Yanbu: The Pearl of the Red Sea

Yanbu, the second largest port city in Saudi Arabia, is the principal harbor for the holy city of Madinah. Endearingly called the ‘Pearl of the Red Sea’, Yanbu is also known as Saudi Arabia’s scuba diving capital.

As one of the oldest ports on the Red Sea, the Yambu boasts a history of 2500 years hosting pilgrimages and commercial staging posts. In addition to being a stopover on the ancient spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt, it was a well-established pilgrimage route. Yanbu, thus, was a crucial driver of the kingdom’s economy and it still is.

During WWI, Yanbu served as the operational base for the British and Arab forces. After 1975, this relatively small port town witnessed rapid development and became a major industrial center. Yanbu has divided into two distinct areas: a modern, industrial southern city that is home to various oil refineries and industrial plants, and an older northern town that dates back to the ancient spice trade route.

Yanbu, located in Jeddah, is becoming increasingly popular among tourists due to its picturesque natural harbor and stunning views of the Red Sea. In addition to the harbor, visitors are drawn to the area for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Yanbu offers a variety of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, scuba diving, fishing, and bird watching, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

Things to do in Yanbu

1. Discover Radwa Mount

Radwa is an iconic mountain that stands 2,282 meters tall. Known for its wild nature and honey, it is the highest peak in the Al Nakhil range. Many native as well as non-native species including wolves, lynx, tigers, and ibex roam the landscape. Praised by many Arabic poets including Hassan Ibn Thabit, a companion of Prophet Muhammad. There are regular tours from Yanbu to visit this poetic place.

2. Visit the Home of T.E. Lawrence

A typical example of Hijazi architecture, this building was once home to T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. He lived here between 1915 and 1916, during which he wrote his famous book "Seven Pillars of Wisdom". Now restored and converted into a museum, the house showcases the remarkable story of this British officer.

3. Explore the Red Sea and Waterfront Activities

Popular sites include Seven Sisters which is a popular diving site known for its hammerhead sharks, with sightings of tiger sharks and tuna around the coral walls. Another site Abu Galawa is a picturesque island surrounded by coral grottoes, teeming with sharks and schools of barracuda. Those who prefer to stay above water can head to Yanbu Waterfront for fishing and bird watching, making it a great spot to introduce young travelers to the wonders of wildlife

4. Dive into history

Close to Abu Galawa, there's a famous World War 2 shipwreck, a Chinese tugboat that sank in 1947, which can be entirely seen covered with both soft and hard corals. In addition to this, two other must-see wrecks for diving enthusiasts are the Luna and the mysterious British ship Iona Wrecks. The SS Iona, in particular, has now become a spectacular living reef.

5. Relax at Yanbu Lake

Yanbu Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the Kingdom which serves as a major source of irrigation and recreation for the area. The lake is surrounded by parks and recreational areas and is a popular spot for activities such as fishing, boating, and bird-watching. It also provides a habitat for various aquatic species and migratory birds.

6. Chill at beaches

Barracuda Beach, located along the coral reef chain off the coast of Yanbu, is a serene underwater paradise that is perfect for fishing and breathtaking snorkeling. Yanbu Al Bahr Beach offers an array of seaside activities such as horseback riding, jet-skiing, scuba diving, and sailing, all while taking in the beautiful views of the Red Sea.