Obhur & Red Sea Reefs
أبحر
A deep-water bay on the northern outskirts of Jeddah, lined with resorts and beach clubs. It is the most convenient base in the city for Red Sea diving, snorkelling and water sports.
Obhur lies about 30 kilometres north of central Jeddah. A long, narrow bay (Sharm Obhur) cuts about 10 kilometres inland from the Red Sea. Private villas, resorts and beach clubs line both shores, and beyond the mouth of the bay lie the Red Sea coral reefs. The reefs along this coast are exceptionally biodiverse. Close to shore, you can see hard and soft corals, sea fans and many tropical fish. Farther out, larger reef residents such as sharks, sea turtles and manta rays are found, and there are several shipwreck dive sites, including the SS Staffordshire. Many diving centres in Jeddah offer snorkelling day trips, introductory dives and PADI courses, usually departing from Obhur Bay or the northern marinas. Public beaches in Saudi Arabia are limited, so most visitors buy a day pass to a beach club. These passes provide access to private beaches, pools and water sports such as motorboats, kayaking and paddleboarding. Dress codes at these venues tend to be relaxed for foreign visitors, though rules vary by club. Many seafood restaurants line the bay. It is about a 30 to 40-minute taxi ride from the city centre. Choose a licensed and reputable diving operator, wear sun protection, and avoid touching corals and marine life.
Opening hours
Beach clubs approx. 9:00 to sunset (varies by venue)
Nearby sights
- Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina
- Al-Rahmah Mosque (Floating Mosque)
- Jeddah Corniche Circuit
- Jeddah Open-Air Sculpture Museum
- Jeddah Corniche
- Island Mosque
- Fakieh Aquarium
- Tayebat City Museum