The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia – Complete Guide to Beaches, Diving, and Luxury Resorts

Turquoise waters.

White sandy beaches.

Coral reefs teeming with life.

Private islands.

And some of Saudi Arabia's most spectacular new luxury resorts.

The Red Sea coast is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting parts of Saudi Arabia for international travelers.

For years, European tourists have primarily associated the Red Sea with destinations in Egypt and Jordan.

Yet Saudi Arabia possesses an immense coastline along the very same sea – and vast stretches of it have long seen far fewer visitors.

That is now beginning to change.

Along Saudi Arabia's west coast, new destinations are being developed with a focus on nature, luxury, diving, and experiential travel.

At the same time, established coastal cities like Jeddah and Yanbu already have deep, enduring ties to the Red Sea as an essential part of daily life.

For international travelers, this opens up completely new possibilities.

You can combine:

Riyadh and history

→ AlUla and desert

→ The Red Sea and beach

on one and the same journey.

In this guide, Saudi Reiser shows you what the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia has to offer – from snorkeling and diving to private islands, luxury resorts, and some of the country's most thrilling new destinations.

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Where is Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast located?

Saudi Arabia's western side borders the Red Sea.

The coast spans an enormous area from the border with Jordan in the north down toward Yemen in the south.

Along this coastline, you will find, among others:

• Jeddah
• Yanbu
• Umluj
• The Red Sea
• archipelagos
• coral reefs
• beaches
• marinas
• new resort destinations

The Red Sea coast is therefore not a single destination.

It is an entire region offering vastly diverse experiences.

What is "The Red Sea"?

When reading about new luxury resorts in Saudi Arabia, you will often encounter the name:

The Red Sea

This is the name of a major tourism destination developed by Red Sea Global along Saudi Arabia's west coast.

The destination covers an extensive area featuring:

• more than 90 islands
• coastline
• desert
• mountains
• coral reefs
• luxury resorts
• marine experiences
• nature-based activities

The Red Sea opened to its first guests in 2023.

Since then, several resorts have opened, and the destination has continued to develop.

This is the area where you will find some of Saudi Arabia's most talked-about new luxury hotels.

Why travel to the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia?

What makes Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast special is the combination of nature and relatively new tourism development.

Many areas are far less developed than classic international beach destinations.

Here you can experience:

• clear waters
• coral reefs
• tropical marine life
• private islands
• white sandy beaches
• diving
• snorkeling
• kayaking
• sailing
• luxury resorts
• spas
• desert
• mountains
• spectacular sunsets

For many, a few days by the Red Sea will be the perfect ending to a tour across Saudi Arabia.

The Red Sea underwater

One of the biggest reasons to visit the area actually lies beneath the sea surface.

The Red Sea is famous for:

• corals
• tropical fish
• reefs
• clear water
• warm water
• exciting underwater landscapes

Along Saudi Arabia's side of the Red Sea, there are vast marine areas with coral reefs and abundant wildlife.

This makes the region exceptionally appealing for both snorkeling and diving.

Snorkeling in the Red Sea

You do not need to be a certified diver to experience life beneath the surface.

Snorkeling is available at many resorts and marine excursions.

Depending on the area, you can experience:

• coral gardens
• tropical fish
• clear, shallow water
• reefs
• sandy bottoms
• marine ecosystems

For families and travelers who prefer not to dive, snorkeling can be one of the highlights of the journey.

Several luxury resorts arrange guided snorkeling trips.

Diving in Saudi Arabia

Diving is one of the activities that make Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast especially intriguing for international travelers.

There are diving opportunities both from established coastal cities and from the new resort areas.

Popular locations include:

• Jeddah
• Yanbu
• The Red Sea destination
• various island and reef areas along the west coast

Depending on the location and operator, dives can include:

• coral reefs
• wall dives
• marine life
• underwater landscapes
• wrecks
• boat dives

Conditions and available dive sites vary.

Always choose a reputable and certified operator.

Diving from Jeddah

Jeddah has long had an active diving community.

The city's location makes it a natural starting point for boat trips out to offshore reefs.

This can be a great option if you wish to combine:

• historic Al-Balad
• big city life
• restaurants
• the Red Sea
• one or more diving days

Jeddah is therefore well-suited for travelers who do not necessarily want a full resort stay.

Diving in Yanbu

Yanbu is located further north along the Red Sea coast.

The area is also renowned for diving.

Here, you will find coral reefs and marine areas that attract both local and international divers.

Yanbu can be particularly interesting for travelers where diving is a core part of the journey itself.

The Red Sea – Luxury Meets Nature

The new The Red Sea destination is built around an entirely different style of travel.

Here, nature, privacy, and luxury take center stage.

Many of the resorts are situated either:

• on private islands
• along the beach
• in the heart of the desert
• integrated into the mountain landscape

This means that a stay is about much more than just the hotel room.

The resort and the surrounding nature are an integral part of the entire experience.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is located on the Ummahat Islands.

The resort opened in 2024 and comprises exclusive villas both beachfront and overwater.

Here, you will find a combination of:

• private villas
• private pools
• white sandy beaches
• crystal-clear water
• coral reefs
• St. Regis Butler Service
• spa
• restaurants
• water sports

The resort features 90 beachfront and overwater villas, all with private pools.

This is especially well-suited for:

• couples
• honeymoons
• luxury vacations
• families
• a combination of beach and activities

Saudi Reiser offers a dedicated package proposal for The St. Regis Red Sea that can be tailored to your desired trip duration, villa preference, and activities.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The Ummahat Islands are also home to:

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

This is Ritz-Carlton's exclusive Reserve concept.

Nujuma is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs.

The experience is built around:

• privacy
• nature
• personalized service
• villa stays
• culture
• culinary experiences
• wellness
• marine activities

Nujuma is particularly suited for travelers seeking an ultra-exclusive and tranquil stay.

The resort opened in 2024, making the Ummahat Islands one of the most exclusive parts of The Red Sea.

Shebara

Shebara immediately stands out through its architecture.

The resort is located on Sheybarah Island and is famous for its futuristic overwater villas with reflective surfaces.

The distinctive villas almost look like metallic pearls floating above the water.

This design makes Shebara one of the most visually unique resorts in Saudi Arabia.

Yet the experience is also about:

• the Red Sea
• coral reefs
• privacy
• beach
• villas
• spa
• dining
• water sports

For design and architecture enthusiasts, Shebara is particularly captivating.

Desert Rock

Not all resorts at The Red Sea are situated by the water.

Desert Rock is nestled within a dramatic mountain landscape.

The resort is built directly into the granite mountain and surrounding valley.

Instead of overwater villas, you will find:

• desert
• mountains
• cliffs
• spectacular architecture
• spa
• hiking
• stargazing
• adventure activities

Desert Rock demonstrates just how diverse The Red Sea destination truly is.

You can combine an island getaway with a few nights deep in the mountains.

In 2026, Desert Rock was awarded three MICHELIN Keys, making the resort the first in Saudi Arabia to receive this highest honor in the MICHELIN Guide's hotel selection.

Six Senses Southern Dunes

Six Senses Southern Dunes was the first resort to open in The Red Sea destination.

It is not situated out on an island.

Instead, it lies in the desert landscape inland from the coast.

This provides a completely different experience compared to The St. Regis and Nujuma.

Here, much revolves around:

• desert
• mountains
• wellness
• tranquility
• nature
• sustainability
• spa
• local inspiration

Six Senses Southern Dunes is therefore an appealing option as part of a combined journey taking in both the coast and the inland desert.

Shura Island

Shura Island is one of the largest new development hubs at The Red Sea.

The island began welcoming guests with new resort openings in 2025.

A comprehensive resort hub is being developed here featuring:

• hotels
• restaurants
• beaches
• activities
• golf
• marine experiences

Shura Links is the island's golf course, bringing a new type of vacation experience to The Red Sea that combines beach, resort living, and golf.

More hotels and offerings will open and continue to develop over time.

Therefore, always check which resorts and facilities are open for your travel dates.

Other Resorts at The Red Sea

The Red Sea is developing rapidly.

In addition to the most well-known resorts, there are now several new hotel options available, and further hotels are under development.

This means that the selection will change from year to year.

When Saudi Reiser puts together an itinerary, we therefore consider:

• what is actually open
• travel dates
• hotel standard
• desired atmosphere
• beach versus desert
• activity level
• price level
• who is traveling

The best resort is not necessarily the same for everyone.

Which resort is right for you?

The St. Regis Red Sea

Well suited for:

• classic luxury
• couples
• families
• private villas
• overwater experience
• snorkeling
• water sports

Nujuma

Well suited for:

• ultra-luxury
• privacy
• couples
• honeymoons
• tranquility
• exclusive island experience

Shebara

Well suited for:

• design
• architecture
• overwater villas
• modern luxury
• couples
• visual experiences

Desert Rock

Well suited for:

• mountains
• desert
• adventure
• architecture
• spa
• stargazing
• combination with beach resorts

Six Senses Southern Dunes

Well suited for:

• wellness
• desert
• tranquility
• spa
• nature
• sustainable luxury

Beaches along the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast features vast coastal stretches.

The beach experience ranges from:

• private resort beaches
• islands
• public beaches
• beach clubs
• untouched coastal areas

At the resorts in The Red Sea, the beach is an integral part of the experience.

Several are surrounded by:

• white sand
• shallow turquoise waters
• coral reefs
• private coves

For a classic luxury vacation, the resort areas are the most effortless options.

Islands and private resort experiences

One of the greatest differences between The Red Sea and many other beach destinations is the abundance of islands.

Red Sea Global reports that the destination encompasses more than 90 islands.

Only a portion of these are being developed for tourism.

Several resorts are therefore surrounded by vast stretches of pristine nature and open sea.

For guests, this creates a feeling of:

• privacy
• tranquility
• exclusivity
• significant distance from traditional tourist cities

This is an important part of the experience.

Marine activities

The Red Sea can be experienced in many ways.

Depending on the resort and season, activities may include:

• snorkeling
• scuba diving
• kayaking
• paddleboarding
• sailing
• windsurfing
• e-foiling
• boat trips
• fishing
• yachting
• private island excursions

Not all activities are offered at every resort.

Saudi Reiser can tailor your stay to what you wish to do.

Private boat trips

A private boat trip is one of the finest ways to experience the Red Sea.

The trip can, for example, include:

• cruising between islands
• swimming
• snorkeling
• lunch
• sunset
• private dining

For couples, a sunset cruise can be a deeply romantic experience.

For families, a day on the water offers a wonderful balance of activity and relaxation.

Spa and wellness

The luxury resorts at The Red Sea place great emphasis on wellness.

Spa experiences vary between resorts, but can include:

• massages
• treatments
• hammam
• yoga
• fitness
• mindfulness
• private treatments
• wellness programs

This makes the area particularly well suited for trips where relaxation is just as important as sightseeing.

Dining and restaurants

Food is an essential part of the luxury experience.

The resorts offer diverse concepts, including:

• Saudi flavors
• regional dishes
• seafood
• international cuisine
• Japanese cuisine
• fine dining
• beachfront dining
• private dinners

At private island resorts, much of the dining naturally takes place on-site.

That makes choosing the right resort especially important.

When is the best time to visit the Red Sea?

The Red Sea can be visited for most of the year.

However, the best period depends on what you are looking for.

November to March

This is especially pleasant for travelers seeking:

• beach life
• sightseeing
• outdoor activities
• boat trips
• a combination with Riyadh and AlUla

Temperatures on land are typically far more comfortable than in the peak of summer.

April and May

Temperatures rise, but the Red Sea can still be very appealing.

This can be a great period for:

• resort
• water activities
• snorkeling
• diving

June to September

Summer is very hot.

For travelers who enjoy the heat and whose main focus is:

• resort
• pool
• sea
• diving
• snorkeling
• water sports

it can still work well.

Outdoor activities on land should be planned around the temperatures.

October

October marks the transition back to the more comfortable period.

This can be a great month if you want warm water and increasingly pleasant temperatures on land.

Best time for diving

Diving is possible throughout most of the year.

The best period depends, among other things, on:

• area
• weather
• wind
• water temperature
• visibility
• the marine life you wish to see

Spring and autumn offer a particularly good balance between sea temperatures and temperatures on land.

For specific diving trips, conditions should be checked closer to the travel date.

How many days do you need by the Red Sea?

This depends on what kind of trip you are planning.

3 nights

Ideal if the Red Sea is the finale of an active round trip.

You will have time for:

• beach
• spa
• snorkeling
• one boat trip
• relaxation

5 nights

This provides a more balanced resort holiday.

You can combine:

• relaxation
• diving
• water sports
• spa
• boat trip
• fine dining

7 nights

Ideal if the Red Sea is one of the main destinations of your journey.

This allows you to slow down and truly enjoy the resort.

Seven nights is especially suitable for:

• honeymoon
• luxury vacation
• family holiday
• beach holiday
• wellness

Saudi Reiser offers, among other options, a dedicated seven-night package proposal for The St. Regis Red Sea.

How do you get to The Red Sea?

The Red Sea has its own airport:

Red Sea International Airport

Flight options and routes continue to develop over time.

Which flight route is most convenient therefore depends on:

• where you are traveling from
• travel dates
• whether the trip is combined with other places in Saudi Arabia
• current domestic and international routes

Upon arrival, your journey continues to the resort.

Depending on the resort, the final leg of the journey can be by:

• car
• boat
• speedboat
• seaplane
• resort-arranged transfer

Saudi Reiser can coordinate all transportation.

Red Sea International Airport

The airport is developed specifically for The Red Sea destination.

It makes combining the resorts with other parts of Saudi Arabia far easier.

Instead of long transfers from Jeddah, you can fly significantly closer to the resort area.

Flight schedules are subject to change, so current flight connections should always be checked for your actual travel dates.

Can the Red Sea be combined with AlUla?

Yes.

This is one of the most exciting combinations in Saudi Arabia.

In AlUla, you will experience:

• Hegra
• desert
• mountains
• archaeology
• history

At the Red Sea, you will experience:

• beaches
• sea
• snorkeling
• spa
• resorts
• relaxation

The contrast makes for a remarkably varied journey.

Combine Riyadh, AlUla, and the Red Sea

For a premium first-time itinerary, you could, for example, combine:

Riyadh → AlUla → The Red Sea

Riyadh

Metropolis, Diriyah, dining, and modern Saudi Arabia.

AlUla

Hegra, history, and spectacular desert landscapes.

The Red Sea

Luxury, beaches, coral reefs, and relaxation.

This offers three entirely distinct experiences in a single journey.

Combine Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah, and the Red Sea

If you have more time, a more extensive tour could be:

Riyadh → AlUla → Jeddah → The Red Sea

You will then experience:

• a modern metropolis
• archaeology
• a historic coastal city
• the Red Sea
• beaches
• luxury resorts

This is well suited for travelers looking to experience much of Saudi Arabia's diversity.

The Red Sea and Jeddah – What Is the Difference?

Jeddah is located on the Red Sea, but the experience is completely different from a stay at The Red Sea destination.

Jeddah

Ideal for:

• Al-Balad
• city life
• restaurants
• culture
• Corniche
• boat trips
• diving

The Red Sea

Ideal for:

• private resorts
• beach
• villas
• luxury
• tranquility
• snorkeling
• spa
• exclusive marine experiences

Many travelers find it rewarding to experience both.

The Red Sea for Couples

The Red Sea is wonderfully suited for couples.

The private island resorts in particular provide an exceptional setting for:

• honeymoons
• anniversaries
• romantic getaways
• spa
• private dining
• sunset cruises
• private villas

Combining this with AlUla creates a truly special honeymoon.

The Red Sea with Children

Several resorts are also well suited for families.

Activities may include:

• snorkeling
• beach
• pool
• water sports
• boat trips
• nature
• kids' club
• family activities

Which resort is best suited depends on the children's ages and what the family prefers.

Some of the most exclusive resorts cater more toward couples and tranquility, while others offer more dedicated family amenities.

Honeymoon by the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia's new resorts make the Red Sea especially appealing for honeymoons.

Here you can combine:

private villa

→ private pool

→ white sand

→ snorkeling

→ spa

→ dining by the sea

→ sunsets over the Red Sea

Combined with a few days in AlUla, you get both adventure and relaxation.

Golf by the Red Sea

The Red Sea now also offers golf.

Shura Links is located on Shura Island.

This makes it possible to combine a beach and resort stay with golf.

For golf enthusiasts, this can be an exciting part of a broader Saudi itinerary.

Availability, playing options, and hotel combinations should be checked for the specific travel dates.

Nature and sustainability

The Red Sea has been developed with a clear focus on nature and regenerative tourism.

Red Sea Global notes, among other things, that the destination is working toward a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040.

Development is also limited to only a fraction of the total island archipelago.

The goal is to combine luxury tourism with the protection and enhancement of local ecosystems.

For guests, this is evident through a focus on:

• coral reefs
• marine environments
• conservation
• energy efficiency
• limited development footprint
• nature-based experiences

Solar power and new infrastructure

The Red Sea is developed as a major new destination with its own dedicated infrastructure.

Red Sea Global states that the destination is powered by renewable energy based on an extensive solar power system.

This is a key component of the project's profile.

For travelers, the result is modern transportation, brand-new resorts, and a destination largely built from the ground up.

Is the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia expensive?

It all depends on how you travel.

Jeddah and other coastal cities offer accommodation across a wide range of price points.

The Red Sea destination, by contrast, is primarily positioned as a premium and luxury travel experience.

Prices are influenced by factors such as:

• resort
• villa category
• season
• number of nights
• transportation
• meal plan
• activities
• private boat
• spa
• diving

The most exclusive villas and resorts can reach very high price levels.

Saudi Reiser can therefore tailor the journey to your desired standard and budget.

What should you pack?

For a classic Red Sea resort vacation, it is a good idea to bring:

• lightweight clothing
• swimwear
• sunglasses
• high-SPF sunscreen
• a sun hat or cap
• sandals
• comfortable walking shoes for excursions
• clothing that covers shoulders and knees outside resort areas
• your own snorkeling gear, if preferred
• a waterproof phone pouch
• camera

At private resorts, the atmosphere can be more relaxed than in public areas.

Nevertheless, always follow the resort's guidelines and local regulations.

Why add the Red Sea to a Saudi trip?

A tour can be filled with impressions.

Riyadh.

Diriyah.

AlUla.

Hegra.

Jeddah.

Museums.

History.

Desert.

After several active days, it can be wonderfully relaxing to wind down with a few days where the schedule is much simpler:

breakfast

→ beach

→ snorkeling

→ lunch

→ spa

→ sunset

→ dinner

It is this contrast that makes the Red Sea so appealing as a final stop.

The St. Regis Red Sea – our package itinerary

For travelers looking to experience The Red Sea in exceptional comfort, Saudi Reiser offers a dedicated package itinerary to:

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

The proposal includes seven nights at the resort and can be customized with options such as:

• private villa
• snorkeling
• scuba diving
• water sports
• spa
• private boat charter
• sunset cruise
• dining experiences

This is a proposed itinerary – not a rigid fixed package.

The journey can be customized based on:

• dates
• number of nights
• villa category
• number of travelers
• activities
• additional travel within Saudi Arabia

View package itinerary: The St. Regis Red Sea

Let Saudi Reiser plan your trip

The Red Sea can be:

• the entire vacation
• a few days following AlUla
• the finale of an extensive round trip
• a honeymoon
• a family holiday
• a diving getaway
• a luxury escape

Saudi Reiser can assist you with:

• resort selection
• flights
• hotels
• private transportation
• boat transfers
• activities
• scuba diving
• snorkeling
• spa treatments
• itineraries before or after your resort stay

We can put the entire journey together so that transitions between city, desert, and beach seamlessly become part of the experience.

Ready to experience the Red Sea?

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast reveals a side of the country that continues to surprise many.

Here, the desert meets one of the world's most renowned tropical marine areas.

Beyond the arid coast lies crystal-clear, warm water.

Beneath the surface thrive vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Across the islands, new resorts are opening that combine architecture, nature, and luxury.

And just a few hours' travel away, you will find AlUla, Riyadh, and some of Saudi Arabia's most important historical destinations.

This makes the Red Sea more than just a beach destination.

It can be the perfect finale to a journey through one of the Middle East's most contrasting countries.

Get an itinerary suggestion for your trip to the Red Sea

Tell us how long you wish to travel, who is coming along, and what kind of resort experience you desire, and Saudi Reiser will help you put together a tailor-made proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia

Can you have a beach vacation in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Saudi Arabia has a long coastline along the Red Sea featuring beaches, islands, coral reefs, and a growing selection of luxury resorts.

Is the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia good for diving?

Yes. The Red Sea coast boasts coral reefs and rich marine life. Areas with diving opportunities include Jeddah, Yanbu, and the new resort destinations in The Red Sea.

Which luxury resorts are located at The Red Sea?

Among the most renowned are The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Shebara, Desert Rock, and Six Senses Southern Dunes. New resorts continue to open as the destination develops.

Where is The St. Regis Red Sea Resort located?

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is located on the Ummahat Islands in The Red Sea destination along Saudi Arabia's western coast.

What is the difference between the Red Sea and The Red Sea?

The Red Sea is the sea itself and the long coastal region along Saudi Arabia's western side. At the same time, The Red Sea is the name of a specific new luxury destination developed by Red Sea Global.

When is the best time to visit the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia?

For many travelers, the period from approximately November to March is very pleasant. However, the Red Sea can be visited for most of the year, especially if the primary focus is resorts and water activities.

Can the Red Sea be combined with AlUla?

Yes. AlUla and the Red Sea make an excellent combination. You first experience history, Hegra, and desert landscapes, followed by the beach, snorkeling, and relaxation.

Can you snorkel at the resorts?

Yes. Several resorts offer snorkeling and other marine activities. The exact offerings vary between hotels and should be confirmed for your travel dates.

How many days should you spend at the Red Sea?

Three nights can work well as a brief conclusion to a round trip, while five to seven nights are better suited if you want a complete resort and beach experience.

Is the Red Sea suitable for a honeymoon?

Yes. Private islands, pool villas, spas, beaches, and private dining make several of the resorts exceptionally well-suited for honeymoons and romantic getaways.