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Nature& adventure

Oman is the land of adventures, starting from exploring the Hoota Cave, going through the experience of zip-lining in Musandam Governorate, as well as hiking on mountain trails in the Riam Walkway or through metal wires in Wadi Bani Auf. Also, diving into the depths of the ocean to enjoy seeing colorful coral reefs and rare fish in the Daymaniyat Islands, sailing in kayaks, sailboats, and jet skis, to camping under the star-studded sky in the sands of the East. All of this confirms a truly memorable visit, encompassing adventure in every sense of the word. The diverse landscapes of the country and the varied tourism patterns it offers contribute to making your visit to Oman truly meaningful and unique. Witnessing the towering rocky mountains with green terraced fields built by early Omanis, attending camel races on the fringes of the desert, or riding camels, observing sea turtles as they lay their eggs and head towards the sea and even swimming in the clear waters of flowing wadis (valleys) are experiences that make your journey an endless delight.

Camel Riding

Historically, camels were used by local Bedouins for transporting goods and people through

Off-road Driving

Many of Oman’s stunning attractions are off the beaten track and require a 4WD vehicle

Camping

From the white pebble sand beaches of Fins and Sur, to rocky outcrops above the clouds

Paragliding

Paragliding is a newer addition to Oman’s rapidly growing adventure tourism scene, adding

Kite Surfing

A fantastic combination of surfing and paragliding makes for an incredibly challenging,

Sand Boarding

Taking off as a new leisure activity in the early 2000s, Stand Up Paddle Boarding has

Caving

Home to the second largest cave chamber in the world (Majlis Al Jinn on the Salmah

Golf

Golf has a history in the Sultanate dating back to 1970s. With world-class golf clubs in

Cycling

ycling and mountain biking has risen in popularity in the Sultanate, with both amateur

Water Sports

Oman looks back on a proud maritime history, renowned for Dhow building and trading

Mountain Hiking

Hiking routes can be found throughout the country; from short, accessible routes on

Climbing

From rock climbing to abseiling, Oman offers plenty of stunning spots for more experienced

Camel Riding

Gamal Riding Oman2
The Arabian-Omani camel is characterised by its gentle swaying walk, adding to the unique look of the desert dunes where they reside. A simple camel ride, regardless of how short or long it may be, will allow you to experience the life of famous British traveller ‘Wilfred Thesiger’ in the Arabian Desert. Hold tight when the camel starts to stand up, pushing you backwards, then forwards, and then back again before it starts to walk slowly. And don’t forget to take a selfie from above the back of the camel!

Off-road Driving

The Sultanate of Oman has endless off-road tracks that require a 4WD vehicle. Whether dune bashing in the desert or exploring a wadi, off-roading is one of the best ways to truly experience some of Oman’s most exciting areas. Some of the best locations for off-roading include Wadi Bani Awf, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Jabal Shams, and Jabal Al Abyad, as well as many of the other scenic wadis dotted around the country. Visitors are asked to use caution when venturing off-road, as help is often far away and roads may be dangerous if the driver is not experienced. In many cases, it is best to travel with at least two cars or opt for a guided excursion.

Camping

From the white pebble sand beaches of Fins and Sur, to rocky outcrops above the clouds on Jabal Samhan in Dhofar and Jabal Shams in Al Hamra, as well as the beaches along the Al Wusta Governorate, Oman offers plenty of stunning spots for visitors to choose from. While wild camping is a favorite pastime in the Sultanate, campers must ensure they are not on private land or damaging land or livestock. That includes disposing of rubbish in designated bins only. Those looking for more comfortable camping options, can book one of the available desert camps or join a local tour operator that offers organized camping trips.

Paragliding

Paragliding Oman2
Paragliding is a newer addition to adventure tourism activities in the Sultanate of Oman, which includes a wide and ever-increasing range of outdoor activities. Several specialized companies provide courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels for those who wish to do so.

Kite Surfing

Kite Surfing
A fantastic combination of surfing and paragliding makes for an incredibly challenging, yet exhilarating sport enjoyed by many in Oman. In recent years, the Sultanate is known around the world as an up-and-coming kitesurfing destination. Particularly popular on Masirah Island, kite surfing is best enjoyed in the summer months. Local tour and rental operators provide training and gear hire, with qualified professionals to ensure a safe and exciting experience for all visitors.

Sand Boarding

Deep in the heart of the desert, sandboarding is a truly unique experience. Snap on a mono sand board and launch yourself down one of Oman’s golden dune slopes. Feel an adrenaline rush as you pick up speed sliding down the slopes of sand dunes while trying out various stunts that are sure to impress and with soft sand to cushion any mishaps. This is a sport that should not be missed when you are in Oman.

Caving

It’s a hidden world well worth exploring and an adventure that must be made if you ever have an opportunity to visit one of Oman’s limestone caves. Spelunking (exploring caves) is growing in popularity and, with some stunning caves full of stalactites, stalagmites, flow stones and more, it’s easy to understand why. In the Eastern Hajars, the Salmah Plateau cave system is the longest in Oman with around 11.5 kilometres of passages and several upper entrances requiring you to abseil down more than 100 meters. Majlis Al Jinn is a vast cavern accessed through its roof by abseiling over 150 meters into a world where the small roof top entrances give the effect of spotlights as the sun tracks over the sky. Note that for safety reasons, Majlis Al Jinn requires special permission to enter. In the same mountain range the Muqal Cave in Wadi Bani Khalid is nestled in an under hang on the valley wall, this is readily accessible and with torches the cave forms can be explored. Perhaps the most famous in Oman, the Hoota Caves boast a spectacular range of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and soda straws. Visitors can also discover the caves own vast underground lake, which is home to blind cave fish.

Golf

Golf Oman2

World-class golf clubs in Muscat

Golf has a history in the Sultanate dating back to 1970s. With world-class golf clubs in Muscat – the Al Mouj Golf Club, Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, Ghala Valley Golf Club, and the Ras Al Hamra Golf Club – perfect golfing weather is usually experienced between September and May, and during the evenings in Summer.

Cycling

Each February Oman hosts the teams and riders of the Tour of Oman race. Based in Muscat, some of the world’s finest cyclists take on the gruelling challenge of the five-day race. Run against impressive scenery and alongside some of Oman’s most famous historical monuments, this is a race that has to be seen first-hand; cheering your favourite team as they speed past on their way to victory.

Water Sports

Ziggy Bay Credit: Lloyd Images
Oman looks back on a proud maritime history, renowned for Dhow building and trading across the seas. As such, Omanis are known to have a special connection with the sea, settling where there are natural harbours and great fishing grounds. It comes as no surprise that the Sultanate with its rich marine life, has become one of the world’s fastest-growing diving spots. Areas such as Al Khayran and Daymaniyat Islands are incredibly popular with the discerning diver. Several tour operators specialise in water sports, such as snorkeling, sailing, jet skiing, and kayaking. For those visitors seeking their own water adventures, yachts and boats are also available for hire.

Mountain Hiking

Hiking routes can be found throughout the country; from short, accessible routes on the outskirts of cities and villages, to longer treks in more remote areas. Oman has something for every hiker, including some combining elements of canyoning and climbing. Riyam Walk between Muttrah and Old Muscat is considered one of the easy and favorite routes among visitors. Expert hikers can ascend Jabal Al Akhdar via Wadi Muyadeen, cross from Wadi Tiwi to Wadi Bani Khalid or make it to the summit of Jabal Shams.

Climbing

From rock climbing to abseiling, Oman offers plenty of stunning spots for more experienced mountaineers. It is recommended to always keep an eye on the weather, wadis and roads can quickly flood in case of rain. Experienced climbers will know Jabal Misht in Al Dhahirah Governorate as the ideal location for challenging mountain climbing. Easier options are offered on Jabal Shams and Wadi Bani Awf. Climbers can overcome these challenges on their own or by seeking the services of tourism companies specialising in mountain climbing in the Sultanate of Oman to ensure an exciting and risk-free experience.
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ROP Emergency Number
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Muscat Governorate Police Headquarters
Muscat
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