Jeddah sits on the Red Sea but the central Corniche is a paved walkway, not a beach — and the public stretches close to the city are not the place to swim. The proper beach action is at the private beach resorts north of the city, around Obhur Creek and out toward Durrat Al Arus.
These resorts charge a day-pass fee (typically 100–300 SAR) and offer clean sand, swimming, watersports, and snorkelling off the resort jetties. Rules on swimwear have eased since 2019 — women can wear bikinis at most private resorts — but conservative dress is still expected at public beaches.
The reefs themselves are the real prize. See the Red Sea Diving entry for details on dive operators and sites.