The Red Sea is a major tourist destination located on the western coast of Saudi Arabia and can be visited at any time of the year. Because of the pleasant weather, tourists may take advantage of the spectacular beaches and indulge in various things to do in the Red Sea. Visitors can explore some of the world’s most extensive barrier reefs, which are home to dolphins, turtles, and corals among other Red Sea tourist attractions. Jeddah, Yanbu, and Umluj are some prominent cities located on the coast of the Red Sea that provide a diverse range of water adventure activities.
9 Exciting things to do in Red sea
1. Scuba diving and snorkeling
The Red Sea is one of the best destinations on earth for scuba diving, where divers may discover beautiful marine life and an abundance of untouched reefs. Throughout the year, the temperature of the water is neither too high nor too low, and visibility beneath the water is excellent. The Red Sea also has some of the most popular wrecks that can be explored by scuba divers under supervision of experts. Snorkeling is an excellent activity to witness the fantastic world under the sea. The person must swim underwater and adjust breathing using a mask and snorkel. Reefs and wrecks are the best places to explore marine life, such as corals, fish, stingrays, and sea turtles. The majority of the reefs are easily accessible from the beach. An alternative is to take a boat journey to a permanent reef structure or one of the deeper reefs.
Marine creatures to spot: Eels, rays, lionfish, clownfish, octopus, turtles, lobsters, and starfish are a few aquatic animals frequently seen while diving.
Top spots: Yanbu, Jeddah, Al Wajah, Umluj, and Jazan
Price: SAR 350
Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In Saudi Arabia: 7 Cities To Explore The Red Sea Reefs
2. Kitesurfing
It is a thrilling water sport to try, which is a combination of surfing, snowboarding, paragliding, windsurfing, and skateboarding. In this, a person uses a surfing board to navigate the water while attached to a hand-controlled kite by a harness which is driven by the wind. October to May is the best time to enjoy kitesurfing in the Red Sea. Consistent winds, warm water, and readable waves enhance the kitesurfing experience for the beginners.
Price: SAR 500-600
3. Kayaking
Kayaking is a beautiful water sport to try while admiring the breathtaking views of the sea. The small boat can carry one or two people and must be paddled with a double-bladed oar. Through the clear waters of the sea, one can view the beautiful corals and plentiful fishes when on a kayak. It is an endurance sport that tests the entire body, including the arms, legs, and chest. It is a brilliant activity because everyone can try it out and enjoy it.
Price: SAR 120-150
4. Stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddle-boarding is another fun-filled activity that tourists to Saudi Arabia must try. In order to move forward, one must balance on a large, wide board and stand on it while using an oar. Since it is quite challenging, beginners who want to try SUP can do so on flat and calm seas. Those looking for a more significant challenge and thrill can attempt it on the rough waves.
5. Parasailing
While parasailing, people can get a bird’s eye view of the gorgeous Red Sea and its surroundings. It’s an exciting activity in which a person is attached to a parasail, which is then connected to a boat. It is perfect for enjoying the cool sea breeze and the lovely surroundings. It can be a lot of fun with friends and family, but age restrictions may exist. Paragliding is also incredible for those with disabilities with specialized equipment.
Price: SAR 300-500
6. Windsurfing
Windsurfing is another exciting sport that combines surfing and sailing by attaching a sail on a board and strapping a person on it. It incorporates wind power for the maximum thrill. This sport is fantastic since the wind conditions at Red Sea are ideal. As there are few risks associated with windsurfing, a surfer must be physically fit and able to swim.
7. Jet Skiing
The high-speed boat is ideal for cruising in the sea near the beach to have a great experience. Jet ski racing with friends will undoubtedly be a lot of fun and an everlasting memory. There is an age limit for driving a jet ski, but children can also enjoy the ride if accompanied by an adult.
Price: SAR 150-200
8. Flyboarding
Flyboarding is one of the most unique and thrilling things to experience in which a high-powered propulsion system pushes the rider high above the water. This water sport has grown in popularity in recent times. In this, a person is hooked to a board with a pipe connected to a jet ski which provides the propulsion through the board. Flyboarding allows one to flip, dive, fly, and scoop while feeling like a superhero.
Price: SAR 350-400
9. Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is one of the most extreme watersports that will give tourists a surging adrenaline rush. In this water sport, the person stands on a board while holding onto a rope attached to a boat with their hands. The boat then begins to move, and the person is dragged along. Riders can do tricks like jumping and flipping to make the ride even more fun. There are specially developed high-speed boats for the finest wakeboarding experience.
The Red Sea is the seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean that lies between Asia and Africa. It is a vast sea spread over 438,000 sq. km and is well-known for its marine life and coral, with over 1200 species of fish and 200 different varieties of soft and hard corals. The Red Sea is undoubtedly one of the best places for travelers to try exciting and adventurous things. There are numerous things to do in the Red Sea such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, and more. Several places along Saudi Arabia’s western coast offer the chance to enjoy the Red Sea attractions fully.
Suggested Read: Saudi Arabia Tourism 2023: Top Cities, Itinerary, Do’s and Don’ts
Things To Do In Red Sea FAQs
What are the best places to visit along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia?
Jeddah, Yanbu, and Umluj are the best places to visit along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia.
Can children go on a jet ski ride in the Red Sea?
Children may ride a jet ski only when accompanied by an adult.
What aquatic animals can be seen in the Red Sea?
Eels, lionfish, clownfish, octopus, turtles, lobsters, and starfish are some aquatic animals that can be seen in the Red Sea.
