Glittering in the near distance, Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina inevitably piques the curiosity of those exploring the Jeddah Corniche. Overlooking the Red Sea, its crown jewel is the clubhouse that stands 20 metres tall and evokes the region's maritime heritage with its sail-inspired shape. The complex as a whole spans 122,000 square metres and is capable of berthing 95 yachts ranging from 10 to 120 metres, making it the first of its kind on Saudi Arabia’s west coast.
It’s also an official port of entry, ideally situated to offer captains and their crews a base between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. But it's so much more than a pit stop – between the world-class marina facilities and an array of leisure attractions, it has quickly gained a reputation as both a global yachting hub and destination in its own right. Here, we take a closer look, revealing what lies within Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina.
Can anyone use or visit Jeddah Yacht Club?
While the club itself is reserved for members and their guests, the marina is open to the general public and lined with designer stores like Donna Karan, Sergio Rossi and Vilebrequin as well as many of Jeddah's most popular restaurants – but more on that later. Taking a stroll along the boardwalk while savouring the balmy sea breezes, majestic superyachts, and artist Richard Orlinski’s signature Wild Kong sculpture is a favourite activity among residents and tourists come cooler weather – especially as entry is free.
The area is at its buzziest and most beautiful at night, when everything is lit up and people start to trickle in for dinner. We suggest that you beat the crowd and arrive early to view Al Rahma Mosque, aka the Floating Mosque, as the sun sets. Built over water on the Corniche's northern tip, it creates the illusion of floating on sea waves and is particularly picturesque when nature's nightly show bathes it in shades of soft pink and vibrant orange. It’s worth noting that major events like Eid, Founding Day and Jeddah Season really bring Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina to life thanks to live entertainment such as musicians and roaming performers who take up residence along its waterfront.
As for the aforementioned club? While details on what securing membership actually entails are strictly under wraps (you'll have to get in touch via phone or email), there are lots of benefits once you join the rarified air. Members of this ultra-luxurious address enjoy exclusive access to a beach club, a business suite, wellness facilities, concierge services and the Riva Privée lounge, as well as sailing and nautical activities. Discounts for yacht charters aside, they get priority access to both preferred docking spaces and Jeddah Yacht Club’s fleet of yachts – for starters.
Best restaurants in Jeddah Yacht Club
Everything from ice cream carts and Instaworthy cafes to casual pizza joints and fine-dining restaurants awaits on the promenade, leaving diners spoilt for choice. But it does help to know the stand-out spots if you arrive hungry. Karamna boasts a novelty factor as, an indoor dining area aside, it also serves Arabic and Levantine cuisine aboard its very own yacht that's permanently docked on the marina. The food doesn't take a backseat to the setting, though, so expect to dine on authentic mezze and mixed grill platters with a side of Red Sea views.
Le Vesuvio, meanwhile, merges seamlessly with its coastal setting at Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina – the seafood options like Sea Bream al Cartoccio and Huitres Gillardeau not only echo the restaurant's birthplace of Cannes but also win rave reviews as they are deftly infused with a local touch.
The hot ticket, however, is still Marina Social. Located on the first floor of Jeddah Yacht Club, it exudes the level of sophistication you'd expect of an eatery with celebrity chef Jason Atherton at its helm, complete with live jazz and artfully plated Mediterranean dishes. Just be sure to book well in advance.
Things to do at Jeddah Yacht Club
It's not just high-end dining and shopping that non-members can avail of, it's adventure pursuits, too. Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina's position by the Red Sea means you can experience a handful of thrills over water and even up in the air.
The adrenaline-packed Fire Boat experience makes for an exhilarating (read: high-speed) ride that lasts 30 minutes and features 360-degree spins and water descents through the waves. Life jackets are included, and they'll even slow things down if you're riding with the kids in tow – this one's the ultimate family-friendly activity as the boats can accommodate up to to 12 people.
Parasailing, offered by boat tour agency 17SIXTY, is another must-try for anyone interested in water sports. Pairing the rush of flying with the freedom of water, you'll be attached to a parachute-like canopy and suspended in the air for a bird's eye view of Jeddah’s beautiful coastline. Even better? Absolutely no prior experience or certification is required for this hour-long escapade.
And if you're serious about upgrading your skills, JYC Academy is also onsite, running a variety of courses in powerboating, sailing, jet skiing, and yachting as well as navigation, radio, and first aid (all of which are accredited by the Royal Yachting Association and offer hands-on experience).
Ultimately, it's the club's yachts that draw snorkellers and scuba divers as, within cruising distance, are technicolour coral reefs absolutely teeming with life. There's the sleek and sporty Rivamare motorboat that powers up to a top speed of 40 knots and can be chartered for the day. Perfect for small groups of up to six people, it allows for a more intimate boating experience.
Don't let its size fool you, though – with a capacity of 280 nautical miles, day trips to scenic islands like Bayada and Abu Tair are not only doable but also highly recommended. And then there's the JYC, a Custom Line Navetta 30 that's reminiscent of a beachfront villa. Sleeping up to ten for overnight charters, this sumptuous superyacht is ideal for leisurely cruising, reaching a top speed of 15 knots.
Is there a dress code for Jeddah Yacht Club?
Think relaxed but stylish when it comes to dressing for a visit to Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, which means linen separates or flowy dresses for women, and polo or oxford shirts with chinos for men. Jeddah, being more cosmopolitan than most Saudi cities, is slightly less conservative but it's best to err on the side of dressing modestly. Needless to say, neither bare feet nor swimming attire is appropriate, regardless of gender.
And because the venue is a hub for crews and maritime enthusiasts from across the world, following the universal tenets of yacht club etiquette is also advised – brash, unruly behaviour is a no-no, as is venturing into areas that are reserved for members. Stepping onto someone else’s boat? Be prepared to remove your shoes as per the age-old barefoot rule; footwear is generally forbidden on deck and inside the cabin to keep all surfaces clean and free of scuff marks.
