If you want a proper beach day near Al Khobar, Half Moon Bay — also known as Dawhat Nakheel — is the easy answer. It sits roughly 50–52 km south of Al Khobar on the Gulf coast, and the main public beach is generally free to enter from sunrise to sunset. You get calm, crescent-shaped shallows for swimming, a long stretch of sand for camping and barbecues, and a line-up of water-sports operators renting jet skis, boats and parasailing gear.
This guide to Half Moon Bay Khobar — beaches, water sports and day trips covers everything a Saudi resident or first-time visitor needs: how to get there, what the public beach is really like, typical water-sports prices, resort day passes, and the best day trips to pair with your visit.
Where is Half Moon Bay and why go?
Half Moon Bay curves into a natural horseshoe on the coast south of Al Khobar, which is exactly why it's so popular with families across the Eastern Province. The bay shape keeps the water shallow and gentle near the shore, so it's one of the friendlier Gulf beaches for kids and beginner swimmers.
From Al Khobar or Dhahran it's a straightforward drive of around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Most visitors arrive by private car; there's no metro out here, so if you're relying on Careem or Uber, agree on a return plan in advance — pickups from the open beach can be slow.
The public beach: free access and what to expect
The main public beach is generally free and open to everyone. You simply drive down, park near the sand and set up. It's the budget-friendly option and the one most residents choose for weekend camping and group barbecues.
Because it's an open-access public beach, there's no single confirmed fee schedule, and facilities, cleanliness and crowding vary a lot from one section to another. Some stretches are busy and well-used by water-sports operators; others are quieter and better for a relaxed family picnic. It pays to arrive early on Fridays and Saturdays to claim a good spot.
Opening times and facilities
As a rule, the public beach is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset, and overnight camping is a long-standing tradition here. If you plan to camp, it's worth checking current rules with your resort or local authorities beforehand, as requirements can vary. Facilities are basic and inconsistent, so plan to be self-sufficient:
- Shade — bring your own beach tent or canopy; natural shade is limited
- Water and food — stock up before you arrive; stalls come and go
- Toilets — limited and variable; don't rely on them
- Rubbish — carry bin bags and take your waste out with you
Water sports and prices at Half Moon Bay
Water sports are the headline attraction. On busy days you'll find operators along the beach renting out gear by the slot. Typical activities include swimming, paddling, kayaking, jet skiing, boat rides, parasailing, donut rides, camping, barbecuing, quad biking and sand driving on the dunes.
Jet ski, parasailing and boat rides
Prices are set by individual operators and are not fixed government tariffs, so always confirm the rate and any deposit before you pay. As a current guide, expect something like:
- Jet ski — typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes
- Jet ski deposit — operators often ask for a refundable cash deposit of around SAR 500
- Parasailing — typically around SAR 178 for about 10 minutes in the air
- Donut boat — typically around SAR 405 for up to five people
- Private boat ride — typically around SAR 345 for up to three people, or around SAR 575 for up to five people
Agree the time limit, price and deposit terms clearly before you hand over cash, and check that life jackets are provided and in good condition.
Resorts and beach day passes
If you prefer sun loungers, a cleaner stretch of sand and proper facilities over the open-access public beach, the private resorts and beach clubs around Half Moon Bay are worth the spend. Most sell a day pass as well as overnight rooms and chalets.
Day entry vs overnight stays
Prices vary by venue, season and day of the week, and none of these are confirmed fixed 2026 tariffs — verify directly with the venue before you travel. As a current snapshot:
- Al Dana Beach Resort (Dana Bay) — reported day entry around SAR 65 per adult and SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with children under 5 entering free
- Private beach club day passes generally — reported to range from around SAR 80 to SAR 200 per person
- Half Moon Bay Resort — reported rooms from around SAR 580 and beach chalets from around SAR 750 per night
- Mena Holiday Beach Resort Half Moon — reported check-in at 3pm and check-out at noon, with private-beach access and non-motorised water sports available
Day passes usually include use of the private beach and shaded seating; motorised water sports are typically extra. Call ahead on weekends, as resorts can hit capacity.
What to bring and local tips
A little planning turns a good beach day into a great one:
- Bring plenty of drinking water, sunscreen and a sun canopy — the Eastern Province sun is relentless
- Pack a cool box with food if you're using the public beach
- Carry enough cash, especially for water-sports operators who may not take cards
- Dress modestly in line with local beach norms, particularly at public sections
- Keep an eye on children in the water even though the bay is shallow
- Take all your rubbish home to keep the beach clean for everyone
Best time to visit Half Moon Bay
The Eastern Province summer is intense, so the most comfortable stretch for a beach day runs through the cooler months, roughly October to April, when daytime temperatures are far kinder for swimming and camping. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant even in the hotter months. Expect the beach to be at its busiest on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays, so arrive early if you want a quiet spot or a prime patch of sand.
Day trips near Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay pairs nicely with the Eastern Province's best attractions for a full day out. Consider combining your beach visit with:
- Al Khobar Corniche — a scenic waterfront for an evening walk, cafés and sunset views
- Ithra in Dhahran — the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, with its museum, library and cinema
- Scitech — a hands-on science and technology centre, great for families with kids
- Tarout Island and Tarout Castle — historic sites steeped in centuries of Gulf heritage
For more weekend ideas and seasonal happenings across the Kingdom, browse the Saudi Living events listings, and check our other guides on things to do in Saudi Arabia.
FAQs
Is Half Moon Bay beach free to enter?
The main public beach is generally free and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Private resorts and beach clubs charge a day pass instead, typically ranging from around SAR 80 to SAR 200
How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?
It's about 50–52 km south of Al Khobar, roughly a 45-minute to one-hour drive depending on traffic. Most visitors arrive by private car.
How much does a jet ski cost at Half Moon Bay?
Expect something like SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes, set by individual operators. Many ask for a refundable cash deposit of around SAR 500, so confirm the terms before paying.
Can you camp overnight at Half Moon Bay?
Yes, overnight camping and barbecues on the public beach are a long-standing tradition. Facilities are basic, so come fully self-sufficient with shade, water and bin bags, and check current rules with your resort or local authorities if you're planning to stay the night.
When is the best time to visit?
The cooler months from around October to April are the most comfortable for a beach day. Weekends and public holidays are busiest, so arrive early for a good spot.
What water sports are available?
Typical options include jet skiing, parasailing, donut and private boat rides, kayaking, paddling and swimming, plus quad biking and sand driving on the dunes nearby.
Are the prices fixed?
No. Resort day passes, deposits, activity prices and opening times are not confirmed fixed 2026 government tariffs. Always verify directly with the venue or operator before you pay.
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