Jeddah: Guided Snorkeling Trip with Snacks and Drinks

The main draw here is simple: you leave Jeddah for the Red Sea coral reefs, where the water can offer plenty of fish and clear underwater scenery. I like the small group of no more than 10 people, and I like that the instructor stays close to beginners instead of treating the boat trip as a free-for-all. Guides Ahmed and Amir have been especially helpful with first-time snorkelers.

I also like the included sandwiches, fruit, and soft drinks, which turn a long day on the water into a better-value outing. The main catch is practical: the boat may have no toilet or changing area, and some coral sites are far enough from the boat that you need to be a confident swimmer.

Key points to know before booking

• Two reef stops may be possible: Some outings visit two attractive coral areas with plenty of fish.
• Beginners receive hands-on help: Guides have patiently shown new snorkelers how to float, breathe, and move through the water.
• Small groups matter: The maximum group size is 10, allowing closer attention from the instructor.
• Food is better than a token snack: Sandwiches, fruit, and soft drinks have been provided in generous amounts.
• The boat is basic: Do not count on a toilet or a private place to change clothes.
• Budget for a possible port fee: A 10 SAR harbor entry charge has been reported, even though it is not included in the listed price.

Leaving Jeddah for the Red Sea

At $110 per person, this is not a bargain-priced beach outing, but it can be good value if you want a guided boat trip with gear and food included. The listed duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours, although some departures have lasted more than seven hours because of the time spent getting out on the water.

That extra time may sound appealing, but it also means you should not schedule a tight afternoon appointment afterward. The precise start time depends on availability, so check it before you commit to other plans.

The trip is run by Haddad Scuba and uses a professional snorkeling instructor. The group cap of 10 is one of the better details here. On a boat, a small group means less waiting for equipment, easier communication, and a better chance of getting help if you are not yet comfortable in the water.

The tour operates daily and visits different snorkeling locations rather than promising one fixed reef every time. That gives the crew some flexibility, but it also means the exact route can vary. Think of this as a guided Red Sea outing, not a fixed sightseeing cruise with a guaranteed named site.

What the boat day is really like

The day begins with transport and preparation before the boat reaches the snorkeling area. One practical warning is worth taking seriously: a cramped transfer vehicle has been an issue on at least one departure. If you are tall, carrying a lot of luggage, or simply prefer generous personal space, keep your belongings light.

There may also be a 10 SAR fee to enter the port. Since this charge is not part of the advertised price, carry some Saudi riyals and ask about port costs before setting off.

Once on board, the crew provides masks, snorkels, and fins. That saves you from bringing a full kit, though you should still bring your own beachwear and a change of clothes. Towels are not included, so pack one. The boat may not offer a toilet or a changing room, which makes it wise to arrive ready to swim.

The ride out takes time, and the boat itself is part of the experience. You get open Red Sea views and a chance to settle in before entering the water. At the same time, this is not a luxury yacht day. The facilities are functional, and you should plan around their limits.

Coral reefs, fish, and the distance from the boat

The best part of the trip happens once you reach the reef. The sites can offer coral formations and many fish, with some departures visiting two separate reef areas. One notable advantage is that a boat may reach quieter spots with fewer other snorkelers around.

The underwater conditions are not described as identical on every outing, so your experience will depend on the selected locations and the day’s conditions. Still, the appeal is clear: you are not just swimming beside a crowded public beach. You are visiting offshore sites chosen for their marine life.

There is an important swimming point here. At least one coral area was described as being quite far from the boat. You may need to swim a substantial distance before reaching the best reef, so basic swimming ability matters. This is not the ideal choice if you are uncomfortable in open water or expect the coral to be directly beneath the boat.

Tell the instructor clearly if you are new to snorkeling. The strongest part of this experience is the personal help available in the water. Guides have shown beginners how to keep their body afloat and how to lower themselves slightly to see more coral without panicking.

That kind of coaching can change the day. A first-time snorkeler often wastes energy kicking too hard or lifting the head to breathe. A patient guide can help you relax, conserve strength, and look down for longer. I would still be honest about your swimming level before booking, because instruction is helpful but does not remove the need to swim.

Why the instructors make a difference

The guides speak English, Arabic, Italian, and Russian. That range is useful in a small group, especially when safety instructions need to be understood quickly.

Ahmed has been praised for taking extra care with beginners and keeping the mood relaxed. Amir has also guided Italian-speaking participants and helped make the day easy for that group. The exact guide is not guaranteed, but the operation clearly depends on instructor support rather than simply handing you equipment and pointing at the sea.

Communication can vary. One departure had weaker communication with the guide, so do not hesitate to ask for a clearer explanation of the route, time in the water, or where to return. If you have concerns about swimming to a reef, raise them before entering the water, not after you are already offshore.

The limited group size helps here. Ten people is still enough for different abilities and swimming speeds, but it is far more manageable than a large boat full of snorkelers. You get a better chance of being noticed, and the instructor can spend time with people who need extra help.

Snacks, drinks, and the value of $110

Food can make or break a long boat outing. This package includes snacks and soft drinks, and the food provided has included sandwiches and fruit. Portions have been described as generous, not merely a packet of crackers passed around for appearance.

That matters because the listed duration is five and a half hours, and some outings have stretched beyond seven hours. You are not paying only for a short swim. The price covers the boat outing, snorkeling equipment, an instructor, and refreshments.

Food is not a full meal service, however. The activity information separates included snacks and drinks from food not included, so do not assume a restaurant-style lunch. If you need a substantial meal, eat beforehand and bring any permitted personal items. You should also confirm what is available if you have dietary needs, since no special menu is specified.

For the right person, $110 is reasonable. A first-time snorkeler who values equipment, guidance, and a smaller group may get more from this than from a cheaper, unguided beach rental. An experienced swimmer who already owns gear and wants only a short reef visit may find the price less compelling.

Comfort, clothing, and small things to pack

The packing list is short but important:

• Passport
• Beachwear
• A change of clothes
• Towel, since one is not supplied

Bring your passport as requested, and keep it protected from spray. Wear your beachwear under your travel clothes because changing space may be limited or unavailable. A dry change of clothes becomes especially useful after a long return ride.

I would also bring sun protection and a small waterproof pouch for essentials, though the formal information only requires the items above. Do not pack as if you are heading to a resort with lockers and changing cabins. The simpler your belongings, the easier the day will be.

The activity is not suitable for people over 95, according to the stated restrictions. More important for most customers is swimming confidence. The age limit is unlikely to affect many bookings, but the distance between boat and reef can affect anyone who tires quickly in open water.

The parts that may frustrate you

The biggest drawback is the lack of clear boat facilities. No toilet and no changing area can be awkward on a long outing. Plan your morning around that fact, and do not expect the comfort level of a full-service cruise.

The harbor fee is another small irritation. Ten SAR is not a large amount, but surprise charges are easy to avoid when they are explained in advance. Keep cash available and ask about it before departure.

The start of the day may also feel slow. One outing spent about an hour getting underway, although the total day became longer as a result. If you are judging the trip as a quick transfer to a reef, that delay may bother you. If you have an open schedule, the longer time on the water can feel like a bonus.

Finally, reef access depends on your ability to swim. You may see attractive coral from the boat area, but reaching the strongest underwater sights can require a determined swim. This is the detail I would weigh most carefully before booking.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this for a beginner or improving snorkeler who wants an instructor nearby and does not want to arrange boat transport, equipment, and food separately. The multilingual guide team and small group are useful for solo visitors, couples, and families with older children, although the available information does not set a minimum age.

It also suits an experienced swimmer who wants to visit more than one Red Sea reef and prefers a modest group rather than a crowded boat. The chance to reach quieter sites adds appeal.

I would be cautious if you cannot swim confidently, need a private changing room, require a toilet during a five to seven-hour outing, or want a fixed schedule. I would also think twice if you expect the reef to be immediately beside the boat.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Jeddah plans are still moving around, but they do not solve the practical issues of swimming ability and basic boat facilities.

Should you book Haddad Scuba?

Book it if your priority is guided access to Red Sea coral and fish, with equipment, refreshments, and close help for beginners included. The strongest reasons to choose it are the 10-person limit, patient instruction, and the possibility of visiting two reef areas.

Skip it if comfort and certainty matter more than the underwater experience. The possible harbor fee, basic boat facilities, long transfer time, and distant coral sites require realistic expectations.

For me, the deciding question is simple: can you swim comfortably in open water, and are you happy with a basic boat? If yes, $110 can be a fair price for a well-supported snorkeling day from Jeddah. If not, choose a shorter, shore-based option with easier access to changing facilities.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling trip last?

The listed duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. Some departures have lasted longer, with one reported outing lasting more than seven hours.

What equipment is included?

Masks, snorkels, and fins are included. Snacks and soft drinks are also provided.

Is food included?

Snacks are included, and these may include sandwiches and fruit. Soft drinks are included as well. A full meal is not specified, so do not assume lunch service.

What languages do the guides speak?

The guides are available in English, Arabic, Italian, and Russian.

How large is the group?

This is a small-group activity with a maximum of 10 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport, beachwear, and a change of clothes. Towels are not included.