A Comprehensive Guide to Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina

If you are in Jeddah, it’s next to impossible to resist the pull of the glistening turquoise waters that captivate your heart with their magnetic charm. Known as the first ever marina on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina promises an experience that combines relaxation, elegance, and marine traditions. Whether you are a seasoned sailor, a curious tourist, or just someone looking for a sophisticated getaway by the sea, this famous marina offers a world-class experience for everyone.

Make sure you have a membership to get access to the Yacht Club, but you can still enjoy sleek yachts, a diverse range of restaurants, and a panoramic marina. Spanning 122,000 square meters and accommodating 95 boats with a length of 10 to 120 meters, it serves as a recognized port of entry, perfectly located to provide captains and their crews with a base between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

So, all set for a trip to this otherworldly destination? Below is the ultimate guide to the Jeddah Yacht Club, so let’s get going!

Although the club itself is only accessible to members and their visitors, the marina is open to everyone and is lined with some of Jeddah's most well-known eateries and designer shops, including Donna Karan, Vilebrequin, and Sergio Rossi. Taking a stroll down the boardwalk while enjoying the mild sea breezes, gigantic superyachts, and artist Richard Orlinski's famous Wild Kong sculpture serves as a popular pastime among locals and tourists during colder months, especially because admission is free.

Things To Do at Jeddah Yacht Club

In addition to upscale dining and shopping options, you may also sign up for thrilling activities in case of being a non-member of the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina.

The 30-minute, high-adrenaline Fire Boat adventure is an exciting ride that includes 360-degree spins and wave-based water descents. This is the perfect family-friendly activity since the boats can hold a maximum of twelve people. Moreover, life jackets are also provided, and they will slow things down if you are riding with young ones in tow.

Another one of the best things to do in Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina for those who enjoy water sports is parasailing, which is provided by the boat tour company 17SIXTY. In this sport, you will be affixed to a canopy that resembles a parachute and hung in midair for an aerial perspective over Jeddah's stunning shoreline, combining the exhilaration of flight with the liberty of water. This hour-long adventure requires absolutely no previous expertise or qualification.

Additionally, if you want to improve your abilities, an on-site JYC Academy offers a range of courses on how to navigate, radio, sailing, powerboating, yachting, and jet skiing, and each of them is approved by the Royal Yachting Association and provides practical experience.

Snorkelers and scuba divers are ultimately drawn to the club's vessels because they are surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. To explore these underwater wonders, you can try out a speedy and elegant Rivamare speedboat, which can be rented for a day and has a peak speed of 40 knots. It makes boating more intimate and is ideal for small parties of up to 6 people. While it’s compact, it offers enough range for memorable day trips to beautiful islands such as Bayada and Abu Tair, which come highly recommended.

The next thing to try is to board the JYC, a Custom Line Navetta 30, which resembles a villa on the beach. With a maximum speed of 15 knots, this luxurious superyacht is perfect for leisurely sailing and can accommodate up to 10 people for overnight rentals.

Best Restaurants In Jeddah Yacht Club

This place offers guests plenty of options, ranging from casual pizza places and fine-dining restaurants to ice cream vendors and Instagram-worthy cafés. To save you from a tiring hunt, we’ve listed the best places where you may enjoy a meal.

Karamna stands out with its unique feature of not only having an interior dining room but also its own yacht, which is always anchored in the port and offers Arabic and Levantine food. However, the atmosphere takes precedence over the cuisine, with your dining experience combining grill platters and real mezze while you feast on the views of the Red Sea.

Le Vesuvio at Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina fits perfectly with its seaside setting, offering delicious seafood selections such as Sea Bream al Cartoccio and Huitres Gillardeau. Inspired by the restaurant’s renowned location in Cannes, it also earns praise for skillfully incorporating local flavors.

Another place that is worth dining at is Crustacean, which arrived in Jeddah from Beverly Hills and brings its fresh goods and fragrant herbs of Vietnamese cooking. It should be noted that the Jeddah facility is the first of its kind to open internationally, serving signature dishes like garlic noodles.

Marina Social is another must-try spot that continues to steal the spotlight, known for its vibrant atmosphere, elevated comfort food, and waterfront views that impress every time. Housed on the first floor of the Jeddah Yacht Club, this restaurant features live music and beautifully prepared Mediterranean fare. This restaurant has all the refinement you would expect from a restaurant run by famous chef Jason Atherton.

Nearby Attractions

Here are some attractions to explore near the Jeddah Marina Yacht Club, offering a blend of relaxation, culture, shopping, and family-friendly fun that elevates your visit to the next level:

The 30-kilometer Jeddah Corniche, perched along the Red Sea, is lined with parks, walkways, and a number of cafés. Whether you want to enjoy the stunning sea views, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll, the Corniche has something for everyone. Additionally, the place has a number of sculptures and other pieces of art, earning it the moniker "open-air museum.”

When everything is illuminated and people begin to arrive for dinner, the neighborhood surrounding the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina becomes most lively and picturesque. Be sure to catch sight of Al Rahma Mosque, also known as the Floating Mosque. Constructed above water on the northern edge of the Corniche, it gives the impression that it is floating on waves and is most charming at night when nature's display bathes it in vivid orange and gentle pink.

The Fakieh Aquarium, which is home to more than 7,000 aquatic animals, provides an opportunity to observe a diverse range of marine life, including sharks and vibrant fish. It is a pleasant and instructive stop since it also features interactive exhibits, including chances to swim with dolphins, and educational displays on marine life and conservation.