Want a proper beach day near Al Khobar without getting on a plane? Half Moon Bay Khobar — known locally as Dawhat Nakheel — is the easy answer, and this complete guide to its beaches, water sports and day trips covers everything you need. It sits about 30 minutes south of Al Khobar in the Eastern Province, with a long curve of sheltered water that's calm enough for families and lively enough for jet skis and parasailing. Whether you're a long-time Eastern Province resident or new to the area, here's how to plan the day: getting there, what the public beach is really like, beach-club day passes, and up-to-date water-sports prices in SAR.
Half Moon Bay at a glance
- Location — Dawhat Nakheel, roughly 30 minutes south of Al Khobar.
- Public beach entry — generally free, open daily from sunrise to around sunset.
- Resort/beach-club entry — typically around SAR 65–200 depending on the venue and facilities.
- Best for — swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, boat trips, kayaking, camping and family barbecues.
- Good to know — services, hours and prices vary by operator and season, so check before you drive out.
Getting there by car or Careem
Half Moon Bay stretches along the Gulf coast just south of Al Khobar and Dammam, forming a wide, half-circle lagoon — hence the name. From central Al Khobar it's an easy drive of roughly half an hour by car. A Careem or Uber booking will get you there too, but keep in mind that ride-hailing cars are much harder to catch for the return journey from the quieter stretches of beach, so a private car is the most practical option for a full day out.
The bay is split into several zones: a large free public beach, gated resorts and beach clubs, and areas run by independent water-sports operators. Which one you head for depends on whether you want a no-frills swim, a day of loungers and pools, or an afternoon of adrenaline on the water.
The public beach — what to expect
The main public beach is the budget-friendly choice: there's generally no formal entry fee, and it's open daily from sunrise to around sunset. You'll find families setting up shades and picnics, kids paddling in the shallows, and plenty of space to spread out, especially on weekday mornings.
Because it's a public, open-access beach, facilities are basic and can vary. Bring your own shade, water, snacks and bags for your rubbish — and remember that modest, family-appropriate swimwear is the norm on the public stretches. If you want proper changing rooms, clean toilets, pools and food service, a beach club or resort is the better call.
Beach clubs and resort day passes
Several resorts and beach clubs line the bay, each with its own entry fee, facilities and water activities. Day passes are the simplest way to enjoy loungers, pools and cleaner amenities without booking an overnight stay.
Al Dana Beach Resort
In the Dana Bay area, Al Dana Beach Resort is a popular family pick. Day entry is typically around SAR 65 per adult and about SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with children under 5 generally entering free. That gets you beach access and the resort's facilities — a good option if you want a more organised, maintained setting than the open public beach.
Beach-club day passes
Across the bay, beach-club day passes typically range from around SAR 80 to SAR 200. What you get for that varies: some passes cover beach and pool access, others bundle in loungers, a food-and-drink credit, or selected water activities. It's worth confirming exactly what's included before you pay, as packages differ from one venue to the next and change by season.
Water sports and prices
Half Moon Bay is one of the best spots in the Eastern Province for water sports, with independent operators renting out everything from jet skis to paddleboards. Prices below are the rates commonly listed — expect small variations between operators, and note that weekend and public-holiday rates are usually higher.
Jet ski rates
Jet skis are the headline attraction. Riders generally must be at least 10 years old, and a refundable deposit of around SAR 500 is often required.
- Weekday — 15 minutes — typically around SAR 150
- Weekday — 30 minutes — typically around SAR 250
- Weekday — one hour — typically around SAR 460
- Weekend/holiday — 15 minutes — typically around SAR 173
- Weekend/holiday — 30 minutes — typically around SAR 288
- Weekend/holiday — one hour — typically around SAR 500
Parasailing, donut boats and boat rides
If you'd rather someone else does the driving, there's plenty on offer:
- Parasailing — typically around SAR 178 for about 10 minutes.
- Donut-boat ride — typically around SAR 405 for up to five people.
- Group boat ride (up to 3 people) — typically around SAR 345.
- Group boat ride (up to 5 people) — typically around SAR 575.
These are great for groups and families who want the thrill without the licence or deposit.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
For a calmer pace, the sheltered lagoon is ideal for paddling. Paddleboard hire is listed at around SAR 80, and kayaks are widely available too. Early mornings, when the water is glassy and the heat is bearable, are the best time to get out on a board.
Camping, barbecues and family days out
Beyond the water, several operators along the bay offer camping, barbecuing and quad biking, making Half Moon Bay a genuine all-day — and sometimes overnight — destination. Weekend evenings see families firing up barbecues as the sun drops over the Gulf. If you're planning to camp or grill, bring your own gear and leave the beach as clean as you found it.
What to bring and local tips
- Cash and card — some water-sports operators prefer cash, and you may need a card or cash for the refundable jet-ski deposit.
- Sun protection — high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and a beach umbrella; Eastern Province sun is strong most of the year.
- Water and snacks — essential if you're on the free public beach with no food service.
- Modest swimwear — stick to family-appropriate attire on public beaches.
- Arrive early — weekends fill up, parking gets busy, and the best water-sports slots go fast.
Best time to visit
The sweet spot for Half Moon Bay is October through April, when Eastern Province temperatures are comfortable for a full beach day. Summer (June to September) is intensely hot and humid, so if you go then, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Weekdays are quieter and cheaper for water sports; weekends are livelier but busier and pricier.
FAQs
Is there an entry fee for Half Moon Bay?
The main public beach generally has no formal entry fee and is open daily from sunrise to around sunset. Resorts and beach clubs charge their own fees — typically around SAR 65 to SAR 200 depending on the venue and what's included.
How much does a jet ski cost at Half Moon Bay?
Weekday jet ski rates are commonly listed at around SAR 150 for 15 minutes, SAR 250 for 30 minutes and SAR 460 for an hour. Weekend and public-holiday rates are higher — around SAR 173, SAR 288 and SAR 500 respectively. A refundable deposit of about SAR 500 is often required.
How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?
It's about 30 minutes' drive south of Al Khobar in the Eastern Province. A private car is the most practical way to get there, since ride-hailing cars can be hard to catch for the return trip.
What's the minimum age to ride a jet ski?
Jet ski users generally need to be at least 10 years old. Operators set their own rules, so check on arrival, and expect a refundable deposit of around SAR 500.
Can you camp or have a barbecue at Half Moon Bay?
Yes. Several operators along the bay offer camping, barbecuing and quad biking alongside the water sports. Bring your own gear and clean up after yourself.
When is the best time to visit?
October to April offers the most comfortable weather for a full day on the beach. In summer, go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and humidity.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse accommodation near Al Khobar or check out more things to do in Al Khobar on Saudi Living.
Prices, hours, age limits, deposits and facilities vary by operator and season — always confirm directly before you visit.
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