Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches & Water Sports Guide

Looking for calm Gulf water, free beaches and jet skis all within an easy drive of Al Khobar? This Half Moon Bay Khobar: beaches, water sports & day trips guide covers everything you need. Half Moon Bay (Khor Al-Maha) is one of the Eastern Province's most popular weekend coastal destinations. The crescent-shaped bay sits roughly 30–52 km south of Al Khobar, close to Dhahran and Dammam, and mixes free public sand with private beach clubs, resort chalets and a full menu of water sports. Here's how to plan the perfect day.

Half Moon Bay at a glance

Named for its sweeping crescent shoreline, Half Moon Bay is one of the busiest weekend spots on Saudi Arabia's east coast. The water is shallow and usually calm, which makes it a favourite for families with young children, first-time swimmers and anyone who wants to try paddleboarding without battling waves.

The bay is split between free public beaches — open to everyone — and a string of private resorts and beach clubs that charge a day-pass fee for cleaner facilities, loungers and a calmer, more managed stretch of sand. You can do the whole trip on a budget by sticking to the public side, or pay a few extra riyals for resort comfort.

How to get there

Half Moon Bay is an easy 30–45 minute drive from central Al Khobar, depending on which section you're heading to and the traffic. The simplest option is to drive your own car, as parking is plentiful across the public areas. If you don't have a car, a Careem or Uber from Al Khobar is straightforward — but arrange your return pickup in advance, since ride availability thins out along the more remote stretches of coast.

Coming from Dammam or Dhahran, the bay is well signposted and the drive hugs the Gulf for much of the way.

The public beach — free, calm and family-friendly

The biggest draw is that entry to the public beach is completely free. Gates generally open from sunrise to sunset, though hours can vary slightly by managed section, so aim to arrive early to claim a good spot — especially on Fridays and weekends when local families turn out in force.

The swimming is gentle: shallow, warm Gulf water with minimal waves. It's genuinely great for kids, but there are no permanent lifeguards on most public stretches, so supervise children closely and follow any local safety signs.

Facilities on the public side

Depending on which section you pick, public areas may include:

• Picnic spaces and barbecue huts — bring your own charcoal and food for a classic weekend grill
• Cafés and kiosks for drinks and snacks
• Changing facilities and basic restrooms
• Beach seating in some managed zones

Availability varies from one stretch to the next, so pack water, shade and any essentials you'll want rather than relying on finding a shop nearby.

Water sports and prices

This is where Half Moon Bay really shines. Independent operators dot the beach offering everything from gentle paddleboards to high-speed jet skis. Prices are set by each operator and can change, so treat these as a guide and confirm on the day before you pay. Figures below were checked with local operators as of February 2025 and typically include:

• Jet ski — typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes; a refundable deposit of about SAR 500 may be required
• Parasailing — typically around SAR 178 for 10 minutes
• Donut (ringo) boat — typically around SAR 405 for up to five people
• Boat rides — typically around SAR 345 for up to three people, or SAR 575 for up to five
• Paddleboard hire — typically around SAR 80

Beyond the water, several operators also offer horse riding, quad biking and camping on and around the bay — handy if you want to turn a beach day into a full outdoor adventure. Always check that life jackets and safety briefings are provided before you set off.

Private beach clubs and resort day passes

If you'd rather trade the free-for-all public sand for loungers, cleaner facilities and a quieter shoreline, Half Moon Bay's private resorts sell day passes. Expect to pay typically around SAR 80–200 per person, depending on the venue and what's included.

Al Dana Beach Resort, Dana Bay

One of the best-value options for families, Al Dana Beach Resort in Dana Bay reports day-entry pricing of roughly SAR 65 per adult and SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with children under five generally free. It's a comfortable base for a day by the water without committing to a full resort stay.

Half Moon Bay Resort stays

Want to make a weekend of it? Half Moon Bay Resort offers rooms starting typically around SAR 580, with beachfront chalets from around SAR 750. Waking up a few steps from calm Gulf water is a solid reason to stay overnight, particularly in the cooler months.

Other things to do nearby

Half Moon Bay sits within easy reach of some of the Eastern Province's best attractions, so it's simple to combine a beach morning with an afternoon elsewhere:

• Loopagoon Water Park in Dana Bay — slides and pools, perfect if the kids want more than the beach
• Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture) in Dhahran — museums, galleries, a cinema and a striking library
• Mall of Dhahran — air-conditioned shopping and dining when the sun gets intense

Day trips from Half Moon Bay

Make the bay the anchor of a wider day out across the Eastern Province:

• Al Khobar Corniche — a relaxed evening walk, cafés and sea views
• Dammam Corniche — parks, play areas and waterfront dining
• Ithra and Mall of Dhahran — culture and shopping in one trip

With a little planning you can pair a calm swim at sunrise, water sports before lunch and a corniche stroll at sunset — all in a single day.

Tips for the perfect day out

• Go early — cooler temperatures, quieter sand and the pick of the parking
• Bring sun protection — shade is limited on the public stretches
• Carry cash — some beach operators prefer it, and it speeds up water-sport bookings
• Confirm prices and safety gear before paying — rates are operator-specific
• Pack your own barbecue supplies if you plan to grill
• Check the season — autumn through spring is the most comfortable for a full beach day

For more coastal ideas across the Kingdom, browse the latest events and things to do on Saudi Living.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay beach free to enter?

Yes — the public beaches at Half Moon Bay are free to enter, generally from sunrise to sunset. Only the private resorts and beach clubs charge a day-pass fee, typically around SAR 80–200

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's roughly 30–52 km south of Al Khobar, near Dhahran and Dammam, which works out to about a 30–45 minute drive depending on the section and the traffic.

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

Expect to pay typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes, with a refundable deposit of about SAR 500 sometimes required. Prices are set by individual operators, so confirm before you ride.

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

Autumn through spring (roughly October to April) is the most comfortable window for a full beach day, with milder temperatures and cooler Gulf water. In the peak summer heat, aim for early mornings or late afternoons.

Is Half Moon Bay good for families and children?

Very much so. The Gulf water here is shallow and usually calm, which suits young children and beginner swimmers. There are no permanent lifeguards on most public stretches, so supervise kids closely.

Can I stay overnight at Half Moon Bay?

Yes. Half Moon Bay Resort offers rooms starting typically around SAR 580 and beachfront chalets from around SAR 750, making it easy to turn a day trip into a weekend.

What else is there to do nearby?

Plenty — Loopagoon Water Park in Dana Bay, Ithra and Mall of Dhahran in Dhahran, and the Al Khobar and Dammam corniches are all within easy reach for a full day out.

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