Looking for a proper beach day near Al Khobar? This Half Moon Bay Khobar guide to beaches, water sports and day trips covers everything you need to plan it. Half Moon Bay is the Eastern Province's best-loved stretch of coast — a sweeping, calm-water crescent about 52 km south of Al Khobar in the Dhahran area, where the public shore is generally free to access and operators line the sand with jet skis, parasailing rides and boat trips. Whether you want to swim for free, book a jet ski for 30 minutes, or buy a day pass at a beach resort with pools and loungers, here's what's on offer, what it typically costs in SAR, and how to plan a smooth trip.
Why Half Moon Bay is the Eastern Province's favourite coastal escape
The bay takes its name from its curved, horseshoe shape, which creates sheltered, shallow water that's ideal for families, swimmers and water sports alike. On weekends and public holidays it fills up with Khobar and Dammam residents, expat families and groups of friends setting up tents, grilling by the shore and heading out onto the water.
You can make it into whatever suits you: a free picnic and swim on the public beach, an action-packed afternoon of jet skis and parasailing, or a relaxed resort day with a pool, shade and food. That flexibility — and the sheer length of the coastline — is why it stays popular all year round, with the cooler months from roughly October to April being the most comfortable for a full day outdoors.
Where is Half Moon Bay and how to get there
Half Moon Bay sits around 52 km south of Al Khobar, in the Dhahran coastal belt of the Eastern Province. The easiest way to get there is by car — most visitors drive down from Khobar or Dammam, and it's a straightforward run south along the coastal road. If you don't have a car, a Careem or Uber ride is the simplest option, though factor in the distance when budgeting the fare, and arrange your return ride in advance since pick-ups can be harder to find on the beach side.
Coming from further afield, King Fahd International Airport (Dammam) is the nearest major airport, and the bay is an easy drive from there. Give yourself extra travel time on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays, when traffic to the coast builds up in the late morning.
The public beach — free access and what you can do
The public beach at Half Moon Bay is generally free to enter, and it's typically used during daylight hours, from around sunrise to sunset. Official municipal opening times aren't formally published, so treat daytime as the safe window and avoid relying on late-night access.
On the public shore you can:
- Swim and paddle in the calm, shallow water — great for children.
- Set up a tent and camp, or spend the day picnicking and barbecuing by the sand.
- Book water sports on the spot from the operators who set up along the beach — jet skis, parasailing, donut boats and boat trips.
- Relax and watch the bay — the sheltered crescent is calm and photogenic, especially around sunset.
Because it's a public, family beach, dress modestly as you would at any public shore in the Kingdom, bring your own shade and water, and take your rubbish with you.
Water sports at Half Moon Bay (with prices)
The water sports here are run by independent operators, so prices are set by them and change for weekends, public holidays, weather and season. Use the figures below as a planning guide and always confirm the exact SAR price and availability with the operator before you ride.
Jet skis
Jet skis are the headline attraction. Typical rates run along these lines:
- 15 minutes — typically around SAR 150 on weekdays, rising to around SAR 173 on weekends and public holidays.
- 30 minutes — typically around SAR 250 on weekdays, around SAR 288 on weekends and public holidays.
- One hour — typically around SAR 460–500.
Expect to leave a refundable deposit of around SAR 500, returned subject to the operator's conditions once you bring the jet ski back undamaged. The minimum age is commonly around 10, and operators apply their own approval and safety requirements — life jackets are standard, and you should follow the safe-zone instructions.
Parasailing
For a bird's-eye view over the bay, parasailing is typically around SAR 178–200 per person for roughly 8–10 minutes in the air. It's a short but memorable ride, and popular with first-timers.
Donut boats and banana rides
Towable rides are a fun group option:
- Donut boat for up to three people — typically around SAR 270.
- Donut boat for up to five people — typically around SAR 405–450, depending on operator and date.
Boat rides and cruises
If you'd rather sit back and cruise the bay, boat trips are widely available:
- Boat ride for up to three people — typically around SAR 345.
- Boat ride for up to five people — typically around SAR 575.
Larger private cruises and longer trips can cost substantially more, so ask for a per-trip quote if you have a bigger group.
Beach resorts and day passes
Prefer pools, loungers, shade and food with your beach day? Several resorts sit along the Half Moon Bay/Dana Bay stretch — some offering day passes, others reserved for guests.
Al Dana Beach Resort
Located in the Dana Bay/Half Moon Bay area, Al Dana Beach Resort is a popular day-trip choice. Reported day entry is typically around SAR 65 per adult and around SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with children under 5 commonly free. It's an easy way to enjoy a managed beach and facilities for a fixed fee — confirm current day-pass prices and whether you need to book ahead before you go.
Radisson Blu Resort, Al Khobar Half Moon Bay
The Radisson Blu Resort is a full-service property with a private beach, pools, children's facilities and water activities. Access generally depends on a room booking or the resort's own day-use policy, so if you're not staying overnight, check in advance whether day access is available.
Mena Holiday Beach Resort
Mena Holiday Beach Resort, in the Half Moon Bay/Dhahran area, offers private beach access along with non-motorised activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling and pedal boats. Prices vary by booking and by activity, so ask about packages when you reserve.
Day trips and things to combine with your visit
Half Moon Bay pairs nicely with the Eastern Province's other highlights, making a full day out easy to put together:
- Al Khobar Corniche — a lively seafront promenade with cafes, restaurants and family space, perfect for an evening after the beach.
- Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture) in Dhahran — a striking cultural landmark with museums, a library, exhibitions and events, ideal if the weather turns or you want an indoor contrast to the beach.
- Dammam Corniche — another scenic waterfront stretch with parks and walkways.
Travel times and any attraction fees vary, so plan the order of your stops and check opening hours before you set off.
Practical tips for a great day at Half Moon Bay
- Go early on weekends — arrive before midday to beat the crowds and the heavier coastal traffic.
- Bring your own shade, water and snacks for the public beach; services are limited compared with a resort.
- Confirm water-sport prices first — rates rise on weekends and public holidays, and a deposit is usually required.
- Carry cash and card — some beachside operators prefer cash.
- Dress modestly on the public beach, and pack sunscreen, towels and a change of clothes.
- Visit October to April for the most comfortable all-day weather; summer visits are best kept to early morning or late afternoon.
Planning more coastal days and weekend outings? Browse upcoming events and family days out on Saudi Living, and check our wider guides to things to do in Saudi Arabia for more ideas across Khobar, Dammam and the Eastern Province.
FAQs
Is Half Moon Bay beach free to enter?
Yes, the public beach is generally free to access and is typically used during daylight hours, from around sunrise to sunset. Official municipal opening times aren't published, so plan for daytime visits. Beach resorts along the bay charge their own entry or day-pass fees separately.
How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?
It's about 52 km south of Al Khobar, in the Dhahran coastal area of the Eastern Province. Driving is the easiest way to get there, and a Careem or Uber ride is a convenient alternative — just arrange your return trip in advance.
How much does a jet ski cost at Half Moon Bay?
Typically around SAR 150 on weekdays (around SAR 173 on weekends and holidays) for 15 minutes, around SAR 250–288 for 30 minutes, and around SAR 460–500 for an hour. A refundable deposit of around SAR 500 usually applies, and the minimum age is commonly about 10.
What water sports are available at Half Moon Bay?
Jet skis, parasailing (typically around SAR 178–200 per person for 8–10 minutes), donut boats, banana rides and boat cruises. Some resorts also offer non-motorised activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling. Prices are operator-set and change for weekends and holidays.
Can I visit a beach resort for the day without staying overnight?
Some do offer day passes — Al Dana Beach Resort's day entry is reported at typically around SAR 65 per adult and SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with under-5s commonly free. Others, like the Radisson Blu, may limit beach and pool access to overnight guests, so check the resort's day-use policy before you go.
When is the best time to visit Half Moon Bay?
October to April offers the most comfortable weather for a full day outdoors. In summer, head out early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and always bring shade and plenty of water.
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