Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Makkah.
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- Family-friendly and social
- restrooms
- food kiosks
- parking
- beach volleyball courts
- lighting for evening visits
Al Nakheel Beach
One of Jeddah's most popular public beaches with clean golden sand and calm Red Sea waters. The beach has well-maintained facilities and a pleasant promenade atmosphere popular with Saudi families.
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- Trendy mixed-use development
- restaurants
- cafés
- shops
- parking
- sunbeds
- beach volleyball
La Mer Beach
Jeddah's most fashionable beach development with Mediterranean-inspired architecture, restaurants, cafés, boutique shops, and a clean sandy beach. Popular with young Saudis and expats for a full beach-and-dining day out.
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- Resort and recreational
- private beach clubs
- water sports rentals
- restaurants
- resorts
- boat tours
- restrooms
Obhur Creek Beach
The Obhur area north of Jeddah features a lagoon-like creek with calm protected waters ideal for families and water sports. Multiple private beach clubs and resorts line the creek, with the most relaxed dress standards in the province.
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- Urban and accessible
- food vendors
- promenade
- benches
- lighting
- restrooms
Corniche Public Beach
Public beach areas stretching along the central Jeddah Corniche, integrated with the waterfront promenade. Great for an evening walk and sea views even if not swimming. The King Fahd Fountain is visible from here at night.
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- Wild and scenic
- limited facilities
- parking
- some food vendors on weekends
Half Moon Bay (Jeddah area)
A quieter beach south of Jeddah with beautiful Red Sea views and less development. Popular with local families for picnics and swimming. The clear waters offer excellent snorkeling among coral patches.
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- Crystal-clear diving destination
- diving centers
- some beach facilities
- restaurants in town
- parking
Yanbu Beach
Yanbu's beaches are renowned for some of the clearest Red Sea waters in Saudi Arabia. Pristine coral reefs, minimal development, and spectacular marine life make this the top diving and snorkeling destination in Makkah Province.
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Relax
Quiet & peaceful
Half Moon Bay south of Jeddah and Yanbu beaches offer peaceful retreats with minimal crowds
Family
Family-friendly
Al Nakheel Beach and La Mer are designed for families with excellent facilities and calm waters
Sport
Active & sporty
Obhur Creek is the hub for water sports — jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours
Social
Lively scene
La Mer beach development has the best beach bars (non-alcoholic) and dining scene
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Makkah memorable.
Red Sea Snorkeling
Crystal-clear waters with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life including reef fish, sea turtles, and rays. Best sites near Yanbu and in the Red Sea Riviera
Yanbu beaches and private reef sites north of Jeddah
Scuba Diving
World-class Red Sea diving with walls, wrecks, and pristine coral — the Red Sea is considered one of the world's top 5 diving destinations
Yanbu (multiple dive sites), Obhur dive sites north of Jeddah
Jet Skiing and Water Sports
Jet ski rental, banana boats, and tube rides available at Obhur Creek resort area
Obhur Creek, private resort beaches
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Calm creek waters at Obhur are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking with Red Sea backdrops
Obhur Creek
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
Swimming is pleasant year-round — Red Sea water temperature 22-30°C; summer is hot but water is warm; winter is ideal for beach weather
Getting there
Public beaches are free; private resort beaches charge entry or require resort guest status; La Mer has free beach access
On-beach facilities
La Mer and Obhur resorts have excellent facilities; public Corniche beaches have basic facilities
Costs to budget
Public beach: free; La Mer: free beach access, sunbeds SAR 20-40 ($5.35-10.70); Private resort day pass: SAR 100-300 ($26.70-80)
Dress Code
Modest swimwear at public beaches — women typically swim in burkini or modest swimwear; private resort beaches are more relaxed; the Obhur area is most liberal
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.