Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches, Water Sports & Day Trips

Looking for a beach day near Al Khobar? Half Moon Bay — Shati' Nisf Al-Qamar — is the Eastern Province's go-to stretch of calm Gulf water, curving in the crescent shape that gives it its name. This guide to Half Moon Bay Khobar: beaches, water sports & day trips covers everything you need: you can swim for free on the public sand, book a resort day pass, or hop on a jet ski before sunset. We've included real costs in SAR and honest expectations for each option.

Half Moon Bay Khobar at a glance

Half Moon Bay is a long, sheltered bay south of Al Khobar and Dhahran. The water is shallow and gentle, which makes it a favourite for families, beginner swimmers and anyone who just wants to wade in without fighting waves. You have three broad choices here:

• Free public beach — open-access sand, no entry fee, limited facilities.
• Resort and beach-club day passes — typically around SAR 65 to SAR 200 loungers and cleaner facilities.
• Water sports — jet skis, boat rides, parasailing and more, run by local operators at the bay.

Where is Half Moon Bay and how to get there

The bay sits roughly 25 to 52 km south of Al Khobar, along the Dhahran–Al Khobar coastal strip, depending on which section you head to. If you're staying in Al Khobar or Dammam, it's an easy drive of around 30 to 50 minutes.

The most reliable way to get there is by car — either your own or via Careem or Uber from central Al Khobar. Note that ride-hailing back from the more remote public stretches can be harder to find in the evening, so it's worth arranging a return pickup or keeping your driver's number. There's generally plenty of open parking near the public beach.

The free public beach — what to expect

Entry to the public sections of Half Moon Bay is free, and the beach is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are no official fixed municipal hours posted, but plan around daylight — the public areas are not set up for night-time visits.

Set your expectations accordingly: public sections have limited facilities and no confirmed lifeguard service, so keep a close eye on children and weaker swimmers. The upside is a genuinely laid-back, local atmosphere — families picnic, kids build sandcastles, and groups gather for sunset. Bring your own shade, water, snacks and, importantly, rubbish bags to take your waste home.

Camping on Half Moon Bay

Camping is a popular, cherished tradition here and is generally free in permitted public areas. There's no confirmed universal camping permit or fee, but the golden rule is self-sufficiency: bring your own tent, shade, drinking water, food and waste bags. Leave the beach exactly as you found it. Winter weekends get busy, so arrive early to claim a good spot away from the main crowds.

Resorts and beach clubs: day passes and prices

If you'd rather trade open sand for pools, shaded loungers, cleaner washrooms and food service, the private resorts along the bay are the way to go. These venues are usually the better bet for families too — many have changing rooms, children's play areas and designated prayer spaces, which the public sand doesn't offer. Day passes vary widely by venue and season, so always confirm the current rate, the facilities on site, and whether booking ahead is required — weekends and holidays fill fast.

Al Dana Beach Resort, Dana Bay

The best-known day-visit venue on the bay is Al Dana Beach Resort in Dana Bay. Reported day-entry rates are:

• Adults — typically around SAR 65
• Children aged 5 to 12 — typically around SAR 35.
• Children under 5 — reportedly free.

Day packages often include access to the beach and facilities, and some bundles add a seaside buffet. Confirm exactly what your pass covers and the latest price before you drive out.

Other private beaches and clubs

Beyond Al Dana, a range of private beaches and beach clubs line the coast. Day passes at these are typically reported at around SAR 80 to SAR 200 per person. Some higher-end or exclusive facilities can charge anywhere from SAR 100 to SAR 500, and a few require a room booking rather than a walk-in day pass. Call ahead to check availability, dress-code and whether families or singles are admitted on your chosen day.

Water sports and prices

Half Moon Bay's calm water makes it ideal for adrenaline and family-friendly activities alike. Water sports on the public beach are run by changing local operators rather than one fixed official venue, so prices and availability vary with the season, weather and weekend demand. Treat the figures below as typical rates, not fixed tariffs, and agree the price and duration before you start.

Jet ski, parasailing and donut boat

• Jet ski — typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes, often with a refundable deposit of around SAR 500.
• Parasailing — typically around SAR 178 for 10 minutes of airtime over the bay.
• Donut boat — typically around SAR 405 for a ride for up to five people.

Boat rides, kayaking and more

• Boat rides — typically around SAR 345 for up to three people, or around SAR 575 for up to five; prices vary by operator and duration.
• Kayaking and pedal boats — hourly rentals available in several public and resort areas.
• Other options — fishing, sailing, diving, snorkelling, quad biking, sand driving, picnicking and sunset viewing, depending on the section you visit.

Best time to visit and what to pack

The Eastern Province gets intensely hot and humid from late spring through summer, so the sweet spot for Half Moon Bay is October to April, when daytime temperatures are comfortable and camping is genuinely pleasant. In the hotter months, aim for early morning or the hour or two before sunset.

Pack for self-sufficiency on the public beach:

• Plenty of drinking water and snacks or a cooler.
• Sun cream, a hat and a beach umbrella or shade tent.
• Modest, respectful swimwear — this is a public, family beach.
• Cash for water-sports operators, who may not take cards.
• Rubbish bags — leave nothing behind.

Planning a day trip from Al Khobar or Dammam

Half Moon Bay works beautifully as a half- or full-day escape. A simple plan: arrive mid-morning in the cooler months, settle on the public sand or check into a resort day pass, enjoy a couple of water-sport rides, break for a picnic or buffet lunch, then stay for the sunset — one of the real highlights of the bay.

If you're combining it with a wider Eastern Province trip, you're close to the Al Khobar Corniche, the King Fahd Causeway and the malls and restaurants of central Al Khobar for the evening. For more ideas on what's on across the Kingdom, browse our events listings and plan the rest of your weekend.

Ready to go? If you're making a weekend of it, find a place to stay in our Saudi Arabia properties listings, or browse the latest things to do across the Kingdom on Saudi Living to fill out the rest of your trip.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay beach free to enter?

Yes. The public sections of Half Moon Bay are free and generally open from sunrise to sunset. Private resorts and beach clubs charge day passes, typically from around SAR 65 upward.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's roughly 25 to 52 km south of Al Khobar along the Dhahran–Al Khobar coast, which is around a 30 to 50 minute drive depending on the section you head to.

Can you camp overnight at Half Moon Bay?

Camping is generally free in permitted public areas, with no confirmed universal permit or fee. Bring your own tent, shade, water, food and waste bags, and take all your rubbish home.

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

Jet skis are typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes, often with a refundable deposit of about SAR 500. Prices vary by operator and season, so confirm before you ride.

Are there lifeguards on the public beach?

There is no confirmed lifeguard service on the public sections, and facilities are limited. Supervise children closely and take care with weaker swimmers.

When is the best time to visit?

October to April offers the most comfortable weather. In the hotter months, go early in the morning or around sunset to avoid the heat and humidity.

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