By the holidaysaudi.com team · Updated 22 September 2026
Saudi Arabia has around 1,800 km of Red Sea coastline, more than any other country, yet for decades its reefs were seen mainly by residents and a few adventurous divers. That makes the Saudi side of the Red Sea special: healthy hard and soft corals, big schools of fish, and dive sites where you may be the only boat. Infrastructure is still growing, but Jeddah has long-established dive centres and the new resorts along the north-western coast have brought world-class facilities.
When to go
The water is warm all year, from roughly 23°C in winter to more than 30°C in late summer, and visibility is often excellent. The most comfortable time for a diving holiday is from October to May, when air temperatures on the coast are pleasant. In summer the sea is still beautiful but the heat and humidity on land are intense, especially in Jeddah. A 3 mm wetsuit is enough for most of the year; in winter some divers prefer 5 mm.
Jeddah
For most visitors, Jeddah is the easiest place to start. Dive centres are concentrated in the north of the city around Obhur, where a narrow creek (Sharm Obhur) leads out to the sea. From there, boats run to fringing reefs and offshore patch reefs with coral gardens, drop-offs and a number of wrecks, ships that ran aground on the reefs over the years. Day trips usually include two dives or a long snorkelling stop, with lunch on board.
Snorkellers do not need to go far: several reefs start right off the private beach clubs in Obhur, which charge a day fee and rent equipment. Compare snorkelling and diving trips on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Yanbu
Around three and a half hours' drive north of Jeddah, the port city of Yanbu is popular with Saudi divers for its offshore reefs, rich soft corals and chances of seeing larger marine life. It is a weekend favourite rather than an international resort, so facilities are simpler. Combine it with a night or two at the beach and a walk through Yanbu's small historic quarter.
Umluj and the north-western islands
Further north, Umluj is the gateway to a scattered archipelago of sandy islands and shallow lagoons with turquoise water, sometimes called the Maldives of Saudi Arabia. Local operators run boat trips for snorkelling, swimming and island picnics. It is a good choice if you prefer snorkelling to deep diving. See our Red Sea coast guide for the wider region.
Red Sea Global: The Red Sea and AMAALA
The biggest change on the coast comes from Red Sea Global, the developer behind two luxury destinations. The Red Sea, north of Umluj, opened its first resorts in 2023 and now has a growing collection of island and desert hotels, served by Red Sea International Airport. The resorts have their own dive and water-sports centres with access to reefs that have seen very little human impact, and strict environmental rules apply.
AMAALA, further north along the coast, welcomed its first guests in June 2026 at Triple Bay, with resorts including Four Seasons, Six Senses and Rosewood opening over the summer and more following. It focuses on wellness, but water sports and reef excursions are part of the offer. Both destinations are aimed at the top end of the market; prices are high and stays are usually booked as packages. Compare options on Booking.com.
Farasan Islands
In the far south, the Farasan Islands are a protected marine area of coral islands, mangroves and quiet beaches, home to sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs. A ferry runs from Jizan. The islands feel remote and wonderfully unspoilt, but Jizan province lies close to the Yemen border and is specifically named in current security warnings, so this is a destination for calmer times.
| Area | Best for | Level | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah (Obhur) | Day trips, courses, wrecks | All levels | City dive centres |
| Yanbu | Soft corals, bigger fish | Intermediate | About 3.5 hours from Jeddah |
| Umluj | Snorkelling, island trips | Beginners | Road trip or nearby airport |
| The Red Sea and AMAALA | Pristine reefs, luxury resorts | All levels | Resort transfers |
| Farasan Islands | Turtles, dolphins, remote beaches | All levels | Ferry from Jizan |
Before you go
- Insurance: standard travel insurance often excludes diving. Take out specific dive cover and check what it says about government travel advice; compare on VisitorsCoverage.
- Flying after diving: leave at least 18–24 hours before a flight, which matters if you plan to fly on to AlUla or Riyadh.
- Reef care: do not touch or stand on coral, never feed fish and use mineral sunscreen.
- Dress: on public beaches, wear a T-shirt or rash vest over swimwear; private beach clubs and resorts are more relaxed.
- Getting there: distances along the coast are long. Hire a car (DiscoverCars) or fly into the nearest airport.
Tours: Diving and Snorkelling in the Saudi Red Sea
Compare guided trips, transfers and tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Saudi Red Sea good for diving?
Yes. Many reefs along the Saudi coast are in excellent condition and see far fewer divers than the Egyptian side, with healthy corals, abundant fish and good visibility much of the year.
Can beginners snorkel in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Beach clubs in Obhur near Jeddah have reefs close to shore, and the lagoons around Umluj and the Red Sea Global resorts offer calm, shallow water ideal for beginners.
When is the best time to dive in the Saudi Red Sea?
October to May is the most comfortable period, with warm water and pleasant air temperatures. Summer diving is possible, but the heat on land is intense.
Header photo: Photo: Mahmoud Habeeb, Public domain
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