Farasan Islands

Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

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The Farasan Islands form an archipelago of over 170 coral islets off the Jazan Region coast in southwestern Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, about 40-90 kilometers offshore, with the largest island, Farasan al-Kubra, spanning 380 square kilometers and hosting the main town of Farasan known for its Ottoman-era fort, Al-Najdi Mosque from 1929, and traditional architecture like Al-Rifai House.

This protected marine sanctuary, established in 1987, thrives on uplifted fossil reefs supporting diverse ecosystems with Arabian gazelles, migratory birds, dugongs, sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and vibrant reefs ideal for diving and snorkeling amid arid subtropical climates averaging 30°C with sporadic monsoon rains.

Accessible by free ferries from Jizan Port, the islands blend history from Roman times—evidenced by a 144 AD inscription—with fishing, tourism boosted by Vision 2030 developments, and pristine beaches drawing visitors to its biodiversity hotspot.