Want to swim in the warm, clear Red Sea without a long road trip? Jeddah offers several options. From free stretches of Obhur Creek in the north to polished day passes at resorts like Rixos and Sheraton, the best Red Sea beaches and resorts near Jeddah sit within a short Careem or Uber ride of the city. Here's exactly where to go, what it costs in SAR, and how to book — updated for 2026.
The quick answer: where to swim in the Red Sea near Jeddah
If you just want the fast version:
- Free or low-cost — head to the public sections of Obhur Creek in North Jeddah. Arrive early on weekends.
- Beach-club day pass — La Playa Beach Access on Prince Sultan Street, typically around SAR 165–250
- Full resort day — Rixos Obhur, Sheraton Jeddah Resort or Narcissus in North Obhur, with day passes commonly in the SAR 245–349 range.
Most of these are clustered in Obhur, the coastal strip north of the city centre near King Abdulaziz International Airport, so it's easy to compare a few before you decide.
Public beaches near Jeddah (free and low-cost)
You don't need a resort budget to enjoy the Red Sea. Jeddah has genuine public shoreline, and for ordinary visits you won't need Absher, Muqeem, Nafath or any government app — just show up.
Obhur Creek, North Jeddah
Obhur Creek is the go-to for locals and expats who want sand and sea without a ticket. Several sections are open to the public and some are free to enter. The water is calm and shallow in places, which makes it friendly for kids and casual swimmers.
The catch is shade and space. On weekends the good spots fill quickly, so aim to arrive before 9am to grab a shaded area. Bring your own umbrella, mat and cool box, and take your rubbish home — the free beaches don't come with resort-style facilities.
Beach clubs and day passes near Jeddah
If you want loungers, showers, food and a cleaner setup without booking a full resort, a beach club is the sweet spot.
La Playa Beach Access, Al-Muhammadiyah
La Playa Beach Access sits on Prince Sultan Street in Al-Muhammadiyah and is one of the more accessible paid beaches in Jeddah. Reported entry ranges from around SAR 165 per adult and SAR 50 per child up to about SAR 250 per person, depending on the package or day — a spread wide enough that you should confirm the current fee before you pay.
Reported hours are daily, 8am to 6pm, which gives you a full beach day. As always, prices and rules can shift for weekends and public holidays.
Red Sea resorts near Jeddah
For a proper resort day — pools, snorkelling, restaurants and reliable shade — these North Obhur names are the ones to know. Day passes let you enjoy the facilities without staying overnight.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah
Rixos Obhur, in North Obhur, is a popular pick for a polished beach day. Reported day passes are around SAR 299 on weekdays and SAR 349 on weekends and public holidays. Children aged 6–12 are reported at around SAR 150, and children under 6 typically enter free. Passes are commonly booked in advance through the resort's official booking channel, so reserve ahead — especially in peak season.
Sheraton Jeddah Resort
On the Jeddah waterfront, Sheraton Jeddah Resort has been reported at a day-entry price of approximately SAR 245 for swimming and snorkelling in summer 2026. Because seasonal rates move around, confirm the current price and availability directly with the resort before you go.
Narcissus Resort & Spa
Narcissus Resort & Spa in North Obhur is another Red Sea option close to King Abdulaziz International Airport — handy if you're catching a flight or arriving into Jeddah. A verified 2026 public beach-entry price wasn't confirmed at the time of writing, so contact the resort directly for day-pass rates and to check whether beach access is available to non-guests.
How much does a beach day near Jeddah cost?
Here's a realistic snapshot to plan your budget when you're weighing up the best Red Sea beaches and resorts near Jeddah:
- Public beach (Obhur Creek) — free to low-cost; bring your own gear.
- Beach club (e.g. La Playa) — typically around SAR 165–250 less for children.
- Resort day pass (e.g. Rixos, Sheraton) — typically around SAR 245–349 children roughly SAR 150, under-6s often free.
- Premium private clubs — day passes generally land in the SAR 100–300 range, with high-end venues charging more.
Add the cost of a Careem or Uber to and from Obhur, plus food and drinks if they aren't included, and you have a clear picture before you book.
How to book and what to bring
Public beaches need no booking — just turn up. Resorts and paid clubs are different. Here's the simple flow:
- Book in advance — reserve your day pass through the resort's official channel, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Bring ID — resorts commonly ask for an identification document at check-in (Iqama or passport).
- Pay through the official channel — avoid unofficial resellers and confirm the price before paying, as rates change by day and season.
- Pack smart — swimwear that meets the venue's rules, sunscreen, water, and a towel if not provided.
One tip: age rules, operating hours and access can change for public holidays and private events, so a quick call or message ahead of time saves a wasted trip. Travelling with kids? Obhur Creek's calmer, shallower sections are a natural fit for a low-cost family day, while resorts like Rixos offer supervised pools and easier facilities for younger children (with under-6s often entering free). Confirm children's pricing and any age limits when you book — they vary between venues.
Ready to plan your stay? Browse holiday rentals and resorts in Saudi Arabia properties listings on Saudi Living.
FAQs
Are there free public beaches in Jeddah?
Yes. Several sections of Obhur Creek in North Jeddah are open to the public and some are free to enter. Arrive before 9am on weekends to secure a shaded spot, and bring your own gear.
How much is a beach day pass near Jeddah?
Beach clubs typically cost around SAR 165–250 while full resort day passes commonly range from about SAR 245 to SAR 349 Children are usually cheaper, and under-6s often enter free.
Do I need Absher or any app to visit a beach in Jeddah?
No. For ordinary public beach visits you don't need Absher, Muqeem, Nafath or any government application. Resorts, however, usually require advance booking and an ID at check-in.
Where are most Red Sea resorts near Jeddah located?
Most cluster in Obhur — the coastal strip north of the city centre near King Abdulaziz International Airport. Rixos Obhur, Narcissus and others are all in the North Obhur area.
Can I visit a resort beach without staying overnight?
Often yes — many resorts sell day passes that include pool and beach access. Book ahead through the official channel and confirm the current price, since rates change for weekends, holidays and events.
What's the best beach near Jeddah for families?
Obhur Creek's shallow sections work well for a budget-friendly family day, while resorts with supervised pools suit younger children. Check children's pricing and age rules before you go.
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