Diving in Kuwait
Including Kubbar Island and Umm Al-Maradem Island. On the map.
The vibe
Submerged industry infrastructure and remote offshore oil platforms create an unusual, industrial underwater landscape far removed from tropical coral gardens. Local dive operators run occasional boat trips out to wrecks and shoals when the sea state permits during the milder winter months. The scene is small, tightly knit, and heavily reliant on local expat clubs rather than commercial tourism.
you sort local club affiliation or operator booking
Kubbar Island
Capital Governorate
Kubbar / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Kubbar Island is Kuwait's premier scuba diving destination, featuring shallow coral reefs, sandy patches, and small artificial wrecks teeming with marine life. Divers frequently encounter schooling barracuda, rays, and diverse reef fish in relatively clear waters.
Access. Dive centers based in Kuwait City and nearby marinas run regular weekend boat charters and speedboats out to the island.
Notes. Depths range from 5 to 20 meters. Best diving conditions are from May through October when water visibility improves.
Umm Al-Maradem Island
Capital
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Umm Al-Maradem sits near the maritime border and offers deep coral walls, drop-offs, and clear blue water rarely matched elsewhere in Kuwait. Divers come here for intact coral gardens and occasional pelagic sightings.
Access. Reachable via extended boat charters operated by certified Kuwaiti dive centers departing from main ports.
Notes. Depths extend past 25 meters. Sea conditions can be variable, requiring careful trip planning with local operators.