Top Things to Do in The Red Sea Project

What makes the destination unique is its focus on sustainable luxury and nature-based experiences. Instead of crowded beach tourism, visitors here experience quiet islands, protected marine ecosystems, luxury resorts, desert adventures, and immersive outdoor activities.

For couples, families, photographers, adventure travellers, wellness seekers, and luxury holidaymakers, The Red Sea Project offers experiences unlike anywhere else in the Middle East.

Getting to The Red Sea Project

Distance from Riyadh:

Approximately 1,200 km

Distance from Jeddah:

Around 500 km north of Jeddah

The main gateway is Red Sea International Airport.

Transportation options:

• Domestic flights from Riyadh usually cost between USD 120 and USD 250 depending on season and airline.

• Flights from Jeddah generally range between USD 80 and USD 180.

• Luxury resort transfers and boat transfers may cost between USD 50 and USD 200 depending on the resort location.

Snorkelling in Coral Reefs

One of the biggest highlights of The Red Sea Project is its extraordinary coral reef system. The region is home to some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world, with vibrant marine life and exceptionally clear water. Unlike many heavily visited diving destinations, the reefs here remain relatively untouched.

Things travellers can experience:

• Swimming among colourful coral gardens

• Spotting tropical fish, turtles, and rays

• Guided snorkelling excursions

• Private reef tours with marine experts

Average activity prices:

Guided snorkelling trips usually range between USD 80 and USD 180.

For photographers and marine-life enthusiasts, the underwater scenery is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Saudi Arabia.

Luxury Island Hopping

The Red Sea destination includes dozens of islands scattered across turquoise waters. Many luxury resorts offer private boat excursions allowing travellers to explore hidden beaches, lagoons, and isolated sandbanks.

The calm atmosphere makes island hopping especially popular among honeymooners and couples.

Things to do during island excursions:

• Swimming in crystal-clear lagoons

• Beach picnics and sunset dinners

• Photography tours

• Relaxing on private beaches

Average boat excursion costs:

Usually between USD 150 and USD 500 depending on duration and privacy level.

The feeling of arriving on a nearly empty island surrounded by turquoise water creates a sense of exclusivity rarely found in modern beach tourism.

Diving in the Red Sea

The Red Sea coastline of Saudi Arabia has quietly become one of the world’s emerging diving destinations.

Divers can explore coral walls, underwater caves, shipwrecks, and marine ecosystems filled with colourful fish and sea life.

Things divers may encounter:

• Coral reefs with high visibility

• Sea turtles and reef sharks

• Deep-water diving locations

• Rare marine biodiversity

Average diving prices:

Single dive experiences generally range between USD 100 and USD 250. Professional certification courses can range between USD 400 and USD 900.

The combination of warm waters and uncrowded dive sites makes the experience especially rewarding for experienced divers.

Stargazing in the Desert

Beyond the beaches, The Red Sea Project is surrounded by dramatic desert and mountain landscapes with minimal light pollution.

At night, the sky becomes one of the region’s greatest attractions.

Luxury resorts often organise:

• Private stargazing sessions

• Desert dinners beneath the stars

• Astronomy experiences with guides

• Bonfire evenings in the dunes

Average experience prices:

Usually between USD 70 and USD 250 depending on the experience.

For travellers escaping busy cities, the silence and open skies create an atmosphere that feels deeply peaceful.

Wellness Retreats and Spa Experiences

Many of the resorts inside The Red Sea Project focus heavily on wellness and sustainability.

Travellers can experience:

• Desert yoga sessions

• Luxury spa treatments

• Meditation programmes

• Beachfront wellness therapies

• Holistic wellness retreats

Average wellness treatment prices:

Usually between USD 100 and USD 400.

The combination of sea views, desert scenery, and quiet surroundings makes the destination ideal for travellers seeking relaxation and reset.

Exploring Desert Landscapes

While most visitors come for the beaches, the surrounding desert landscapes are equally impressive. The coastline transitions into mountains, volcanic terrain, and open desert valleys.

Things to do inland:

• 4x4 desert safaris

• Mountain hiking

• Camel trekking

• Sunset photography tours

• Exploring hidden desert canyons

Average tour prices:

Usually between USD 90 and USD 300 depending on duration.

The contrast between turquoise waters and golden desert landscapes is one of the region’s most striking features.

Luxury Dining by the Sea

Dining experiences at The Red Sea Project focus heavily on local ingredients, seafood, and international fine dining.

Many resorts offer open-air restaurants overlooking the water, with menus inspired by Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and global coastal cuisine.

Popular dining experiences include:

• Private beach dinners

• Seafood tasting menus

• Sunset rooftop dining

• Floating breakfast experiences

Average dining prices:

Luxury dining experiences usually range between USD 50 and USD 250 per person. Sunset meals beside the sea often become one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Water Sports and Adventure Activities

For adventure travellers, The Red Sea Project also offers a wide range of outdoor activities.

Popular experiences include:

• Kayaking through lagoons

• Paddleboarding

• Windsurfing

• Sailing excursions

• Jet skiing in designated areas

Average activity prices:

Generally between USD 40 and USD 200 depending on the activity.

The calm waters and warm climate make outdoor water activities enjoyable for much of the year.

Watching Red Sea Sunsets

Sometimes, the simplest experience becomes the most memorable. Across the islands and beaches of The Red Sea Project, sunsets transform the sky into shades of gold, orange, pink, and deep blue.

Travellers often gather along beaches, resort decks, and desert viewpoints simply to watch the changing colours over the sea.

For photographers and couples especially, sunset moments here feel cinematic and incredibly peaceful.

What makes The Red Sea Project stand out is not only its luxury resorts or beaches. It is the balance between luxury, sustainability, and untouched nature.

Unlike many overcrowded beach destinations around the world, this region still feels fresh, quiet, and largely undiscovered.

Travellers can move between coral reefs, desert valleys, island beaches, and luxury wellness retreats all within the same destination.

For visitors looking for a more exclusive and nature-focused travel experience, The Red Sea Project reveals a completely different side of Saudi Arabia — one built around calmness, beauty, and discovery.