Al Sawadi beach with its islands (and resort) is one of the main touristic destinations between Muscat and Sohar on the North Shore of Oman. The several kilometer long beach is covered with colorful shells and the area is a great spot for snorkeling, diving and kite boarding.
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Why visit Al Sawadi beach, Oman?
Al Sawadi beach is a special places on the North Shore of Oman. The long beach is surrounded by a group of islands, which create a rocky environment great for snorkeling and diving. The main island has a fort and can be reached on foot during a low tide.
Al Sawadi is also a good departure point for the Damaniyat islands, considered one of the best diving spot in Oman.
Personally I decided to visit the beach, because I know it was covered with beautiful shells. Some photos in books had led me to believe it was covered with much more than what I saw, but they were still pretty.
Shells on Al Sawadi beach, Oman
PLANNING TIPS - Al Sawadi Oman
Getting to Al Sawadi Beach - Location
- 75km North of Muscat, along the coast (Obviously LOL)
- Near the town of Barka
- Muscat to Al Sawadi Beach = 1h drive
- Sohar to Al Sawadi Beach = 1h40 drive
- While driving on road 1 the exit is indicated. You then take Al Sawadi Beach Road. Just follow it.
Al Sawadi beach is included in my Travel guide that facilitates the planning of your itinerary:
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Visiting Al Sawadi
- Typical day at the beach...
- The beach is much more interesting at low tide with access to the main Sawadi island and pools of water full with starfish
- During weekends (Friday - Saturday) many locals come enjoy the beach. It gets very busy especially at low tide as they like driving on the sand with their 4WD (and sometimes with simple cars) Be careful if you are walking around!
Al Sawadi Resort
- the Al Sawadi Beach resort and spa with pools and good food options - check out photos and book
- The Al Sawadi Holiday resort, right on the beach, has a water park
- or you can consider wild camping
Arriving at Al Sawadi
This straight road takes you all the way to the parking near the beach.
The Beach and the Al Sawadi islands
The Sawadi islands are really not far from the beach, especially during low tide. So if you don't mind the waves, it is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
At low tide, you can walk all the way to the main island where there is a fort.
Some people go by foot. Other try to go with their cars. But I have seen many of them get stuck in the wet sand...
The Shells at Al Sawadi Beach
The main reason behind my spot at Al Sawadi Beach was a photo on a book I saw in Oman. There was this beautiful shot that made it look like the beach was covered in shells rather than sand. The reality was quite different. Yes, there were plenty of beautiful and colorfull shells but as you can see in the photos below you can still see the sand...
This shot was taken at one spot where everything had rolled and crash against a wall: sand, garbage and shells. The only place really full of shells...
Starfish
At low tide, small pools of water remain on the beach. Go for a stroll and watch closely, you will spot many starfish.
I love them and how they move. Sadly the kids were taking them out of he water and putting them in cups...
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Beautiful, isn't it?
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I love beaches and just cant resist myself from collecting shells. I have made some beautiful things out of seashells too and planning to go Oman in coming weekend .