Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches & Water Sports Guide

Last updated: June 2026

Half Moon Bay Khobar is the Eastern Province's go-to spot for beaches, water sports and day trips, drawing families, thrill-seekers and weekend visitors from Dammam, Dhahran and beyond. Also known as Durrat Al Khobar, this crescent-shaped stretch of coast sits roughly 30 km south of Al Khobar and delivers warm shallow water, jet skis and some of the best sunsets on the Gulf.

Here's everything you need before you go: how to reach it, where to swim for free, which private resort to book, and exactly what the activities typically cost in SAR.

Half Moon Bay Khobar at a glance

• Location — Durrat Al Khobar, about 30 km south of Al Khobar, Eastern Province.
• Best for — swimming, picnics and barbecues, jet skiing, parasailing, boat trips and sunset photos.
• Public beach — generally free, open sunrise to sunset.
• Private resort — Al Dana Beach Resort in Dana Bay, with day passes and calmer, cleaner sections.
• When to go — autumn to spring mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable; summer midday is intense.

Where is Half Moon Bay and how to get there

From central Al Khobar, the drive south takes you along the coast toward Durrat Al Khobar. Most visitors arrive by private car, and parking is plentiful near the public beach areas. A Careem or Uber ride is possible from Al Khobar or Dhahran, but book your return in advance — ride-hailing availability thins out once you're well south of the city, and there's no metro-style transit this far down the coast.

If you're coming from Riyadh, it's an easy weekend add-on after the drive east, or a half-day detour on any Eastern Province trip.

Public beach vs private resort access

Half Moon Bay has two very different experiences depending on how much you want to spend.

Public beach

The public sections are generally free and usually open from sunrise until sunset. You get open sand, space for a barbecue and picnic, and plenty of room for kids to play in the shallows. Bring your own shade, water and supplies — facilities are basic, so pack as if you're self-sufficient for the day.

Al Dana Beach Resort (Dana Bay)

For a more polished day out, Al Dana Beach Resort in Dana Bay offers day passes to a cleaner, supervised stretch of sand. Entry is typically around SAR 65 per adult and SAR 35 per child aged 5 to 12, with children under 5 usually free. The resort is the comfortable choice if you want amenities, maintained swimming areas and an easier family setup.

What to do: water sports, prices and age rules

Half Moon Bay is the Eastern Province's unofficial water-sports capital. Private operators set up along the shore seasonally, and prices shift with the date, the weather and how busy things are. Prices vary by operator, date and weather, so use these figures as a realistic guide.

Jet ski

• 15 minutes — typically around SAR 173.
• 30 minutes — typically around SAR 288.
• Deposit — operators often ask for a refundable SAR 500 deposit, returned when you bring the jet ski back undamaged.

Parasailing

An 8 to 10-minute parasailing flight runs typically around SAR 178 — one of the best-value thrills on the bay and the one that delivers the postcard view of the whole crescent.

Donut boat and banana rides

The inflatable donut boat is a group favourite: typically around SAR 405 for up to five people, usually a 15-minute ride. It's the classic "hold on and get soaked" experience — great for teens and groups of friends.

Private boat rides

• Up to three people — typically around SAR 345.
• Up to five people — typically around SAR 575.

Exact pricing depends on the operator and how long you're out on the water, so confirm the duration before you pay.

Kayaking, paddleboarding and more

Beyond the motorised fun, you'll also find kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, sailing and diving available seasonally through private operators. On land, some vendors offer horseback riding, quad biking and camping, turning a simple beach visit into a full adventure day.

Age and safety guidance

Operators set their own rules, but the common guidance is worth knowing before you arrive with children:

• Jet ski — riders usually must be at least 16.
• Parasailing and donut boat — participants commonly need to be at least 10.
• Always wear the life jacket provided, listen to the operator's briefing, and check the sea and wind conditions, which can change quickly.

Keep a close eye on young children in the shallows, and if you're visiting a public section, remember there may be no lifeguard on duty.

Planning the perfect day trip

Half Moon Bay rewards a little planning. Here's a simple formula for a great day:

• Go early or late — arrive soon after sunrise or in the late afternoon to beat the heat, especially in summer.
• Pack essentials — water, snacks or barbecue supplies, sunscreen, shade and spare clothes if you're trying the water sports.
• Decide public or private first — free public sand for a relaxed, bring-everything day, or Al Dana Beach Resort for amenities and supervised swimming.
• Budget for activities — a family mixing a jet-ski turn, a parasailing flight and a donut-boat ride can easily spend a few hundred riyals, so set expectations before you go.
• Stay for sunset — the crescent shore and calm Gulf water make this one of the best sunset spots in the Eastern Province.

Nearby attractions in the Eastern Province

Make a full day or weekend of it by combining Half Moon Bay with other Eastern Province favourites:

• Al Khobar Corniche — a long seafront promenade perfect for an evening stroll and dinner.
• King Fahd Park — green space and family picnic areas in Dammam.
• Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture) — the striking cultural landmark in Dhahran, with museums, a library and exhibitions.
• Scitech — an interactive science centre that's a hit with kids.
• Dana Mall — handy for food and shopping before or after the beach.

For more weekend ideas across the region, browse the latest things to do in the Eastern Province on Saudi Living and plan your next outing.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay beach free to enter?

Yes — the public sections are generally free and usually open from sunrise until sunset. If you want a cleaner, supervised stretch with amenities, Al Dana Beach Resort in Dana Bay charges a day pass of typically around SAR 65

How much do water sports cost at Half Moon Bay?

As a guide, jet ski is typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes, parasailing is around SAR 178 for 8 to 10 minutes, a donut boat is around SAR 405 for up to five people, and private boat rides run around SAR 345 to SAR 575. Prices vary by operator, date and weather.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's roughly 30 km south of Al Khobar in the Eastern Province (Durrat Al Khobar). Most visitors drive; ride-hailing works but book your return trip in advance as availability can be limited this far south.

What's the minimum age for jet ski and parasailing?

Operators commonly require jet-ski riders to be at least 16, while parasailing and donut-boat participants usually need to be at least 10. Rules differ by operator, so confirm when you book.

What should I bring for a day trip?

Water, snacks or barbecue supplies, sunscreen, shade, spare clothes and cash for activities. Public sections have basic facilities, so plan to be self-sufficient for the day.

When is the best time to visit?

Autumn to spring is ideal, with early mornings and late afternoons the most comfortable year-round. Summer midday is very hot, so aim for sunrise or sunset and stay hydrated.

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