Umluj

Umluj is a small town in Saudi Arabia's northwest, 150 kilometers north of Yanbu and adjacent to the Red Sea. It's a veritable haven for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and those interested in health, wellbeing, and unique cultural encounters.

It's easy to see why this tranquil seaside town and region is often referred to as Saudi Arabia's Maldives. 104 atolls are spread throughout a section of the Red Sea that is unmistakably turquoise to the north of the town. An island-hopping trip is a must-do Umluj activity, with dolphins spotted along the route to outcrops like Jabal Hassan where you may snorkel, fish, or relax on white sandbars, becoming as peaceful as the dugongs and hawksbill turtles that swim about these islets. This is also a world-class diving region, much quieter than the Red Sea hotspots like Sharm El Sheikh but with a technicolor treasure of 1,200 fish species and 300 coral kinds, four times as numerous as the Caribbean. On a few islands, sustainable resorts are being built, but the majority of the area is a thrillingly unspoiled natural aquarium.

Location: Umluj, the Northwest of Saudi Arabia
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: between January and June.
Hours: N/A