Oman is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best places in the world to visit for outdoor pursuits. Unspoiled and undiscovered nature makes this a spectacular adventure hot spot.
To the north of Oman are towering mountain ranges; to the south and east, wildlife-rich sea; and in between are endless sandy deserts.
Whether you want to hike across deserted mountain trails, swim with huge whale sharks, or get lost in sand dunes, there is an adventure waiting for you in Oman. Go forth and explore, but as always, please check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Encounter Rare Wildlife in the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
The Daymaniyat Islands, an uninhabited nature reserve, are a cluster of nine sandy and rocky islands perched atop a vast coral reef.
The turquoise waters attract rare sea turtles who come here to lay eggs, whale and zebra sharks who visit to feed, plus eels, stingrays, colorful fish and hundreds of varieties of coral. There are more than 12 diving sites spread across the islands, with snorkeling suitable for all abilities.
The islands can be reached by fast boats from Muscat in around 40 minutes. To protect the wildlife, the reserve is closed between May and October, so plan accordingly.
After returning to Muscat, unwind with a cold drink and epic views of the Shatti Al Qurum coast at W Muscat’s Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar.
Hike to Villages Hidden in the Jebel Akhdar Mountains
The Jebel Akhdar mountains, in the middle of the Al Hajar mountain range, separate Oman from the United Arab Emirates to the north. The highest point stands at 9,780 feet (2,980 meters), offering unforgettable views across the mountains and sea.
As you hike along stony mountain trails, you will pass through lush date, apricot, fig and pomegranate farms — perfect for growing these fruits thanks to the temperate mountain climate. Stop and watch villagers climbing date trees during the annual harvest or pressing world-famous pomegranate juice, and get lost in the labyrinth of wadis (valleys) on the way to an isolated mountain village.
Pay a visit to the ancient Al Suwjara Village, a cluster of stone and mud houses perched on the side of a cliff face, and admire the sweeping views across the peaks and crags.
Take in Spectacular Natural Views from Jebel Shams
Often compared to the Grand Canyon, the Jebel Shams mountain (translated as “mountain of the sun” because it is the first place to see sunrise in Oman) is the highest point in Oman, towering 9,872 feet (3,009 meters) into the clouds.
Trek along the balcony walk, a moderately challenging marked walkway (trail W6), and look down. You will see a deep drop into the cavernous Wadi Ghul. Trees grow at an angle from sheer cliff faces, and boulders sit perched atop spurs.
Visit the village of Ghul, a dusty cluster of gray stone houses long abandoned, and see the contrast with the surrounding green fields. Or test your nerve on via ferrata, a daring way to experience the landscape. Hold onto a rope bolted to the mountainside and walk along metal walkways high above the ground into hidden caves and secluded valleys.
Stargaze in the Remote Sharqiyah Sands
Oman has some of the world’s best natural light reserves — areas where the twinkling night skies are unpolluted by artificial light. Stargazing in the Sharqiyah Sands, the kind of uninhabited place where lone camels wander undisturbed, is an adventure not to be missed.
As the sun sets over the desert, pick a dune and climb so high that it feels like you could almost touch the sun as it falls. As the skies darken, witness the stars light up, flickering and glowing from the deep darkness. Watch closely for shooting stars and views of the International Space Station zipping past.
Try Your Hand at Water Sports in Al Ashkharah
Oman is a desert country, so people are often unaware of Oman’s burgeoning water-sports industry. This is one of country’s best kept adventure secrets.
Soar high into the skies on the warm monsoon winds as you go kitesurfing, paraglide behind speedboats, surf the waves or rip through the water on a water scooter.
Big-game fishing is also popular here, with some of the world’s largest fish caught close to shore. If this is something you want to try, the generations of fishers in Al Ashkharah can guide you.
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