Things to do in Oman

History and culture

Oman offers a wealth of museums, history, and culture throughout the country, but especially in Muscat. The country's rich Arab heritage can be discovered through one of the city's many museums, including the National Museum, Children's Museum, the Old Castle Museum, and the Bait Al Baranda Museum. The Maritime Museum, located in Sur, offers information on Oman's maritime history. A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is also a must-do in Muscat.

Outdoor activities

Thanks to the varied terrain of deserts, mountains, and ocean, there is a huge range of outdoor activities and sports to be enjoyed in Oman.

Desert adventures - The iconic sand dunes and of Oman are great for 4WDing, sand boarding, or photography. Many companies also offer trips to the desert along with cultural tours, to learn about the indigenous peoples of the desert.

Water sports - The clean ocean waters in Oman make it very popular with scuba divers and snorkelers, and sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, and a wide range of tropical fish can be seen. Dive schools are available to teach you how to dive and to offer group dive excursions. Sailing, windsurfing, and boating are also popular hobbies in Oman.

Game fishing - There are many companies that offer fishing trips, or you can charter a boat and head out to sea. Popular catches include yellowfin tuna and grouper.

Camping - Camping under the stars in the desert is a very memorable experience, especially at a Bedouin camp.

Hiking - Hiking, or trekking, in the mountainous areas of the country is enjoyed by many expats. There are many well-maintained hiking trails across the country, especially in the Western Hajar region. Hikers can explore swimming holes, boulders, gorges, and mountain views.

Beaches

The beaches in Oman are pristine and offer clean, sparkling blue water- perfect for a range of activities from sunbathing, swimming, diving, sailing, or a family picnic. The most popular beach in Muscat is Al Qurum, which is within Muscat and home to many hotels and restaurants. Other popular beaches in the country include Bandar Jissah, Khasab beach, Tiwi beach, Al Bustan, and Masirah Island. Ras Al Hadd is also a popular beach, as it is the home of a green turtle reserve, and turtles can be seen nightly here, laying eggs and swimming in the sea.

Unlike in many other countries, Omani beaches are not overcrowded, despite being a very popular weekend activity among expat families.

Wildlife

Nature lovers will be able to view a wide range of wildlife all across Oman. On the coasts, spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and whales are often spotted. Birds include ospreys, eagles, and terns. Inland, oryx is often spotted, and can also be seen in the Al Wusta wildlife reserve. The Dhofar mountain range is home to the rare Arabian leopard.

Useful links:

Omani Museums

Omani beaches

Desert activities

Diving in Oman

Noman Park