Two-Day Ras Al Hadd Oman Adventure: Wadi Shab, Turtle Watching and Wahiba Sands
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Active travelers comfortable with short hikes on uneven terrain and extended travel days; confident swimmers will enjoy all pools.
Overview
Swim canyon pools in Wadi Shab, stand on the rim of Bimmah Sinkhole, and walk a moonlit beach as green turtles nest at Ras Al Jinz. This private two-day loop from Muscat caps it all with a romp through the Wahiba Sands and a window into Sur’s dhow-building heritage.
Two-Day Ras Al Hadd Oman Adventure: Wadi Shab, Turtle Watching and Wahiba Sands
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Dawn shakes the Gulf of Oman awake as the coast road unspools south from Muscat, cliffs giving way to a turquoise seam. The day’s first stop is a shock of geology: Bimmah Sinkhole, a 50-by-70-meter limestone collapse cupping seawater so clear it dares you in. The rock is rough underfoot and the water cool on entry—an easy, bracing swim before the coast opens again at Fins Beach, where white sand meets pebbled pockets and the Arabian Sea keeps a steady breath.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Pack swim-ready footwear
Bring grippy water shoes for Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid; you’ll be crossing slick rock and swimming between pools.
Respect turtle etiquette
At Ras Al Jinz, follow rangers, keep 10 m from nesting turtles, and avoid lights and flash photography.
Beat the heat window
Start hikes before late morning and aim for dune time near sunset when temperatures and glare ease.
Dress modestly off the beach
Swimwear is fine at wadis; elsewhere wear shoulders-to-knees coverage to align with local norms.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Arabian desert fox (Wahiba Sands, evenings)
History
Sur’s dhow yards once launched trading vessels that linked Oman with East Africa and India; inland, Ibra’s mud-brick quarters reflect oasis life shaped by falaj irrigation.
Conservation
Ras Al Jinz is a protected sanctuary; staying with rangers, keeping lights off, and giving turtles space reduces stress on nesting females and hatchlings.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sur
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight hiking shoes with traction
Essential for Wadi Shab’s rocky approach and short walks at wadis and viewpoints.
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Protects feet on slick limestone and allows easy transitions between swimming and walking.
Sun protection kit
Wide-brim hat, UPF layer, and reef-safe sunscreen are vital under Oman’s high UV.
summer specific
Compact headlamp
Useful for pre-dawn starts and moving around the resort before or after turtle viewing (never on the beach).
winter specific