Cruise the Red Sea

With thriving marine life, technicolor virgin reefs and uninhabited islands, the sun-soaked Red Sea coast is an unspoiled marvel that showcases the best of Saudi Arabia’s coastal charms.

Private yacht charters and luxury cruise liners are fast becoming the premier way to experience the best of the Red Sea, combining personalized luxury with exclusive access to the coast’s most secluded spots. Luxury travel operators offer bespoke itineraries on a wide choice of vessels from yachts to superyachts complete with hot tubs and a full staff to full scale luxury cruise liners. 

For divers and those interested in marine life, the Red Sea truly is the final frontier, home to dozens of rare species that you won’t discover anywhere else in the world. Those with a Cousteau spirit of exploration can accompany experienced dive masters into the deep on the lookout for whitetip sharks, gliding guitarfish and blue-spotted rays, while jet skis, wakeboards and paddleboards provide plenty of fun above the water, too.

Undoubtedly the highlight of a chartered trip is being able to explore some of the Red Sea’s restricted areas, otherwise closed to the public. Visiting the protected islands that form part of the ambitious project in Neom is one such exclusive opportunity, where the focus on sustainable development can be witnessed at the Sindalah Marine Sanctuary. Make sure to plot a course for the Georgios G shipwreck – sometimes referred to as the Saudi Titanic after it ran aground in 1978 – for more kaleidoscopic underwater delights, or the natural wonder of Wadi Tayeb Al-Ism, with its 600-meter high granite monolith and shimmering oasis stream.