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What
better outdoor entertainment can you find
here all year around, at close proximity and
at no expense! Whether to swim in the clear
waters on either coast or to spend a few hours
beach combing and building sand castles, everyone
comes away relaxed. The sun can be deceptively
strong, so hats, sun cream and UV protection
suits are a must at any time of the year.
Dogs are not allowed on many 'in town' beaches
so if you have a family pet watch out for
signs prohibiting their access.
Occasionally,
due to the beach configuration and man made
breakwaters, eddies and undercurrents do occur.
The only advice is to go with the flow, don't
fight it, as the currents are very localized.
There is very little sea life that will harm
you on the Arabian Gulf coast but look out
for colored jelly fish at certain times of
the year (September/October in particular)
and the odd ray which basks in the shallow
waters. Stamp your feet as you walk into the
sea and most rays will glide away out to sea.
On the East coast, one should take more care,
as in addition to the jelly fish and rays,
camouflaged Stone Fish plus sea urchins occur
in the rocky waters and Cone Shells (look
for the diamond shaped pattern) in the Musandam
area, all of which can cause serious problems.
Dress restrictions do apply on the Sharjah
beaches and ladies should be suitable attired.
Some
of the beaches are
Al
Khan Lagoon:
The
middle lagoon between Sharjah and Dubai has
no boat or jet ski restrictions so it is popular
with both water and jet skiers. Mornings tend
to be quiet and relaxing and the afternoons
are active. The beach may be littered by the
sea is generally clean and refreshing and
the dress code more relaxed.
Al
Khan Beach:
Al
Khan beach stretches from the old village
of Al Khan to Layyeh power station. The beach
between Lou'Lou'a hotel and the power station
has been fenced off with no access for vehicles
so you have to carry your gear to this safe,
gently shelving shore.
Corniche
Beach:
The
sandy palm lined corniche beach runs from
the Sharjah Women's Club all the way to Coral
Beach Hotel. Parking is available alongside
the beach and dress restrictions do apply
here. Currents can occur and the beaches carry
warnings to this effect.
Hamriyah
Lagoon:
Visible
from the road to Ras Al Khaimah by Hamriyah
Free Zone, this protected lagoon is frequented
by jet and water skiers and windsurfers.
Khor
Fakkan:
The
Oceanic Hotel's beach is really the only beach
in the town and the hotel charges to use its
facilities. Along the coast there are many
beautiful rocky outcrops with sandy beaches
to stop off for a quick dip or spend the day
and have a barbecue. Camp sites are also readily
available.
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