Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches & Day Trips

Updated January 2025.

If you want sand, warm Gulf water and a proper day out from the city, Half Moon Bay Khobar: beaches, water sports and day trips are the Eastern Province's go-to coastline. This crescent-shaped stretch of shore — Shati' Nisf Al-Qamar — sits roughly 25 to 52 km south of Al Khobar and is the easiest full-day beach escape for residents of Khobar and Dammam. Here's exactly where to go, what it costs, which water sports are worth your money, and how to plan a smooth day trip.

Where is Half Moon Bay and why go?

Half Moon Bay curves along the Arabian Gulf south of Al Khobar, named for its distinctive crescent shape. The calm, shallow water near the shore makes it one of the more family-friendly beaches on the east coast, while the deeper bay is where the jet skis, parasails and boats come out to play.

You'll find a mix of options along the bay: open public stretches of sand that cost nothing, and gated beach resorts with pools, loungers and organised marine activities for a day-pass fee. That flexibility is the main reason people keep coming back — you can do a budget picnic one weekend and a full resort day the next.

Getting there from Al Khobar and Dammam

The simplest way to reach the bay is by private car. From Al Khobar it's roughly a 30 to 45-minute drive depending on which beach or resort you're heading to; from Dammam, add a little more. A Careem or Uber works for the trip out, but keep in mind that getting a ride back from some of the quieter stretches can be slow, so a private car or an arranged return is the safer bet for a full day.

There's no special paperwork for a beach visit — no Absher, Muqeem or any ministry procedure is needed. This is simply a day out, so just fuel up, bring plenty of water and go.

Beach access and entry costs

Free public beaches

The open public areas are generally free to access and usually open from sunrise to sunset. There's no single official entrance fee published for the bay as a whole. These spots are great for picnics, swimming and letting the kids play in the shallows — just bring your own shade, since facilities can be basic and vary from one patch of sand to the next.

Resort day passes

If you'd rather have pools, loungers, clean facilities and food on site, a gated resort day pass is the way to go.

• Al Dana Beach Resort (Dana Bay, Half Moon Bay) — day access is typically around SAR 65 per adult and SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with children under 5 usually free. Always confirm the price and whether day passes are available before you drive out.
• Palm Beach Resort (Half Moon Bay, Dammam) — offers private beach access, pools and marine activities. Day-pass prices and timings vary, so call ahead to check current rates.

A resort is the easier choice if you're bringing young children or want a hassle-free setup with lifeguards, changing areas and a café within reach.

Water sports and prices at Half Moon Bay

This is where the bay really earns its reputation. Independent operators run a range of marine activities along the busier stretches. Prices shift with the season and the operator, and there's no single centralised booking channel, so treat these as typical rates and confirm on the day.

Jet ski, parasailing and donut boat

• Jet ski — typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes. Many operators ask for a refundable deposit of around SAR 500, so carry a little extra or a card.
• Parasailing — typically around SAR 178 for about 10 minutes of airtime over the bay.
• Donut boat — typically around SAR 405 for up to five people, which makes it a good shared thrill for a group or family.

Boat rides and diving

• Boat rides — typically around SAR 345 for up to three people, or SAR 575 for up to five people, ideal if you'd rather tour the bay at a relaxed pace.
• Diving — the bay offers diving opportunities for those who want to explore beneath the surface; availability depends on the operator and the conditions, so arrange it in advance.

Confirm safety briefings, life jackets and the refundable deposit before you hand over any cash, and agree the exact duration up front so there are no surprises.

Things to do beyond the water

Half Moon Bay isn't only about marine activities. Depending on the beach or resort area you choose, you can also:

• Picnic and swim in the calm, shallow shore water — the classic family day.
• Kayak, sail or fish along the quieter sections of the bay.
• Horse riding and quad biking are available in some areas for a change of pace from the sea.
• Camping is a popular weekend option in the cooler months for those who want to stay the night under the stars.

What to pack and local tips

• Shade and sunscreen — public areas can be exposed, and the Eastern Province sun is strong most of the year.
• Plenty of water and snacks — quieter beaches have limited shops.
• Cash plus a card — water-sports operators may want a deposit, and not all of them take cards.
• Modest swimwear (a one-piece or a rash guard works well) — local norms favour conservative beachwear, and some resorts enforce family or single-gender timings, so check before you go.
• Arrive early on weekends and public holidays, when parking and the best beach spots fill up fast.

Best time to visit

The sweet spot is the cooler season, roughly October to April, when daytime temperatures are comfortable for a long beach day. Summer is doable but best enjoyed early morning or late afternoon to dodge the midday heat. Weekdays are far quieter than Fridays and Saturdays if you prefer space to spread out.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay free to visit?

The open public beaches are generally free and open from sunrise to sunset. Gated resorts such as Al Dana Beach Resort charge a day-pass fee — typically around SAR 65 per adult — for pools, loungers and facilities.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's roughly 25 to 52 km south of Al Khobar depending on the exact beach or resort, which is around a 30 to 45-minute drive by private car.

How much do water sports cost at Half Moon Bay?

As a guide: jet ski is typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes, parasailing around SAR 178 for 10 minutes, a donut boat around SAR 405 for up to five people, and boat rides from around SAR 345. Prices and deposits vary by operator, so confirm on the day.

Do I need any permit or app to visit the beach?

No. For an ordinary beach day you don't need Absher, Muqeem, Tawakkalna or any ministry procedure — just drive out and enjoy. Booking is only needed for specific resorts or activities.

Is Half Moon Bay suitable for families with young children?

Yes. The shallow, calm water near the shore is good for kids, and resorts add pools, changing areas and food on site. Children under 5 usually enter resorts free, and ages 5–12 often pay a reduced rate.

Which areas are safest for families, and are there lifeguards?

Gated resorts like Al Dana Beach Resort are the safer choice for families, as they generally provide lifeguards, designated swimming areas and facilities on site. On the free public beaches there's no guaranteed lifeguard cover, so supervise children closely in the water and stick to the shallow shore.

Can I camp at Half Moon Bay?

Camping is a popular option in the cooler months in certain beach areas. Come prepared with your own equipment, water and shade, and respect local rules on where setups are allowed.

Planning more coastal escapes around the Kingdom? Browse things to do and places to stay on Saudi Living to find accommodation and day-trip ideas near Half Moon Bay and across the Eastern Province.

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