Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches & Water Sports

If you're after a proper beach day within easy reach of Al Khobar, Half Moon Bay is the answer. This crescent-shaped stretch of Arabian Gulf shoreline sits about 30 km south of central Al Khobar in the Eastern Province, and it's where families, groups of friends, and weekend thrill-seekers come for calm swimming, jet skis, parasailing, and long lazy picnics by the sea. Whether you're a long-time Eastern Province resident or new to the area, this guide to Half Moon Bay Khobar: beaches, water sports & day trips covers everything you need — from the free public beaches to resort day passes and real water-sports prices.

Why Half Moon Bay is the Eastern Province's favourite beach escape

The bay gets its name from its gentle crescent curve, which shelters the water and keeps much of the shoreline shallow and calm — ideal for families with young children and anyone who prefers a relaxed swim over crashing waves. You'll find a mix of completely free public sections and gated resorts and beach clubs, so you can plan this trip on almost any budget.

Because it's close enough for a half-day from Al Khobar, Dammam, or Dhahran, Half Moon Bay works equally well as a spontaneous Friday outing or a planned weekend with a chalet booking. The sunsets over the Gulf alone are worth the short drive.

Where is Half Moon Bay and how to get there

Half Moon Bay lies on the Arabian Gulf coast south of Al Khobar, roughly a 30 km drive — around 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and which section you're heading to. The easiest option is to drive yourself: parking at the public beaches is widely available and usually free. If you'd rather not drive, Careem and Uber both cover the route, though it's worth pre-arranging your return trip, as pickups can be slower out at the beach.

If you're travelling from Riyadh, it's a longer day — plan for roughly a four-hour drive each way, so an overnight chalet or resort stay makes far more sense than trying to do it all in one go.

Free public beaches: what to expect

The public beach areas at Half Moon Bay are generally free to enter and open daily from sunrise to sunset. They're the budget-friendly heart of the bay and get busy on weekends and public holidays.

What you'll typically find at the public sections:

• Sandy shoreline for swimming and sunbathing
• Picnic and barbecue areas, often with shaded shelters
• Cafés and kiosks for snacks and drinks
• Changing facilities and restrooms (quality varies by section)
• Free parking near the shore

One important note: lifeguard coverage and facilities vary from one section to another. Swimming is best in the shallow, calm stretches, and you should always supervise children closely rather than relying on lifeguards being present.

Resorts and private beach clubs

If you want cleaner facilities, guaranteed shade, pools, and on-site water sports, the resorts and private beach clubs along the bay are worth the entry fee. Here's the lay of the land.

Al Dana Beach Resort, Dana Bay

A long-standing favourite for day visitors, Al Dana Beach Resort at Dana Bay offers a day-entry option. Reported day entry is typically around SAR 65 per adult and around SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with children under 5 usually free. Rates change seasonally, so confirm the current price before you set off.

Half Moon Bay Resort

For an overnight stay, Half Moon Bay Resort offers accommodation with private beach access, pools, and water sports. Reported 2026 rates start at typically around SAR 580 per night, with beach chalets from around SAR 750. It's a solid pick if you're coming from Riyadh and want to split the drive across two days.

Private beach-club day passes

Several private beach clubs along the bay sell day passes that get you access to their stretch of sand, loungers, and facilities. These typically range from around SAR 80 to SAR 200 per person depending on the club and the day. Always check whether the pass includes any extras like towels or food credit before booking.

Water sports and prices

Half Moon Bay is a popular spot for on-the-water activities, thanks largely to its calm, sheltered waters. Operators set up seasonally along the beach, and prices, deposits, and age limits vary by operator — so treat these as guide figures and confirm on arrival.

Jet skis

• 15 minutes — typically around SAR 173
• 30 minutes — typically around SAR 288
• Usually with a refundable deposit of around SAR 500
• Minimum age is commonly 16

Parasailing

For a bird's-eye view over the Gulf, parasailing runs at typically around SAR 178 for about 10 minutes. The reported minimum age is usually 10.

Donut boats and banana rides

Great for groups, the donut (inflatable ring) boat is typically around SAR 405 for up to five people, with a reported minimum age of 10. These are a hit with families and friend groups who want the fun without steering anything.

Private boat rides and yacht trips

• Private boat ride for up to three people — typically around SAR 345
• Private boat ride for up to five people — typically around SAR 575

Perfect for a calmer experience, a sunset cruise, or simply getting out onto the water without the adrenaline.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Kayaks and paddleboards are available from seasonal beach-water-sports operators. Prices and operating hours vary, so ask at the beach on the day — these are usually among the more affordable options and ideal for the calm waters of the bay.

Best time to visit and the water-sports season

Public beach access is available year-round, subject to weather and operator schedules. For swimming and water sports, though, the sweet spot is April to November, when the water is warm and operators are fully set up.

Midsummer afternoons in the Eastern Province are intensely hot and humid, so aim for early mornings or late afternoons, bring plenty of water, and respect any shade and sun-safety advice. Weekends fill up fast, so arrive early if you want a good picnic spot.

What to pack for a Half Moon Bay day trip

• Sun protection — high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
• Plenty of water and snacks (though cafés are available)
• Beach shade — a parasol or pop-up tent for the public sections
• Cash and card — some operators take cards, but cash is handy for kiosks and deposits
• Modest beachwear — be mindful of local customs, especially at the public, family-focused sections
• A change of clothes and towels, plus water shoes if you dislike hot sand

Planning more outings around the Kingdom? Browse what's on across the country in our Saudi Living events listings, and check our other local guides for more weekend getaways near Al Khobar and day-trip ideas across the Eastern Province.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay free to visit?

The public beach areas are generally free and open from sunrise to sunset. You only pay if you choose a resort day pass or a private beach club, which typically costs around SAR 65 at Al Dana Beach Resort or anywhere from around SAR 80 to SAR 200 at other private clubs.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's about 30 km south of central Al Khobar — roughly a 25 to 35 minute drive depending on traffic and which section you're heading to. Careem and Uber cover the route if you'd rather not drive.

How much do water sports cost at Half Moon Bay?

As a guide: jet skis are typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes (with a refundable deposit of around SAR 500), parasailing around SAR 178 for 10 minutes, and a donut boat around SAR 405 for up to five people. Prices vary by operator and season.

Is swimming safe at Half Moon Bay?

The bay's crescent shape keeps much of the water shallow and calm, which is good for families. That said, lifeguard coverage varies by section, so always supervise children and stick to the calm, shallow areas.

What's the best time of year to visit?

April to November is the main swimming and water-sports season. Public beach access is available year-round, but aim for mornings or late afternoons in summer to avoid the peak heat and humidity.

Can I stay overnight at Half Moon Bay?

Yes. Half Moon Bay Resort offers rooms and beach chalets, with reported 2026 rates starting at around SAR 580 per night and chalets from around SAR 750 — a good option if you're driving over from Riyadh and want to split the trip across two days.

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