An Adventurer’s Guide to Thrilling Escapades in Saudi

The vast sand dunes of Saudi are an ocean of tranquillity, the winds whistling the songs of the desert, the only sound. But occasionally that serenity is pierced by the roar of excitement as Saudi shows its adventurous side. Not too far away from its cultural and historical treasures, Saudi serves a generous helping of excitement that will wake up the slumbering adventurer within you.

The winds that rule the desert shape and reshape the towering sand dunes, to create one of the most thrilling obstacle courses in the world. The desert becomes your playground and promises hours of fun and excitement. If it is adventure you are looking for, Saudi will deliver it in style. Here are five adventurous escapades that you can enjoy in Saudi’s golden landscapes.

1. Scuba Diving

The Red Sea has a looming presence in Saudi’s history and shaping its destiny. Having facilitated trade for centuries, the Red Sea hides a stunning collection of seascapes. The clear waters of the landlocked sea ensure unhindered visibility even, at its greatest depths. An astonishing 20 percent of the 1,200 marine species that call Red Sea home, can be found only here. Apart from the fragile beauty of corals, the seabed showcases a motley collection of shipwrecks that add an element of adventure to your adventure. There are four major diving sites in and around Saudi, Sharm Obhur, Abu Faramish, Abu Tair, and Jebel Al Lith. Scuba diving in Saudi opens a whole new world of delights, starkly different from the one that is settled along the Red Sea’s shores

2. Skydiving

From the desert to the sky, your next escapade in Saudi is a high-flying adventure. If you consider the sheer thrill factor, skydiving is the granddaddy of all adventures. There’s hardly anything more exciting than rushing towards the earth at terminal velocity, trusting a piece of cloth to slow you down and ensure a soft landing. It is as close to flying as we can get, an ultimate expression of freedom. Saudi has several skydiving sites, conveniently located near its major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. The view from the top is spectacular! The blue ocean and the golden sands paint stunning pictures which you can enjoy from the best seats in the house. Skydiving in Saudi comes with the special privilege of witnessing mother nature’s beauty in minimalism.

3. Dune Bashing

Dune bashing is a fast-paced rollercoaster of adventure that combines the thrill of off-roading with the excitement of speed. It takes quick thinking and precision to keep moving and the experienced drivers have both. As you zip and tumble across the undulating dunes, you are cocooned in luxury, insulated from the chaos outside. Only the excitement seeps through as sky as the land passes by in a blur of confused hues. If you are craving for adventure in the open air, get out of the 4X4 and surf down the gigantic dunes on a board. While it may not be as fast paced as dune bashing, it’s more involving, with only a thin board between you and the desert. It makes for an exciting prelude for your next adventure in Saudi.

4. Camel Safari

If you want to ride the best 4X4 that conquers the desert with its unrelenting will and unending stamina, you must try a camel ride. Despite having the most modern and capable SUVs, the ship of the desert is still a preferred mode of transport in the open desert. Camels have been a part of life here for over 3,000 years and have created a special bond with the human residents. You can enjoy a brief camel ride at Thumamah National Park or experience a longer ride on a camel safari. A camel safari takes you through the majestic desert landscape at a leisurely pace to culminate in a Bedouin camp where you will spend the night under the stars. This is one experience you must not miss in Saudi.

5. Trekking

Saudi has a rich history of trade and commerce that was mostly dependant on the Red Sea. But Saudi was also accessible by land over many established trade routes. Now most of these trade routes make for excellent trekking trails. Caravan Trail, which was the only way into Riyadh from the west, is now a one-kilometre-long steep and rocky trekking trail that offers spectacular views of the Tuwaiq Mountain. An hour away from Jeddah, Moon Valley is an awesome place to go stargazing. Catch the sunset from Moon Mountain and camp under the stars with a barbeque dinner and Arabic coffee. Jabal Al Lawaz or ‘Almond Mountain’ is the only place in Saudi where it snows! Experience this miracle of nature and explore ancient animal carvings at the nearby wadi.

Blessed with a rugged landscape, a hardy soul and tenacious willpower, Saudi is well-equipped to welcome thrill seekers from all over the world. From the skies to the sea and the desert, you can have an adventure of a lifetime that will keep calling you back for more escapades.