Al Marjan Island & RAK Beaches: Coastal Paradise Guide

Quick Info

Distance from Dubai:
45 mins - 1.5 hours
Depending on location

Best For:
Quieter beaches, resorts
Water sports, relaxation

Water Temperature:
22-32°C year-round
Best swimming: Oct-May

Key Areas:
Al Marjan Island
Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah Beach

Introduction: The UAE's Beach Secret

While Dubai's beaches are famous (and crowded), Ras Al Khaimah offers pristine coastline that most tourists never discover. With 64 km of shoreline, RAK delivers everything from luxury resort beaches to quiet public stretches - all without the Dubai crowds and prices.

Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago rivaling Palm Jumeirah, anchors the luxury end, while natural beaches dot the coast. This guide covers the best of RAK's coastal offerings.

Al Marjan Island

RAK's answer to Palm Jumeirah - four coral-shaped islands connected by bridges, home to luxury resorts and soon a major casino development.

What Makes It Special

Design: 4.5 million square meters of reclaimed land
Beaches: Private resort beaches with day-pass access
Development: Wynn Resort (UAE's first casino) opening 2027
Vibe: Quieter, more exclusive than Dubai beaches

Resorts on Al Marjan Island

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Style: All-inclusive resort
Beach: 650m private beach
Day pass: AED 300+ including food and drinks
Best for: Families, all-inclusive lovers

DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa

Style: Mid-range resort
Beach: Private beach access
Day pass: AED 150-200
Best for: Value-seekers, couples

Marjan Island Resort & Spa

Style: Family resort
Beach: Private beach, water sports
Best for: Families with children

Al Hamra

A master-planned community with beach access, golf, and a village atmosphere.

Al Hamra Beach

Access: Public areas available
Character: Quieter than Al Marjan
Facilities: Limited - bring your own supplies
Water sports: Available through local operators

Al Hamra Golf Club

Course: 18-hole championship course
Views: Arabian Gulf backdrop
Green fees: From AED 350

Al Hamra Marina

Yacht charters: Various options available
Fishing trips: Deep sea fishing excursions
Dining: Waterfront restaurants

Public Beaches

RAK Beach (Corniche)

Location: Central RAK, along the Corniche
Access: Free public access
Facilities: Showers, changing rooms, cafes nearby
Vibe: Local families, quieter than resort beaches
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon

Flamingo Beach

Location: Near Al Hamra
Character: Natural, undeveloped stretches
Wildlife: Flamingos can be spotted in season
Access: Free

Iceland Water Park Beach

Location: Al Jazirah Al Hamra
Beach + waterpark: Combined experience
Entry: From AED 100
Best for: Families with children

Luxury Beach Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Location: Private peninsula
Beach: 350m pristine private beach
Style: Ultra-luxury, golf resort
Day access: Limited, via spa bookings
Best for: Honeymoons, special occasions

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach

Beach: Private beach with butler service
Style: Beachfront luxury
Villas: Private pool villas available
Best for: Luxury seekers, privacy

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort

Location: Al Marjan Island
Beach: Private beach, 1.5 km promenade
Style: Family-friendly luxury
Day pass: Available, from AED 200

Water Sports & Activities

Available Activities

Jet skiing: From AED 200/30 mins
Parasailing: From AED 300
Kayaking: From AED 100/hour
Paddleboarding: From AED 100/hour
Banana boat: From AED 100/person
Wakeboarding: Available at select resorts
Scuba diving: Several dive sites offshore

Fishing

Deep sea fishing: Half-day trips from AED 1,500
Species: Kingfish, tuna, barracuda
Best season: October to May
Operators: Book through hotels or RAK Marina

Dhow Cruises

Sunset cruises: From AED 150/person
Dinner cruises: From AED 250/person
Private charter: From AED 1,000

Dining by the Beach

Resort Restaurants

Lexington Grill (Waldorf): Steakhouse with Gulf views
Shore House (Ritz-Carlton): Mediterranean beachfront
Various at Rixos: Multiple all-inclusive options

Casual Options

Al Hamra Marina: Several waterfront restaurants
RAK Corniche: Local cafes and shawarma spots
Al Marjan Island: Growing restaurant scene

Comparison: RAK vs Dubai Beaches

Factor	RAK Beaches	Dubai Beaches
Crowds	Quieter, more space	Can be very crowded
Prices	20-40% cheaper	Premium pricing
Resort quality	Excellent, newer properties	World-class, iconic
Nightlife	Limited	Extensive
Water clarity	Generally clearer	Varies by location

Getting to RAK Beaches

From Dubai

By car: 45 mins - 1.5 hours depending on location
Route: E311 (Emirates Road) north
Taxi: AED 200-300 one way
Hotel transfers: Many resorts offer Dubai pickup

From RAK City

Al Marjan Island: 15-20 minutes
Al Hamra: 10-15 minutes
RAK Beach: 5-10 minutes

Insider Tips

Book resort day passes: Better value than Dubai, includes pools and facilities
Weekday visits: Resorts are quieter Monday-Thursday
All-inclusive value: Rixos all-inclusive can be great value vs. à la carte
Combine with Jebel Jais: Beach morning, mountains afternoon
Sunset at Al Marjan: Western-facing beaches have beautiful sunsets
Book fishing trips early: Popular activity, especially in season
Watch for developments: Wynn casino opening will transform Al Marjan

Frequently Asked Questions

Are RAK beaches better than Dubai beaches?

Different rather than better. RAK offers quieter, less crowded beaches at lower prices. Dubai offers more variety and nightlife. For a relaxing beach day, RAK often wins.

Can I visit Al Marjan Island without staying there?

Yes! Day passes to resort beaches and restaurants are available. You can also drive around the island freely.

Is the water safe for swimming?

Yes, the Gulf waters are safe. Stick to designated swimming areas at resorts and public beaches. Lifeguards are present at most resort beaches.

Are there public beaches with facilities?

The RAK Corniche beach has public facilities. Other public beaches are more basic - bring your own supplies.

When is the best time to visit RAK beaches?

October to May offers ideal swimming weather (22-28°C water). Summer is hot but resorts have pools to cool off.

Plan Your Visit

Ras Al Khaimah's beaches offer the perfect alternative to Dubai's crowded shores. Whether you're seeking a luxury resort escape on Al Marjan Island or a quiet afternoon on a local beach, RAK delivers beautiful coastline without the premium prices.

Planning your RAK beach getaway? Discover resorts, restaurants, and activities on GoProfiled.