Half Moon Bay Khobar: Beaches & Water Sports

Half Moon Bay Khobar — known locally as Shati Nisf Al-Qamar — is one of the Eastern Province's most visited beaches: a crescent-shaped bay just south of Al Khobar and Dammam where families swim, friends ride jet skis, and divers explore the water. This guide to Half Moon Bay's beaches, water sports and day trips starts with the short answer most people want: public beach access is generally free, parking at the main public beach is usually free too, and you don't need any permit, Absher step or Balady booking just to spend a day at the shore. Here's how to make the most of it.

Half Moon Bay at a glance

The bay takes its name from its gentle crescent shape. The water is shallow and relatively calm in many spots, which makes it popular with families and beginners trying water sports for the first time. You'll find a mix of free public beach, private resorts with their own stretches of sand, and jetties where operators run jet skis, dive sessions and boat trips.

• Public beach access — generally free, parking generally free
• Hours — public areas typically open sunrise to sunset; there's no single official schedule for the whole bay
• No permits needed — no visa, Muqeem, Absher, Balady or Nafath step is required to visit the public beach
• Best for — family beach days, first-time water sports, diving, and relaxed sea cruises

Getting to Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar and Dammam

Half Moon Bay sits on the Gulf coast south of the twin cities. Depending on exactly where you start and which route you take, it's roughly 25 km south of Al Khobar by the shorter routes, though some journeys measure closer to 50–52 km from more central or northern points. Give yourself around 30 to 45 minutes of driving from most parts of Al Khobar or Dammam.

• By car — the easiest option; the main public beach has free parking, so driving yourself is the most flexible way to go
• By Careem or Uber — fine for getting there, but return rides can be harder to find at the beach itself, so arrange your trip back in advance or ask your driver to wait

In the cooler months, arrive earlier in the day for the best parking and the calmest water, and bring everything you need — shade, water and snacks — as facilities vary across the bay.

The beaches: free public access and what to expect

The public beaches at Half Moon Bay are open and free, with that signature calm, shallow water that's ideal for a relaxed swim. Swimming is possible in the sheltered areas, but stick to designated swimming zones and follow any local safety instructions — currents and boat traffic can appear where water sports operate.

Expect a lively, social atmosphere, especially on weekends and public holidays. Families set up for the day with mats and shade, and the beach fills up fast on cooler evenings. There's no single published schedule covering the entire bay, so plan around daylight hours and check directly with any resort or operator you intend to use.

Water sports and activities (with typical prices)

Half Moon Bay is the Eastern Province's water-sports hub. Private operators run everything from 15-minute jet-ski bursts to half-day dive sessions. The figures below are typical guide prices we checked with active Half Moon Bay operators — always confirm the current rate, deposit and booking requirement directly with the operator before you go, since there's no single official tariff or unified booking channel for the bay.

Jet skis

• 15 minutes — typically around SAR 173
• 30 minutes — typically around SAR 288
• Refundable deposit — a cash deposit of around SAR 500 may be required

Some operators, such as the setup at Shatt Al-Khaleej jetty, offer jet-ski instruction plus a 30-minute ride in a buoyed, controlled area — expect to spend around an hour in total, and book in advance.

Scuba diving

Diving sessions usually run in the morning and need advance booking. A typical session costs around SAR 350 per person and includes roughly two hours of training followed by about 30 minutes underwater. It's a popular way for beginners to try diving in a controlled, shallow setting.

Boat trips and sea cruises

Boat and sea-cruise options vary widely depending on the vessel and how long you're out on the water. Prices typically run from around SAR 250 to SAR 1,000 per person. Smaller shared trips sit at the lower end; private charters and longer cruises push toward the top.

Kayaking, parasailing, snorkelling and more

Beyond the headline activities, private operators across the bay also offer:

• Kayaking and sailing — calm-water paddling and small-boat sailing
• Parasailing — being towed aloft behind a boat for a bird's-eye view of the crescent
• Snorkelling — exploring shallow marine life in the clearer areas
• Horse riding — beach rides along the shoreline
• ATV / dune buggies — shoreline and dune riding near the bay

Prices and schedules for these vary significantly between operators, so ask on arrival or call ahead.

Resorts and beach clubs for a day trip

If you'd rather trade the public beach for pools, loungers and facilities, Half Moon Bay has several resorts. Private beach-club or resort day access is commonly reported at around SAR 100–500 per person, while beach access is usually included free if you're staying overnight.

• Radisson Blu Resort Half Moon Bay — on the bay's western shore, with a private beach, pools and family facilities; confirm current day-access fees and hours directly with the resort
• Mena Holiday Beach Resort — pools, landscaped grounds and beach access; day-use fees and hours again need direct confirmation

Because day-use policies and prices change seasonally, it's always worth a quick call before you drive out.

How to plan the perfect Half Moon Bay day

1. Pick your base — free public beach for a budget day, or a resort day pass for pools and shade
2. Book activities ahead — diving and instructed jet-ski sessions usually require advance booking
3. Go early in cooler months — better parking, calmer water and gentler temperatures
4. Carry cash — operators may ask for a refundable cash deposit (around SAR 500 for jet skis)
5. Follow safety signs — swim only in designated zones, away from jet-ski and boat lanes
6. Arrange your ride home — if you came by Careem or Uber, line up the return trip early

Planning more coastal escapes, family outings and weekend getaways around the Kingdom? Browse day trips and things to do in our Saudi Living events listings, where we round up what's happening across the Eastern Province and beyond.

FAQs

Is Half Moon Bay free to visit?

Yes. Public beach access is generally free and parking at the main public beach is usually free too. You only pay for extras like water sports or a resort day pass.

Do I need a permit or Absher booking to go?

No. There's no visa, Muqeem, Absher, Balady or Nafath step required to visit the public beach — just drive out and enjoy the shore.

Is it safe to swim at Half Moon Bay?

The sheltered areas are shallow and relatively calm, which is why families like it. To stay safe, swim only in designated zones, keep clear of the jet-ski and boat lanes, watch young children closely, and follow any local safety signs or instructions.

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

Typically around SAR 173 for 15 minutes and SAR 288 for 30 minutes, with a refundable cash deposit of about SAR 500 that some operators require.

Can beginners try scuba diving there?

Yes. Beginner-friendly dive sessions cost around SAR 350 Book in advance, usually for a morning slot.

How far is Half Moon Bay from Al Khobar?

Roughly 25 km south of Al Khobar by the shorter routes, though some journeys measure closer to 50–52 km depending on your starting point and route. Expect around 30 to 45 minutes of driving.

What are the opening hours?

Public beach areas typically operate from sunrise to sunset. There's no single official schedule for the whole bay, so plan around daylight and confirm hours with any resort or operator you plan to use.

---

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