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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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