party boat, and the instructors have shown they are willing to spend time with less experienced snorkelers.

I would be cautious if you need a toilet, private changing space, or a tightly controlled schedule. The boat has neither bathroom nor changing area, and the day may run well past 330 minutes.

You should also reconsider if you are not a confident swimmer. The most attractive coral may be far from the boat, and reaching it can require a long swim. The trip is not suitable for people over 95, according to the stated restrictions, but age is less important than comfort and ability in the water for most participants.

Booking details worth keeping in mind

The operator is Haddad Scuba. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Jeddah plans may shift. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Starting times depend on availability, so check the date rather than assuming the same departure hour every day. The program operates daily, but the exact snorkeling locations and timing may change.

I would contact the operator before departure to confirm four things: the meeting point, the port fee, the likely return time, and how far the group will swim from the boat. Those questions address the main practical uncertainties without adding much effort.

The overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 35 ratings, with the most consistent praise aimed at caring guides, good coral and fish sightings, helpful instruction, and included food and drinks. The weaker points are clear too: cramped transfer space, uncertain communication, no toilet or changing area, and the swimming distance to the reefs.

FAQ

How long does the Jeddah snorkeling trip last?

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. Some outings have lasted longer than seven hours, so leave extra time in your schedule.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, snacks, and drinks are included. The equipment includes masks, snorkels, and fins.

Is food included?

Light refreshments are included, such as snacks, sandwiches, fruit, and soft drinks. A full meal is not specified as part of the activity.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Which languages can the guide speak?

Guide languages are English, Arabic, Italian, and Russian.

How many people are in the group?

The activity is limited to 10 participants.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes. The stated items to bring include your passport, beachwear, and a change of clothes.

Is the trip suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trip is designed for all skill levels, and guides can provide instruction. You still need enough swimming ability for open-water snorkeling, since some coral may be far from the boat.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a guided Red Sea day with coral, fish, equipment, snacks, and a small group, and you are comfortable with a basic boat setup. The patient instruction from guides such as Ahmed and Amir is a real advantage for first-timers.

Skip it if you need a bathroom or changing cabin, cannot swim confidently, or must return at a precise time. Before paying, confirm the port fee and expected return hour. For the right swimmer, this looks like a solid way to see Jeddah’s underwater side without arranging every piece yourself.