Dinar-friendly

Al Dar
Probably one of the best beach spots even though it’s not strictly part of Bahrain, you have to get a boat from Sitra Fisherman’s Port. But they’ve done it up over the past year and there are various facilities including barbecue areas, a good snack bar and lots of water sporty-type things to hire. Day entry is BD5 which includes the cost of the boat trip. Don’t forget to bring either a CPR or passport which you will have to hand over to the Coast Guard before you get on the boat.

No outside food or drink is allowed and opening hours are currently 9am-5pm Tue-Sun, except during party nights. On Saturdays there is a special secluded area set aside for ladies who prefer a bit of extra privacy.
The island can only accommodate 150 guests at a time so it’s a good idea to go early and, while bikinis and budgie smugglers are welcome at Al Dar itself, remember to dress appropriately for the journey as the boat leaves from a working fishing port and there have previously been complaints about skimpy attire.
Call (17 704 600)

Bahrain Sailing Club
Next to Jazayir Beach but cordoned off by a sea wall, the sailing club has its own small private beach area which is nice and pretty clean. There’s also a snack bar and a couple of pools plus boat rental and a small number of chalets.

From the outside it does look a bit dilapidated but it seems there is work going on so this could soon improve. It’s also the home of the island regatta, so if you head down during the winter months there’s often some good sailing to be seen.

There is membership but you can also pay BD3 to go in for the day. Ladies and couples only, sorry no groups of boys allowed. The chalets are BD40 for a family of four – two adults, two kids.
Call (17 836 078)

Bahrain Yacht Club
One of the nicest beaches on the island, smallish but clean and with a good restaurant in the club house. It’s members only but you can be signed in as a day guest for BD2 by a member.
Call (17 700 677)

Coral Bay
This club/restaurant/spa has a small beach that gets crowded at weekends. Popular with the island’s party people as there’s often stuff going on in the evenings and you can chill out with a cocktail or two and snacks delivered to your sunbed. There are also a couple of pools plus Jet Skis, banana boats and kayaks to rent. There is membership but day entry costs BD5 on weekdays and BD8 at weekends and on public holidays.
Call (17 312 700)

Marina Club
Laze on the small sandy beach or check out the impressive yachts moored nearby. The Marina Club is very popular with locals and Russians who, we’re told, are hardy enough to swim all year round so they’ll be the ones sporting the impressive tans and taut tums. Day entry is available at BD5.
Call (17 291 52)