Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches & Water Sports

Updated February 2025

Looking for a beach day near Al Khobar? Our Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches, Water Sports & Day Trips guide covers everything you need, because this is the Eastern Province's go-to stretch of shallow turquoise water and wide sand — and the main public areas are usually free to enter, open from sunrise to sunset. Whether you want to float on calm water with the kids, ride a jet ski, or soar on a parasail, here's the rundown on the beaches, the water sports, the prices and a sensible day-trip plan so you arrive ready.

Half Moon Bay at a glance

Half Moon Bay sits just south of Al Khobar on the Arabian Gulf, curving into the crescent shape that gives it its name. The shallow, gently shelving shoreline makes it one of the most family-friendly spots in the Kingdom — little ones can paddle safely, while the open bay gives operators plenty of room for jet skis, boats and parasails.

The bay is a mix of open public beach (no ticket needed) and managed resorts and beach clubs that charge day entry for cleaner facilities, loungers, cafes and lifeguarded swimming. You can keep it completely free, or pay for comfort — the choice is yours.

Getting there and when to go

From central Al Khobar the drive to Half Moon Bay is short — typically around 20 to 30 minutes by car, depending on the exact beach and traffic. From Dammam, allow a little longer. There's no metro to the bay, so most visitors drive or take a Careem or Uber. If you ride-hail, agree on a return plan in advance, as pickups from the beach can be slow at peak times.

The best months are the cooler season, roughly October to April, when daytime temperatures are pleasant. Summer visits are doable but go early morning or late afternoon to dodge the heat. Weekends (Friday and Saturday) and public holidays are the busiest — arrive before late morning for parking and a good patch of sand.

The public beach — free and open sunrise to sunset

The main public sections of Half Moon Bay generally have no entry fee and operate from sunrise to sunset. You'll find broad sandy shoreline and shallow water that's ideal for wading and gentle swimming.

A few things to keep in mind on the public beach:

• Swim only in supervised or designated areas — currents and boat traffic vary across the bay.
• Public sections are open-access, so facilities (toilets, showers, shade) are limited compared with the paid resorts.
• Wear modest swimwear and cover-ups when not in the water, in line with local custom; this is a popular family beach.
• Take your rubbish with you — bins fill up fast on busy weekends.

Water sports and what they cost

Independent operators set up along the bay offering everything from jet skis to parasailing. Prices are operator-set and change by weekday, weekend, holiday, weather and equipment availability, so treat the figures below as a realistic guide rather than a fixed tariff. Always confirm the price, the duration and any deposit before you hand over cash.

Jet ski

• 15 minutes — typically around SAR 150 to 173
• 30 minutes — typically around SAR 250 to 288
• 1 hour — typically around SAR 460 to 500

A refundable deposit of roughly SAR 500 may be required, returned when you bring the craft back undamaged. Wear the life jacket provided and stay inside the marked riding zone.

Parasailing

For the big view over the bay, parasailing runs typically around SAR 178 to 200 per person for an 8 to 10 minute flight. The minimum age is commonly 10 years, so it's better suited to older kids and adults. You'll be harnessed and briefed by the crew before take-off.

Donut (ringo) and boat rides

Towable rides and group boat trips are perfect if you'd rather stay closer to the water:

• Donut / ringo boat — typically around SAR 270 for up to three people, or SAR 405 to 450 for up to five, for about 15 minutes
• Boat ride — typically around SAR 345 for up to three people, or SAR 575 for up to five; duration varies by operator

These are priced so they work out well for families and small groups.

Paddleboarding and more

If you prefer a slower pace, paddleboard rental is typically around SAR 80, with session length varying by operator. Depending on the section and the day, you may also find kayaking, snorkelling, horse rides, quad biking and camping spots. Operator names, prices and schedules for these aren't consistently published, so ask on arrival and confirm before booking.

Al Dana Beach Resort and other managed areas

If you want loungers, cleaner facilities and supervised swimming, the managed resorts are worth the entry fee. Al Dana Beach Resort, in Dana Bay near Half Moon Bay, has reported day-entry prices of about:

• SAR 65 per adult
• SAR 35 per child aged 5 to 12
• Free for children under 5

Admission policies change seasonally, so confirm current prices, opening hours and any family-day rules before you travel. Other beach clubs along the bay operate on similar lines, offering a paid, more comfortable alternative to the open public sand.

A smart day-trip plan

Here's how to get the most out of a Half Moon Bay day without hassle:

1. Arrive early — before late morning on weekends to secure parking and shade.
2. Pick your base — free public beach for a relaxed, bring-your-own day, or a resort if you want facilities and lifeguards.
3. Do the water sports mid-morning — wind and chop often build up in the afternoon.
4. Break for lunch — pack a cooler for the public beach, or use resort cafes.
5. Wind down at golden hour — the crescent bay is at its best near sunset, when crowds thin.

One of the easiest things about Half Moon Bay is the paperwork: there isn't any. A public beach visit needs no Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, Balady or Tawakkalna procedure — just turn up. For more ideas on filling a weekend in the Eastern Province, browse our events listings on Saudi Living.

What to pack and safety tips

• Sunscreen, hats and plenty of water — Gulf sun is strong even in cooler months.
• Shade: a beach umbrella or pop-up tent for the public sections.
• Cash for water-sport operators, who may not all take cards.
• Water shoes for shells and the occasional rocky patch.
• Keep children within arm's reach in the water and swim only in designated areas.
• Check wind and sea conditions before booking parasailing or jet skis.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay beach free to enter?

Yes — the main public sections of Half Moon Bay generally have no entry fee and are open from sunrise to sunset. Managed resorts and beach clubs, such as Al Dana Beach Resort, charge day entry for added facilities.

How much does a jet ski cost at Half Moon Bay?

Expect typically around SAR 150 to 173 for 15 minutes, SAR 250 to 288 for 30 minutes, and up to SAR 460 to 500 for an hour. A refundable deposit of roughly SAR 500 may apply. Prices vary by operator and season.

How much is parasailing at Half Moon Bay?

Parasailing is typically around SAR 178 to 200 with a minimum age commonly set at 10 years.

Are there lifeguards at Half Moon Bay?

The open public beach is not consistently staffed with lifeguards, so swim only in designated areas and keep children within arm's reach. Managed resorts and beach clubs typically offer lifeguarded swimming areas — one reason families with young children often prefer paying for day entry.

How do I get to Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's a short drive — typically around 20 to 30 minutes from central Al Khobar. There's no metro, so most visitors drive or take a Careem or Uber. Agree on a return plan in advance, as beach pickups can be slow at peak times.

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

The cooler months of roughly October to April are ideal. In summer, go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and arrive before late morning on weekends for parking.

Do I need any permit or Absher procedure to visit?

No. Visiting the public beach requires no Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, Balady or Tawakkalna procedure — simply turn up during daylight hours.

Plan your Eastern Province getaway

Ready to make a weekend of it? Browse things to do and events in the Eastern Province on Saudi Living and line up the rest of your trip.

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