- AreaRed Sea, about 40–50 km off Jizan
- Best forBeaches, snorkelling, birdlife, getting away
- Time1–3 days
- CostFerry free; book with your passport
Off the coast of Jizan, in the far south-west of Saudi Arabia, lies an archipelago of more than 80 islands and islets, most of them uninhabited. The Farasan Islands are the kingdom's most remote corner of the Red Sea coast: low limestone and coral islands fringed by white beaches, turquoise lagoons and mangroves, with a population concentrated in the small town of Farasan on the largest island. The two biggest islands, Farasan and Sajid, are linked by a bridge.
Much of the archipelago is a protected area, home to the endemic Farasan gazelle, sea turtles, dolphins and large numbers of migratory and seabirds, including flamingos and pelicans in season. The reefs are in good condition, and the islands see a fraction of the visitors who reach the northern Red Sea.
What to see
- Beaches: long, quiet stretches of sand around the main islands. Bring everything you need; facilities are minimal outside town.
- Snorkelling and boat trips: local boat operators run trips to outer islands and reefs. Our Red Sea diving and snorkelling guide covers what to expect.
- Al-Qassar Heritage Village: an old summer village of stone houses among palm groves, partly restored.
- Bait Al-Refai: the house of a pearl merchant in Farasan town, with remarkable carved plaster decoration, a reminder of the islands' pearling past.
- The Ottoman-era "German House": the ruins of a building dating from the early 20th century, linked by local tradition to German engineers.
The ferry from Jizan
The only regular way to reach the islands is the government ferry from Jizan port, which is free of charge. The crossing takes about an hour, sometimes a little longer. There are usually departures in the early morning and early afternoon in each direction, with extra sailings at busy times, but schedules change, so check before you go. Tickets are issued at the ferry booking office in Jizan on showing your passport (residents use their iqama); getting yours a day ahead is wise, as seats fill up. If you want to take a car, book at least a couple of days in advance and arrive around two hours before departure. Online booking has been offered through the transport authority, but has not always worked reliably.
When to go
October to April is the best time, with warm days, calm seas and good visibility underwater. Summer is very hot and humid. In spring, the island hosts the Hareed festival, celebrating the seasonal arrival of shoals of parrotfish along the shore, with traditional fishing and festivities; dates vary each year and extra ferries may run.
Getting there and staying
Jizan has an airport with domestic flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities, and the port is a short taxi ride from the city centre. On the islands there are a small number of hotels and resorts, so book ahead: search Booking.com or Trip.com. Guided multi-day trips are listed on GetYourGuide.
Combine it with
Farasan pairs well with the green highlands of Asir: drive north from Jizan to the stone towers of Rijal Almaa and on to Abha. For more of the Red Sea, the old town of Al Balad and the Jeddah Corniche are a short flight north.
Tours: Farasan Islands
Compare guided trips, transfers and tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Farasan ferry free?
Yes. The government ferry between Jizan and the Farasan Islands is free for passengers and vehicles, but you need a ticket issued with your passport, ideally a day in advance.
How long is the ferry to Farasan?
About an hour, sometimes a little longer, from Jizan port. There are usually morning and afternoon departures each way; check the current schedule before you go.
Can I visit Farasan as a day trip?
It is possible with the morning ferry out and the afternoon ferry back, but it is rushed. Staying at least one night is much better.
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