From swimming with exotic fish, sailing through lush mangroves, to kicking back on pristine, golden beaches, you are bound to find something that will attract you to the coasts of Saudi Arabia.
Scuba diving along the Red Sea
Scuba diving in the Red Sea allows you to swim amongst nearly 1,200 species of fish, almost 20 percent of which are unique to the area. Explore the coral reefs and discover the ruins and treasures of shipwrecks from throughout history.
Tour the Farasan Islands
There is a rich history and marine life to be found when sailing through the azure waters and mangroves of the Farasan Islands. Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Dolphins, and Sea Turtles are but a few of the rare animals that live in the bays and inlets of the island. Step ashore and lose yourself in the depths of the Al-Qandal forest, visit Al-Qassar village and of the islands’ past as a Roman garrison, the furthest outpost of the empire.
Kiteboard in Jeddah
Take advantage of soft, sandy beaches, clear, shallow waters, and consistent year-round winds when kiteboarding off the coast of Jeddah. Cool, temperate, yet sunny winters coincide with ideal winds speeds ranging from 17-25 knots to create the perfect winter getaway for water-sports enthusiasts.
Relax on the beaches of Umluj
The secluded beaches of Umluj, in the northern province of Tabuk, provide the ideal opportunity to escape and immerse yourself in unspoiled nature. The pristine waters allow you to observe marine life without the need for a mask and snorkel. Enjoy a picnic on the beach or rent a boat from the village’s port to explore the untouched islands a short sail from the coast.
Sample the day’s catch at Jeddah’s seafood market
For a taste of the sea, make your way to Jeddah’s port and watch the local fisherman offload their hauls at sunrise before jostling with other buyers to bid on the freshest catch at cities bustling Central Fish Market. Tuck into an un-rivaled variety of seafood that has been prepared, cooked, and served mere hours after being caught while learning of the port’s fascinating role in Jeddah’s history as a global trading hub and entry point for pilgrims traveling onto the two holy cities.
Enjoy an eco-friendly holiday at the Red Sea Project (pictured)
Unwind at Saudi Arabia’s latest coastal retreat which, caters to the environmentally conscious traveler. This luxury tourism development project spans an archipelago of 90 islands along the shores of the Tabuk province on the west coast of the Kingdom. The resort is being developed with the protection of the Red Sea’s ecosystem in mind. It will aim to be powered by 100% renewable energy, eventually generating and storing energy used onsite from renewable sources. Single-use plastics will be completely banned as a carbon-neutral, yet luxurious experience will signal a sustainable future for holidaying.
Photo credit: Saudi Tourism Authority
