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Top 10 things to do in Oman (amazing scenery!)

Last updated on July 15, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Let me help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Sultanate! Find out my selection of the top things to do in Oman including history, scenery and adventure. With photos and video, discover the best places to visit in Oman. You will see the Oman scenery is unforgettable!

Oman - Best things to do in Oman
Quick Navigation
#1 - Top things to do in Oman - Hike and Swim in Wadi Shab
#2 - What to do in Oman? Observe Turtles at the Ras Al Jinz Reserve
#3 - Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
#4 - Watch Sunrise in Wahiba Sands
#5 - Swim in Wadi Bani Khalid
#6 - Climb on top of the Nizwa Fort
#7 - Get dizzy in Jebel Shams
#8 - Wild Camp Anywhere
#9 - Watch the Fishermen throw nets
#10 - Snorkel or dive
VIDEO: Best Of Travel Moments
Extra Places to see in Oman

Navigate back to the complete Oman Travel Guide

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This article contains affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


#1 - Top things to do in Oman - Hike and Swim in Wadi Shab

Best thing to do in Oman - Hike and Swim in Wadi Shab

What Wadi Shab is...

It is one of the top destinations for Tourists and Locals in Oman. Wadi Shab is a wadi accessible only by foot. Where it gets narrower it is filled with water in which you can swim all the way to a cave with a waterfall. 

Why it is one of the best places to visit in Oman

It is preserved as you need to hike and swim. It is a great adventure yet not too difficult. I really enjoyed the swimming part of this typical Omani adventure: the clear water, the white boulder, the huge sandstone cliffs and the peace and quiet. Definitively one of my favorite places to visit in Oman.

Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article​ on Wadi Shab

How to get there...

Easy Drive from Muscat - 1h30

Or if you don't want to hire a car, book an day trips from Muscat, that also include the Bimmah Sinkhole and Finns beach - Check program and price


#2 - What to do in Oman? Observe Turtles at the Ras Al Jinz Reserve

Top thing to do in Oman - Observe turtles at Ras Al Jinz Reserve

What Ras Al Jinz is...

Every year thousands of turtles come to the shores of Oman to lay their eggs. Ras Al Jinz is a beach transformed as a reserve where they study the turtles and provide a good environment for them to come. They organize evening and morning tours to observe them dig a hole and slide to sea.

Why I loved it...

Huge wild turtles making their way on the sand... what's not to love? The excitation builds up as you walk on the beach looking for the turtles in holes. And when you find one it is spectacular. They are really big and very resilient digging their hole considering how difficult it is for them to move on sand. This is one of the Top attractions in Oman.

Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article​ about Turtle Watching


#3 - Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Top place to visit in Oman - Explore Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat

What the Muscat Grand Mosque is...

Located in the new part of the Capital city of Muscat, the Grand Mosque is a magnificent building offered to the people by the Sultan Qaboos. It can receive 20000 worshippers. In the mornings, tourists can step in and admire the elegant architecture.

Why it is one of the best places to see in Oman...

It is big enough to not be stuck with other tourists. There are interesting corridors everywhere with mosaics. Except the main prayer hall, it is not over decorated and I love simplicity! Definitely the best thing to do in Muscat.

Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque or plan your trip to the capital city with my article with all the things to do in Muscat

How to visit...

You can just take a taxi to the Mosque as it is in central Muscat.

Or you could book a half day tour of Muscat also including the market to learn more about the country, the city and this magnificent building - Check program and price​


All these best locations, along with many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook: 

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Oman eBook Cover
  • 8 exclusive easy-to-plan maps
  • 90+ amazing locations
  • Tips to plan & make the most of your time
  • 100+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE


#4 - Watch Sunrise in Wahiba Sands - best of Oman scenery

Best place to visit in Oman - Watch sunrise in Wahiba Sands

What is Wahiba Sands...

Located South of Sur, Wahiba Sands is a "small" desert. Not far from the sea, the wind creates longitudinal sand dunes. As it has become one of the top things to do in Oman, several camps have settled for tourists. But if you feel adventurous, you can also go wild camp (see #8).

Why I loved it...

Well, I love desert and sand dunes so this was a no-brainer. If you can, I really recommend wild camping to be alone for sunset and sunrise and explore on your own time. Watching the various shapes of dunes changing colors as the sun goes up is meditative. One of the best places to see in Oman.

Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article​ about my night wild camping in Wahiba Sands


#5 - Swim in Wadi Bani Khalid - Beautiful Oman Landscapes

Best things to do in Oman - Swim in Wadi Bani Khalid

What is Wadi Bani Khalid...

The other famous wadi in Oman, Wadi Bani Khalid is more accessible to tourists. Pools are bigger and a simple walk gets you there.

Why I loved it...

The swim was shorter but the river narrower and deep creating a very different feeling than Wadi Shab. The huge cliffs surrounding you are very impressive from the water.
But be aware that this is not off the beaten track. It is one of the top Oman attractions.

Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article​ about Wadi Bani Khalid


#6 - Climb on top of the Nizwa Fort

Best places to visit in Oman - Climb the tower of Nizwa Fort

What is the Nizwa Fort..

One of the most visited places in Oman, the Nizwa fort is a combination of a castle, a fort and a museum. An example of old Omani architecture, you can climb to the top of the circular tower to watch the oasis that is Nizwa.

Why I loved it...

Once again, it is not overdecorated and I really enjoy the simplicity. The displays in the chambers are interesting without being overwhelming. Climbing the tower was fun and the views impressive. Of of the great forts to visit in Oman.

Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article​ on the Nizwa Fort and the climb to the top of the tower.


#7 - Get dizzy in Jebel Shams

Top places to visit in Oman - Get dizzy at Jebel Shams Grand Canyon

What is Jebel Shams..

Jebel Shams is the highest mountains in Oman. It's name is generally used to describe the 'Grand Canyon' of Arabia next to it. Several hiking path and viewing points let you discover this very deep gorge.

Why I loved it...

Most top destination lists include Jebel Akdhar but I preferred the grand canyon of Jebel Shams. The depth is mesmerizing. Be careful!
Definitively one of the top things to see in Oman - so different from the US grand canyon!

Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article​ about Jebel Shams and the grand canyon of Oman.


#8 - Wild Camp Anywhere

Best adventure in Oman - Wild camping

How to wild camp...

Wild camping is allowed anywhere in Oman. So pack your equipment and enjoy a night on a beach, in the mountains or in the desert.

Why I loved it...

I have always loved camping. Every summer we used to camp with my parents. The advantage of wild camping is that you are right there in nature. You can experience right away the country instead of being in a hotel bubble. On the beach I was able to admire fishermen throwing their nets while eating breakfast and in the desert, I walked on my own to admire sunrise surrounded by only sand.

Discover more photos, info and tips on my dedicated article​ about Wild Camping in Oman.


#9 - Watch the Fishermen throw nets

Top thing to do in Oman - watch fishermen

About fishing in Oman...

Many fishermen in Oman still use the traditional throwing of the net. If you go to the Fish Market in Oman and go to the pier you will see them coming back with their catch. Get up early one morning and settle on a beach, normally you should spot them.

Why I loved it...

Impressive technique and tradition. 


#10 - Snorkel or dive

Best things to do in Oman - diving or snorkeling

How to snorkel in Oman...

Muscat has 2 main marinas: The Waves and Al Rhowda (see the map) form there you can take diving and snorkeling boat tours. The best snorkeling spot is said to be the Damaniyat islands. But I was able to see a turtle on my boat tour along the shores South of Muscat.

Discover more photos, videos, info and tips on my dedicated article​ about my Boat Tours from Muscat and my snorkeling experience at the Daymaniyat Islands.


VIDEO: Best Of Travel Moments

Before share photos of more places to see in Oman, I have gathered some of my best travel moments during my Oman Road Trip in a short video. I did not film all the time so it is just a selection but it gives you a feel. I especially loved when I was watching a canyon, turned around and camels appeared and walked by the car!

https://zigzag-on-earth.smugmug.com/Travel/Oman/Videos-Oman/i-nRqHht7/0/1280/Oman%20-%20Travel%20Moments-1280.mp4

Extra Places to see in Oman

So far I have selected places that are easily accessed from the capital City Muscat.

However you can also travel further aways. The 2 other touristic regions of Oman are:

The Musandam Peninsula

Located up to the North, detached from Mainland Oman and not that far from Dubai is the beautiful Musandam peninsula, often called the fjord of Oman. Incredible colors and great snorkeling opportunities.

You can find out more on my Musandam Tour article

Musandam Cruise - Musandam Peninsula - Oman Musandam Dibba

South of Oman around Salalah

The Land of Frankincense is famous for turning green during the wet season that does not impact the North of the country

Things to do in OMan - Salalah tomb

All these locations, along with many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook: 

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Oman eBook Cover
  • 8 exclusive easy-to-plan maps
  • 90+ amazing locations
  • Tips to plan & make the most of your time
  • 100+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE


Want to see more of Oman's beauty?

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Best Things to do in Oman

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Oxana says

    December 4, 2016 at 11:50 AM

    Claire, thank you SO MUCH for your work – this is the best travel guide about Muscat, Oman!!! I have been searching about Oman for a long time in Internet, but its very difficult to find proper directions, maps, correct names of the sightseeing’s and their locations. But you did incredible job, and its free, everyone can use it. Thank you so much!!!

    Reply
    • Claire Robinson says

      December 5, 2016 at 10:18 AM

      Hi Oxana
      Thanks for taking the time to write a comment.
      I am glad you found my guide useful.
      Have a wonderful trip!

      Reply
  2. Haitham says

    April 14, 2019 at 11:25 PM

    Hi Claire,
    I am Omani tour guide. I would like to thank you very much for your incredible work. Also, would you please allow me to use your videos and articles about Oman to advertise about my country & my services with keeping all copyright reserved

    Reply
    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      April 15, 2019 at 3:01 PM

      Dear Haitham
      Thanks for asking.
      However I am sorry, but my photos, videos and articles are not available for purchase.
      Claire

      Reply

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