With approximately 1300 islands, including 1150 islands in the red sea and about 150 in the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia is worth the visit. The islands in Saudi Arabia attracts tourists from all over the world. Along with its islands, Saudi Arabia is known for its beaches, surrounded by plants, coral reefs and is the ideal place for fishing and diving. So, what are you waiting for? Pack those bags and have the most memorable vacation.
Saudi Arabia has something for everyone right from the adventure activities to spending an evening under the desert stars. Tourists from around the world can enjoy the Red Sea during the winters, explore the national park and much more. One can even see the desert carpeted in fresh snow during the snow. Speaking of all these things to do, tourists should not forget about paying the islands in Saudi Arabia a visit. It is true when they say Saudi Arabia has something waiting for everyone to explore.
Top 5 Islands In Saudi Arabia For A Memorable Vacation
The islands in Saudi Arabia offer a sneak peak to the natural beauty and charm of the country. People are transported into another world of peace and tranquility.
1. Tarout Island
Said to be one the most ancient sites inhabited by humans, Tarout Island is seen sitting on the coast close to Qatif in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Connected to the mainland by a steep bridge, it is said that 4,000-year-old antiques have been found in the ancient town of Tarout, in the middle of the island. With such a breathtaking island, people should put it on their bucket list of places to visit.
Best Time To Visit: May and November
How to reach: King Abdulaziz International Airport is the main airport close to the island. People can take a cab or travel by road to the island.
Famous For: 4,000-year-old antiques
Best Places To Stay: Brira Dammam Hotel, Boudl, Tripper Inn Hotel, Sheraton Dammam Hotel and Convention Centre
2. Al Marjan Island Dammam
The artificial island, linked by a bridge to the Dammam pier, Al Marjan Island Dammam is one of the most popular holiday destinations, that attracts tourists from around the world every year. Tourists can enjoy the open green space, seating area to relax and children can play in the playground. One of the activities people can enjoy is the boat ride back and forth to the island.
One of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia for fishing is this island. The best time for fishing is said to be early morning or sunset. Besides fishing, tourists can enjoy barbecuing with their family and enjoy the view of Dammam at night.
Ideal Duration: 2 hours
How to reach: People can enjoy a 15-minute ferry ride from Damman Corniche to the island.
Famous For: Fishing
Best Places To Stay: Ramada, Gulf Park
3. Farasan island
Farasan Islands is a tiny group of coral islands that is seen sitting off the shore of the southern province of Jazan. The island is a heaven that is a haven to explore the simple life of the Red Sea, as it makes waves for its white shorelines and bucolic views. Some of the things to do in Saudi Arabia are diving and snorkeling. The Sabeans, Romans, Aksumites, Ottoman's and Arabs have left their presence in history along with other human activity that dates back to the 1st millennium BC.
Apart from being known for its human history, the island is known for its stunning biodiversity as a marine sanctuary. The mangrove forests at the island are home to several birds and Osprey, Sooty Falcon, Pink-Backed Pelican, Red-Billed Tropic, White-Eyed Gull, Saunders Little Tern, Crab Plover, and Flamingos are seen on the adjacent feeding ground.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
How to reach: The best way to get to the island is by ferry. People can travel by car to the island.
Famous For: Diving and Snorkeling
Best Places To Stay: Novotel Jazan, Rfaya Hotel, Oyo, Jazan Royal Suites, Al Safa Hotel Suites and Residence Inn by Marriott Jazan
Suggested Read: Beaches In Saudi Arabia For The Perfect View And Tranquility
4. Umm Al- Qamari Island
The natural reserve in Saudi Arabia, Umm Al- Qamari island is supervised by the national center for the development of wildlife. The island has been named so due to the wide range of gambling birds seen during the migratory season. Umm Al Qamari Island is known for its coral limestones, seen above sea level and white coastal sand.
The island is defined by its coral reefs, which most are alive and varied. Arak, black cactus, cactus, sandal and ragul are plants found on the island. With the plants, there are several kinds of birds’ tourists can see like seabirds, shore birds and wild birds like eagle, heron, white egret and African collared lunar.
Best Time To Visit: November –February
How to reach: The best way to reach the island is by ferry. People can even travel by road.
Famous For: Birds and plants
Best Places To Stay: Alazhar Palace Hotel, Almawasim Alraqiah Furnished units
Suggested Read: New Year In Saudi Arabia: Where To Spend The Eve In This Arabian Nation?
5. Sanafir Island
The Saudi Island nested in the straits of Tiran, Sanafir island is defined by its floating coral reefs. Since 2016, the island has been under the Saudi Arabia sovereignty. It is one of the most stunning islands people should explore for its beauty. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to having the best time of their lives?
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
How to reach: People can travel by road or take a ferry.
Famous For: Floating coral reefs
Best Places To Stay: Park Hyatt Jeddah, Durrat Al Riyadh Resort and Spa, Movenpick resort Al Nawras and Le Meridien Al Khobar
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In December In The World To Celebrate The Festive Season
Saudi Arabia is one of the most stunning and breathtaking places to visit with your loved ones. When planning a holiday, don’t forget to explore the islands in Saudi Arabia for their beauty and scenic view. The place has something for everyone to enjoy and people often came back for more, every year. So, if you haven’t been yet, then what you waiting for? Go ahead and have the best time of your life.
FAQs
Saudi Arabia is said to have at least 1300 islands.
Farasan Islands is a tiny group of coral islands that is seen sitting off the shore of the southern province of Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
The artificial island, linked by a bridge to the Dammam pier, Al Marjan Island Dammam is one of the most popular holiday destinations, that attracts tourists from around the world every year. Tourists can enjoy the open green space, seating area to relax and children can play in the playground.
The best way to get to the island is by Ferry. People can even travel by car.
Park Hyatt Jeddah, Durrat Al Riyadh Resort and Spa, Movenpick resort Al Nawras and Le Meridien Al Khobar are some of the hotels people can stay at close to the island.
The best time to visit Tarout island is November and May.
One can spend at least 2 hours exploring the island.
The Saudi Island nested in the straits of Tiran, Sanafir island is defined by its floating coral reefs. Since 2016, the island has been under the Saudi Arabia sovereignty. It is one of the most stunning islands people should explore for its beauty.
