Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastline stretches for more than 1,800 kilometres — and until very recently, almost none of it was accessible to international visitors. The result is a marine environment of extraordinary health and diversity: coral reefs that have never been subjected to mass tourism, mangrove lagoons undisturbed by speedboats, and fish populations so dense they colour the water. The northern coast in particular, encompassing the area around Al Wajh and the Farasan Islands in the south, contains some of the Red Sea's most pristine diving and snorkelling grounds — waters where marine biologists still document species new to science.
Saudi Arabia's ambitious coastal development projects have begun to open these waters to the world, but through a model that prioritises quality over quantity — private island resorts, tightly managed conservation zones, and a deliberate policy of low visitor numbers. For travellers who have dived the Maldives, the Great Barrier Reef, or the Egyptian Red Sea coast, a journey to the Saudi coast offers something those destinations can no longer provide: genuine solitude in an environment of exceptional natural richness. As a complement to a heritage itinerary anchored in Jeddah's Al-Balad, the Red Sea provides a second, entirely different dimension to the journey.
Enquire About the Red SeaThe Saudi Red Sea is home to some of the healthiest coral reef systems remaining anywhere on earth. Decades of limited access have allowed these ecosystems to develop undisturbed, resulting in coral gardens of extraordinary complexity and colour — home to more than 1,200 fish species and over 300 coral species. Water visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres, and reef walls begin just metres from the surface, making the area exceptional for both experienced divers and confident snorkellers.
Sindalah, within the NEOM development zone on Saudi Arabia's northwest coast, is among the most ambitious yacht and marina destinations being developed anywhere in the world. Set against the dramatic Hejaz mountain backdrop, the island combines world-class berthing facilities with a private resort model designed for guests seeking extraordinary coastal experiences in a completely new kind of destination — one that has no comparison elsewhere in the region.
The Farasan Archipelago, off Saudi Arabia's southwest coast near Jizan, comprises more than 84 coral islands and islets within a protected marine reserve. Long closed to outside visitors, the islands host some of the Red Sea's most undisturbed coral formations, significant seabird nesting colonies, and a small population of the endemic Farasan gazelle. An expedition to the Farasan Islands remains one of the rarest and most genuinely remote experiences available to any traveller in the Arabian Peninsula.
The vast Al Wajh lagoon, on the northwest coast, is a shallow-water reef system of exceptional biological richness protected within a marine park. Its calm, turquoise waters are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding through coral gardens, while the adjacent coastline provides some of the Red Sea's most pristine beach camping grounds. Accessed by private charter flight from AlUla, Al Wajh pairs naturally with a heritage itinerary.
The Saudi Red Sea offers dive conditions that established operators consistently rank among the best in the world — large pelagic species including hammerhead sharks and manta rays, coral pinnacles rising from deep water, and wrecks that have become artificial reefs teeming with life. Private guided dive excursions depart from resort pontoons or chartered dhows, ensuring every dive site is explored with the attention and intimacy that the environment deserves.
Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport provides direct connections to Europe and the United Kingdom, making it the natural entry point for a journey that combines Red Sea coastal luxury with Al-Balad's UNESCO heritage district. A recommended pairing begins with two nights in Al-Balad's historic coral stone quarter, followed by a transfer north along the coast to a private island resort — a programme that moves between four centuries of mercantile history and one of the world's most pristine marine environments.
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7 DaysRiyadh → Diriyah → AlUla → Hegra
From €5,500 per person
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10 DaysJeddah Al-Balad → AlUla → Hegra → Red Sea Coast
From €8,200 per person
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5 DaysAlUla → Hegra → Desert Camp
From €5,000 per person
View Full ItineraryThe Red Sea coastline took our breath away. We spent three days snorkelling over coral reefs that felt completely untouched, then retreated to our beachfront suite each evening. Nia arranged a private sunset cruise that was the most peaceful experience of our lives. Saudi Arabia's coast is the Mediterranean's best-kept secret.
I had no idea the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia had such extraordinary marine life. The diving was world-class, vibrant coral gardens and sea turtles just metres away. Our guide knew every hidden cove along the coast. Nia made an adventurous trip feel effortlessly luxurious.
Our ten-day journey through Saudi Arabia with Nia was transformative. From the ancient tombs of Hegra to the turquoise waters of the Red Sea coast, every destination was a revelation. Nia curated each day with such care that we never once felt rushed. Arabia has become our favourite destination in the world.
Our private tour of Hegra was the highlight of a lifetime. Standing before 2,000-year-old Nabataean tombs with our own archaeologist guide, we felt like we had stepped back in time. Nia personally ensured every detail was perfect, from the luxury camp to the candlelit desert dinner.
As a history professor, I had high expectations for AlUla, and Nia Travels exceeded every one. The private access to Dadan and the Lihyanite tombs was extraordinary. I have visited Petra twice, but Hegra, without the crowds, felt infinitely more intimate and powerful.
I travelled solo and was nervous about visiting Saudi Arabia on my own. Nia put me completely at ease. The stargazing evening in the AlUla desert was magical, and exploring Jeddah Al-Balad's coral stone alleyways with a local historian made the heritage come alive.
UNESCO HeritageDiscover Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among 2,000-year-old Nabataean tombs carved into golden sandstone cliffs, explore the ancient oasis city of Dadan, and experience the vast desert landscapes of one of the world's most remarkable open-air museums.
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UNESCO HeritageStep into the birthplace of the Saudi state. Explore the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district with its striking mud-brick architecture, stroll through the beautifully restored Bujairi Terrace, and uncover centuries of Arabian history in one of the region's most significant heritage destinations.
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UNESCO HeritageWander through a living heritage quarter where 400-year-old coral stone houses with intricately carved wooden balconies line narrow alleyways. Browse traditional souqs, discover centuries-old merchant history, and experience the vibrant culture of Jeddah's UNESCO-listed historic district.
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