Saudi seems to have cast its spell on us at TheGlitz—this being our fifth feature in under a year! Each time we dive into the Heart of Arabia, we discover new layers of wonder waiting to be explored. Today, we’re taking you on a journey along the mesmerising Saudi Red Sea coastline, where adventure meets luxury in ways you’ve never imagined. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a friends’ escape, or a soul-searching solo adventure, this guide promises to ignite your wanderlust. Welcome to Red Sea’s best-kept secret—a arcadia where every wave weaves a tale.

Adrenaline seekers, lean in! The Heart of Arabia is closer than your next Netflix binge—just a six-hour flight from Western Europe, a similar hop from India, or a breezy two-hour hop from the UAE. And trust us, what awaits is out of the ordinary: over 1000 untouched islands, 500 dazzling dive sites, 300 coral species, and 75 pristine stretches of sand so pristine they’ll make your Instagram followers turn green with envy. Snorkel through kaleidoscopic coral gardens alive with darting marine life, canter across sun-dappled sands on horseback, or luxuriate in beachfront splendour in upscale resorts by some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands.

Saudi Red Sea surpasses the four primary criteria for a diving destination – warm water, clear water, diverse marine life and living coral reefs. With seamless connectivity, a quick and easy eVisa process, plus curated experiences for every type of traveller, Saudi Red Sea welcomes you—where every day feels like you’re starring in your own adventure movie! Here are five thrilling experiences you can book right now.

Dive deep into the blue

Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters where vibrant staghorn corals play hide and seek with schools of delicate reef fish. In the North region, night diving offers scuba divers and snorkellers a mesmerising world where bioluminescent plankton sparkle like underwater stars. As expert dive leader Maggie Sutanto says, “If you are an explorer, you would like to come here. This area is unexplored—it’s new!” The underwater terrain tells tales of untouched marine ecosystems.

Head south to Bayada Island, and you might find yourself swimming alongside gentle sea turtles or watching clownfish play hide-and-seek in their anemone homes. The Farasan Islands near Jazan offer gentle house reefs blooming in electric blue and pink, where parrotfish sculptors work their magic with toothy beaks. Whether you’re taking your first plunge or capturing underwater photographs of shark conservation efforts, these waters accommodate every level of curiosity and expertise.

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Ride the waves with thrilling water sports

The coastline is your playground here. Charter a yacht and feel the Arabian breeze in your hair while sailing past hidden coves and coral-ringed islands. For those seeking modern thrills, e-foiling offers a futuristic twist—imagine hovering above turquoise waters like a marine superhero, skimming the horizon on a hydro board.

Further south in the centre region, Yam Beach has become a haven for kitesurfing enthusiasts, offering both private lessons and group sessions for those looking to master the art of wind and wave. For a gentler pace, paddleboarding and kayaking offer intimate encounters with mangrove-lined shores and tranquil bays, where each stroke reveals another layer of this coastal paradise.

Cast, Catch, Connect in Jeddah’s Pristine Waters

Jeddah’s Dourat Al-Arous Marina isn’t just a fishing spot; it’s where dreams set sail, blending beauty with thrill at one of the world’s most pristine coastlines. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing the perfect catch or a beginner learning the ropes, guided by expert crews, cast your line into the Saudi Red Sea’s rich waters —  home to snapper, grouper, and barracuda.

Private charters can guide you to the sweet spots while sharing local fishing wisdom passed down through generations that promise adventure with every cast. Between casts, the UNESCO-listed Al-Balad, Historic Jeddah, beckons with its maze of coral stone houses and vibrant souks, where ancient trading traditions live on in artisan workshops and bustling marketplaces.

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Ride the waves and meet the Arabian horse by the sea

There’s something magical about meeting the legendary Arabian horses in their homeland. These elegant creatures, with centuries of tradition and pride in their blood, carry you along pristine beaches as waves whisper nearby.

At exclusive equestrian centres along the coast, seasoned trainers introduce you to different breeds, sharing tales of Arabian horses’ legendary stamina and grace. Beach rides take on new meaning here, where golden sands meet turquoise waters under the soft glow of sunset. As day turns to dusk, traditional majlis gatherings await with local delicacies and friendly board games, creating the perfect end to an adventure-filled day.

Uncover hidden treasures in Jazan

In the Fifa Mountains, rising dramatically 1,800 meters above sea level, nature puts on a spectacular show. Known as the “Neighbour of the Moon,” these peaks present a different side of Saudi – one of terraced greenery disappearing into misty valleys and panoramic views that stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

Offshore, the Farasan Islands showcase a different kind of paradise, where dense mangrove forests harbour diverse wildlife and pristine coral reefs lie beneath crystal-clear waters. This unique combination of mountain and marine ecosystems creates a naturalist’s playground, where every turn reveals another facet of Arabia’s natural wealth.

To learn more and plan your trip, visit the Visit Saudi website.

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