Adventure Travel in Saudi Arabia: Deserts, Diving & Hiking

For many years, Saudi Arabia was famous for its rich past, religious importance, and oil-based economy. However, in the last few years, the Kingdom has thrown open its gates to global tourism with tourist visas, beckoning travelers to discover its varied landscapes and cultural riches. Beyond Riyadh's and Jeddah's glittering cities, there lies a country of deserts, seas, and mountains that entice tourists to venture beyond the beaten track.

Saudi Arabia adventure travel is becoming increasingly popular, with everything from heart-stopping desert safaris and mountain climbing to Red Sea underwater diving adventures. As a traveler looking for offbeat, high-adrenaline experiences with cultural exposure, Saudi Arabia eVisa could be your next destination. Let's embark on a tour of the Kingdom's greatest outdoor adventures.

The Call of the Desert: Dunes, Safaris & Camping

When most individuals hear Saudi Arabia, the desert comes to mind—naturally. The Kingdom houses some of the most dramatic desert scenery in the world, with seemingly endless golden dunes rolling as far as one can see.

Rub' al Khali – The Empty Quarter

The Rub' al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, is the world's largest continuous sand desert. Covering four nations, its Saudi component is huge, enigmatic, and nearly unexplored by contemporary civilization. Visitors are able to participate in led desert safaris that traverse giant dunes in rugged 4x4s, getting an uncompromised view of this dead silence. Camping out under the stars at night here is like nowhere else on earth—the absence of light pollution uncovers an electrically charged sky full of starry wonders.

Al Nafud Desert

Up north, Al Nafud Desert provides a slightly varied scenery of red sand dunes that move with the wind. There is an attempt at sandboarding, dune bashing, or camel treks by the adventure seekers, providing cultural as well as exciting elements to the journey. Most of the tours also involve a visit to ancient rock art locations, linking history to the adventure.

Desert Camping & Bedouin Hospitality

Adventure in Saudi deserts isn't all about adrenaline. Sleeping in the traditional Bedouin-style camps gives tourists the opportunity to experience Arabian coffee, music, and tales by the campfire. It's an opportunity to see the desert as the people have done for thousands of years—a combination of peace, heritage, and survival in one of the planet's toughest environments.

Diving in the Red Sea: A Secret Underwater Paradise

While the deserts of Saudi Arabia get top billing, its Red Sea coastline is just as amazing. Longer than 1,700 kilometers, the coastline is still one of the least dived destinations on earth. In contrast to Egypt's busy dive resorts, the Saudi coast of the Red Sea provides a wilder and more intimate experience.

Coral Reefs & Marine Life

The Red Sea boasts thriving coral reefs full of multicolored fish, turtles, and even dolphins. Diving in the Red Sea provides access to some of the region's healthiest and most intact reefs. Locations such as Jeddah's offshore reefs and Farasan Islands are emerging favorites among divers who wish to avoid crowded dive areas elsewhere.

Wreck Diving

For a more adventurous experience, Saudi Arabia provides wreck diving. There are a number of shipwrecks submerged under the sea, providing artificial reefs with an abundance of marine life. These dives package history, adventure, and discovery together.

Snorkeling & Water Sports

Not a certified diver? No problem. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear Red Sea is just as enchanting. You may also want to attempt kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing along the shoreline. The tranquil waters and warm climate, particularly from October to April, make the Red Sea a year-round playground for water sports fans.

Hiking and Mountain Adventures: Peaks Above the Desert

Saudi Arabia's adventure tourism isn't confined to seas and deserts—the Kingdom has mountain ranges ideal for hiking and outdoor adventure. These uplands are cooler, more verdant in some seasons, and have trails that give travelers a panoramic view of valleys and villages beneath.

Asir Mountains

In the southwest lies the Asir Mountains, a welcome respite from the desert. Peaking at more than 3,000 meters high, the area is suitable for trekking, paragliding, and even zip-lining. The Asir National Park, which has juniper woods and rough terrain, is a popular destination for nature seekers. Abha, the provincial capital, is the entrance to such a nature heaven.

Al-Soudah

A favorite among Saudi Arabia hikers, Al-Soudah boasts misty mountain scenery and pleasant weather. Hiking trails are as gentle as family-friendly strolls or as demanding as advanced treks. The tour is enriched by experiences of local culture such as the Asiri architecture and markets.

Al Hada & Taif

In the Hejaz Mountains, the area around Taif is another great destination for trekkers. Dubbed the "City of Roses," Taif brings together natural beauty and cultural heritage. Treks pass through mountain passes and provide panoramic vistas, usually with the scent of rose gardens.

Mixing Culture with Adventure

What makes Saudi Arabian adventure travel particularly distinctive is the way that nature and culture blend together so smoothly. Both in the mountains or the desert, adventure activities tend to involve a cultural component—whether exploring old rock carvings, sampling traditional cuisine, or experiencing Bedouin heritage.

For example, a desert safari outside AlUla could include a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra (Madain Saleh), where rock-cut tombs are comparable in beauty to Petra in Jordan. Likewise, trekking in Asir frequently brings visitors into contact with tribal customs and ancient habits still prevailing today.

How can I apply for an eVisa to Saudi Arabia?

Are you using an eVisa to travel to Saudi Arabia? Here are some useful pointers:

• Application Procedure: Go to and complete the Saudi Arabia eVisas application.
• Validity: Multiple entries are permitted within the eVisa's one-year validity period.
• Time Period of Stay: Each visit may last up to 90 days.
• Requirements: It is paying with a credit or debit card and having a passport that is valid for at least six months.

That's why Saudi Arabia is currently one of the most accessible travel destinations in the Middle East.

Practical Tips for Adventure Travelers

• Best Time to Go: For desert excursions, winter periods (November to March) are best with milder weather. For diving, the Red Sea is pleasant all year around but especially comfortable from October until April.
• Permits & Guides: Certain areas need permits or are better visited with local guides. Always use licensed tour operators for tours to guarantee safety.
• Gear & Preparation: Pack suitable gear—light clothing for deserts, warmer clothing for mountains, and suitable diving or hiking gear.
• Respect Local Customs: Saudi Arabia is a conservative country. Dress modestly, particularly in rural areas, and adhere to local customs when traveling.

The Future of Adventure Tourism in Saudi Arabia

With Vision 2030, Saudi is also heavily investing in tourism infrastructure, opening up greater possibilities for adventure travel. NEOM and the Red Sea Project, for instance, are set to introduce world-class adventure amenities with a focus on maintaining natural and cultural heritage. The nation is intent on presenting itself as anything other than a stopover for religious pilgrims—it wants to become an international destination for distinctive travel experiences.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia adventure travel is a quest of contrasts: golden sand dunes against turquoise waters, old ways of life with modern advancement, and peaceful treks paired with adrenaline-pumping ones. Be you camping under the night sky in the Rub' al Khali, diving within coral reefs of the Red Sea, or hiking the summits of the Asir Mountains, you can be sure you will have a tale of a lifetime to share when you get home.

Saudi Arabia is no longer a hidden treasure; it is an emerging adventure destination waiting to be explored. If you’re ready to push your boundaries and embrace a land of extremes, the Kingdom promises an adventure of a lifetime.