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

If you're after a relaxed day by the Gulf without the hassle, Half Moon Bay in the Al Khobar/Dhahran area is the easy answer. Our guide to Half Moon Bay Khobar: beaches, water sports and day trips covers everything you need — the crescent-shaped bay gives you calm, shallow water for swimming, a long stretch of free public beach, and a cluster of resorts and water-sports operators for when you want a bit more adventure. Here's how to plan the trip, from how to get there to what the jet skis actually cost.

Half Moon Bay at a glance

Half Moon Bay (often written as Half Moon Beach) sits on the Arabian Gulf a short drive south of Al Khobar. The main draw is simple: a wide, sheltered bay with warm, shallow water that's friendly for families, plus the option to rent a jet ski or hop on a boat when you fancy a thrill.

• Public beach access — generally free of charge
• Typical hours — sunrise to sunset for the beach itself; some visitors report access around the clock, though water-sports operators and facilities usually run in daylight only
• Good for — swimming, picnics and barbecues, water sports, camping, and a relaxed family day out
• Best paired with — a stay or day pass at one of the beachfront resorts if you want pools, loungers and food on tap

Where is Half Moon Bay and how to get there

The bay lies roughly 30 to 52 km south of Al Khobar, depending on exactly where you set off and which route you take. In practice that's about a 25 to 60 minute drive — comfortably within reach for a morning start and a full day on the sand.

Driving from Al Khobar and Dhahran

The simplest option is to drive. The coastal and highway routes south of Al Khobar are well signposted, and the final approach takes you straight to the shoreline. If you don't have a car, a Careem or Uber from central Khobar is doable, but plan your return ride in advance — pickups from the beach itself can be slow, especially at sunset when everyone leaves at once.

A few driving pointers:

• Fill up on fuel and snacks before you leave the city — options thin out closer to the bay
• Arrive earlier on weekends (Friday and Saturday) to beat the crowds and bag a shaded spot
• If you're camping or barbecuing, supplies are limited closer to the bay, so bring everything you need with you

The public beach — what to expect

The free public stretch is the heart of Half Moon Bay. The water is calm and shallow close to shore, which makes it reassuring for kids and anyone who's not a strong swimmer. It's a social, family-friendly place — expect picnics, barbecue smoke drifting on the breeze, and groups setting up for the whole day.

Keep in mind the public area is come-as-you-are: facilities can be basic and vary by spot, so bring your own shade, water and bin bags, and take your rubbish home. For loungers, clean toilets, pools and food service, you'll want the resort side of the bay (more on that below).

Water sports and activities (with prices)

This is where Half Moon Bay earns its reputation. Operators along the bay rent out jet skis, boats and a range of ride activities. The figures below are typical published rates — they change with season, operator and demand, so always confirm on the day before you hand over any cash.

Jet skis

• 15 minutes — typically around SAR 173
• 30 minutes — typically around SAR 288
• Minimum age — usually 16 to ride
• Deposit — a refundable cash deposit of roughly SAR 500 returned when you bring the craft back undamaged

Boat rides

Boat trips are the relaxed alternative — great for groups of up to about nine people:

• 15 minutes — typically around SAR 288
• 30 minutes — typically around SAR 460
• One hour — typically around SAR 920

Other activities

Beyond jet skis and boats, you'll find shorter ride-style activities priced by duration and group size:

• Short 8–10 minute activity — typically around SAR 200
• 15-minute activity, up to three people — typically around SAR 345
• 15-minute activity, up to five people — typically around SAR 575

Depending on the operator and conditions, you can also try kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, snorkelling and fishing, while the land around the bay is popular for horseback riding and quad biking. Availability depends on weather and which operators are open, so it pays to be flexible.

Private resorts and day-use beaches

If you'd rather have a lounger, a pool and food within reach, the beachfront resorts are the way to go. Several operate private-beach facilities in Half Moon Bay:

• Radisson Blu Resort, Al Khobar Half Moon Bay — a full resort with private beach; listed check-in is 3:00pm and check-out is 12:00pm
• Dana Beach Resort — private-beach facilities on the bay
• Mena Holiday Beach Resort — private beach access plus pedal boats, bicycles, tennis and non-motorised water sports; check-in 3:00pm, check-out 12:00pm

Day-use access, pool passes and private-beach entry prices vary by date and are not fixed, so call the resort directly to confirm rates and availability before you set off — especially on weekends and holidays when demand is high.

Best time to visit

The Eastern Province gets seriously hot in summer, with high humidity on the coast. The most comfortable months for a beach day run through the cooler season, roughly October to April, when daytime temperatures are pleasant and the water is inviting. In the hot months, aim for early morning or late afternoon, and don't underestimate the sun.

What to bring and practical tips

• Sun protection — high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and your own shade (umbrella or tent)
• Plenty of water — hydration is non-negotiable, especially from spring onwards
• Cash — handy for water-sports deposits and operators who may not take cards
• Modest, respectful swimwear — dress in line with local norms, particularly on the public beach
• Bin bags — take your rubbish home and keep the bay clean
• Snacks and a cooler — options near the public beach are limited

Planning it as a day trip

Half Moon Bay is one of the easiest day trips in the Eastern Province. A good rhythm: set off from Al Khobar mid-morning, settle on the beach or check into a day-use resort slot, grab a jet ski or boat session before the midday heat, and wind down with a barbecue as the sun drops. With the short drive back, you'll be home in under an hour. It also pairs nicely with a wider Khobar weekend — the Al Khobar Corniche, the city's waterfront cafés and the malls are all close by.

Note that an ordinary public-beach visit involves no government fee or permit — there's no Absher, Muqeem or Balady step to worry about. Just turn up, enjoy the Gulf, and respect the space.

Plan your Eastern Province trip

Sorting your transport and stay in advance makes a Half Moon Bay day far smoother. Browse the latest listings on Saudi Living to find a car rental for your Eastern Province trip or accommodation near Al Khobar before you head to the bay.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay beach free to enter?

Yes — access to the public beach at Half Moon Bay is generally free. You only pay if you rent water-sports equipment or choose a private resort's beach, pool or day-use pass.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's roughly 30 to 52 km south of Al Khobar depending on your starting point and route, which works out to about a 25 to 60 minute drive.

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

Typical rates are around SAR 173 for 15 minutes and SAR 288 for 30 minutes. A refundable cash deposit of roughly SAR 500 and the usual minimum age to ride is 16. Prices change, so confirm on the day.

Are there resorts at Half Moon Bay?

Yes. Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Half Moon Bay, Dana Beach Resort and Mena Holiday Beach Resort all operate on the bay with private-beach facilities. Day-use and pool-pass prices vary, so call ahead to confirm.

What's the best time of year to visit?

The cooler season from around October to April is the most comfortable for a full beach day. In summer, go early morning or late afternoon and come prepared for heat and humidity.

Can I camp or barbecue at the public beach?

Camping, picnics and barbecues are popular at Half Moon Bay. Bring all your own supplies, including shade and water, and take your rubbish home to keep the bay clean for everyone.

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