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

If you want calm, shallow Gulf water, soft sand and a quick escape from the city, Half Moon Bay is the easiest beach day in the Eastern Province. The crescent-shaped bay sits about 25 km south of central Al Khobar — roughly a 30-minute drive — and offers everything from a completely free public beach to private resort day passes, jet skis and parasailing.

Here's the honest, up-to-date rundown on everything Half Moon Bay Khobar has to offer: the beaches, the water sports and how to plan a smooth day trip from Khobar, Dammam or Dhahran.

Where is Half Moon Bay and why go?

Half Moon Bay (Half Moon Beach) is a gentle, horseshoe-shaped stretch of coastline on the Arabian Gulf, south of Al Khobar. Its biggest draw is the water: shallow, calm and warm, which makes it one of the more family-friendly swimming spots in the region. You'll find families picnicking, kids paddling in the shallows, and plenty of space to spread out along the sand.

Because the bay is so sheltered, it's also a natural home for water sports — jet skis, parasailing and boat trips all operate here, especially around the resort stretches.

The public beach — free and easy

The public beach is free to enter and is generally open during daylight hours, from around sunrise to sunset. There are no formal published municipal opening times, so treat daylight as your window and plan to leave before dark.

The water here is shallow and calm, which is great for younger children — but always supervise kids closely and check the sea conditions on the day. Facilities on the free public stretch are basic, so come prepared: bring your own shade, water, snacks and bin bags, and take your rubbish home with you.

• Entry: free
• Hours: daylight only (sunrise to sunset)
• Swimming: calm, shallow Gulf water — supervise children
• Facilities: limited — bring your own essentials

Beach resorts and day passes

If you'd rather have loungers, cleaner facilities, food service and a more relaxed vibe, several resorts along Half Moon Bay offer private beach access — some with day passes, some mainly for overnight guests. Day-pass availability and prices change often, so always confirm directly with the resort before you drive out.

Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Half Moon Bay

A well-known resort right on the bay with a private beach and family facilities. If you fancy an overnight stay, rooms typically run around SAR 600–1,000 per night, with check-in usually from 3:00pm and check-out around 12:00pm. For day visitors, call ahead to check whether day-use beach access is available and what it costs.

Al Dana Beach Resort, Dana Bay

Al Dana in Dana Bay is a popular choice for a day at the beach. Reported day entry is typically around SAR 65 per adult and SAR 35 per child aged 5–12, with children under 5 reportedly entering free. Prices can change, so confirm the current tariff before arrival.

Tamara Beach Resort

Tamara Beach Resort is another operating venue along the Half Moon Bay stretch, offering private beach and resort facilities. As with the others, day-pass availability and pricing vary — a quick call ahead saves disappointment at the gate.

Water sports at Half Moon Bay and prices

For water sports, Half Moon Bay is one of the best spots in the Eastern Province. Operators set up near the resort beaches, and prices move with the season and demand. Treat the figures below as a guide and confirm with the operator on the day.

Jet skis

• 15 minutes: typically around SAR 173
• 30 minutes: typically around SAR 288
• Deposit: a refundable deposit of around SAR 500 per jet ski may be required

Parasailing

• 10 minutes: typically around SAR 178 for a flight over the bay

Boat trips

• Per person: typically around SAR 250–1,000, depending on the boat type and the length of the trip

A few practical tips: wear a life jacket (operators provide them), keep your phone in a waterproof pouch, and agree the exact duration and price before you pay. Bring cash as a backup in case card payment isn't available at the beach.

Best time to visit

The Eastern Province gets seriously hot and humid in summer, so timing matters. For the most comfortable day, aim for early morning or late afternoon rather than the midday heat. Weekends are usually busiest — if you want quieter sand and shorter waits for jet skis, a weekday visit is your friend.

The cooler months, roughly late autumn through spring, are the sweet spot for a full beach day, and that's also when the coast is at its most pleasant for picnics and longer swims.

How to get there

From central Al Khobar, Half Moon Bay is about a 30-minute drive south. The easiest options:

• Own car: the simplest choice, with plenty of open parking near the public beach
• Careem or Uber: handy for getting there, but arrange a return ride in advance — pickups from the beach can be harder to find

If you're coming from Dammam or Dhahran, add a little extra time. Keep your fuel topped up and your phone charged, as parts of the drive are open coastal road.

What to bring and local etiquette

For a hassle-free day, pack as if facilities will be basic:

• Plenty of drinking water and snacks
• Sun protection — hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and your own shade or umbrella
• Towels, a change of clothes and a waterproof bag
• Modest, respectful swimwear in line with local norms, especially on the public beach
• Cash for water-sport operators and deposits
• Bin bags — leave the beach cleaner than you found it

Planning your day trip — a simple itinerary

Here's an easy template for a relaxed day trip:

1. Leave Khobar by 8:00am to beat the heat and the crowds
2. Arrive and settle on the public beach or check in at a resort day pass
3. Morning swim while the water is calm and the sun is gentle
4. Water sports mid-morning — jet ski or parasailing before it gets too busy
5. Lunch and rest under shade through the hottest hours
6. Late-afternoon swim, then pack up and head home before sunset

For more coastal days out, beach events and seasonal activities across the Kingdom, keep an eye on our events listings on Saudi Living.

Thinking of settling closer to the coast? Browse the latest Saudi Arabia properties listings on Saudi Living to find a home within easy reach of Half Moon Bay.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay beach free?

Yes. The public beach at Half Moon Bay is free to enter and generally open during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset. Resorts along the bay charge for day passes and private beach access.

Do I need any permit or app to visit Half Moon Bay?

No. Visiting the public beach is an ordinary day out — there's no Absher, Muqeem or Balady step involved. Just turn up and enjoy a normal family beach trip.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's about 25 km south of central Al Khobar — roughly a 30-minute drive by car.

How much do jet skis cost at Half Moon Bay?

Expect to pay typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes. A refundable deposit of around SAR 500 Always confirm with the operator on the day.

Can you swim at Half Moon Bay?

Yes. The water is calm and shallow, which makes it popular with families. Supervise children closely and check sea conditions before heading in, as there may not be lifeguards on the public stretch.

Which resorts are at Half Moon Bay?

Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Half Moon Bay, Al Dana Beach Resort in Dana Bay, and Tamara Beach Resort all operate along the bay. Day-pass availability and prices vary, so call ahead.

What's the best time to visit Half Moon Bay?

Early morning or late afternoon is the most comfortable, especially in the hot months. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving