Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches & Water Sports

Planning a beach day near Al Khobar? Half Moon Bay Khobar — Khalij Nisf Al-Qamar — is the Eastern Province's go-to stretch of curved, calm-water coastline, sitting roughly 25–52 km south of Al Khobar depending on which section you head to. The public beaches are generally free to walk onto, while a handful of resorts offer day passes, water sports and full facilities for a fee. Here's everything you need to plan the trip, with real prices in SAR.

Half Moon Bay Khobar at a glance

The bay takes its name from its wide, crescent shape, which shelters much of the water and keeps it noticeably calmer than the open Gulf. That makes it a favourite for families, first-time swimmers and anyone who wants to try water sports without battling big waves.

You'll find two kinds of experience here. Public sections are open daily and cost nothing to access — just bring your own shade, cooler and gear. Private resort beaches, on the other hand, charge for entry but hand you sun loungers, changing rooms, cafés, cleaner sand and organised activities in return.

How to get there from Al Khobar and Dammam

Half Moon Bay is an easy self-drive from the Khobar–Dammam metro area — most sections are 30–45 minutes by car heading south along the coast. If you're not driving, a Careem or Uber from central Al Khobar is straightforward, though you'll want to pre-arrange your return ride, since taxis are thin on the ground at the beach itself.

Flying in? King Fahd International Airport is the nearest hub, and from there it's a comfortable drive down to the coast. There's no government booking platform involved — you don't need Absher, Muqeem or Tawakkalna for a public-beach visit. Resort entry and activities are arranged directly with the venue.

Beaches: free public sections vs resort day passes

For a laid-back, no-cost day, the public sections work perfectly: park up, lay out your mat and enjoy the water. Just note there are few permanent facilities, so come prepared with drinking water, sunscreen and rubbish bags.

If you'd rather have loungers, toilets and food sorted for you, a resort day pass is worth it. Keep in mind that resort beaches, Saudi Aramco Beach and various institutional beaches may require membership, authorisation, a hotel booking or a paid day ticket — so it pays to call ahead.

Dana Beach Resort day entry

Dana Beach Resort at Half Moon Bay is one of the most popular day-trip options. Reported day-entry pricing runs at:

• Adults — typically around SAR 65 per person
• Children aged 5–12 — typically around SAR 35
• Children under 5 — free

The resort also runs water activities including jet skis, boat rides and diving, though prices and hours shift with the season and operator. Always confirm the current tariff directly before you travel, as private-venue prices change.

Radisson Blu and Mena Holiday resorts

The Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Half Moon Bay is a solid pick if you want to turn the trip into an overnight stay — check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 12pm. Mena Holiday Beach Resort is another accommodation and beach-access option; its rates vary by date, so check availability when you book rather than relying on a fixed figure.

Water sports and prices

This is where Half Moon Bay really shines. The sheltered water makes it one of the best places in the Eastern Province to try adrenaline activities. The prices below are typical reported rates — expect them to move with the season, operator and demand.

Jet skis, parasailing and donut boats

• Jet ski (15 minutes) — typically around SAR 173
• Jet ski (30 minutes) — typically around SAR 288
• Jet ski deposit — some operators require a refundable deposit of about SAR 500
• Parasailing (10 minutes) — typically around SAR 178
• Donut boat — typically around SAR 405 for a group of up to five people

Boat rides and kayaking

• Boat rides (15 minutes) — from typically around SAR 288
• Boat rides (one hour) — up to typically around SAR 920, depending on boat size and capacity
• Kayak rental — typically around SAR 50–200 depending on kayak type

The donut boat and hourly kayak rentals are the best value for families and groups, while jet skis and parasailing are the crowd-pleasers for thrill-seekers.

Age limits and safety

Age rules vary by activity and operator. As a general guide, minimum ages for water activities commonly start at 10 years, while some jet-ski activities require riders to be 16 or older. Always ask the operator before paying, especially for teens.

A few safety basics go a long way: wear the life jacket provided, listen to the operator's briefing, keep young children within arm's reach in the water, and don't underestimate the sun — the Eastern Province heat is serious. Reapply sunscreen and hydrate throughout the day.

Best day trips near Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay pairs perfectly with a wider Eastern Province day out. Once you've had your fill of sand and sea, these nearby spots are all worth a detour:

• Al Khobar Corniche — a long waterfront promenade lined with cafés and green space, ideal for an evening stroll
• Dammam Corniche — a broad, family-friendly seafront with play areas and restaurants
• King Fahd Coastal City — a large recreational coastal park popular for picnics and walks

None of these require a fixed entry ticket for their public areas, making them easy add-ons to a beach day. Grab an early lunch at the bay, then head to a corniche as the temperature drops in the afternoon.

When to go and what to pack

The most comfortable months run from roughly late autumn to early spring, when daytime temperatures make sitting on the sand genuinely pleasant. In summer, aim for early morning or the late afternoon to dodge the midday heat.

Pack the essentials: sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, plenty of water, a beach umbrella or shade for the public sections, cash for activities and snacks, and a dry bag for phones and valuables. On dress code: modest swimwear is the norm on Eastern Province beaches — many women opt for a one-piece with a rash guard or a cover-up, while men wear standard swim shorts. If you plan to try water sports, arrive early, as the popular slots fill up on weekends.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay free to enter?

Yes — public sections of Half Moon Bay are generally free and open daily, with no standard official entry fee. Resort beaches such as Dana Beach Resort charge a day-entry fee in return for facilities and activities.

How much is a day pass at Dana Beach Resort?

Reported day-entry pricing is typically around SAR 65 per adult and SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with children under 5 free. Confirm the current tariff directly before travelling, as prices change seasonally.

How much do water sports cost at Half Moon Bay?

Expect roughly SAR 173 for a 15-minute jet ski, around SAR 288 for 30 minutes, about SAR 178 for 10 minutes of parasailing, and around SAR 405 for a donut boat for up to five people. Kayaks rent for about SAR 50–200

What is the minimum age for water sports?

It varies by activity and operator. Minimum ages commonly start at 10 years, and some jet-ski activities require participants to be 16 or older. Always check with the operator first.

What's the best time of year to visit Half Moon Bay?

The cooler season from roughly late autumn to early spring is the sweet spot, with pleasant daytime temperatures. If you visit in summer, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak midday heat.

Do I need to book through a government app?

No. Ordinary public-beach access needs no government platform. Resort entry and water activities are arranged directly with the venue or its booking partner — you don't need Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Balady or Tawakkalna.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

Depending on which section you head to, it's roughly 25–52 km south of Al Khobar — usually a 30–45 minute drive along the coast.

Planning to stay the night or make a weekend of it? Browse accommodation and stays in Al Khobar on Saudi Living, and check our Eastern Province listings for more things to do near the coast.

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