Saudi Arabia · Spearfishing zone
Blue Holes Protected Area
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Blue Holes Protected Area.
Large marine protected area (~16,500 km2 per NCW) along the southern Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, primarily south of Jazan and near the Farasan area, encompassing at least 10-20 deep underwater blue-hole sinkholes (depths ~47-51.5 m and deeper), coral reefs and ~35 marine islands. Designated by the National Center for Wildlife (announced 2025). As an NCW-designated protected area it falls under the Article 73(1) ban on fishing in protected areas, prohibiting spearfishing within it. Coordinate is a representative point on the southern Red Sea coast near Jazan; exact boundaries not published.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
16.9000°N, 42.3000°E
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Saudi Arabia
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply to a MEWA branch with: medical fitness certificate, ID/residence copy, a recognised diving certificate, photos and a signed liability undertaking (Article 88), plus security approval from the Ministry of Interior. Border Forces issue operating permits for diving/fishing equipment (Article 20).
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · mewa.gov.sa