Scuba Diving In Kuwait

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure as we dive into the exhilarating realm of scuba diving in Kuwait. Nestled along the pristine shores of the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait presents a unique opportunity for diving enthusiasts to explore a hidden world beneath the waves. With its crystal-clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, and captivating underwater landscapes, this coastal haven beckons adventurers to delve into its depths. In this article, we will explore the top diving spots, reputable diving shops, and renowned training institutes that make Kuwait a sought-after destination for scuba diving enthusiasts of all levels. So, gear up, take a deep breath, and join us on an unforgettable journey to discover the wonders that await beneath the surface of Kuwait's azure waters.

Top Scuba Diving Sites in Kuwait

Kuwait, positioned in the northwestern part of the Arabian Gulf, boasts approximately 100 miles of coastline, making it a desirable destination for diving enthusiasts. The pristine waters and picturesque underwater landscapes attract both locals and tourists to indulge in the popular sport of diving.

To access the finest diving experiences, one must venture to the nearby islands that lie a short distance from the Kuwaiti mainland. These islands offer an abundance of natural wonders, including exceptionally diverse coral reefs that are among the most remarkable in the entire Middle East. 

If you're looking to explore diving sites in Kuwait, you can refer to the comprehensive list provided below, which includes relevant contact information for each site. These details will assist you in planning and arranging your diving adventures: 

1. Garouh Island (Qarouh Island): Nestled among Kuwait's collection of nine islands, Garouh Island stands out as a captivating dive site. Despite its small size, it holds the title of being the most enchanting destination for divers. What sets Garouh Island apart is its shallow depths, offering a clear and pristine underwater environment with minimal currents all year round. 

Garouh Island caters to divers of all levels, making it suitable for beginners and experienced individuals alike. Whether you're looking to embark on a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) session, explore the vibrant marine life while snorkeling, or simply unwind on its white sandy beach, the island provides a diverse range of activities to cater to your preferences.

Location of Garouh Island Diving Site  
Dive Type: Beach, Drift, Reef

Activities at Garouh Island (Click on the links for detailed information)
• Full Day Dive Trip
• Padi Open Water Diver 
• Padi Advanced Open Water Diver 

2. Kubbar Island: Kubbar Island, known for its lush vegetation and absence of a coastguard station, has suffered from anchor damage over the years due to its popularity among pleasure boaters. While it may not be the preferred choice for diving compared to Qaruh, it still offers a beautiful island setting, renowned for its variety of marine life and captivating coral formations. Despite its limitations, Kubbar Island continues to attract divers and nature enthusiasts eager to explore its picturesque environment and experience its famous marine biodiversity.

Location of Kubbar Island Diving Site 
Dive Type: Drift, Reef
To know more about Kubbar Island 

3. Qaruh Island: Qaruh Island, one of Kuwait's stunning diving sites, is accessible via a one-hour boat trip from Al Khairan boat club. The island is renowned for its remarkable coral colonies, which offer a diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem. Divers can expect to encounter a wide array of marine life, including Trigger Fish, Surgeon Fish, and even resident Moray Eels. However, reaching Qaruh requires favorable conditions due to its location 22 nautical miles from Khiran. While mild currents and varying underwater visibility may be experienced depending on the weather, Qaruh remains a favorite diving location for its exceptional coral formations and captivating marine biodiversity.

Location of Qaruh Island Diving Site 
Dive Types: Drift, Sandy bottom.
Water Type: Salt
Suggested Equipment: Booties
Entry: Boat

3. 5 Mile Reef: Located just south of Fahaheel, the Five Mile Reef in Kuwait offers an exciting diving experience, particularly for night divers. At a depth of 12 meters, divers can explore an old barge that serves as a wreck-dive site. During night dives, the reef comes alive with fascinating marine life such as sea pens, and lucky divers may even spot sand sharks and octopuses.

Easily accessible from Fahaheel, Five Mile Reef is a popular destination for dive operations. It combines the thrill of both reef and wreck diving. The reef's allure is heightened during night dives, where sand sharks often seek refuge beneath the wreck. Additionally, the night brings out the beauty of sea pens, providing a unique underwater spectacle. Divers have been fortunate enough to encounter octopuses during their nocturnal explorations.

For divers seeking a distinct experience, a small landing craft is nestled into the side of the reef below the "triangle" marker. Sitting at a depth of around 8 meters and surrounded by coral at approximately 3 meters, the landing craft offers an intriguing dive site. Mooring buoys are conveniently available for easy access to this specific location.

Location of 5 Mile Reef Diving Site 1: N 28 59.831' E 048 15.787'
Location of 5 Mile Reef Diving Site 2: N 28 59.918' E 048 15.764'

4. Umm al Maradim: Umm al Maradim Island is positioned at the southernmost marine borders, situated close to the shores of Saudi Arabia. Unlike other islands in Kuwait, Umm al Maradim stands out as the only island accessible by ships, thanks to its deep waters. In the past, it served as a favored destination for pearl divers, while today it attracts visitors interested in observing migratory and sedentary bird species. Diving in these waters offers the opportunity to witness captivating marine life, including vibrant schools of Blue Angels and Moon Wrasse, creating an immersive and mesmerizing underwater experience.

5. Donkey Reef: Located closest to Khiran, the Donkey Reef is a small circular reef that defies its shallow depth by offering an exciting and diverse marine experience. It boasts an array of fascinating underwater creatures including resident turtles, puffer fish, barracudas, rays, flatheads, shrimp gobies, and jawfish. The reef's sandy bottom is teeming with life, while the coral formations, particularly the impressive Brain Coral growths on the Eastern side, add to its allure. Despite its shallow nature, Donkey Reef remains a favorite among divers seeking remarkable encounters and unexpected surprises.

Location of Donkey Reef Dive site: N 28 37.016' E 048 25.652'

6. Maradim Island: Situated just 13 nautical miles away from Khiran, Maradim Island emerges as the closest island in proximity. While boasting impressive table corals, the island also bears traces of anchor damage from the past. However, the implementation of permanent mooring buoys has significantly reduced such damages. Despite being a popular dive site for Kuwaiti operators from Khiran, the practice of feeding fish on urchins and scallops has altered the natural behavior of marine life. Divers exploring Maradim may find themselves surrounded by gangs of Blue Angels and Moon Wrasse, seeking attention. With its convenient accessibility and the island's ability to provide some shelter from rough conditions, Maradim remains a frequently visited destination for diving enthusiasts.

Location of Maradim Island Diving Site 1: N 28 40.529' E 048 29.213'
Location of Maradim Island Diving Site 2: N 28 50.235' E 048 45.826' 

7. Mudayarah Reef: Stretching out as an expansive offshore reef, this particular dive site holds the distinction of being the farthest from Khiran, located 24 nautical miles away. While the shallow areas of the reef hover around 5 meters, the seabed beyond rapidly descends to depths of 30 meters or more. However, coral growth is limited to around 15 meters. Due to its exposed position, the reef often experiences strong currents, requiring favorable conditions for safe exploration. Consequently, it is a seldom-visited site. Although the fish population may not be as abundant as around the islands, the individuals encountered here tend to be larger in size, adding to the allure of this unique diving location.

Location of Mudayarah Reef Diving Site: N 28 56.300' E 048 46.300' 

8. Taylor's Rock: Resembling Mudayarah Reef but on a smaller scale, Taylor's Rock emerges abruptly from the seabed at a depth of 35 meters. The pinnacle of the reef rests at approximately 5 meters below the surface. Its exposed location makes it susceptible to strong currents. Divers frequently encounter large schools of Barracuda in this area. While being exposed, Taylor's Rock tends to attract dive organizations operating out of Fahaheel more frequently.

Location of Taylor's Rock Diving Site: N 29 01.149' E 048 34.540'

9. Cuttlefish Reef: Resembling Donkey Reef in several aspects but on a larger scale and slightly deeper at around 8 meters, this dive site showcases an abundance of marine life. An intriguing tale surrounds this location, as it is rumored that remnants of an incident involving a whiskey smuggling boat and the Coastguard can still be found here. It is said that old bottles of whiskey were tossed into the sea during the encounter, but the seawater has rendered their contents undrinkable over time. Despite this fascinating anecdote, the site remains a haven for underwater enthusiasts, offering captivating fish diversity and an aura of mystery. 

Location of Cuttlefish Reef Diving Site: N 28 48.155' E 048 20.401'

Scuba Diving Training Centers In Kuwait

For those eager to embark on a scuba diving journey, there is a convenient option available on the website mentioned below. Offering a variety of courses tailored for beginners, aspiring divers can easily access comprehensive training materials and lessons online. Whether you're passionate about exploring the mysteries of the deep or simply love the allure of scuba diving, these courses provide a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop the necessary skills. Dive into a world of adventure and join a community of like-minded individuals who share a deep passion for the underwater realm.

1. The One Dive Center: Experience the thrill of scuba diving with the professional team of The One Dive Center, with ensuring safety and enjoyment. Dive into the mesmerizing underwater world as our certified guides showcase its breathtaking beauty. Unforgettable adventures await you beneath the waves.

Location and Contact Details of The one Dive Center 
Padi Five Star Dive Center 
Activities Available: Scuba Diving, Technical Diving (TecRec Facility), Snorkeling/Swimming, Conservation, First Aid/CPR (EFR Center), CONSERVATION AWARDS
Language: English
Working Hours: 
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: Closed

2. Nautilus Diving Kuwait: Nautilus Diving Kuwait, a prestigious PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center situated in the vibrant heart of Kuwait, has been offering exceptional scuba diving and Emergency First Response courses since 2012. Renowned for their passion and commitment, Nautilus Diving sets the highest standards in dive training, aiming to provide unparalleled experiences and promote safety and excellence in the underwater realm. With a dedicated team of professionals, they continue to inspire and empower individuals to explore the depths of the ocean with confidence and love for the extraordinary aquatic world.

Location and Contact Details of Nautilus Diving Kuwait
Padi Five Star IDC Resort
Activities Available: Scuba Diving, Freediving, Snorkeling/Swimming
Language: English, Arabic
Working Hours: 
Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: Closed

3. Divers Academy: Divers Academy is a prestigious Scuba Diving Center and PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Center. Offering a wide range of Scuba Diving Courses and exciting sea trips, they provide top-notch training and unforgettable underwater adventures.

Location and Contact Details of Divers Academy 
Padi Five Star Dive Center 
Activities Available: Scuba Diving, Snorkelling/ Swimming, First Aid/ CPR (EFR Center)
Language: English, German, Arabic
Working Hours: 
Sunday to Thursday: 04:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM

4. Kuwait Science Club Divers: Your premier Scuba Diving Center and PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course) Center for thrilling underwater adventures.

Location and Contact Details of Kuwait Science Club Divers
Activities Available: Scuba Diving, Swimming Classes.
Working Hours: 
Sunday to Thursday: 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: Closed

5. The Palms Dive Centre: Immerse yourself in a world of underwater exploration at The Palms Beach Club & Spa, home to an exceptional dive center. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, their certified PADI instructors offer customized courses suited to your skill level. From entry-level training to instructor certification, they have you covered. Dive enthusiasts can also join thrilling weekend dive trips for an extra dose of adventure. With custom-built dive boats and top-notch equipment maintenance, The Palms ensures a seamless and high-quality diving experience. Get ready for unforgettable adventures and skill enhancement at this dedicated dive center.

Location and Contact Details of The Palms Dive Centre 
Padi Five Star Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba Diving, Snorkelling/ Swimming,outdoor swimming pool, a professional showroom, a retail store, and well-equipped classrooms for comprehensive diving courses.
Working Hours: 
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

6. Dive36: Dive36 is an exceptional scuba diving center known for its passionate and dedicated team of experienced instructors. With a strong commitment to excellence, they offer a wide range of courses including scuba diving, free diving, and exciting trips, aiming to leave a lasting impression in the diving and snorkeling industry. 

Location and Contact Details of Dive36 
Padi Five Star Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba Diving
Working Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: Closed
Sunday to Wednesday: 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM

7. Trident Dive Center: Trident Diving Center offers a gateway to the mesmerizing underwater marine world, with exciting weekly trips to Kuwait's best islands, providing unforgettable diving experiences. If you're new to diving, the center boasts top-notch training programs led by expert instructors, ensuring you learn and dive with confidence using basic equipment. As a certified PADI dive center, Trident enables you to obtain a recreational diving license from one of the most respected diving organizations worldwide. Additionally, they offer advanced technical diving courses through esteemed organizations such as PADI, IANTD, and TDi, maintaining high standards as a center of excellence.

Location and Contact Details of Trident Dive Center 
PADI 5 Star Dive Resort
Activities Available: Scuba Diving, Technical Diving (TecRec Facility), Freediving, Snorkelling/ Swimming, Conservation, First Aid/ CPR (EFR Center). 
Language: English, Arabic

8. FinZ Center: FinZ Center is a Kuwaiti owned and operated dive business since 2006 in Kuwait, offers professional scuba diving training, leisure weekend diving trips and dive holiday. They have PADI authorized Instructors, and ranked as PADI Five Star Dive Center. FinZ Center had trained over 600 Open water Divers and other Diving professionals, specialized and leadership diving levels up to Instructor level.

Location and Contact Details of FinZ Center 
PADI 5 Star Dive Center

FinZ center services for non-divers, snorkelers and professional certified scuba divers
• Try Diving – No Experience required.
• Scuba Diving Training Courses ( from Open Water level upto Instructor level).
• PADI online (e-learning) Courses.
• Day Dive Trips and Snorkeling Trips.
• Scuba Diving Trips membership (Special Packages)
• Fishing Cruises.
• Islands Trips and Cruises.
• Reef/ Coral Watch Course.
• Equipment Rental and Sales (Exclusive agent for Diving equipment from USA and Italy and Austria).
• Reef Clean-up and Marine Conservation.

Knowledgeable scuba diver skills you will learn, such as: 
• Principles of Scuba Diving.
• Equipment Assemply & Disassembly.
• Safety precautions and Techniques.
• Condined Water Dives.
• Open Water Dives.
• Underwater Diving Technique.

Courses available at FinZ center:

• PADI Seal Team Program
• PADI Bubble Maker Program
• Discover Scuba Program
• Open Water Diver Course
• Advanced Open Water Diver Course
• Emergency First Aid & CPR Course
• Rescue Diver Course
• Master Scuba Diver Course
• Divemaster Course
• Different Types of Specialties

9. Bubbles Diving: Bubbles Diving Center, popularly known as Bubbles, stands out as Kuwait's newest and most distinctive scuba diving facility. Comprised of a team of professional instructors certified by NAUI, TDI, and SDI, they offer a diverse range of scuba diving courses, catering to both recreational and professional divers. Embark on fully serviced diving trips, both locally and internationally, to explore mesmerizing diving sites such as Kubbar Island, Qaruh Island, Umm Al Maradim Island, Taylor's Rock, and the Red Sea. Bubbles Diving Center is dedicated to providing an exceptional diving experience, with a focus on exceptional services and an array of possibilities for adventure seekers.

Location and Contact Details of Bubbles Diving  
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba Diving
Working Hours: 
Saturday to Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Friday: Closed

10. Octopus Diving & Swimming Co.: Octopus is a prominent company in Kuwait, providing high-quality scuba diving and diver training. With experienced instructors and a full range of diving services, Octopus serves as the central hub for underwater adventures. Offering a unique advantage, Octopus is the sole provider of a mobile scuba tank air filling and renting station in Kuwait. Situated at Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida'a and equipped with a custom speed boat at Khiran Resort Port, Octopus ensures a premier diving experience near popular diving spots and islands.

Location and Contact Details of Octopus Diving & Swimming Co. 
PADI 5 Star Dive Resort 
Activities Available: Scuba Diving
Working Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: Closed 

11. Elite Diving Center KW: Experience the best in scuba diving with Elite Diving Center. As a PADI 5 Star Diving Center, they offer diving courses, trips, and specialized EFR training. Dive into adventure and explore the wonders of the underwater world with Elite Diving Center.  

Location and Contact Details of Elite Diving Center Kuwait 
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba Diving
Whatsapp: wa.me/96555002267 

12. ScubaTech Center: Experience the excellence of ScubaTech Center Kuwait, a fabulous company with skilled instructors at the helm. With professionalism, respect, and friendliness, the instructors at ScubaTech offer exceptional diving experiences. From free refresher courses to guided dives, ScubaTech ensures safety, effective communication, and a deep appreciation for marine life. Join this passionate center for scuba adventures with a relaxed atmosphere, reasonable prices, and a commitment to preserving the underwater world.  

Location and Contact Details of ScubaTech Center
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba Diving
Working Hours: 
Everyday: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM

13. Sea Club Center: Sea Club Diving Center Kuwait: Your ultimate destination for water-filled fun. As a PADI 5 Star Dive Center, they offer scuba diving, freediving, boat trips, and more, ensuring an exhilarating aquatic experience. Think water, think fun, and dive into unforgettable adventures with Sea Club Diving Center Kuwait.

Location and Contact Details of Sea Club Center  
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba Diving
Whatsapp: wa.me/96599111300
Working Hours:
Everyday: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM

14. StingRay Diver: Introducing Stingraydiver Kuwait, where the real adventure unfolds beneath the water's surface! Having opened its doors in 2019, this exceptional diving center has been catering to the vibrant CITY community ever since. Whether you're a beginner seeking to learn or an experienced diver looking to enhance your skills, Stingraydiver offers a range of lessons, equipment rentals, and a welcoming community of passionate divers. Discover their world-class products at competitive prices, enroll in certified scuba diving and water safety courses, and embark on remarkable regional and overseas boat trips that will create lasting memories. Rest assured, Stingraydiver provides diving and safety licenses that are recognized both locally and internationally, ensuring your diving pursuits are met with the highest standards.

Location and Contact Details of StingRay Diver 
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba diving 
Working Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 3:30 PM to 07:00 PM

15. Rio Dive Center: Discover Rio Dive Center Kuwait, where passion for quality dive training, marine life preservation, and safety converge. Founded by a group of five devoted PADI Dive Instructors in 2016, they offer exceptional dive training, exciting fun dives, and unforgettable sea trips. With a prime location, fully equipped facilities, and friendly experienced staff, Rio Dive Center ensures high safety standards and remarkable dive experiences at competitive prices. Dive into adventure and value for money with Rio Dive Center.

Location and Contact Details of Rio Dive Center 
PADI 5 Star Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba diving 
Working Hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: Closed

16. AAA Dive Centre: 

Location and Contact Details of AAA Dive Centre
PADI Dive Boat
Activities Available: Scuba Diving
Working Hours:
Everyday: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

17. Royal Marine: Experience the wonders of the underwater world with Royal Marine Dive Centre. Offering scuba and free diving courses, exhilarating cruises, and a wide range of marine equipment for diving and fishing, they provide everything you need for an unforgettable aquatic adventure. Capture your underwater memories with their top-notch underwater photography equipment. Contact Royal Marine Dive Centre at 94444527 and dive into an extraordinary marine experience.

Location and Contact Details of Royal Marine
Activities Available: Scuba Diving 
PADI Dive Center
Working Hours: 
Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Friday: Closed

18. Zidan Dive: Discover Zidan Dive Kuwait, the ultimate destination for your PADI training needs. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, their well-trained and personable staff provide exceptional service. The center is led by an incredibly knowledgeable team dedicated to ensuring your safety and skill development. Gain valuable experience, lasting friendships, and the confidence to explore diving destinations worldwide. Experience the excellence of Zidan Dive Kuwait and unlock a world of underwater adventures. 

Location and Contact Details of Zidan Dive
PADI Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba diving
Working Hours: 
Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM

19. Barmaee Dive Center: Barmaee Dive Center is not just your average dive center; it's a hub of aquatic excitement. As a PADI Dive Center, they offer top-notch diving experiences and training. But that's not all. Barmaee is also a pro shop for water and land equipment, boasting the largest stocks of kayaks and sailboats in the Middle East. Plus, as a GCC RS Sailing center, they cater to sailing enthusiasts with a passion for the open water. Dive, sail, and explore to your heart's content at Barmaee Dive Center Kuwait, where the thrill of the sea awaits you.

Location and Contact Details of Barmaee Dive Center 
PADI Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba diving

20. Ocean Dive Center: 

Location and Contact Details of Ocean Dive Center 
Activities Available: Scuba diving

21. KSSC Dive Center: KSSC Dive Center is a highly regarded professional scuba diving center, authorized by PADI. They are known for their exceptional training programs in scuba diving, free diving, and thrilling boating trips. With a team of experienced instructors, KSSC Dive Center ensures a safe and enjoyable learning environment for divers of all skill levels.

Location and Contact Details of KSSC Dive Center
PADI Dive Center
Activities Available: Scuba diving

Note: Kindly note that the provided schedule is subject to change. We recommend contacting the training centers beforehand to ensure the most up-to-date information before planning your visit. 

Scuba Diving Medical Requirements:

• Scuba diving necessitates a certain level of health and fitness.
• Individuals with chronic health conditions, recent surgery, or taking specific medications may need written approval from a physician before diving.
• Before enrolling in a scuba course, it is recommended to download and review the Diver Medical form to ensure that medical clearance is not required.
• Instructors, divemasters, and dive shop staff are not qualified to provide medical advice, as only medical professionals can grant clearance to dive.
• For inquiries regarding medical fitness for diving, individuals (or their physicians) can reach out to the experts at Divers Alert Network (DAN).

Prerequisites & Minimum Age For Scuba Diving:

• Minimum Age: 10
• Divers aged 10-11 must dive with a PADI Professional or a certified parent/guardian, and divers aged 12-14 must dive with a certified adult. The maximum depth limit for both age groups is 12 meters/40 feet and 18 meters/60 feet, respectively.
• To participate in scuba diving, it is necessary to have basic swimming skills and the ability to comfortably maintain oneself in the water. As a prerequisite, your PADI Instructor will ask you to swim 200 meters/yards (or 300 meters/yards with mask, fins, and snorkel) without time restrictions using any swimming strokes, as well as float and tread water for 10 minutes using any preferred methods.

PADI has developed two user-friendly apps with a shared objective: to enhance divers' skills and facilitate new adventures. You can download the app from the links given below.
Download Padi App for IOS 
Download Padi App for Android 

 

 

 

Comments Post Comment

Leave a Comment

Submit