A Guide to Ras Al Khaimah’s Top Beaches
Ras Al Khaimah beaches are more than just places to relax by the water. These places are where the emirate’s natural beauty and cultural character come together to give visitors a mix of experiences in one destination.
Some beaches are made for thrill seekers, with water sports and plenty of room to move around. Others are better for slow afternoons, where families and friends can just relax together. With so many choices, there’s always something new to enjoy for both visitors and locals.
These beaches highlight the unique blend of natural beauty, heritage, leisure, and recreation that makes Ras Al Khaimah a place worth exploring.
Where to Go for Sun, Sand, and Water Fun in Ras Al Khaimah
Below are the top-rated beaches in Ras Al Khaimah:
1. Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island is the emirate’s first human-made archipelago. It is composed of four coral-shaped islands: Breeze Island, Dream Island, Treasure Island, and View Island.
These islands are known for their resorts, hotels, and 7.8 km of private and public beaches. The fine sand and calm azure water are perfect for enjoying different water sports and activities, as well as for rest and relaxation.
Facilities and Activities
The resort’s private beaches are some of the best in Ras Al Khaimah. These resorts have world-class water sports centers offering motorized and non-motorized water activities, such as jet skiing, banana boating, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Guests can also have fun on the sand by playing beach volleyball, football, and basketball, and kids can enjoy themselves at the children’s playgrounds. There are also parks and running and cycling tracks with scenic views here. Those who want to explore the island leisurely can rent an electric scooter.
Al Marjan Island resorts and hotels have several luxury spas for those looking for relaxing experiences that go beyond lazing on a lounge chair by the beach or pool. Dining options are abundant here as well, with choices ranging from food trucks and stalls to high-end restaurants and cafes offering different cuisines.
The hotel beaches and waterfront promenade are accessible via the main road. They also boast soft sands and clear azure waters.
Where to Stay
When you explore the beaches of Al Marjan Island, you can stay at one of these resorts:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
- Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island
- Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
- Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Location: Al Marjan Island is 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and about 26 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah City Center.
Perfect for: Families, leisure travelers, and resort guests
2. Flamingo Beach
For those who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf in a quiet, serene coastal area, head to Flamingo Beach.
This public beach attracts hundreds of beachgoers, nature lovers, and water sports aficionados of all ages every year. It is known for the two giant flamingoes at the entryway to the coastline.
Facilities and Activities
The beach’s calm, shallow waters make it a great and safe place for children to swim and play. This gives parents peace of mind and allows them to unwind carefree on the sand.
Guests can explore the waters by swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. There is a floodlit volleyball court for those who want to play a game or two.
Flamingo Beach features interlocking boardwalks that lead to seating areas. These specially designed walkways make the area wheelchair accessible and suitable for long walks and short jogs.
Guests who want to see live flamingos and other birds, including herons, can go birdwatching at the nearby Mina Al Arab mangroves. Camels may also wander to shore to cool down, so that’s another rare sight to see.
The area is an excellent place to watch the sunset, which is a great way to end a perfect beach day.
Cafes and restaurants line the beach, offering guests plenty of food and snack options. Parking spaces are also abundant.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options near Flamingo Beach include:
- Longbeach Campground
- The Cove Rotana Resort
- Ras Al Khaimah Hotel
- Mangrove Hotel Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Flamingo Beach is 21 km from Ras Al Khaimah airport. It is near the Clock Roundabout, between the city center and Al Hamra village.
Perfect for: Residents and budget-conscious visitors
3. Al Hamra Beach
Al Hamra is Ras Al Khaimah’s first lifestyle destination. It is home to several prestigious hotels and residential communities near the coastline.
Al Hamra Beach is divided into public and private areas, giving guests more places to discover and activities to enjoy.
Facilities and Activities
Public Beach
Jazeerat Al Hamra Beach, or Al Hamra Beach, is a public beach known for its golden sands dotted with eye-catching seashells and turquoise waters.
Jazeerat Al Hamra Beach is a quiet, uncrowded coastal area in Ras Al Khaimah. It is also quite pristine, with only a few structures. Guests must bring their own towels, beach umbrellas, loungers, food, and drinks for the ideal beach day.
Visitors can go for a quick drive to Al Hamra Mall to stock up on food and drinks, as there are no food trucks or restaurants in the vicinity. Guests can also enjoy camping here. All they need to do is bring their tents, barbecue grills, and other portable cooking essentials.
Since access to the beach is free, guests are expected to clean up after themselves and dispose of their trash properly before leaving.
Private Beaches
Those who want to access more amenities for their beach day can stay at or opt for a day pass at one of the local resorts. These include Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach, and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.
These resorts have beachfront pools, playgrounds, and other facilities that are sure to elevate your beach getaway. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Hamra Beach and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah even have water playgrounds for kids.
There is no lack of things to do here, as there are facilities where guests can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and other water sports and activities.
At these resorts, visitors can choose from different beachside restaurants, cafes, bars, and lounges. Several spas offer a variety of wellness and pampering treatments.
In addition to Al Hamra Mall, the Al Hamra Golf Club, and Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club are destinations worth visiting.
Where to Stay:
The best places to stay at Al Hamra include:
- Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort
- The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach
- Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Al Hamra is 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and 20 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah city center.
Perfect for: Culture-focused visitors, residents, couples, and families
4. Al Rams Beach
Al Rams Beach is at the northern tip of Ras Al Khaimah, just beyond the historic fishing village of Al Rams. The area is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other, making it one of the most scenic in the emirate.
Visitors can get a glimpse of the local life and enjoy a restful day by the coast, as this place is peaceful and naturally beautiful.
Facilities and Activities
Al Rams Beach is known for its relaxed atmosphere and natural charm. Its waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. Visitors can also take traditional boat trips to explore the nearby islands and mangroves.
For those who enjoy quieter activities, the stretch of powdery sand is perfect for long walks, picnics, or simply watching the sunset.
The beach features walking and cycling paths. Quad biking, camping, and barbecues are also allowed here.
Lucky visitors may see a pink lake, or sabkha, appear on Al Rams’ shores. This coastal sand flat appears when saline minerals accumulate, causing red algae to feed on magnesium-rich nutrients.
Although the facilities at Al Rams Beach may be basic, they are quite sufficient.
Where to Stay
Accommodations near Al Rams Beach include hotels within a short driving distance. Some popular ones include Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah and Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah.
Location: Al Rams Beach is near Saraya Island and about 20 minutes from the city center. To reach the beach faster and more conveniently, a 4×4 vehicle is required.
Perfect for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers
More Than Just Sand and Sea
Ras Al Khaimah beaches offer a wide range of experiences. Each one has its own character, offering locals and visitors different ways to enjoy these natural gems.
Exploring these beaches is an incredible chance to unwind, recharge, and appreciate the emirate’s beauty and culture.
