Wadi Shab Oman – Guide to Hike and Swim (Video + Tips + Photos)

Wadi Shab Oman is one of the most popular gorges in the Sultanate. The place is a paradise to which access is limited via the river, so hiking and swimming are involved to reach some sections (such as the cave and the waterfall). If you are wondering what to expect and how difficult it is, check the following photos, video and practical information.

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Visiting Wadi Shab Oman - Video

Let's start with a video of Wadi Shab, which Lonely Planet calls 'one of the most gorgeous destinations in Oman' and that I have included in my top 10 things to do in Oman.

I did not film the hike but did use my GoPro to record the swimming part. It is a bit longer than the other videos so that you can realise the level of difficulty and to show you that you can access the cave without diving. For more information about the swim and the cave, check the sections further in the article.

You can see many amazing photos of the hike and swim after the information to help you plan your visit.

How to get to Wadi Shab Location

Hiking and swimming in Wadi Shab (also called Wadi Al Shab or Wadi Shaab) is one of the top things to include in your Oman itinerary both for locals and expats. It is easily accessible from Muscat (a popular day tour) and Sur and yet offers beautiful nature as you cannot drive in it.

Location of Wadi Shab - Map

• South East of Muscat
• Along the Coast, between Muscat and Sur
• Muscat to Wadi Shab - 1h30 drive
• Sur to Wadi Shab - 40min drive
• Below is a map to help you better understand the location of Wadi Shab in Oman:

You can find complete maps located all my favorite spots in Oman in my eBook:

Wadi Shab Tour

If you don't want to drive and are staying in Muscat, you can visit it on a coastal day trip with a driver - Check out program and price
Note that if you are exploring Oman from Oman, you can check out my selection of the best day trips

Planning tips - Wadi Shab

• 1 RIAL boat access
• Toilets at the entrance of the Wadi near the carpark
• HIKE: under 1h hike to reach the beginning of the swim (first half easy walk, then boulders to climb over)
• SWIM: 15min each way. You cannot swim all the way, you will have small sections to walk (I recommend wearing waterproof footwear) - 

Wadi Shab Swim Difficulty to reach the cave

• If you want to just swim further in the wadi you need to be able to swim 50meters in a pool without holding on to anything
• If you want to reach the cave, you need to ba able to swim 100 meters and be able to stay afloat straight in the water for 10min
• More information in the dedicated section further in this article

Best time to visit Wadi Shab Oman

• EARLY - I recommend getting there early to be almost alone swimming and avoid the crowds (the water will be cooler but the ambiance better)
• WEEK - Avoid weekends, it gets crowded with locals (Fri-Sat) - Plus if you go on weekends plan to cover yourself to swim.
• CHECK THE WEATHER - difficulty may change due to weather conditions in the days before (water levels can change drastically) - ask locals for advice.

• Leave as much as possible in the car. Many people just leave their bag near the beginning of the swim. My guide said there was no risk but I asked her to stay and watch over my camera and bag. Or bring a waterproof bag...
• Bring food and plenty of water. Between the hike and the swim you will need it.

Entrance to Wadi Shab - carpark, boat ride, hike

The entrance to Wadi Shab is clearly indicated from the main road between Muscat and Sur.
You will see a bridge; under it is a parking area with public toilets.

To start hiking you will have to cross the river on a small boat. It takes 2 minutes. Pack your camera as getting in and out of the boat is not so easy. The boat owners take 1 RIAL for a return trip. They start at 8am.

The Wadi Shab Hike - Photos + Difficulty

The beginning of the hike is easy with flat large areas and paths. It this section you can find small farms and their irrigation systems, creating a small oasis. In the morning it is in the shade which makes the walk bearable.

The advantage of being in a wadi is you can't get lost. The towering sandstone cliffs prevent you from wandering off the path.

Below are a few shots of the beginning of the hike. As you can see, there are already some small pools.

There is one section that takes you above the water level along the cliff. Access involves a huge step to climb at the time I did it (manageable for most but difficult if you have knee problems etc). Sorry I did not take a picture of the big step.

Then you reach some areas full of boulders and you have to escalate above them. It is quite fun.
 You also have to cross the water by big steps between rocks. 
The pools are beautiful with emerald color. Plus I love it when the gorge narrows.

In between boulder areas you have some easy sections.
And then the wadi narrows again and you reach the swimming area. It doesn't look like much from afar but wait until you see...

Swimming in the Wadi Shab Pools

Note: remember that water levels depend on weather conditions the days before.

Now let's talk swim.

For non-swimmers
You can easily swim at the beginning even if you are not a good swimmer. You just relax in low depth pool.

For good swimmers
If you can swim 50 meters in a pool without holding on to anything you can easily get further in the wadi. As you can see in the shots, the successive pools start with easy slopes and then it can get quite deep in some sections until you have to get out again, walk a little on rocks and get into the next pool.

It is worth it: the narrow gorge, the peace and quiet (especially in the morning before the tourists), and the stunning white rocks.​

Getting out of a pool and walking to the next: be careful! It can get slippery and uncomfortable under the feet. I recommend using water shoes. I was glad I had mine! See options on Amazon.

Wadi Shab Cave and Waterfall

After 15 min of swimming and walking you reach what looks like the end of the trip. However DO NOT TURN AROUND!

For excellent swimmers:
There is a hidden cave that can be reach. The entrance is under that big rock that looks unstable (to the left). There is space for your head all the way to the cave so you don't have to dive. But you do have to be able to swim sideway almost straight. Have a look at the video to discover the passage (at the beginning of this post).

Some people say there is a strong current, I did not feel it (it had not rained for a long time and the waterfall was small when I visited).
But do not go in if you are not a good swimmer!

Note: If it has rained the day before, the crack will be submerged and you won't have access to the cave.

The cave has some holes so it is not dark and the waterfall is a nice feature. I did not take a good pictures, I am sorry, but you can see it better in the video.

Alternatives - Other Oman Wadis and a Sinkhole

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