4.0Jacques Cousteau, a famous explorer, oceanographer, filmmaker and author has touted Farasan Island as one of the most exciting and unexplored places. He had visited the place when he was on his journey to the Red Sea in 1963 aboard. He stated that it is 'one of the most fascinating areas [explored] during our first Red Sea expedition. Only a few Westerners have seen it and even fewer have dived there. To learn about the Farasan's reef structures and marine biological richness would take a lifetime.'
Following the words, many tourists have visited the place. There is also a cruise which would be available for you to board to learn more about the marine life.The cruise's departure location is the port of Al Lith, which is situated 210 kilometers south of Jeddah. You can hop on the cruise where you can spot families of whale sharks keen on eating the abundant plankton found underneath the coast in these seas in the spring, a few miles beyond the harbor.
A sizable archipelago of coral reefs and tiny islands, many of which are semi-surfacing, makes up Farasan Island. The origin of this entire region was volcanic. The vertical walls formed by the madreporic columns that grew on the rims of the former craters reached a depth of more than 300 meters. The little islands, which are primarily circular or elongated, frequently bear an exterior coral belt that attests to their volcanic origin. The islands may appear to be similar at first glance, but each one has its secrets, beginning with the various components of the fossil coral layer that dictates how each island was formed.
Turtles deposit their eggs there all year long because the fine coral sand is the perfect home for them. This archipelago is a natural refuge of exceptional beauty because of the bird colonies that nest amid the sparse vegetation. You'll be conscious that you're in an area where nature still rules over people, and you'll be hoping that this unique privilege lasts as long as it can.
Small reef sharks can be observed in the tunnels and small caves on the east side of the wall, which lowers to 200 meters below the surface. On the southern point, a sand bottom stretches westward to a beautiful blue lagoon that is teeming with different species of fish. A dive spot called the washing machine is located on the northern end and gets its name from the strong current that flows from north to south-west at a speed of 2 to 3 meters per second. Whitetip sharks and Manta rays have been spotted. Rewrite your 'drift dive' experience in your general journal after diving into the washing machine.
There are numerous populations of turtles on this island, which is known as a significant turtle breeding site in this ecosystem. Numerous purple tang, groupers, numerous coral fish, and a wide variety of soft corals in a variety of colors are also present. Sharks that have been seen include white and black tip sharks, reef sharks, and occasionally even tigers.
A: You can get to Farasan Island by taking a ferry from Jazan. The ferry ride takes about 75 minutes and there are several daily departures. You can book your tickets online or at the ferry terminal in Jazan.
A: Farasan Island is a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and beach activities. The island also has several historical sites, including the Farasan Islands Castle and the Al-Qassar Heritage Village. Visitors can also take a boat tour around the island to see the dolphins and other marine life.
A: The best time to visit Farasan Island is between October and April when the weather is mild and pleasant. During this time, the water is clear and calm, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling. The summer months of May to September can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C.
A: Farasan Island has a few small hotels and guesthouses that offer basic accommodation. However, most visitors opt to stay in Jazan and take a day trip to the island. Jazan has a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, and apartments.
Duration RequiredOff the coast of the southern province of Jazan, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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