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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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