Red Sea Saudi Arabia: Your Complete Travel Guide to Paradise

Want to visit paradise? You’ve found it. The Red Sea destinations in Saudi Arabia are like nothing you’ve seen before. Think crystal blue water, fancy resorts, and beaches that look straight out of a magazine. I’m going to show you the best spots, tell you what you need to know, and help you plan your Saudi Arabia visa application for the trip of a lifetime.

Here’s the deal: Saudi Arabia just opened up to tourists in 2019. That means you get to see these amazing places before everyone else does. Pretty cool, right?

Why Red Sea Saudi Arabia is Special

Let me be honest with you. I’ve traveled to a lot of places, but the Saudi Red Sea coast blew my mind. Here’s why it’s different:

• Over 1,200 fish species live here (10% you can’t find anywhere else)
• Crystal clear water – you can see 30 meters down
• Untouched beaches – no crowds like in other beach destinations
• Brand new luxury resorts opening right now
• Amazing coral reefs that are still healthy

The best part? Most people don’t know about these spots yet. You’ll feel like you discovered a secret.

Top Red Sea Destinations You Must Visit

The Red Sea Project – Ultimate Luxury

This is Saudi Arabia’s biggest tourism project. Think of it as the Maldives, but bigger and fancier.

What’s Special:

• 50 luxury hotels being built across 22 islands
• Only 1% of the area will have buildings (99% stays natural)
• No plastic allowed – they banned all single-use plastics
• Solar powered – 100% renewable energy

Key Spots to Visit:

Shura Island – The main hub with:

• 11 world-class hotels
• Saudi Arabia’s first golf course (opening 2025)
• The world’s longest water bridge (1.2 km)

Ummahat Islands – Ultra-luxury resorts:

• St. Regis Red Sea Resort (opened January 2024)
• Nujuma Ritz-Carlton (world’s most expensive hotel – ultra-premium pricing)

*Prices vary by season and availability. Contact resorts for current rates.

Jeddah – Your Gateway City

Jeddah is where most people fly into when entering Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa. But don’t just pass through – this city is amazing.

Must-See Spots:

• Al-Balad – UNESCO World Heritage old town with 500-year-old buildings
• King Fahd Fountain – World’s tallest fountain (you can see it from space!)
• Floating Mosque – Looks like it’s sitting on water during high tide
• Silver Sands Beach – Private beach (entry fee applies) with perfect white sand

Pro Tip: Meta glasses are banned at Jeddah Airport, so leave them at home. Also, make sure you have your visa documents ready for a smooth arrival. Private beach access fees may apply at premium locations.

Umluj – The “Saudi Maldives”

Everyone calls Umluj the “Maldives of Saudi Arabia” and I get why. This place ranked #41 in the world’s top 100 beaches in 2024.

What Makes It Amazing:

• 104 islands to explore
• Crystal clear water – you can see fish swimming from the shore
• Dugongs (sea cows) swim in the shallow waters
• 5 types of sea turtles nest here
• Over 1,200 fish species live in these waters

Best Activities:

• Island hopping by boat
• Snorkeling with tropical fish
• Diving to see coral reefs
• Beach camping under the stars

Yanbu – Diving Paradise

Yanbu is called the “Pearl of the Red Sea” for good reason. The diving here is world-class.

Top Dive Spots:

• Seven Sisters Reef – Famous for hammerhead sharks
• Abu Galawa – Underwater caves and drop-offs
• Iona Shipwreck – WWI ship covered in coral

Fun Fact: Even Jacques Cousteau called this area the wildest and most complex reef system in the entire Red Sea.

NEOM – City of the Future

NEOM is like something from a sci-fi movie. It’s a $500 billion city being built from scratch.

Cool Projects:

• THE LINE – A 170km long city with no cars
• Sindalah Island – Luxury yacht destination
• Trojena – Ski resort in the desert (yes, skiing in Saudi!)

THE LINE will be 500 meters high and hold 9 million people. It’s wild.

Al Wajh – History Meets Beach

Al Wajh is perfect if you like history with your beach time.

What to See:

• Al Wajh Castle – Built in 1875, now a cool museum
• Camel Rock – Natural rock that looks like a sleeping camel
• Old Ottoman mosques with beautiful architecture
• Traditional coral stone buildings

Best Time to Visit

Here’s when I recommend you go:

Perfect Weather: October to March

• Temperatures: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
• Great for outdoor activities
• Perfect diving conditions

Hot but Doable: April to September

• Temperatures: 85-95°F (29-35°C)
• Better for water activities
• Early morning and evening are nice

*Prices subject to change and may vary by nationality

Getting Your Visa (This is Important!)

You can’t just show up in Saudi Arabia. You need a visa first. Good news – getting a Saudi tourist visa is easier than ever.

Easy Options:

• eVisa Online – Takes 24 hours, fees start around $80-120
• Visa on Arrival – Available for 49 countries
• Tourist Visa – Good for 90 days

Countries That Get Visa on Arrival: US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea, and 40+ others.

Important: If your passport shows you’ve been to Israel, they might not let you in. Check the complete visa requirements for your country.

What Activities You Can Do

Water Fun

• Scuba diving – See hammerhead sharks and coral reefs
• Snorkeling – Perfect for beginners
• Kayaking – Explore hidden coves
• Boat trips – Island hopping adventures
• Fishing – Deep sea or shore fishing
• Kitesurfing – Jeddah has perfect winds

Land Adventures

• Desert camping – Sleep under a million stars
• Hot air balloon rides – See everything from above
• Hiking – Mountain trails with amazing views
• Camel riding – Traditional desert experience
• Rock climbing – Coastal cliffs

Cultural Experiences

• Traditional markets – Buy spices, jewelry, crafts
• Local food tours – Try amazing Arabic cuisine
• Historical sites – Learn about ancient civilizations
• Falcon shows – See these amazing birds in action

Where to Stay

Luxury Resorts (Premium pricing):

• St. Regis Red Sea Resort
• Nujuma Ritz-Carlton Reserve
• Six Senses Southern Dunes

Mid-Range Hotels (Moderate pricing):

• Juman Hotel in Umluj
• Local beach resorts in Yanbu
• Business hotels in Jeddah

Budget Options (Affordable rates):

• Guesthouses in coastal towns
• Beach camping (with facilities)
• Traditional inns

All prices vary by season, availability, and booking dates. Contact hotels directly or check booking platforms for current rates.

Getting Around

Getting There:

• Jeddah Airport – Main international gateway
• Red Sea Airport – New airport for resort areas
• Yanbu Airport – Good for northern destinations

Travel Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
• Saudi tourist visa (required for all visitors)
• Proof of accommodation booking
• Return flight tickets

Transportation:

• Rental cars – Best for exploring multiple places
• Private transfers – Hotels arrange these
• Boats – For island hopping
• Seaplanes – Fly directly to resort islands

Food and Dining

The food here is incredible. Here’s what you must try:

Fresh Seafood:

• Hammour fish (local favorite)
• Red Sea prawns
• Fresh lobster
• Grilled fish with Arabic spices

Traditional Dishes:

• Kabsa (rice with meat)
• Shawarma (meat wraps)
• Hummus and flatbread
• Fresh dates and Arabic coffee

Fancy Resort Dining: Many resorts have world-class restaurants. Some even have Michelin-star chefs.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

What to Pack:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Light, loose clothing
• Swimwear for resort areas
• Modest clothes for cities
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Diving gear (or rent there)

Cultural Tips:

• Dress modestly in public areas
• Resort areas are more relaxed
• No alcohol in most places
• Friday is the holy day
• People are very friendly and helpful

Money Matters:

• Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the currency
• Credit cards work everywhere
• Tipping 10-15% is normal
• Many places take US dollars

Important Note: All prices mentioned in this guide are approximate and subject to change based on season, availability, exchange rates, and current market conditions. Always verify current pricing directly with service providers.

Planning Your Hajj Connection

Many visitors combine Red Sea trips with Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages. Jeddah is the main entry point for pilgrims, making it easy to add beach time to your spiritual journey.

Hajj Season Tips:

• Book Red Sea hotels early during Hajj season
• Expect higher prices and crowds
• Consider visiting before or after the main Hajj dates
• Transportation fills up fast
• Get your Hajj visa processed early to avoid delays

Conservation – Why This Matters

Saudi Arabia is doing something special here. They’re building tourism that actually helps the environment.

What They’re Doing:

• Protecting coral reefs
• Bringing back endangered species
• Using only renewable energy
• Banning plastic waste
• Limiting development to protect nature

Animals Coming Back:

• Arabian leopards
• Oryx antelope
• Sea turtles
• Dugongs (sea cows)

This means when you visit, you’re supporting conservation efforts.

My Honest Opinion

I’ve been to a lot of beach destinations. The Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia is special because:

1. It’s new – You won’t find crowds like in Thailand or Mexico
2. It’s authentic – Real culture, not just tourist stuff
3. It’s changing fast – Get there before everyone else does
4. It’s done right – They’re building responsibly

The only downside? It’s expensive. But if you can afford it, it’s worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destinations?

Yes, you need a visa. Citizens from 49 countries can get a visa on arrival, or you can apply for an eVisa online through our service. The process is easy and takes about 24 hours. Tourist visa fees start around $80-120 and are good for 90 days. Check if your country qualifies for visa on arrival. *Fees subject to change.

Is it safe for women to travel alone to Saudi Red Sea areas?

Yes, it’s very safe. Saudi Arabia has made big changes for tourists. Women can drive, travel alone, and stay in hotels without male guardians. Resort areas are especially welcoming to solo female travelers. Just dress modestly in public areas. Learn more about Saudi Arabia’s travel guidelines in our comprehensive travel guide.

What’s the best time of year to visit Red Sea destinations in Saudi Arabia?

October through March is perfect. The weather is 70-80°F with clear skies and calm waters. This is ideal for diving, swimming, and outdoor activities. Summer (June-September) is very hot but still good for water sports.

How much does it cost to visit Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts?

It varies widely depending on your travel style and season. Budget-conscious travelers can expect moderate daily costs including mid-range hotels and activities. Luxury resort stays command premium pricing, with the most exclusive properties offering ultra-luxury experiences. Mid-range options exist for those seeking comfort without extreme costs. Prices fluctuate based on season, availability, and booking timing.

Can I drink alcohol at Red Sea resorts in Saudi Arabia?

This is changing. Some high-end resorts in special tourism zones may serve alcohol to international guests, but it’s not widely available. Most visitors find the amazing food, activities, and natural beauty more than make up for it. Always check with your specific resort.

Ready for Your Red Sea Adventure?

The Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia is calling your name. Crystal clear waters, untouched beaches, luxury resorts, and experiences you can’t get anywhere else.

Don’t wait too long. This secret is getting out, and these destinations will get crowded soon.

Need help with your visa? That’s where we come in. Getting your Saudi tourist visa is easy when you know how. We handle all the paperwork so you can focus on planning your amazing trip.

Ready to start planning? Contact us today and let’s get your Red Sea adventure started!