Oman Desert & Coast: 3-Day Wahiba Sands & Turtle Adventure

Day 1: Muscat – Wahiba Sands

• Morning: Depart from Muscat and journey to Ibra, a historic town known for its watchtowers and traditional Omani architecture. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours.
• Ibra Old Village (Al Munisifeh): Explore the captivating old village of Ibra (Al Munisifeh), a partially abandoned settlement showcasing well-preserved mud-brick houses, intricate wooden doors, and narrow alleyways. This provides a glimpse into Oman’s past and traditional way of life.
• Wadi Bani Khalid Oasis: Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, a stunning oasis nestled within the Hajar Mountains. Enjoy ample time (approximately 2-3 hours) for swimming in the cool, emerald pools, exploring the Muqal Cave (a small cave accessible by swimming), and relaxing amidst the lush date palms and vegetation. There are also picnic areas available for those who prefer to relax by the water.
• Afternoon: Embark on a thrilling 30km 4×4 dune driving adventure into the Wahiba Sands. This exciting ride takes you deep into the heart of the desert, over towering dunes and through sandy valleys.
• Wahiba Sands Camp: Arrive at your desert camp, a traditional Bedouin-style camp with comfortable tents equipped with basic amenities. Enjoy a traditional Omani welcome with dates and kahwa (Omani coffee).
• Sunset in the Dunes: Ascend a high dune (like the popular “Big Dune”) to witness a breathtaking sunset over the vast expanse of the Wahiba Sands. Capture stunning photos of the ever-changing colors of the sand as the sun dips below the horizon.
• Dinner & Overnight: Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked over an open fire under the starlit sky. Spend the night in comfortable Bedouin-style tents, experiencing the peace of the desert night.

Day 2: Wahiba Sands – Coastal Road – Ras Al Hadd

• Morning: Enjoy a final sunrise view from the Wahiba Sands, perhaps taking a short camel ride for a different perspective of the landscape (optional, extra cost).
• Al Hamouda Mosque (Jalan Bani Bu Ali): Visit the impressive Al Hamouda Mosque in Jalan Bani Bu Ali, known for its distinctive 52 domes. This 500-year-old mosque is a significant example of Islamic architecture in Oman.
• Coastal Drive & Fishing Villages: Drive along the picturesque coastal road, stopping at charming fishing villages like Fins or Qalhat. Observe local fishermen bringing in their daily catch, mending nets, and preparing their boats. These villages offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life along the Omani coast.
• Lunch: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant in one of the coastal villages, savoring the flavors of the Arabian Sea.
• Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve: Continue to Ras Al Jinz, a protected area and one of the most important nesting sites for endangered green sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. Check into your accommodation near the reserve, which offers different options from basic camps to more comfortable guesthouses.
• Turtle Watching at Night: After dinner, join a guided night tour of the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Under the guidance of experienced rangers, witness the unforgettable spectacle of endangered green sea turtles emerging from the sea to lay their eggs on the beach.
• Note: Photography with flash is strictly prohibited to protect the turtles.

Day 3: Ras Al Hadd – Sur – Wadi Shab – Bimmah Sinkhole – Muscat

• Morning: Drive to Sur, a historic port city known for its maritime heritage and shipbuilding tradition.
• Sur Dhow Building Yards: Visit the traditional dhow building yards located on the Sur lagoon. Witness skilled craftsmen constructing these iconic wooden boats using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. You might even have the opportunity to speak with the craftsmen and learn more about their craft. (
• Wadi Shab Adventure: Drive to Wadi Shab. Embark on a scenic hike (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour each way) through the wadi, navigating through narrow gorges, swimming in refreshing emerald pools, and discovering hidden waterfalls within a cave. Note: This hike involves wading through water; appropriate footwear (water shoes or sandals) is essential. It’s also recommended to bring a dry bag for your belongings.
• Bimmah Sinkhole (Hawiyat Najm): Visit the stunning Bimmah Sinkhole (Hawiyat Najm), a natural depression formed by the collapse of a cave roof. The sinkhole is filled with stunning turquoise water, creating a beautiful natural swimming hole. Concrete steps lead down to the water’s edge.
• Return to Muscat: Drive back to Muscat, arriving in the evening.