Introduction: Exploring Khor Fakkan
This beach, which is 3 km long, takes the form of a crescent, has a seemingly endless list of aquatic possibilities such as diving, parasailing, fishing, and kayaking. It has become one of the favourite tourist spots in Sharjah and weekend retreats in the UAE because it has something for every traveler. It is a popular day trip for Blacks and locals who want a break from the summer Sharjah heat.
The beach itself features palm trees, and the smooth white sand and glittering waters makes it a great place for children and adults to enjoy. It is equipped with playground equipment for adults and children, like swing sets and football goal posts. Just make sure to bring a ball. The overall activity outside is ideal because of the breezy weather in Khorfakkan.
Enjoy a swim to cool off in the peaceful waters or head into the huts in the centre of the Corniche to rent a boat or jet ski. There are many fishing spots further into the water for a chance to catch the big one. You can also sail, fly over the water on a jet ski, scuba dive, or snorkel around Shark Island which is a short boat ride from the beach.
At one end of the Khorfakkan beach is the Oceanic Resort and Spa. The hotel provides a custom experience at one of the UAE’s most stunning tourist locations, with a complete range of water sports and pamper packages. Many tourists will stay overnight at Oceanic Resort and Spa after a day on the beach to relax in comfort and wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the water.
Khor Fakkan Beach
Khor Fakkan Beach features a 3-kilometer oceanfront crescent bay of golden sand and turquoise waters. The beach is highly regarded because it is suitable for all types of travelers– families, solo travelers and adventure seekers!
Things to Do
You may have to ask them for information about Khorfakkan beach as well, but they are always welcoming to tourists.
Many smaller islands and ocean spots are famous for diving and snorkeling. The patterns of marine life can be predicted from past behaviors. So if you are able to ask the locals in the area, they can give you good information of where you are likely to see a particular type of fish, ray, turtle etc. Also, due to the depth and navigational difficulties your ability as a diver can also be challenged.
- Sea Related Activities: The Beach is filled with activities including parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, diving.
- Fishing and Kayaking: If you’re looking for an exciting but a less demanding activity, fishing and kayaking are well loved.
- Kid-Friendly: With the waves being relatively gentle and shallow, the beach offers a safe place for children to play, and with amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, the experience is all the better!
Exploring Beyond the Beach
Although the beach is what draws you to Khor Fakkan, there are also other noteworthy sites to check out:
Al Rabi Hiking Trail
Offering fantastic views over the town and the sea, the Al Rabi Hiking Trail ends at the historic Al Rabi Tower. The hike is moderate and generally can be completed by those with a reasonable level of fitness.
Al Rafisah Dam
Available for a lovely picnic or a spot of kayaking while surrounded by trees and greenery, Al Rafisah Dam provides an escape from the buzz of the beach.
Shees Park
Located within close proximity to Khor Fakkan, Shees Park provides terraced landscapes, waterfalls, and a number of walking trails for those who enjoy a stroll in nature!
Snorkeling and diving locations at the Khorfakkan beach
There are many places to snorkel and dive in Khorfakkan. All companies offering snorkelling or diving trips and activities must be registered and certified, so make sure you book a reputable company. Here are some of the most popular locations to experience these water sports in Khorfakkan.
1. Shark Island
Most people would probably not even entertain snorkelling at Shark island, based on its name alone. Although, you will be able to see blacktip reef sharks on the eastern end of the island, particularly from November to April. Nothing close to Steven Spielberg’s iconic ‘JAWS’ has ever happened around this stunning island (thankfully, they have a ton of other prey).
While snorkeling here, you can get extremely close to both small fish and sea turtles—just leave them to be.
For any divers out there, Khorfakkan can turbo-charge your diving with the incredible creatures of the sea. You will find rays, moray eels and Arabian angelfish living within all of the rock formations. If you have ever spent hours glued to the TV watching NatGeo in marvel at its beauty, now is your chance to become that experience.
2. Dibba Island
Dibba Island is a favorite place for snorkelers and divers because marine life is alive year-round..
3. Coral Gardens
Crocodile Fish and Guitar Sharks make their home here. You may want to consider buying a waterproof camera, it might be nice to take a selfie with a crocodile fish.
4. Anemone Gardens
To the North-East of Shark Island is the Anemone Garden site. This is a popular snorkelling spot, it’s more than 20 metres deep and relatively close to Khorfakkan beach. Jacks and juvenile barracudas will greet you here with some shy seahorses. Don’t spend too long underwater, these beautiful creatures are often shy and might be scared away.
5. Car Cemetery
Although you are an experienced diver, the Car Cemetery will challenge your ability! Visibility is poor, and often frightened animals like to hide here. However, if you can manage the challenge you might stumble across exotic marine creatures in this gloomy, yet exciting place.
Khorfakkan Beach Parasailing Ride
Not too many beaches have parasailing experience. There are many online sellers such as Cobone that sell coupons for such activities.
Parasailing ride at Khorfakkan Beach ticket: AED 135 (1 person) – AED 249 for two people
Parasailing duration: 8-10 minutes
Age limit: 5 years and older
Times
Sunday to Thursday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday to Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Playgrounds For Kids
There are dedicated children’s playgrounds that are purpose-built, with palm trees surrounding the grounds so that sunlight only manages to filter through! As a result, the children can run around for hours trying to be like their footballing hero. If your child is a Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi fan, they aren’t going to want to budge from the field until they have scored a few dozen goals. This is one of the best family-friendly activities Khorfakkan has to offer and is not to be missed. While the kids play, you can sit back and enjoy the sand while you sunbathe on the beach and work on your tan, just don’t forget to use sunblock!
Accommodation Nearby Khorfakkan Beach
The many numbers of hotels available in Fujairah will be perfect for people looking for accommodation close to Khorfakkan. Below is a list of popular hotels in Khorfakkan.
Oceanic Resort and Spa Khorfakkan
A quaint picnic with your family on a quaint beach, with the sunny scenery in the background behind the Hajjar mountains sounds ideal. This is a 4 star hotel, with 177 guest rooms and luxurious suites Oceanic Hotel Khorfakkan is a perfect opportunity for you and your family to getaway.
An outdoor swimming pool gives you an alibi to prepare for swimming in the ocean. Or if you get tired of beach related activities, tennis and volleyball games could provide a nice diversion. And just before you are ready to call it a night, you can walk down to the spa and sauna. This is definitely a good idea before going to bed to get a great sleep.
Rates starting at 400 AED
Contact: +971-0-92385111
Restaurants at the Oceanic Hotel Khorfakkan
Al Murjan – International Menu
Cafe Oceanic – Coffee, snacks, pastries, whatever.
Bab Al Bahr – Seafood Restaurant
The Ocean Wok – Chinese Menu
Al Diwan – Coffee, snacks, pastries, whatever.
Amwaj Pool – Bar
Places to stay
Khor Fakkan has various places to stay to suit all budgets:
Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa: A four-star beach front resort featuring luxurious amenities – complete with a full-service spa and an array of dining options.
Nozol Al Rayaheen: A three-and-a-half star hotel located near the old Souq offering comfortable rooms while having easy access to local attractions.
Najd Al Maqsar by Sharjah Collection: A three-star hotel based in a restored heritage village that uniquely provides a cultural experience.
Places to eat and local cuisine
The town has a lot of places to eat from local Emirati restaurants to international restaurants. Fresh seafood is highlighted here with many places serving daily fresh catches in the marketplace.
The best time to travel to Khor Fakkan
Besttime to visit is from October to April.
Room rates starting from 140 AED
Contact: +971-9-2361116
Restaurants near Khorfakkan Beach
Rebou Restaurant – Lebanese Menu
Majestic Restaurant – Indian Menu
Practical advice
- Getting there: Khor Fakkan is around 90 minutes in Dubai so it’s easy to travel to for the day or a weekend getaway.
- What to take with you: Take sunscreen, swimwear, walking shoes, and a camera to capture the scenic landscapes.
- Local customs: Khor Fakkan is a nice tourist destination but remember you are still in a place with customs to be respected – also remember to dress modestly when not at the beach.
