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

Oct 18, 2026

Share this article

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

If you want a proper beach day near Al Khobar, Half Moon Bay is the easy answer. This sweeping, crescent-shaped stretch of calm Gulf water sits about 25–30 km south of Al Khobar, and it packs swimming, picnics, jet skis, boat trips and dune activities into one trip. Entry to the main public areas is generally free, the water is shallow and family-friendly, and you can turn up with a cooler box or book thrill rides on the spot. This guide to Half Moon Bay Khobar: beaches, water sports and day trips covers the beaches, the activities, realistic costs in SAR and how to plan the whole day.

Half Moon Bay at a glance

Half Moon Bay (also written Half Moon Beach) is one of the Eastern Province's best-loved weekend escapes. The long, gently curving bay gives the beach its name, and the shallow, calm water is what makes it work so well for families, beginners and anyone who just wants to float.

Location — roughly 25–30 km south of Al Khobar
Entry — main public-access beach areas generally have no entry fee
Hours — public areas are usually open daily from sunrise to around sunset, and some sections show 24-hour access
Best for — swimming, picnics, barbecues, water sports and a change of scene from the city

When to go: weather and best season

The Eastern Province gets seriously hot from roughly June to September, so summer beach days are best kept to early mornings or late afternoons when the heat and humidity ease off. The sweet spot is the cooler stretch from around October to April, when daytime temperatures are comfortable and you can happily spend hours on the sand. Whatever the season, check the wind before you set off — strong gusts can make the water choppy and lead operators to pause activities.

Where is Half Moon Bay and how to get there

Half Moon Bay sits south of Al Khobar along the coast, an easy drive from anywhere in the Dammam–Khobar–Dhahran area. From central Khobar you're looking at roughly a 25–35 minute drive depending on traffic and exactly which section you head to.

Driving yourself is the most practical option because the bay is spread out and you'll want your car for the cooler box, beach gear and the drive between different stretches of sand. If you'd rather not drive, Careem and Uber both cover the Eastern Province — just confirm the exact drop-off point with the operator or venue you're visiting, as the bay covers a long coastline rather than a single gate.

The beaches: swimming, picnics and facilities

The headline attraction is the water itself: warm, shallow and usually very calm, which makes Half Moon Bay a genuinely relaxed swim rather than a battle with waves. Keep swimming to supervised areas and keep an eye on children, as conditions and depth vary along the bay.

What to expect on the sand

Facilities vary by section, but across the bay you'll typically find:

Picnic areas and barbecue huts — bring your own supplies and make a day of it
Seating and shaded spots in some stretches
Cafés and kiosks for drinks and snacks
Changing facilities in certain sections

A simple rule: the more developed or resort-managed the section, the more facilities you'll find — but also the more likely there'll be a charge. The open public beach is free but more basic, so pack water, sunscreen, shade and bin bags.

What to do on the water: activities and prices

This is where Half Moon Bay really earns its reputation. A range of operators set up along the beach offering everything from a quick jet-ski blast to a full boat cruise. Prices and availability change with the season and the operator, so always confirm the rate, the deposit and the duration before you pay.

Jet ski

The most popular ride on the bay. Expect prices typically around:

SAR 173 for 15 minutes
SAR 288 for 30 minutes

A refundable deposit of around SAR 500 may be required, and operators usually ask for ID, a safety briefing and a life jacket. Confirm all of this with the operator before handing over money.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

For something calmer, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available from beach operators. The flat Gulf water is ideal for first-timers. A fixed SAR price isn't published consistently, so ask the operator on the day — rental is usually charged

Parasailing and donut boat

Fancy the view from above? Parasailing sessions typically run around 8–10 minutes. For a group laugh, the donut boat (a towed inflatable ring) usually runs about 15 minutes for groups of 3–5 people. Ask about minimum ages and weight limits before booking.

Boat trips and cruises

If you want to get out onto the water properly, boat trips and cruises are available from the bay. Prices range widely depending on the type of boat and how long you're out — typically around SAR 250 to SAR 1,000 per person. Smaller shared trips sit at the lower end; private charters and longer cruises at the top.

Beyond the water: horse riding and quad biking

Half Moon Bay isn't only about the sea. In some areas you'll find:

Horse riding — short beach rides are offered in some stretches; prices aren't fixed, so agree the rate first
Quad biking — available around some of the dune areas near the bay for an off-road thrill

Both are great for breaking up a long beach day, especially with kids who've had enough of the water.

If you prefer a resort experience

If you'd rather have a managed, hassle-free day with loungers, cleaner facilities and food on tap instead of hauling a cooler box, one of the bay's beachfront resorts — the Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Half Moon Bay — offers a tidier beach-and-pool setting right on the water. Day-use fees and opening hours change, so contact the resort directly to confirm the current rate and whether day passes are available before you drive out.

Planning your day trip: tips and safety

A little planning makes the difference between a great beach day and a hot, thirsty one. Keep these in mind:

Go early or late — mornings and late afternoons are far more comfortable, especially in summer
Bring sun protection — shade is limited on the public beach, so pack sunscreen, a parasol and plenty of water
Carry cash — some beach operators and kiosks prefer it
Confirm prices and deposits upfront — jet-ski and boat rates, deposits and durations should be agreed before you pay
Respect safety rules — stick to supervised swimming areas, wear life jackets for water sports and take the operator's briefing seriously
Check the weather — operators may cancel water activities in rough conditions or strong wind
Take your rubbish home — help keep the bay clean, especially after a barbecue

No special government app or permit is needed for ordinary beach access — Half Moon Bay is a straightforward turn-up-and-enjoy day out. Water activities are simply arranged on the beach with the operators or through activity-booking platforms.

FAQs

Is there an entry fee for Half Moon Bay Khobar?

The main public-access beach areas generally have no entry fee. More developed or resort-managed sections, such as the Radisson Blu beach, may charge a day-use fee — confirm directly with the venue.

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

Expect prices typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes or SAR 288 for 30 minutes, often with a refundable deposit of about SAR 500. Confirm the exact rate with the operator before paying.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

It's roughly 25–30 km south of Al Khobar, about a 25–35 minute drive from central Khobar depending on traffic and which section you visit.

Is Half Moon Bay good for families and kids?

Yes. The calm, shallow Gulf water, picnic and barbecue areas and gentle water sports make it one of the most family-friendly beaches in the Eastern Province. Keep swimming to supervised areas and watch children closely.

Can I do boat trips or parasailing there?

Yes. Boat trips and cruises run from around SAR 250 to SAR 1,000 and parasailing sessions typically last 8–10 minutes. Arrange these with the operators on the beach.

Do I need to book water sports in advance?

Not usually for ordinary beach access or walk-up rides, though it's smart to arrive early at weekends as operators get busy. Larger boat charters are best arranged ahead with the operator or an activity-booking platform.

Plan your trip

Half Moon Bay is one of the easiest day trips in the Eastern Province — pack the cooler box, grab a car and go. Planning to stay overnight or need wheels for the drive? Browse accommodation and car rentals in Al Khobar on Saudi Living to round out your beach weekend.

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: