Lexi Webster
Bahrain is often described as an island with no beaches, but there are several public beaches if you know where to look. Public beaches in Bahrain tend to be more conservative than private ones, so it's important to dress modestly. Abu Subh Beach, also known as Diraz Beach, is a long stretch of public beach in the northwest of Bahrain that's perfect for families. It's famous for its food trucks and has a play area for kids. Al Jazayer is the biggest and most popular public beach in Bahrain, located near the Bahrain International Circuit. The waters are clear and shallow, and there are plenty of food outlets and retail shops nearby. Karbabad Beach is a convenient option, located just five minutes from Seef Mall, offering soft golden sands and shallow waters perfect for a beach stroll.
What You'll Learn
Abu Subh Beach
The beach offers a long stretch of white sand and shallow waters, making it a great spot for swimming and other water sports. It is also a popular place for running, with plenty of space to enjoy a peaceful walk along the coastline. The beach is usually busy in the afternoons, especially on weekends, when people come to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
Overall, Abu Subh Beach is a great option for families looking for a fun and relaxing day out, with plenty of activities and facilities to keep everyone entertained.
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Dress codes at public beaches
Bahrain is a Muslim country and, while it is one of the most tolerant countries in the Middle East when it comes to dress code, it is important to dress modestly when in public.
At public beaches in Bahrain, it is best to be fully clothed. Swimming outfits are not allowed, and it is advised that women cover their hair with a scarf, their shoulders, and their knees. Men should wear long trousers instead of shorts. Normal swimwear is acceptable at private beaches or pools, such as those at resorts or hotels.
Dress Codes at Private Beaches
At private beaches, such as those at resorts or hotels, normal swimwear is allowed. However, topless sunbathing or swimming is not permitted at any beach.
Other Dress Codes
In traditional areas such as souqs, central markets, and villages, women should wear long skirts or trousers, and clothing that covers the knees. Men should wear long trousers instead of shorts.
At malls and restaurants, the dress code is casual. Women should keep skirts below the knee, and men should wear long trousers.
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Bahrain's private beaches
Bahrain has a range of private beaches, from five-star beach clubs to intimate stretches of sand, offering a unique experience. Here is a selection of some of the best private beaches in Bahrain:
Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach
Bilaj Al Jazayer is a newly renovated public beach, offering crystal clear water, food and beverage options, and thrilling activities. It is located just north of Long Beach Island and has well-kept public restrooms and an abundance of shade trees. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, surfing, and sunbathing. It is open from 8 am to 6 pm, and swimming is not allowed after sunset.
Marassi Al Bahrain Beach
Marassi Al Bahrain is located on the island of Muharraq, offering direct access to the beach and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy banana boats, doughnuts, paddle boats, kayaks, kneeboarding, jet boards, and a water park. There is also a beachfront and water park, tennis courts, an ATM, a grocery store, and a pharmacy.
Bahrain Bay Beach
Bahrain Bay Beach is a popular stretch of sand located on the main island of Bahrain, offering sunbathing, swimming, and windsurfing. There are seven water slides, a splash zone, a wave pool, and a children's playground. The beach also features shaded areas and a beachfront restaurant.
Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, located in the heart of the Bahrain Seef district in Manama, offers a luxury beach experience with indoor and outdoor pools, a tranquil stretch of sand, and a private beach. It also has a private island that guests can swim to, and the Royal Beach Club pass includes access to the gym.
Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
Four Seasons Bahrain Bay is home to a beautiful private beach. Guests can enjoy golden sands, three swimming pools, and a swim-up bar, with the city as a backdrop. Water sports such as kayaking, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing are also available. The beach is open to hotel guests and members of the hotel's spa, with annual memberships starting at BHD1,700 per person.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is known for its parties, with live DJs every weekend. Visitors can enjoy the private beach, a lagoon pool, and a swim-up bar. Water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking, and wakeboarding are also available. Entry fees range from BHD8 to BHD10 for adults and BHD5 to BHD8 for children, depending on the day.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
Sofitel Bahrain offers a large stretch of private beach with volleyball courts and a huge pool. It is located near the Bahrain International Circuit, about a 30-minute drive from Manama. Entry fees range from BHD20 to BHD30 for adults and BHD10 to BHD15 for children, depending on the day.
Al Dar Islands
Al Dar Islands is a short boat ride from the coast, offering a quick beach getaway. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling on the artificial reef, traditional Bahraini cuisine at the beach bar and burger shack, and water sports. The island also offers luxury chalets and beach huts.
Novotel Al Dana Resort Beach
Novotel Al Dana Resort Beach is located just five minutes from the airport and offers a combination of leisure and business facilities. The resort has a private beach, an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa. Water sports facilities such as kayaking and paddle boating are also available.
Lagoona Beach Resort
Lagoona Beach Resort is one of the fanciest resorts and spas in Bahrain, boasting soft sand and a range of water sports activities, including waterskiing and wakeboarding.
Marassi Beach
Marassi Beach, located on the island of Muharraq, offers crystal-clear waters and a variety of water sports, including banana boats, doughnuts, parasailing, paddling boats, and kayaks.
Yacht Club Beach
The Yacht Club Beach is a popular spot for those who love sailing and water sports. It offers a social environment with friendly activities for tourists and members.
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Beach sports and activities facilities
Bahrain has a range of beach sports and activities facilities. Here is a list of some of the best spots for beach sports and activities:
Al Jazayer Beach
Al Jazayer is the biggest and most popular public beach in Bahrain. It is located near the Bahrain International Circuit and the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve. The beach attracts many visitors during the weekends, who come in search of sun, sea, sand, and relaxation. The shallow and clear waters make it ideal for swimming, and there is also a play area for children. While the beach was previously underdeveloped, there are plans for new food outlets and retail shops.
Abu Subh Beach
Also known as Diraz Beach, Abu Subh Beach is a long stretch of public beach in the northwest of Bahrain, close to Budaiya and Northern City. It is a favourite among families, thanks to its decent play area and variety of food trucks. It is also popular with locals, so visitors are advised to dress modestly and cover up.
Karbabad Beach
Conveniently located just five minutes from Seef Mall, Karbabad Beach offers soft golden sands and shallow waters perfect for a beach stroll. It is a popular spot for locals and expats, especially for evening walks. The beach is also known for being close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qal'at al-Bahrain.
Malkiyah Beach
Malkiyah Beach is a long beach located in Al Malikiyah, on the western coast of the Northern Governorate. It offers soft sand and stunning views, making it a favourite spot for family outings. The calm and shallow waters are ideal for swimming, and visitors can also enjoy boat trips, horseback riding, and explore the walking areas. There are restaurants and stores nearby, and the beach tends to be busy on weekends but quiet during the week.
Budaiya Public Beach
Budaiya Public Beach is a stunning white sandy beach located in Budaiya, in the Northern Governorate. It offers activities for all ages and unforgettable views. The shallow waters make it safe for everyone, and there is a children's playground, a soccer field, and volleyball nets available. It is usually quiet but can get busy during the evenings when visitors arrive to admire the sunset.
Bahrain Bay
Bahrain Bay has become a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts, with a mapped-out 3.5 km jogging loop and a dedicated cycling track. It also offers exciting water sports and activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and water yoga. Visitors can also enjoy a gondola or doughnut boat ride, providing a unique and fun way to experience the water.
Bahrain Yacht Club
The Bahrain Yacht Club, located in Sitra, welcomes anyone passionate about sailing and water sports. The club offers training programs and facilities for all levels, from amateurs to professionals. It is built around a lagoon with a beach and also has a swimming pool and lounge area. Membership is open to everyone, with family and individual options available.
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Family-friendly beaches
Bahrain has a good selection of family-friendly beaches, with children's play areas, food trucks, and calm, shallow waters. Here are some of the best family-friendly beaches in Bahrain:
Abu Subh Beach
Also known as Diraz Beach, this long stretch of public beach in the northwest of Bahrain is perfect for families. The white strip of sand is lined with food trucks and has a dedicated kids' play area. It's quite popular with the locals, so remember to dress modestly. Abu Subh Beach is located near Budaiya and Northern City and is famous for its food trucks.
Al Jazayer Beach
Al Jazayer is the biggest and most popular public beach in Bahrain. It's located close to the Bahrain International Circuit and the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve. The beach has clear and shallow waters, and there are plans for new food outlets and retail shops. Al Jazayer Beach is known for its proximity to the F1 Circuit, and it offers plenty of shade for children to play.
Karbabad Beach
Karbabad Beach is located just five minutes from Seef Mall and offers soft golden sands and shallow waters perfect for a beach stroll. It's a popular spot for locals and expats, especially for evening walks. Karbabad Beach is known for its proximity to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qal'at al-Bahrain, and its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Remember to dress appropriately if you plan to swim, as Karbabad is quite traditional.
Hidd Beach
Hidd Beach is a popular beach in Bahrain known for picnicking and swimming. It has a small area of sand close to the Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park, ideal for barbecue fans. The beach offers beautiful views of Juffair and Manama at sunset. Hidd Beach is famous for its entertainment options, including a play area and ball courts. It tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays.
Marassi Al Bahrain Beach
Marassi Al Bahrain is a well-maintained, one-kilometre stretch of sand that is part of Emaar's new development. It offers plenty of spots to set up beach gear and picnic areas, along with clearer waters for swimming. This beach has something for everyone, with bungee trampolines, volleyball courts, and various water sports options like parasailing and wakeboarding. Marassi Al Bahrain Beach is known for its low entry prices and wide range of activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Al Jazair Public Beach is the biggest and most popular public beach in Bahrain. It is located near the Bahrain International Circuit and the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve.
Abu Subh Beach, also known as Diraz Beach, is a long stretch of public beach in Bahrain that is perfect for families. It is located in the northwest of Bahrain, close to Budaiya and Northern City.
At the public beaches in Bahrain, you can enjoy water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, and swimming. You can also go for a peaceful stroll, spend time in peace, or have a picnic with your family.
