Oman is a beautiful place in the Arabian Gulf that offers a look into history, with its calm beaches, old mudbrick towns, large date farms, and impressive mountains. The country also has vast deserts that stretch out far, contrasting with its lively cities like Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar. Each city mixes old traditions with modern comforts, encouraging visitors to explore their rich cultures. In Muscat, the Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House show off the country's building skills, while Salalah's green landscapes provide a break from the hot desert. Sohar, known for its seafaring past, opens the door to tales of ancient sailors. Check out our list of top activities in Oman, where adventure and discovery are around every corner.
1. Observing Turtles at Ras al Jinz
Ras al Jinz, located 17km from Ras al Hadd, is Oman's top beach for turtles to lay their eggs. Every year, thousands of green turtles come here. The visit starts at a modern visitor center where you can wait for a guide, check out the museum, and maybe even spot some baby turtles.
After dark, a guide will lead you along the beach to watch green turtles come out of the sea to lay eggs. This is a wonderful experience that shows the beauty of a tradition that has been happening for over 200 million years.
2. Visit the Majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, found in the Ghubrah area of Muscat, is a beautiful piece of modern Islamic architecture. Opened in 2001, it is the only mosque in Oman that welcomes non-Muslims. It is popular among both locals and visitors new to Oman. The mosque can hold up to 20,000 worshippers in its two prayer rooms and courtyard. Its grounds are surrounded by walls and have five towers: one large one on the north side and four smaller ones at each corner. The mosque is built with white and red-brown marble, blending traditional styles from Egypt, Oman, and Persia. A special feature is its lattice-patterned golden dome over the main prayer room.
3. Set Sail on Through Khor ash Sham
Take a dhow cruise through Musandam's beautiful fjord, Khor ash Sham, and look for playful dolphins. This fjord is about 16km long and surrounded by high mountains. The rocky cliffs provide a stark contrast to the blue waters.
Along the shore, there are small villages that can only be reached by boat. Each village has around ten families. They rely on boats to bring in water, and children travel to school in Khasab by boat.
4. The Ancient Tombs of Al Ayn
To get to the tombs in Al Ayn village, visitors walk about 10 minutes from the road. There isn't a clear path, but they can cross the wadi bed and climb a track across from the large mosque at the village entrance. Al Ayn is 37 km east of Bat and is known for its amazing Bronze Age tombs. The tombs sit on a narrow ridge that has a beautiful view of Jebel Misht, one of the largest geological sites in Oman. There are 21 well-kept tombs, and it's best to visit in the late afternoon to see the beautiful views.
5. Visit the Island of Sur
Sur is a small town on a tiny island in a calm lagoon, known as the most attractive in Sharqiya. It has a rich past as a busy port and trade center. Visitors can walk through the lively market in the town center and along the coastal path that goes for 1km to the old harbor. Here, you can see the dhow-building yard and three watchtowers before reaching the quaint village of Ayjah. This lovely spot is worth visiting and is also great for wild camping.
6. Trekking in the Western Hajar
Hiking in the Western Hajar is a top activity in Oman. This area offers endless trails with amazing mountain views, and the trails are marked by the Oman government. Even though the paths are marked, it's smart to have a guide because the terrain can be difficult. Always bring enough water and warm clothes since the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
7. The Breathtaking Views of the Saiq Plateau
The Saiq Plateau is a beautiful natural spot about 32km from Birkat al Mawz, reachable via a winding road. This road climbs steeply through the hills, offering amazing views of the rocky mountains, which are scattered with tough shrubs and trees like wild olive and juniper.
These mountains show off their geological history, being made of large limestone slabs that have tilted over millions of years, creating slopes and sharp peaks. The light changes color on the mountains, creating a green-grey shade that looks striking against the red hills below. Visitors can stop at several viewpoints to enjoy the ever-widening scenery.
8. Visiting the Enchanting Village of Misfat al Abryeen
Misfat Al Abryeen is a lovely village in Oman famous for its ochre-colored stone buildings that look like an old Italian hill village. It's a small place, but it has winding paths, covered walkways, and steps that lead to the falaj, a man-made irrigation channel surrounded by green plants. Visitors can also hike up the rocky hill to see a beautiful ruined watchtower that is believed to be over a thousand years old.
9. Exploring Oman's Coastal Waters
Diving in Oman is an activity you should definitely try. It has some of the best diving spots in the area. The coastal waters are untouched, featuring beautiful coral gardens and large marine animals. Muscat has many dive centers that offer different types of dives, PADI courses, snorkeling trips, and boat cruises.
The Daymaniyat Islands, Musandam, and Mirbat are top diving locations in Oman, each offering unique experiences for divers and snorkelers. Diving is one of the top activities in Oman.
10. Set Off on a Journey Along the Rustaq Loop
Al Batinah's Rustaq Loop is a must-see spot, offering a great drive through Oman's beautiful mountains. The loop includes three amazing castles: Nakhal, Rustaq, and Al Hazm, plus some smaller sights along the way. Rustaq Fort is still empty, but the Nakhal and Al Hazm forts have been fixed up and display museum-like exhibits and decorations that show how people used to live there. You can easily reach the loop via Highway 13, which is a fast road with little traffic.
Oman is a beautiful country with amazing scenery like deserts, mountains, and beaches. It's one of the world's most stunning places. The country's rich history, friendly people, and lively markets make it a great place to visit. Whether you're checking out old forts, tasting the local food, or just enjoying the natural sights, Oman is sure to give every traveler a memorable experience.