One of Earth’s Last Unspoiled Marine Frontiers Comes Into Focus

Crystal-clear waters stretching endlessly, coral reefs pulsing with life, and untouched islands waiting to be explored - welcome to the Saudi Red Sea.  This emerging global destination is making waves not just for its beauty, but for its mindful approach to the environment – with development rooted in sustainability, and the protection and preservation of marine life at its core.  On World Oceans Day, Saudi celebrates these most vital ecosystems.

Few places better embody this year’s call for action than the Saudi Red Sea, one of the world’s last unexplored sanctuaries. Stretching along Saudi’s western coastline, this pristine aquatic world is home to over 300 species of coral and more than 250 species of fish, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks and sea birds. Visitors to the towns and resorts dotting this stunning coastline can partake of one of a kind experiences - ranging from diving to turtle nesting and hatching, to coral blooms and more. The Saudi Red Sea is a living laboratory, where visitors can see the not just the beauty and fragility of the ecosystem, but also nature’s resilience, when it is held paramount.

Preserving Nature’s Masterpiece

As Saudi welcomes greater numbers to its shores, it does so with a focus on responsible tourism.  Alongside entities such as Red Sea Global (RSG), Saudi is building destinations that put the environment at their heart. Through the largest environmental baseline study ever conducted in the region, spanning more than 1800 kilometers of coastline and 90 offshore islands, a respect for the environment permeates every development along this coast.

The Saudi Red Sea’s coral reefs, considered some of the most climate-resilient in the world, are the showstoppers of the entire endeavor. Restoration programs, coral gardening, and technology-driven reef monitoring are ensuring that this extraordinary underwater world not only survives but thrives.

Rachel Moore, PADI Ambassadiver, called the Saudi Red Sea one of the few healthy places left on our plant, saying “diving in the red sea has made me incredibly hopeful – the corals here are extremely resilient, the coral coverage on the dive sites extensive… [I] was surprised to see how much living coral there is.”

Above and Below the Surface

Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike will find endless opportunities to connect with the ocean here. Snorkeling and diving unveil a kaleidoscope of life beneath the surface; from sea turtles gliding gracefully over the reefs, to vibrant fish darting through the corals.  Divers accustomed to untouched sites are awed by the experience, with PADI Ambassador Nikhil Kandhari finding it “absolutely incredible [with] pristine waters, beautiful corals, [one can see] so many different types of corals at each dive site.” 

From Jeddah to Yanbu, Umluj, Farasan Islands, to Tabuk and along the jaw dropping resorts of the Saudi Red Sea, there is plenty of adventure to be had – below the water, and above - kayaking through mangrove forests, paddleboarding along protected coastlines, this is truly harmonious exploration. 

Soon, visitors will be able to dive even deeper, figuratively and literally, at the world’s first fully immersive experiential marine life center “Corallium”, currently under development by Red Sea Global. Designed to educate and inspire, the center will offer interactive exhibits, underwater observatories

Built to Protect, Not Just Impress

Saudi is building a new relationship between people and planet. Nowhere is this more evident than in the development of resorts across the Saudi Red Sea. With only 1% of the entire destination footprint being developed, the rest will be left untouched, a testament to this commitment to a more conscious conservation.

Guests can experience world-class hospitality that puts nature first. Resorts such as Shebara, Desert Rock, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, as well as The St. Regis Red Sea Resort are designed with sustainability at their core. From off-grid energy systems to zero-waste initiatives and wildlife-friendly architecture, these retreats offer the ultimate escape without compromise to the environment.

A Call to Conscious Travel

As the world pauses to reflect on the state of our oceans, the Saudi Red Sea offers hope. It is proof that tourism and conservation can and must go hand in hand. Through considered development, scientific innovation, and a deep respect for nature, Saudi is setting a new global benchmark for sustainable marine tourism.

This World Oceans Day, we invite you to discover the Saudi Red Sea, not just as a destination, but as a movement. One that places nature at the heart of exploration, and travelers at the forefront of change.

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