Ultimate Red Sea Road Trip Saudi Arabia – Amazing 5-Day Guide

A Red Sea road trip Saudi Arabia is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Kingdom’s western coast. Stretching over 1,800 km, the Saudi Arabia Red Sea coast combines coral reefs, historic ports, fishing villages, and volcanic landscapes. This 5-day Red Sea coast driving itinerary begins in Jeddah and takes you north to Yanbu and Umluj before detouring inland to explore lava fields and heritage sites. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and culture.

Planning Your Red Sea Road Trip in Saudi Arabia

Before setting off, plan your Red Sea road trip Saudi Arabia carefully. Decide whether to drive north from Jeddah to Umluj or travel south from Tabuk. Roads along the Saudi Arabia Red Sea coast are in good condition, but distances are long—carry spare fuel and plenty of water.

Pack snorkelling gear, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof bags, and modest swimwear. Western swimwear is accepted on private beaches, while public beaches require conservative attire. Check weather and tide forecasts, especially in spring when storms may occur. Accommodation ranges from coastal resorts to simple guesthouses; book ahead during holidays.

Day 1 – Jeddah to Yanbu: Coastal Drive & Heritage

Start your Red Sea road trip Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, where modern energy meets ancient charm. Stroll through Al-Balad, the UNESCO-listed old town filled with coral-stone houses, spice shops, and art galleries. Enjoy breakfast by the Corniche before heading north on Highway 5 toward Yanbu—a scenic five-hour drive through coastal plains and mangroves.

Stop in Rabigh for fresh coffee or to browse the lively fish market. By afternoon, you’ll reach Yanbu. Explore Historical Yanbu, with its narrow alleys, coral-stone houses, and traditional mosques. End your first day with a seafood dinner on the waterfront—try grilled hammour or shrimp while watching the sunset over the Red Sea.

Day 2 – Yanbu Exploration: Beaches, Reefs & Culture

Spend your second day discovering Yanbu’s laid-back coastal lifestyle. Relax on Yanbu Al Bahr Beach, where soft sand and crystal-clear waters invite a morning swim. Join a local dive centre for snorkelling or scuba trips to nearby reefs alive with coral gardens, tropical fish, and even turtles.

History enthusiasts can visit the Lawrence of Arabia House, once home to T. E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt. As night falls, head to the Yanbu Night Market to taste street food, sample Arabic coffee, and shop for local crafts, incense, and woven baskets—a perfect immersion into the rhythm of the Saudi Arabia Red Sea coast.

Day 3 – Yanbu to Umluj: “Saudi Maldives” & Marine Life

Continue your Red Sea road trip Saudi Arabia northward along the coast to , affectionately known as the Saudi Maldives. The drive takes around three hours, with plenty of stops for photos and quick swims at secluded beaches.

After checking into a beachfront resort or eco-camp, set sail on a boat tour to the Umluj Islands. Here, turquoise lagoons, white sands, and vibrant coral reefs create postcard-perfect scenery. Keep an eye out for dolphins and dugongs that sometimes glide through the calm waters. Spend the afternoon kayaking or snorkelling before enjoying a fresh seafood dinner at the harbour’s market stalls.

Day 4 – Umluj Adventures: Islands, Volcanoes & History

Use your fourth day to explore the wilder side of the Saudi Arabia Red Sea coast. Charter a boat to Al Faswah Island for free-diving and underwater photography, or head inland to the volcanic wonderland of Harrat Lunayyir. Its vast black lava fields and dormant cones feel like another planet.

If you prefer a cultural detour, drive north to Al Wajh, an old Ottoman-era port with stone buildings, shaded souqs, and a peaceful waterfront. Whether hiking, sailing, or sightseeing, Umluj’s surroundings show how the Red Sea road trip Saudi Arabia blends natural beauty with adventure.

Day 5 – Inland Detours & Return: Volcano Fields, Historic Sites

On your final day, take an inland route through ancient landscapes and desert roads. Visit Harrat Kishb or Al Qa’a, once a bustling trading post. Those heading back to Jeddah can stop at Badr, where a small museum marks the historic Battle of Badr.

If continuing north, drive to Tabuk via Haql, where the famous Georgios G shipwreck rests half-submerged near the shore. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Aqaba’s turquoise water and rugged cliffs. End your Red Sea coast driving itinerary with a farewell dinner by the sea and a toast to Saudi Arabia’s coastal magic.

Accommodation, Dining & Safety Tips for the Red Sea Coast

Accommodation options along the Saudi Arabia Red Sea coast range from luxury resorts in Yanbu and Umluj to small family-run guesthouses. Many resorts feature private beaches where modesty rules are relaxed.

A Red Sea road trip Saudi Arabia offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and adventure. From Jeddah’s heritage sites to Umluj’s tropical islands and the volcanic fields beyond, this route showcases the Kingdom’s coastal treasures.

Travel slowly, meet local fishermen and artisans, and respect both culture and environment. Support small businesses, photograph responsibly, and let the beauty of the Saudi Arabia Red Sea coast travel stay with you long after the journey ends.