Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches and Water Sports

Sep 24, 2026

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Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches and Water Sports

If you are in the Eastern Province and want sea, sand and a bit of adrenaline, Half Moon Bay in Khobar is the easiest big day out you can plan. It is a crescent-shaped stretch of the Arabian Gulf roughly 25 km — about a 30-minute drive — from central Khobar, with free public beach access alongside resorts like the Radisson Blu, Al Dana and Tamara that offer day passes, jet skis, parasailing and boat trips. This guide to Half Moon Bay Khobar: beaches, water sports and day trips covers exactly what to expect, what things cost, and how to make the most of a visit.

Half Moon Bay at a glance

The bay gets its name from its distinctive curved shoreline. The water is calm and shallow near the shore, which makes it popular with families, and the wider bay opens up space for jet skis, parasailing and boat trips. You will find two very different experiences side by side here: a free, open public beach, and private resort beaches with paid facilities.

The public beach is generally free to access and open daily, typically from sunrise until sunset. Exact municipal opening hours are not officially published, so treat daylight as your window. The resorts, by contrast, charge either a day-entry fee or expect a room booking, and in return you get maintained beaches, pools, loungers and organised activities.

Getting to Half Moon Bay from Khobar

Half Moon Bay sits roughly 25 km south of Khobar and takes about 30 minutes by car, depending on where you start and on traffic. Your options:

Your own car — the simplest choice; parking is available near the public beach and at the resorts.
Careem or Uber — convenient one way, but bear in mind that return rides from the beach can be harder to catch, so consider booking ahead or arranging a pickup time.
As part of a Dammam–Khobar day out — the bay pairs well with a morning at the beach and an afternoon back in the city.

The beach: free access vs resort day passes

Free public beach

The open public beach costs nothing to enter and is your budget-friendly option. Bring your own shade, seating, food and water, because facilities are minimal compared with the resorts. It is ideal for a relaxed swim, a picnic and a walk along the sand — just plan to pack out whatever you bring in.

Resort day passes

If you want loungers, cleaner facilities and organised water sports without booking a room, a resort day pass is the way to go. At Al Dana Beach Resort in Dana Bay, day entry is reported at typically around SAR 65 per adult and SAR 35 per child aged 5 to 12, with children under 5 entering free. Prices can change, so confirm the current rate before you travel.

Water sports and prices

This is what draws many visitors to Half Moon Bay. Prices are set by individual operators and can shift with the season, so treat the figures below as a guide and confirm the final SAR price with the operator before you pay.

Jet ski

15 minutes — typically around SAR 173
30 minutes — typically around SAR 288
Refundable deposit — around SAR 500 returned when you bring it back undamaged

Parasailing

For a bird's-eye view of the bay, parasailing runs at typically around SAR 178 for 10 minutes. It is one of the most popular activities, so expect a short wait at peak times on weekends.

Donut and banana boats

Great fun for groups, the donut boat is priced at typically around SAR 405 for a group of up to five people, making it a solid shared-cost option for friends and families.

Boat rides, fishing and diving

General boat rides vary by operator and group size, ranging from around SAR 345 for up to three people to around SAR 575 for up to five people. Several resorts also offer fishing, sailing and diving, including options to explore the bay's underwater attractions. Availability changes with the weather and season, so it is worth calling ahead.

Best resorts for a beach day or overnight stay

If you prefer a full-service experience — private beach, pool and on-site activities — a few resorts stand out:

Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Half Moon Bay (Salwa Road) — a well-known beachfront choice with a range of leisure facilities.
Al Dana Beach Resort (Dana Bay) — the option most associated with day passes and casual visits.
Tamara Beach Resort (Half Moon Bay) — another beachfront resort with water-activity access.

Typical resort facilities include private beaches, pools, boat trips, jet skis, parasailing, fishing, sailing, diving and bicycle rentals. Note that private-beach access and certain activities may require a room booking or a separate payment on top of entry, so check what your rate includes.

What to bring and know before you go

Sun protection — high-SPF sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; the Gulf sun is intense, especially from spring through autumn.
Water and snacks — essential if you are heading to the free public beach.
Modest swimwear — dress in line with local norms, particularly on the public beach.
Cash and card — some operators may prefer cash for deposits, so carry both to be safe.
Weather awareness — activities can be cancelled at short notice for wind or rough water; there is no need for any Absher, Muqeem or Balady procedure for ordinary beach access or booking water sports.
Timing — early morning and late afternoon are cooler and less crowded than midday.

Turning it into a day trip

Half Moon Bay works beautifully as a half- or full-day escape. A classic plan: leave Khobar mid-morning, spend a few hours on the beach and in the water, grab lunch at a resort or bring a picnic, and head back before sunset. If you are visiting from Dammam or Dhahran, you are still only a short drive away. Pair it with a stroll along the Khobar Corniche in the evening for a complete day by the sea.

Planning a weekend by the coast? Find a stay near the bay in our Saudi Arabia properties listings, keep an eye on the Saudi Living events hub for seasonal happenings, and browse our wider Saudi Living guides for more day trips across the Kingdom.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay beach free to enter?

Yes. The public beach is generally free and open daily from around sunrise to sunset. Resort beaches, however, charge a day-entry fee or require a room booking.

How much does a resort day pass cost?

At Al Dana Beach Resort in Dana Bay, day entry is reported at typically around SAR 65 with under-5s free. Confirm the current price before you go, as rates can change.

How much is jet ski or parasailing at Half Moon Bay?

Jet ski costs typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes, usually with a refundable deposit of about SAR 500. Parasailing is typically around SAR 178 for 10 minutes. Prices are operator-set and can vary.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Khobar?

It is roughly 25 km — about a 30-minute drive — depending on your starting point and traffic. You can drive, take a Careem or Uber, or visit as part of a Dammam–Khobar day out.

Do I need any government app or permit to visit?

No. Ordinary beach access and booking commercial water sports do not require Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, Balady or Tawakkalna procedures. You simply pay the operator or resort directly.

What is the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon are the most comfortable, avoiding the midday heat. Weekends are busier, so weekdays offer a calmer experience.

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