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Almonda
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Almonda Liveaboard, Saudi Arabia

4.0Good6 verified reviews
from
USD
284
per day

Discover luxury at sea aboard 5-star liveaboard, where modern design meets unparalleled service. The vessel is a haven of comfort, boasting a Jacuzzi, deck loungers, and expansive seating areas, perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying the stars. The liveaboard offers a pristine Farasan Banks itinerary, promising untouched reefs and the thrill of discovery in uncharted waters.

Boat Interior and Exterior
The liveaboard accommodates 24 guests in 12 well-appointed staterooms: eight deluxe cabins with twin beds, two double cabins with queen beds, and two master suites, also with queen beds. Each room is a retreat of comfort, featuring air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, a 32-inch flatscreen TV with access to 400 movies, shows, and documentaries, and the convenience of connecting your computer for photo and video editing. Ample storage, porthole views, and a suite of amenities ensure a stay of utmost comfort. Dining aboard is a culinary delight with three buffet meals daily, complemented by round-the-clock snacks and beverages. Socialize in the spacious salon, the semi-open outdoor area, or bask in the sunshine on a large sundeck, complete with a relaxing Jacuzzi.

Dive Deck
Equipped for divers of all levels, the boat offers 12-liter tanks, weight belts, and the option of air or Nitrox. Personal equipment boxes and a vast diving platform enhance your experience, with two Zodiacs ready for remote sites.

Safety
Safety is paramount, with advanced fire detection and alarm systems, smoke alarms, extinguishers, emergency oxygen, a well-stocked first aid kit, life jackets, and liferafts ensuring peace of mind.

Itineraries
The Farasan Banks await, a realm of pristine reefs, abundant marine life, and sheer underwater walls. Departing from Al Lith, 210 km south of Jeddah, we journey to dive spots that feel like entering a new world. Highlights include the chance to encounter whale sharks near the port and explore the vibrant ecosystems of Mar Mar Island, Dohra, Jadir, Malathu, and the captivating reefs of Gorgonia, Bandu, and Long Reef. Further south, the Sha'ab Ammar reef and the Seven Sisters area reveal the ocean's hidden treasures, from whale sharks and hammerheads to a kaleidoscope of corals.

When to Go
The best time to dive in Saudi Arabia generally spans from late spring through early autumn, with the optimal months being from April to October. During this period, divers can enjoy warmer water temperatures, which range from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), and calmer sea conditions, making it ideal for exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystems. Visibility is also at its best during these months, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet), allowing for clear views of the coral reefs, marine life, and wrecks.
However, it's important to note that diving is possible year-round in Saudi Arabia, with the Red Sea's northern parts offering suitable conditions even during the cooler months. While water temperatures can drop to around 22°C (72°F) in winter, especially in February and March, many divers still find it comfortable to dive with appropriate wetsuits

Cabins

Twin Cabin
Lower Deck

Twin Cabin

2 Guests
Double Cabin
Lower Deck

Double Cabin

2 Guests
Master Suite
Main Deck

Master Suite

2 Guests
Boat plan
Boat deck plan

Boat Specification

Year built / Renovation
2017
Number of cabins
12
Groups or charters
Yes
Gear rental
Surcharge
Wi-Fi
Free
Nitrox
Free
Fleet/Managing company
OceanBreeze
Length and width
39 m / 8 m
Capacity
24
Tenders
3 x 6.5 m 45 Hp
Material
Steel
Languages crew speak
English, German
Engines
2 x Man, 1050 each
Generator
3 x Cummins, 130/160 kW
Tech diving friendly
No
Handicapped Friendly
No

Dive Facilities

  • Compressors
  • Tenders for Diving
  • Dive Deck

Boat navigation & safety

Full safety

Food & Drinks

  • Western Food
  • Local Food
  • Dietary Restrictions
  • Buffet Style
  • Alcoholic Beverages and Spirits
  • Hot & Cold Soft Drinks
  • Snacks All Day

Onboard Facilities

  • Air Conditioned Saloon
  • Sun Deck
  • Indoor Saloon
  • Bar
  • Hot Tub / Jacuzzi

Photographer Facilities

  • Camera Table

Almonda Reviews

4
Not bad
6 verified reviews
Cabins & Facilities
Food & drinks
Guiding & Safety
Service & Infrastructure
2.8
Almonda Farasan banks 10-17 May 2025
The itinerary was broken after 2 days of journey as Capitan said because of expected storm. So first two days we had very good diving. We saw many hammerheads, silk and reef sharks, travelers, barracudas and plenty reef fish. There were very beautiful soft corals. But then we came to the North close to Jeddah where corals were dead and sea life was poor so end of our journey was disappointing. Food and service were good. The boat team was friendly. Dive guiding was formal.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2025-05-27by L. Gennadii
3.8
Frasan Banks Late March 2025
Joined for Farasan Banks trip March 22-29, 2025. Overall trip was good, the crew was excellent, food very good, and the boat needs some touch up and minor repairs, but is otherwise very nice. I will warn you there is a significant safety/enjoyment concern with the way the owners have setup the dives. We had 24 Divers and only 2 dive masters, both divemaster were very good, but 12+ people is too many divers for one dive master to manage. On some dives we had over 12 people following 1 dive master. This is way too many and makes the dives much less enjoyable and really is a safety concern when going deep in the blue with current. Beware of this before you go because normally 4-6 people is the right amount per dive master. I would also advise to divers to be aware that during Ramadan many things on land will not be open before/after the trip and the number of crew members will be smaller. The corals are healthy and gorgeous, lots of colorful fish on every dive, we did not see any hammerheads, it seems the temps changed the week of our trip and they went deep.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
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Cabins & Facilities
2025-04-14by N. Peter
4.3
Experiencia en Arabia Saudi
El barco y la tripulación eran gente amable y profesional, y les felicito por ello, pues siempre estaban pendientes de tu bienestar. La comida era variada y abundante, lo habitual en este tipo de viajes, pero tampoco excepcional. Destacar la cafetera que me pareció un plus en comparación con otros barcos. El barco tiene camarotes y salas espaciosas. No obstante, no es tan nuevo como aparece en las fotos. Mi lavabo perdía agua y siempre estaba encharcado, lo cual era molesto. No encontramos otros barcos en todo el viaje. No obstante, no tuvimos suerte con los tiburones martillo, que era el principal interés. En cualquier caso, aún cuando creo que el precio es elevado para lo que finalmente obtienes, he de reconocer que vuelvo contento de mis vacaciones.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2025-03-18by M. JOSE ANTONIO