Exploring Bahrain: Beach Paradise Or Desert Mirage?

Bahrain is an archipelago of small islands and inlets surrounded by the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. While it is not known for its beaches, the kingdom does offer a handful of public and private beaches, with water sports, sun loungers and swimming spots. Travellers can choose from beaches in luxury hotels, or opt for a picnic on the sand. From the private beach at the Ritz-Carlton in Manama, to the family-friendly Abu Subh Beach, there is something for everyone.

Best beaches in Bahrain for picnics and swimming

Bahrain is an archipelago of around 80 small islands and inlets in the Arabian Gulf, and while it may not be known for its beaches, it does have a handful of public and private beaches offering water sports, sun loungers, and swimming spots. Here are some of the best beaches in Bahrain for picnics and swimming:

Hidd Beach

Hidd Beach is a popular beach in Bahrain, known for its picturesque sunsets, picnicking, and swimming. The small stretch of sand close to the Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park is ideal for barbecue fans, with a perfect view of Juffair and Manama at sunset. It is a great place to relax and spend time with family and friends away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The beach is also known for its entertainment options, including a play area and ball courts.

Al Jazayer Beach

Al Jazayer Beach is the biggest and most popular public beach in Bahrain. Located close to the Bahrain International Circuit and the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve, it attracts many visitors, especially on weekends. The waters are clear and shallow, making it ideal for swimming. While it was previously underdeveloped, there is now a boom of new food outlets and retail shops in the area.

Abu Subh Beach

Also known as Diraz Beach, Abu Subh Beach is a long stretch of public beach in the northwest of Bahrain, perfect for families. The white strip of sand is lined with food trucks and a kids' play area. It is quite popular with the locals, so visitors are advised to dress modestly. The beach is ideal for a peaceful walk along the shore and enjoying the breeze.

Marassi Beach

Marassi Beach, located on the eastern coast of Diyar Al-Muharraq, is known for its pristine white sand and bright blue waters. The water is calm and safe for swimming, but visitors should be cautious of stones underwater. Jet skis are also available for rent. There are a few restaurants, cafes, and resorts in the area, and an entrance fee is required.

Al Dar Islands

Al Dar Islands is a short boat ride away from the city, offering a quick beach getaway. Visitors can spend the day relaxing under a shaded canopy, snorkelling on the artificial reef, or enjoying traditional Bahraini cuisine at the rustic beach bar and burger shack. The island also offers luxury chalets, beach huts, water sports, and boat trips.

Public vs private beaches in Bahrain

Bahrain has a range of public and private beaches, offering everything from water sports and sun loungers to swimming spots and children's play areas. While public beaches are free to access, private beaches are often attached to luxury hotels and resorts, with entry fees and membership options available.

Public Beaches in Bahrain

Public beaches in Bahrain are generally more conservative than private beaches, so it is important for visitors to dress modestly. Some of the most popular public beaches include:

• Al Jazayer Beach: the biggest public beach in Bahrain, located close to the Bahrain International Circuit. It features clear and shallow waters, food outlets, and retail shops.
• Abu Subh Beach (also known as Diraz Beach): a long stretch of public beach in the northwest of Bahrain that is perfect for families. It has food trucks, a kids' play area, and is popular with locals.
• Karbabad Beach: a convenient location just five minutes from Seef Mall, offering soft golden sand and shallow waters perfect for a beach stroll. It is popular with locals and expats for evening walks.
• Hidd Beach: a small beach ideal for picnicking and barbecues, with beautiful views of Juffair and Manama at sunset. It is a popular getaway spot from city life.
• Bahrain Arad Fort Beach: located near the Bahrain Fort, this beach is great for evening walks and picnics, attracting many locals.
• Budaiya Beach Park: a clean beach with entertainment, a kids' play area, and ball courts. It is popular with local Bahrainis and can get crowded on weekends and holidays, but access is free.

Private Beaches in Bahrain

Private beaches in Bahrain often offer luxurious experiences with exclusive amenities and facilities. Some of the top private beaches include:

• Four Seasons Bahrain Bay: a luxurious beach resort with golden sands, swimming pools, and a swim-up bar. It offers water sports, plush sun loungers, and private cabanas.
• The Ritz-Carlton: a five-star beach with a stretch of private beach and an island you can swim to. It offers luxury amenities, a vast swimming pool, and comfortable sun loungers.
• Coral Bay Hotel & Resort: a lively beach club with a Riviera vibe, featuring live DJs, restaurants, a bar, a spa, and a dive centre. It has golden beach, a lagoon pool, and water sports facilities.
• Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa: located on the peaceful southeast coast, this resort offers a spacious beach, volleyball courts, and a large lagoon-like swimming pool. It is open to both in-house and external guests for a fee.
• Bahrain Sailing Club: a peaceful, rustic beach with soft sandy shores and warm shallow waters. Kayaks are available for rent, and sailing lessons are also offered.

Water sports and activities at Bahrain beaches

Bahrain, whose name means 'two seas', has a rich history of seafaring and was once a nation that relied on dhow boats for trade and livelihood. Today, the country offers a wide range of water sports and activities for locals and tourists alike.

Water Sports and Activities

Whether you're an adventure seeker or someone who prefers a more relaxed pace, Bahrain's beaches have something for everyone. Here are some of the water sports and activities you can enjoy:

• Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world and discover Bahrain's prized natural pearls.
• Snorkeling: Put on a snorkel mask and fins to observe the vibrant marine life in Bahrain's clear waters.
• Windsurfing: Feel the thrill of gliding across the water, powered by the wind and your surfboard.
• Parasailing: Soar above the ocean and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and horizon.
• Water Skiing: Hold on tight as a speedboat pulls you across the water, leaving an exciting wake behind.
• Swimming: Take a dip in the calm, shallow waters of Bahrain's beaches, perfect for a refreshing escape from the heat.
• Jet Skiing: Zip across the water on a jet ski, a modern take on the traditional dhow boat.
• Paddleboarding: Test your balance and explore the bay at your own pace with a paddle in hand.
• Kayaking: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, Bahrain's beaches offer the perfect setting for a kayaking adventure.
• Boat Rides: From luxury yachts to traditional sailboats, boat rides are a great way to explore the coastline and enjoy the sea breeze.
• Fishing: Cast your line and try your luck at catching some fish, a peaceful activity for those who enjoy the calm of the sea.
• Dolphin and Whale Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales, offering a unique glimpse into the marine life of Bahrain.
• Surfing: Catch some waves and ride the swell with surfing lessons or on your own if you're experienced.
• Wakeboarding: Bahrain Wake offers wakeboarding lessons and advanced riders can assist with training and development.
• Kneeboarding: Scubalife provides kneeboarding lessons and activities for those who want to try something different.
• Flyboarding: Experience the thrill of hovering above the water with Extreme Sportz, Bahrain's only certified Hydrosport and Flyboard centre.
• Doughnut Boat Rides: Climb into a fun-shaped boat and glide across the bay with friends and family for a unique experience.
• Water Yoga: Find your inner peace with water yoga, a serene activity to connect with your mind, body, and the tranquil waters.

Beach Locations

Bahrain offers both public and private beaches, each with its own unique atmosphere and amenities. Here are some popular beach locations:

• Al Jazayer Beach: The biggest and most popular public beach in Bahrain, located close to the Bahrain International Circuit.
• Abu Subh Beach: A family-friendly beach in the northwest of Bahrain, offering a play area and a variety of food trucks.
• Karabad Beach: Conveniently located just five minutes from Seef Mall, with soft golden sands and shallow waters perfect for strolls.
• Four Seasons Bahrain Bay: A luxurious private beach with golden sands, swimming pools, and a range of water sports.
• The Ritz-Carlton: A five-star beach resort offering a stretch of private beach, an island to swim to, and luxury amenities.
• Coral Bay Hotel & Resort: Enjoy the Riviera vibe with live DJs, golden beaches, a lagoon pool, and water sports.
• Marassi Beach: A well-maintained kilometre-long beach with bungee trampolines, volleyball courts, and water sports options.
• Amwaj Marina: Bahrain's newest marina, offering luxury boating, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, and more.

Whether you're looking for a tranquil escape or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Bahrain's beaches and water sports scene has something for everyone. So, pack your swimsuit, slather on some sunscreen, and get ready to make a splash!

Beach clubs in Bahrain

Bahrain has a range of beach clubs, from trendy spots in five-star hotels to family-friendly public beaches. Here is a selection of some of the best beach clubs in Bahrain:

Four Seasons Bahrain Bay

One of Bahrain's most luxurious and well-known beach resorts, the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay offers guests golden sands, three swimming pools, and a swim-up bar. The beach is the perfect spot for watersports enthusiasts, offering kayaking, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing. While the beach is typically reserved for hotel guests and members of the hotel's spa, they occasionally host special events that are open to the public.

The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton, located in the north of Manama, offers a stretch of private beach and an island you can swim to. In addition to the private beach, the hotel provides luxury rooms, private pool villas, tennis courts, golf, restaurants, and a vast swimming pool. A day pass includes gym access, allowing guests to work out before enjoying the beach.

Coral Bay Hotel & Resort

Coral Bay is one of Bahrain's liveliest beach clubs, offering a Riviera vibe with live DJs every weekend. The site includes restaurants, a bar, a spa, and even a dive centre. Guests can enjoy the golden beach, lagoon pool, and swim-up bar, as well as watersports activities. Groups can rent a boat and head out on the lagoon, and then spend the night at the Karma Lounge terrace or pool bar.

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Located near the Bahrain International Circuit, this five-star resort offers a spacious beach, volleyball courts, and a lagoon-like swimming pool. The beach is open to both in-house and external guests for a fee, making it a peaceful getaway spot.

Bahrain Sailing Club

For those seeking a more peaceful and rustic beach experience, the Bahrain Sailing Club offers soft sandy shores and warm shallow waters. Kayaks are available for rent by the hour, and amateur sailors can take sailing lessons. Entrance is just BD3, making it an affordable option.

Marassi Al Bahrain

Marassi Al Bahrain is a popular local beach due to its low entry prices. It offers a well-maintained one-kilometre stretch of sand, with plenty of space for picnics and swimming. This beach is ideal for adventurers, offering bungee trampolines, volleyball courts, and various watersports options like parasailing, wakeboarding, and doughnut boats.

Solymar Beach

Solymar Beach, located on the sun-drenched north-eastern tip of the island, offers a chic and stylish beach experience. It is a great place to relax under the sun with a glass of champagne and exotic shisha pipes.

Beach resorts in Bahrain

Bahrain has a handful of beach resorts, both public and private, offering water sports, sun loungers, swimming spots, and more. Here are some of the top beach resorts in Bahrain:

Four Seasons Bahrain Bay

One of Bahrain's most luxurious and well-known beach resorts, Four Seasons Bahrain Bay boasts a beautiful private beach with golden sands and three swimming pools, including a swim-up bar. Guests can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing. The beach is currently available for hotel guests and members of the hotel's spa, with special events occasionally open to the public.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

The Ritz-Carlton, located in the north of Manama, offers a stretch of private beach and an island that guests can swim to. It provides various luxury amenities, including tennis courts, golf, luxury rooms, private pool villas, and a vast swimming pool. The day pool pass includes gym access.

Coral Bay Hotel & Resort

Coral Bay is one of Bahrain's liveliest beach clubs, offering a Riviera vibe with live DJs every weekend. The beach club includes restaurants, a bar, a spa, and a dive centre. Guests can enjoy the golden beach, lagoon pool, and watersports activities. Groups can rent a boat and explore the lagoon.

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

This five-star resort, located near the Bahrain International Circuit, offers a spacious beach, volleyball courts, and a lagoon-like swimming pool. The beach is open to both in-house and external guests for a fee.

Bahrain Sailing Club

For a more rustic and peaceful beach experience, the Bahrain Sailing Club offers soft sandy shores and warm shallow waters. Kayaks are available for rent by the hour, and amateur sailors can take sailing lessons. Entrance is just BD3, making it an affordable option.

Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain

Vida Beach Resort is a stylish and modern beach resort located in Muharraq. It is part of Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality and is known for its well-maintained sands, offering plenty of space for picnics and swimming. The resort also offers various water sports and adventure activities, such as bungee trampolines, volleyball courts, parasailing, and wakeboarding.

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