Saida Has an Underwater Garden (We’re Not Joking)

Though we love everything about the city of Saida, there’s more to this coastal city than meets the eye. Saida actually has an underwater garden, and you won’t believe what’s in it.

Less than 2 kilometers off the coast of Saida is lies the beautiful Zireh Island, one of the city’s most prized natural monuments. People often grab a boat to reach the island, so they can spend the day swimming and sunbathing. A quick and easy way to escape the city without even leaving Saida!

When you reach the rocky shores of this island, you’ll find an ancient lighthouse and Phoenician ruins that sank back in 647 B.C., so it also doubles as an educational visit.

Now let’s talk about Saida’s underwater garden. You’re gonna need your scuba gear for this one.

The largest underwater garden in Lebanon that extends around Zireh Island at depths between 10 and 30 meters. It features sandy pits, large rocks, and an exceptional variety of sea life including turtles, sponges, seaweed, and soft coral.

The Lebanese army worked with local authorities a few years ago to sink tanks and military vehicles in this garden. The aim was to enrich and diversify the marine life in Saida’s sea, as fish use them for homes and seaweed can grow on the metal.

You’ll be blown away by the aquatic life in this underwater garden in Saida. Take a look:

We’re gonna be adding this gem to our summer bucket list.

If you enjoyed this read, you might also want to browse the #Hidden Gems section on our website.