No snorkeling till 2030 in Saudi's Red Sea!? - Overlanding surprises in Saudi Arabia Ep.4

What do you mean we can't go in? Miles and miles of desolate pristine beaches and we can't swim? Being at the edge of the Red Sea, with colorful marine life, and you say we can't go snorkeling?
WHAT A BUMMER!
We still don't know why there are restrictions on swimming in the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia, but some coast guards even told us "No snorkeling till 2030". Does that mean it has something to do with the ambitious Saudi 2030 Vision?
- Do they want to push visitors into resorts/tours and monetize the whole coast? (It's huge!)
- Is it only during the building process of the Red Sea Project that they are so strict on swimming? (But there's so much more coast left not involved in the project)
- Is it a safety manner, as there are no guards and many Saudi's don't know how to swim? (But we can!)
- Is it a cultural/religious matter? (I don't mind putting on more clothes if needed)
Follow us on our "struggles" while we travel overland along the Red Sea Coast of Saudi Arabia. It's incredibly beautiful but not easy to fully enjoy for overlanders. The coast guard is watching you!
But don't worry, they are friendly and curious, like most people we met in Saudi Arabia. The hospitality keeps on amazing us every time. In this episode you can witness 2 dinner invitations by complete strangers, that turn into cosy nights around the fire learning about each other's country and culture.
We follow the coast from Neom in the north to Yanbu, known as a hotspot for diving and snorkeling. To see more of the underwater beauty of the Red Sea eventually, we went on a diving excursion in Yanbu.
In the next episode, we venture further inland to discover two otherworldly volcanic areas, Harrat Al-shaqa and Harrat Khaybar. Afterward, we catch a glimpse of the vibrant atmosphere of Medina, observing its pilgrims. We experience the exhilaration of paragliding from a sand dune near Badr, and conclude with a leisurely evening stroll through the enchanting streets of Jeddah.
You can follow our overland expedition on:
- Instagram: / seen.by.celine
- Facebook: / seenbyceline
- seenbyceline.com
Are you with us?
Céline & Benjamin
x

[@paramnetra9754]

All the best for your great journey ahead 👍

[@seenbyceline]

Thanks a lot!