Manama is Bahrain's capital and its busiest hub: the old souq and Bab Al Bahrain, the National Museum and Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Adliya dining district and the waterfront towers of Bahrain Bay sit within a short taxi ride of each other.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Manama.
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- relaxed urban waterfront, calm and sheltered
- Volleyball court next to the beach
- Bathroom and changing room
- Kayak and paddleboard sessions (Island Activities, Beach Culture)
- Promenade, cafes and The Avenues Bahrain mall nearby
Bahrain Bay Public Beach
Editor’s tip. Visit between October and April; summer midday heat and humidity make the beach uncomfortable.
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- lively paid beach with rentals and water-park fun
- Sun beds and shade included in entry
- Jet ski, kayak, paddleboard and water-bike rentals
- Inflatable water park (listed)
- Extreme Sportz rentals, listed phone +973 7717 0034
Water Garden City Beach
Editor’s tip. Confirm the entry fee and hours before visiting, as the BHD 5 figure comes from an undated review.
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- upscale resort calm, quiet lagoon and pools
- About 600 m white-sand lagoon beach
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Tennis courts and gym
- Beach restaurants and loungers
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Royal Beach Club
Editor’s tip. Check day-pass prices and availability with the hotel, as the reported rates come from an undated news report.
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- private, upscale and quiet hotel beach
- Private hotel beach on Bahrain Bay
- Pools and spa
- Hotel restaurants
- Delma Marine water-taxi jetty beside the hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Beach
Editor’s tip. Ask the hotel whether day passes are available, since access is mainly for guests and members.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Manama memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Manama’s coast.
Is Bahrain Bay Public Beach free to enter?
It is listed as a public city beach, and no entry fee is recorded. Watersports sessions with operators are charged separately.
From the Bahrain Bay Public Beach editorial.
Is the water good for swimming?
The bay is sheltered and generally calm, so wading and light swimming are possible. No lifeguard hours are confirmed, so visitors swim at their own risk.
From the Bahrain Bay Public Beach editorial.
Does Water Garden City Beach charge an entry fee?
An undated visitor review lists about BHD 5 (roughly $13) per person, including a sun bed and shade. Visitors should confirm the current price on arrival.
From the Water Garden City Beach editorial.
What watersports are available?
Jet ski, kayak, paddleboard and water-bike rentals are listed, along with an inflatable water park. These are charged separately from entry.
From the Water Garden City Beach editorial.
Can non-guests use the beach?
A day pass has been reported for non-guests, at BHD 35 for adults Sunday to Wednesday and BHD 50 Thursday to Saturday. The hotel should confirm current availability and prices.
From the The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Royal Beach Club editorial.
How long is the beach?
The white-sand lagoon beach is reported at about 600 m. The water is calm and sheltered.
From the The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Royal Beach Club editorial.
Can non-guests use the beach?
Access is mainly for hotel guests and members. A 2019 listing gave a weekday day entry of BHD 25, so visitors should ask the hotel whether day passes currently exist.
From the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Beach editorial.
How much does spa membership cost?
Annual spa membership is listed from BHD 1,700 (about $4,522) per person. The hotel can confirm current terms.
From the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Beach editorial.