Beaches in Oman Oman’s coastline stretches for a distance of 3,165 kilometres, including beaches overlooking the Sea of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Straits of Hormuz in the North. The nature of this coastal strip varies from tourist-friendly sandy beaches where summer holiday-makers hang out, and the rocky coasts, bays, islands and lagoons with their diverse geographical make-up, making them ideal for fishing and marine excursions. The most important beaches are:

Al Bustan Beach Located in the Governorate of Muscat, Al Bustan Palace Hotel sprawls over the beach and overlooks the mountains that intertwine with the hotel’s sands and beaches. These mountains lend the beach an u... Read more Dhofar Beaches Dhofar Governorate is characterised by attractive and rich beaches. There are plenty of lagoons crowded with flamingos, as well as caves with winding entrances. The Governorate’s most important beache... Read more Duqm Beach This beautiful beach is known for its soft, clean sands, its azure waters and cool breezes, and is only 20 kilometres from the centre of Wilayat AlDuqm in Al Wasta Governorate (the central region). ... Read more Mutrah Corniche This is near one of the most important ports in Oman, Port Sultan Qaboos in the heart of the capital Muscat. It overlooks beautiful mountainous rocky formations and is one of the most gorgeous sites ... Read more AlQurm Beach This beach lies in AlQurm Area in the heart of Muscat and extends over a large area. A number of large hotel chains are built next to it, such as Hotel Muscat InterContinental and Crowne Plaza. This ... Read more Ras Al Hadd Beach The beach is about 60 kilometres from Sur City, the capital of the A'Sharqiyah South Governorate. This beach has been home to human activity since the third millennium BC and serves as a safe haven fo... Read more Al-Sawadi Beach This beach is located at Barka in Al Batinah South Governorate. It lies 70 kilometres from the capital Muscat. What distinguishes this beach are the beautiful rock islands scattered close to the coast... Read more Sohar Corniche This corniche is located in Sohar in Al Batinah North Governorate. A sea route overlooking the coast and passing the Sohar historical Castle has been opened. Along the way, you’ll see restaurants, si... Read more Shores of Al Wusta Region AlWasta Governorate (the central region) is characterised by a series of beaches varying in nature and topography. Some are surrounded by rocks that look like carved natural awnings, especially in Ra’... Read more

Deserts Oman’s name is closely associated with desert. The desert in Oman is an extension of the Bedouin lifestyle with its ancient associations of traditional culture and authentic original customs. The Omani desert is characterided by the diversity of its plants and animals. In Jeddah Al Harasis in Wilayat Hima AlWasta Governorate (the Central Region), there are many mammals within the boundaries of the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary. experience the Bedouin live, take a safari tours across dunes, or pick your own desert safari trips

Bawshar Sands Not far from the beaches of Muscat with its harmonious architecture, and within walking distance of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the heart of the capital, the visitor will find golden hills packe... Read more The Empty Quarter This is the biggest desert in the Arabian Peninsula, and void of any oasis. To this day, there are still large expanses of unexplored and uninhabited terrain. It is located to the far north of the ci... Read more A'Sharqiyah Sands A'Sharqiyah Sands are considered among the most beautiful camping areas in the Sultanate and extend over an area of up to about 10 thousand square kilometres. The Sand colours range from red to brow... Read more Ramlat Tawq Ramlat Tawq is an area of beautiful sand dunes, extending for tens of kilometres and located between Wilayat Barka and Nakhil in Al Batinah South Governorate, and is one of the sites frequented by to... Read more

Caves Caves in Oman are of varying types and lengths, sizes and geographic formations, and annually attract to Oman large numbers of speliologists. Dhofar Governorate contains a large number of caves, some of which have springs near them. In former times, residents of the mountainous areas used the caves as places of abode and safe havens from the vagaries of weather and nature. Abu Habban Cave Located in Wilayat Dimma At Tayyin in the A'Sharqiyah North Governorate, at a distance of 10 kilometres from the centre of the district to the east, and is characterised by the presence of many rock ... Read more AlHoota Cave "AlHoota Cave" lies in the southern part of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain), specifically near Wilayat Al Hamra in Ad A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. It is about two hours drive away from Muscat and ha... Read more Al Kittan Cave Al Kittan Cave is located in wilayat Ibri, the A'Dhahirah Governorate. A distance of 8 kilometres separates it from Ibri. The cave’s uniqueness lies in its extreme luminosity that looks like marble, ... Read more Jernan Cave The cave is located in Wilayat Izki in A' Dakhiliyah Governorate at the foot of the Halfeen Valley below the ancient AlNizar village. The cave also enjoys a strategic location at Wilayat Izki in the ... Read more Majlis Al Jinn Cave (Salma Plateau) Out of sight in the heart of brown hills located at the foothills of the eastern Al Hajar Mountains hides one of the greatest and most beautiful natural wonders. It is the Majlis Al Jinn Cave, or Sal... Read more Muqal Cave Muqal Cave is located in Wadi Bani Khalid in the A'Sharqiyah North Governorate, near the famous water pools in Muqal. On entering the cave, the roar of underground water flowing through its hard rock... Read more Al Marnif Cave Al Marnif Cave lies in Shatti Al Mughsayl area about 40 kilometres from Salalah in Governorate of Dhofar. It overlooks the Arabian Sea and Al Mughsayl fountains (blow-holes), which are a natural pheno... Read more Teeq Cave and Tawi Ateer Sinkhole Tawi Ateer Sinkhole, known as the ‘Bird Well’ gained international fame after its discovery in 1997 by a team of Slovenian explorers in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University as one of the larges... Read more

Mountains in Oman Mountains constitute a large percentage of the environment of Oman. The flora and fauna living in these mountains vary. Al Hajar Mountains are in the north of Oman and extend from Musandam Peninsula in the north to Ras Al Hadd in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. Wadi Samail divides it into two parts: east and west. Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain) summit is the highest point in the Al Hajar Mountains, rising at an altitude of 3,009 metres above sea level. In the south, the mountains of Dhofar region extend from east to west off AlHillaniyat Islands. Samhan Mountain, which includes the Arabian Leopard Reserve in the east and Jabal Al Qamar (Moon Mountain) in the west, is the most prominent mountain range in the region, rising to an altitude of 2,500 metres.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar(Green Mountain) This rises to a height of 2,980 metres and is famous for its wide plateau close to the summit. The journey from Muscat to Al Jabal Al Akhdar takes about two hours and can only be undertaken by four-w... Read more Samhan Mountain Samhan Mountain is one of the most important mountain ranges in the Governorate of Dhofar, with a maximum height of 2,100 metres. Samhan Mountain includes many plateaus punctuated by narrow and deep g... Read more Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain) This is the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula, rising to an altitude of 3,004 metres above sea level, and has a number of versants (slopes) and summits. Every time a tourist reaches a versant, he’... Read more Lion’s Jaws Gate ... Read more Natif- Hasik (Water Mountain) Natef is the site of a spring located in Wilayt Sadah in Dhofar Governorate. The location of this spring is an extension of Samhan mountaintops, in particular the Natif region. Natif means distillatio... Read more

The Strait of Hormuz

The reason for this name is that The Strait of Hormuz was in the centre of the Kingdom of Hormuz in ancient times. This strait, which 20-30 oil tankers traverse per day, is one of the world's major waterways and the busiest in maritime activities. The Strait of Hormuz is located in the Governorate of Musandamon the Arabian Gulf and separates the Arabian Gulf on the one hand, and the Gulf of Makran, the Sea of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean on the other. This meeting point is called the "Gate of the Lion's Jaws". Overlooking the Strait of Hormuz from the north is Iran (province of Bandar Abbas) and from the south the Sultanate of Oman (Musandam) which oversees the maritime traffic, as the navigable section of the Straits is within its territorial waters. Spreading across the Strait is a myriad of mountains and rocks forming several islands such as Salamah Wa Banatiha Island, Musandam Island and Birds Island (this island harbours many different species of birds that have made this village their haven for nesting). In spite of the importance of the Straits and the density of traffic in it, certain areas have been allocated to tourist ships so that the public can enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the adventure of passing through one of the world’s most important waterways.

The Wadis (Valleys) Wadis(Valleys) form a unique environmental system characterised by variety, diversity, and a wealth of natural attractions. Within this fertile environment, people have lived in the wadis (valleys) of Oman for thousands of years: Hawiyat Najm Park The park is situated in the Dabab area of Wilayat Qurayat, Muscat Governorate, and can be reached via the road linking Qurayat to Sur. It is a deep natural depression filled with water, called Hawiyat... Read more Wadi ArRawdha On the way to this valley the visitor passes many fossils and ruins that speak of civilizations past. The spring rains bring beauty to the landscape, with an enchanting aromatic mix of wild flowers a... Read more Wadi Sireen Reserve The Reserve is located in the eastern AlHajar Mountains about 45 kilometres south of Muscat. There a large number of wild animals in the area, such as the Arabian Tahr and deer. The Arabian Tahr, a u... Read more Teeq Cave and Tawi Ateer Sinkhole Tawi Ateer Sinkhole, known as the ‘Bird Well’ gained international fame after its discovery in 1997 by a team of Slovenian explorers in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University as one of the larges... Read more Wadi Al Arbiyeen This is one of the most beautiful wadis in Muscat Governorate. It is situated 3 kilometres away from Wilayat Qurayat on the road leading to the villages of Fins and Bamah. The wadi cleaves a deep fur... Read more Wadi Al Hawqayn Distances of about 40 and 150 kilometres separates it from Willayat Al Rustaq and Muscat Governorate respectively. This valley is characterised by its year-round flowing streams, as well as beautiful... Read more Wadi Al Qahfi This is located nearly 50 km (31 miles) from Wilayat Mahdah, Al Buraymi Governorate. Water flows most of the year and is distinguished by its fresh quality.... Read more Wadi Al Khoudh This wadi is situated in Wilayat Al Seeb Muscat Governorate, and is considered one of the largest wadi basins in the Sultanate. Pools are formed in the wadi following heavy rain. According to the vill... Read more Wadi Muayden The gateway to Al Jabal al Akhdhar (Green Mountain), Birkat Al-Mawz, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and one of the biggest wadis in Oman, its water runs all year round. It is home to Al Muayden village. ... Read more Wadi Bani Awf (Suspended Road) If you love excitement, adventure, and winding mountain roads, you’ll find a challenge in Wadi Bani Awf (The Suspended Road), Al Batinah South Governorate . To traverse this road, you must have a fou... Read more Wadi Bani Khalid Located 203 kilometres (126 miles) from Muscat. Take the Bidbid – Sur Road in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, which forks into a side road leading to wilayat Bani Khalid , then weaves up across the e... Read more Wadi Bani Kharous This is one of the best known Omani wadis. A visitor to Wadi Bani Kharous is attracted by its fascinating flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes. You are curious to discover unknown sights in its v... Read more Wadi Damm Wadi Damm is located near Al Ayn village, Wilayat Ibri, Al Dhahirah Governorate, and is about 45 km (28 miles) from Ibri city. It is a seasonal wadi, dry much of the year. It relies on the rain which... Read more Wadi Danak (Fida) This wadi originates in Fida town in Dhank Province, specifically in Al Khili, an area so steep it is considered a water reservoir for Yanqul and Shuab wadis, whose waters cascade down the face of th... Read more Wadi Dimma This valley is located in Dama Wataeen Wilayat Al Sharqiyah North Governorate and is known as the Wadi AlHajir, location of the natural AlHajir Park. ... Read more Wadi Ad Dayqah Wadi Ad Dayqah is a tourist attraction, being one of the easy-to-reach wadis, located near Muscat Governorateabout 90 kilometres from Wadi Aday. To cross this wadi is to explore the Omani mountains a... Read more Wadi Darbat Wadi Darbat is located in Dhofar Governorate. This wadi carves its way through hills and highlands until it reaches Khawr Ruri, where it empties into the Arabian Gulf. During autumn, the wadi’s water... Read more Wadi Andam Its remoteness from the sea endows this wadi with a mellow climate, magical  nature and tiered trees. Here you’ll find a seamless amalgamation of trees and rocky formations that will steep your sense... Read more Wadi An Nakhr Waterfalls cascading fromJabal Shams (Sun Mountain) form this valley. The valley contains a village that bears its name and which can be seen from the top of Jabal Shams.... Read more Wadi AlShab This wadi is located in Tiwi, part of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate . It lies 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Muscat on the Qurayat – Sur Coastal Road. Fresh water cascading from tops of the m... Read more

Nature Reserves

Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Sanctuary for Natural Sceneries This rises to a height of 2,980 metres and is famous for its wide plateau close to the summit. The journey from Muscat to Al Jabal Al Akhdar takes about two hours and can only be undertaken by four-... Read more As Saleel Nature Park The Park is located in wilayat AL Kamil W'al Wafi in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, and lies 57 kilometres from wilayat of Sur. It extends over an area of 220 square kilometres, and is predominantly... Read more Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve Al-Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is located in Wilayat AlSeeb in the Muscat Governorate and Wilayat Barka in Al Batinah South Governorate , and lies about 18 kilometres off the coast of Barka (70 k... Read more Dhofar Lagoons Lagoons abound in Dhofar Governorate, and vary in size from a few hectares to more than one hundred hectares. Some of these lagoons have been established as nature reserves. There are eight reserves, ... Read more Jebel Samhan Jebel Samhan ist eine der bedeutendsten Gebirgsketten im Verwaltungsbezirk Dhofar, deren höchster Gipfel 2.100 Meter erreicht. Jebel Samhan besitzt zahlreiche Ebenen, die von engen und tiefen  Bergp... Read more Oman Botanic Garden The Botanic Garden contains a set of documented living plants for scientific research, as well as for conservation and display. Oman Botanic Garden was established near old Al Khoudh over an estimat... Read more Wadi Sireen Reserve The Reserve is located in the eastern AlHajar Mountains about 45 kilometres south of Muscat. There a large number of wild animals in the area, such as the Arabian Tahr and deer. The Arabian Tahr, a u... Read more Turtle Reserve The beaches extending from Ras Al Hadd to Masirah Island in the Al Sharqiyah South Governorate are considered a turtle reserve, including the green turtle, which is   a rare turtle that returns every... Read more