There's more to Saudi Arabia than deserts and mountains! Just 40 km from the port city of Jizan, the Farasan Islands are the hidden paradise of the Arabian Peninsula. The archipelago is made up of 80 islands, only three of which are inhabited all year round, including the largest, Farasan Island.
Protected from mass tourism, the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Farasan Island have retained their wild side and natural beauty. Still an undiscovered destination, the island is one of the favourite diving spots for travellers wishing to discover its unspoilt seabed, in particular its impressive coral reefs. The island's rich biodiversity led to it being declared a protected area in 1996, to protect endangered species such as the mountain gazelle (also known as the Edmi gazelle). Since 2021, the Farasan Islands have been part of UNESCO's wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation programme.
The main activity of the island's inhabitants is pearl fishing: the region has historically been known for its pearl trade. Traditional fishing is not to be outdone, and every spring the island's inhabitants celebrate the "Kunnah" season, the abundance of enormous trevally!
Fans of diving or snorkelling, the Farasan Islands archipelago offers a rich and wild aquatic life. The Red Sea archipelago is home to more than 230 marine species, including sea turtles, parrot fish, manta rays and the surprising dugong. Spring heralds the start of the octopus mating season. If you're lucky, you might even be able to admire their seductive dances as they change colour!
The seabed of the Farasan Islands is also renowned for its incredible coral reefs: bubble corals, fire corals, black corals... You'll be amazed by the diversity of colours and textures!
👉 There are no diving centres on the island. So you won't be able to hire diving equipment on site. If you plan to dive on your own, you'll need to bring your own diving or snorkelling equipment. Otherwise you can easily rent your diving equipment or book an excursion with a guide at the port of Jizan.
🤿 During your stay, you can take the opportunity to take your diving certification so that you can dive freely in open water. The course generally costs between 2,000 and 3,000 Saudi riyals (or 450 to 750 euros). PADI is the best-known and most widespread international diving organisation. The best way to make your choice is to contact the diving schools directly.
The best way to explore the mangrove and its impressive vegetation is to book a boat trip with a local guide. Sailing along the blue waters bordered by white sand, you can play birdwatcher and observe the migratory and tropical birds that inhabit the mangroves. At the end of your trip, you might even be able to tell the Goliath heron from the Madagascar plover!
👉 You can easily find a fishing boat trip at the port of Jizan. You can also ask at your hotel reception if boat trips are organised or get the contacts of local guides.
Al Qassar is one of the oldest villages in the Farasan Islands archipelago. Dating back to Roman times, it has been completely rebuilt. Surrounded by verdant palm trees, the sandstone village is set in the heart of an oasis. Several freshwater wells are scattered around the village, testifying to the richness of the area's water table.
The village comprises 400 houses and five lanes dotted with earthenware jars. You can visit the interiors of some of the buildings, which are decorated with sofas and traditional wall decorations.
👉 Good walking shoes and a bottle of water are recommended for visiting the village of Al Qassar.
Surrounded by the Red Sea, the Farasan Islands are little known by tourists, which is why the hotel offer is still underdeveloped in the archipelago (but that's what makes them so charming!).
Situated on the seafront, the Grand Millennium Gizan hotel has everything you need for a successful stay: a dream view over the sea, luxurious surroundings, a gigantic swimming pool, a spa, a friendly, professional team and a continental buffet breakfast!
Farasan Islands
Still facing the Red Sea and with an outdoor swimming pool, the Novotel Jazan is appreciated by travellers for the friendliness of its staff, its hearty breakfast and its location (10 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes by car from the port).
Saudi Arabia
Travellers also enjoy wild camping on the beach for one or two nights. However, you will need to bring your own camping equipment.
The Farasan Islands are accessible by ferry from the port of Jizan.
There are only two crossings a day in both directions: 7.30 am and 3.30 pm.
The journey takes between 1h and 1h30.
You can book your ticket the day before your departure at the port of Jizan.
Yes, you can take the ferry with a car and even a van! But for the latter, you may be refused boarding by the crew if it is too high. We recommend you find out more before you leave.
To travel on the ferry, you will need your ticket, passport and vehicle registration document if you have one.
Because of the ferry timetable, we recommend that you stay for at least two days to take full advantage of the beauty of the area! It is of course possible to stay longer in the archipelago.
👉 Masarat Adventure Club organises a 3-day organised tour of the Farasan Islands.
👉 To help you organise your stay in the Farasan Islands, the official website of the Saudi Arabian Tourist Board is a goldmine of information!
