Lifestyle

Life’s a Beach

by BTM

Sun, 03 March 2019

bahrain public and private beach

Bahrain is often maligned as an island with no beaches. But, in fact, there are several…if you know where to look. BTM rounds up spots both private and public where you can get the sand between your toes.

PRIVATE

Coral Bay
A sandy beach and large pool with a swim-up bar plus access to food from the venue’s various restaurants make this a favourite relaxation spot.  You can indulge in the full spectrum of recreational facilities, such as boating and numerous types of water sports. There are also regular events held on the beach which is open daily from 9am to 8pm. Entry is BD8 on weekdays and BD10 at weekends. Kids aged five to 12 pay BD5 during the week and BD8 at weekends. US military pay BD5.
Call 39 777-701.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
A 160-metre expanse of white sand beach curves along the private island’s sun-drenched southern shore. Set amidst lush landscaping, staff offer everything from fresh fruit skewers and refreshing beverages, to an array of high-end sun care products and a chair-side sunglasses cleaning and repair service. Food is served directly on the beach and after dark, the space hosts torch-lit events. Entry is BD25 on weekdays and BD50 at weekends. Book a 60-minute spa treatment during the week and enjoy complimentary beach access.
 Call 17 115-000.

Lagoona Beach Resort
Lagoona Beach is a luxury resort and spa in Janabiya which boasts a great sandy beach offering a huge range of recreational activities from waterskiing and wake boarding to Seabreacher – a unique vessel that can dive, jump and roll like a dolphin. Just five minutes’ drive from the Saudi causeway and open daily from 8am to 8pm, a day pass costs BD15, BD10 for kids up to 12 years, under-fives go free.
 Call 16 630-000.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
A gorgeous crescent of white sand beach where attendants will bring you cold water to stave off the heat. There are sunbeds and shades and also a private island. Long recognised as one of the island’s best beach venues, access is via Royal Beach Club membership or through day passes priced at BD25 per person for weekdays and BD50 per person for weekends.
 Call 17 580-000.

Bahrain Yacht Club
A members’ club but open to the public. There’s a decent-sized sandy beach, from which dolphins can sometimes be seen cruising past, as well as a pool and recreation area. There is also the option to hire canoes and paddle out into the sheltered lagoon in front of the club. Entrance is BD4 which also allows use of the bar and restaurant.
 Call 17 700-677.

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
A true getaway, while still on the mainland, the beach at Sofitel is glorious dark sand and looks straight out to sea, well away from any development. There’s also a large pool with a kids’ entertainment area and a recently opened beach bar serving bistro-style snacks. Day passes cost BD15 during the week and BD30 at weekends. Kids aged four to 17 years get a 50 per cent discount and under-fours go free.
 Call 17 636-363.

ISLANDS

Al Dar Islands
Take a water taxi from Sitra out to Al Dar and experience island life for real. There’s a 400m sandy beach, huts and chalets to hire, kids’ zone, activities area, food and bar, dolphin watching, fishing trips and more – or you could just take the rays! Don’t forget, you’ll need your passport or ID when you’re leaving Bahrain. Tickets, including the boat ride, are BD5 on weekdays and BD8 at the weekend. Kids aged five to 15 pay BD2 and BD4.
 Call 17 704-600.

Hawar Islands
Lots of native wildlife, including one of the world’s biggest colonies of Socotra Cormorants, make this a great place for nature lovers. However, if you just want a beach break, you can enjoy that here too. There’s a hotel which offers all-inclusive stays with a welcome bus tour, water sports, swimming pools and slides, meals and boat transport. Or you can also take a day trip from Durrat Marina on Friday and Saturday for BD20 per person.
 Call 17 641-666.

Jerada
A real desert island this. Jerada is actually a tidal sand spit, which disappears at high tide – so, you’ll definitely need to know the right times to go. You’ll also need a boat to get there, private if possible, but there are a few companies offering trips. The water around it is crystal clear and shallow and it’s a perfect place to cool off on a hot, sunny day. Just make sure you bring provisions as there really is nothing there!

PUBLIC

Budaiya Beach Park
Lots of entertainment and a nice, usually clean, beach. There’s a kids’ play area and ball courts nearby plus a view of an island palace. This beach is very popular with local Bahrainis and can become quite crowded at weekends and holiday times but access is free and there’s a good stretch of sand and open water.

Abu Subh Beach
Also known as Diraz Beach, this a long stretch of sand where you will find good parking, kids’ play area and mobile trucks selling food, ice creams and more. Quiet early morning, it is popular with dog walkers and runners. Also, a favourite haunt for locals and there’s a great family atmosphere at weekends.

Karbabad
Just at the back of the busy Seef district and facing Nurana Island, this stretch of beach is not so much a place for swimming but does have a great range of evening and weekend entertainment from bouncy castles to quad bikes a. It’s also popular with the local horsey fraternity so you may well see members of the Bahrain Cowboys there and, on very special days, you might even spot the animals of Bahrain’s mounted police taking a dip.

Dry Dock Beach
A smallish stretch of sand in the industrial area at ASRY, this is popular on weekends with both migrant workers, who live nearby, and locals from Hidd and the surrounding areas. It’s more of a picnic spot but people do take to the water sometimes, particularly early morning. It’s a nice relief from the built-up area round about.

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