Al Lith Whale Sharks – Saudi Arabia Red Sea Liveaboards
Al Lith is a small town about 200 km south of Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia. Every spring, whale sharks gather at Shi’b Habil, a reef about 4 km offshore, to feed on plankton. Researchers have studied this group for years, and it has an unusually even mix of males and females. Al Lith is also the gateway to the Farasan Banks.
Who Al Lith Works For
Whale Shark Fans
All Levels
Shallow encounters
Snorkelling Partners
Photographers
Farasan Divers
Same trip
You Can See
Whale Sharks and the Southern Reefs
Whale Sharks
Gathering at Shi’b Habil in spring.
Snorkel Too
Whale sharks often feed near the surface.
Farasan Banks
Remote reefs just south of Al Lith.
Jabal Al Lith
Coral, white sand and a drop into deep blue water.
Ready to meet the whale sharks?
Where You’ll Dive
Al Lith Dive Sites
Shi’b Habil
A shallow reef about 4 km offshore where whale sharks feed in spring.
Jabal Al Lith
An island with coral, white sand shallows and a drop into deep blue water, where big fish pass.
Farasan Banks
The remote reefs to the south, with walls and sharks. See our Farasan Banks page.
Whether your trip stops at Shi’b Habil depends on the week and the weather. We check the plan before you book.
Our Saudi Liveaboard
The Liveaboard We Recommend for Al Lith
Saudi Master
Built in 2017 for 24 guests. Weekly 7-night Farasan Banks trips, including April, the best month for whale sharks. Park, port and fuel fees, nitrox, night dives and airport transfers are included.
View boat →Whale Sharks or Hammerheads?
April
The best month for whale sharks around Al Lith and the Farasan Banks.
January to March
Quieter weeks with lower prices, and sharks on the outer walls of the Banks.
Want a special offer for whale shark season?
Message us directly — April weeks are the most popular, and we’ll check what’s still open.
Chat on WhatsAppGet Ready
Before You Book Your Whale Shark Trip
Whale Sharks in South Ari, Maldives
Read more →
Your First Liveaboard
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What to Pack for a Liveaboard
Read more →Why BookDiveBoat for Al Lith?
Whale shark season at Al Lith is short. We work directly with the boat, check whether your week includes the whale shark reef, and help with the visa and flights to Jeddah.
FAQ
Al Lith Whale Shark Questions
When is whale shark season at Al Lith?
Where do the whale sharks gather?
Can I snorkel with them?
Do I need to be an experienced diver?
Which liveaboard should I book?
How do I get there?
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