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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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