Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea archipelago is one of the last great frontiers for divers—a marine world of extraordinary biodiversity, undisturbed coral formations, and waters that have remained largely off the radar for international tourism. Unlike the well-charted diving hubs of the Jordanian and Egyptian Red Seas, Saudi’s coastline remains an untouched expanse of raw beauty, protected by strict conservation policies and a vision that places ecological balance at the heart of development.
Stretching along the western coast, the Red Sea is home to some of the most resilient coral ecosystems on the planet. While some reefs, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, are prone to bleaching, Saudi’s coral structures have adapted to extreme conditions, making them a subject of scientific fascination, particularly in the context of climate change. Indeed, these waters host over 1,200 species of fish—10% of which exist nowhere else—alongside sea turtles, rays, and the elusive dugong.
But beyond marine life, it is the silence that defines diving here. There is a profound stillness beneath the surface, a feeling of stepping into a world unshaped by mass tourism. This is a feeling that Red Sea Global, the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, promises to maintain: an ecosystem where nature leads the way. Rather than building mass-market dive centres, the approach is one of considered access—limiting numbers, creating low-impact infrastructure, and ensuring that every aspect of a visitor’s experience aligns with long-term ecological health. Resorts are designed to be not just carbon-neutral but regenerative, incorporating intelligent water management, renewable energy, and reef-friendly diving practices.
The result is a series of retreats that blend seamlessly into the environment. Here are some of the best diving locations and experiences in Saudi’s Red Sea.
Where to Dive in the Red Sea: Retreats and Experiences
Sheybarah Island
A beacon of futuristic, sustainable design, Shebara Resort on Sheybarah Island is a collection of 73 orb-like overwater steel villas just 30 metres from the reef. The resort is powered entirely by an on-site solar farm and is one of the best gateways to exploring the coral reefs of the Red Sea. Divers here can expect a mix of shallow coral gardens and deeper sites with an abundance of marine species, from schooling barracudas to the occasional whale shark. The reefs here have thrived in isolation, forming intricate structures teeming with macro life, perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
One of the most captivating aspects of diving at Sheybarah is the sheer clarity of the water. With exceptional visibility stretching beyond 30 meters, divers can experience a true sense of immersion, whether navigating labyrinthine reef canyons or descending to deeper sections where rare pelagic life drifts in the currents. At night, bioluminescent organisms illuminate the waters, creating a dreamlike spectacle beneath the surface.
Triple Bay, AMAALA
AMAALA is another development in Red Sea Global’s regenerative portfolio, with 29 hotels in the pipeline. It unfolds over 68km of pristine coastline, with a 30% net conservation benefit. One of three key sites in the AMAALA project is Triple Bay, an extraordinary diving destination that’s perfect for conservation enthusiasts. Divers here can explore an astonishing variety of underwater landscapes, from colourful coral gardens to deeper underwater canyons with eagle rays and hammerhead sharks.
The standout proposition on AMAALA is its emphasis on research-focused marine conservation, offering coral propagation programmes, guided biodiversity studies, and ecological monitoring projects. Triple Bay will be also home to the Collarium Marine Life Institute, a state-of-the-art research centre, and the Galaxea diving centre, which operates across all of AMAALA and The Red Sea.
AMAALA is set to welcome its first guests this year.
Shura Island
Shura is a natural, dolphin-shaped island that forms the heart of The Red Sea development. Like all of Red Sea Global’s endeavours, conservation and biophilic design are integral to the island. For divers, Shura offers some of the most bountiful underwater environments in the Red Sea, with teeming coral reefs and dramatic underwater landscapes. Ideal for both shallow and deep-sea exploration, divers can navigate coral gardens, explore sunken wrecks not yet on mainstream diving maps, and encounter an abundance of marine life, including critically-endangered hawksbill turtles and occasional manta rays.
What sets Shura aside is its blend of luxury, wellness, and conservation. This stunning stretch of golden sand is set to welcome 11 luxury resorts throughout 2025, including the Four Seasons Red Sea and SLS Red Sea Residences. After a morning wading through the reefs, guests and visitors on Shura can indulge in world-class spas and private beach clubs with the peace of knowing that the net impact is positive, rather than harmful.
The future of diving in the Red Sea
With Red Sea International Airport providing direct access to some of the region’s most exceptional marine environments, Saudi Arabia is setting a new standard for responsible and high-calibre diving experiences. Yet, this vision extends beyond tourism—it's about shaping a global model for sustainable marine exploration. From establishing world-class research centres like the Collarium Marine Life Institute to implementing strict visitor limitations that safeguard delicate ecosystems, Saudi’s Red Sea is a case study in balancing conservation with access. Each dive here is not just an adventure but a conscious effort to protect one of the world’s last untamed underwater frontiers.
