6 Days • 5 Nights
Wahiba Sands & the Coast: Dunes, Wadis & Turtles
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Journeying deep into the golden Wahiba Sands and sleeping under brilliant stars is the magical heart of this journey. The Wahiba Sands are a vast, beautiful desert of towering golden and russet dunes, and journeying deep into them is magical. You dune-drive by 4x4 among the towering dunes, ride camels across the sands, sandboard down the slopes, and watch spectacular desert sunsets and sunrises paint the endless landscape gold and crimson. You sleep at a desert camp beneath a canopy of brilliant stars, experiencing warm Bedouin hospitality and the profound silence of the desert. The beauty, adventure and star-filled skies are magical.
- Watching green turtles nesting on the beach at Ras al-Jinz is a moving and magical highlight. At Ras al-Jinz, on Oman's easternmost coast, one of the most important nesting sites in the region, endangered green turtles come ashore at night, as they have for millions of years, to lay their eggs in the sand, and, in season, hatchlings scramble to the sea. On a guided visit, you watch these ancient creatures nesting (or hatching) on the moonlit beach, a moving, magical and unforgettable wildlife encounter. The wonder and privilege are profound. Watching endangered green turtles nesting on the moonlit beach at Ras al-Jinz.
- Swimming in the turquoise pools of Oman's beautiful wadis is a magical highlight of this journey. Oman's wadis are among its greatest natural treasures, dramatic gorges where turquoise pools, waterfalls and palm groves hide amid the mountains. You visit beautiful wadis such as Wadi Bani Khalid, with its turquoise pools and palm groves amid dramatic rock, and Wadi Shab, walking amid palms and gorge walls to stunning turquoise pools, swimming in the cool, clear water, an idyllic and refreshing experience. The beauty of these hidden oases is magical. Swimming in the cool, turquoise pools of Oman's beautiful wadis.
- The dhow-building town of Sur and the dramatic coast add heritage and beauty to this journey. On the coast, the town of Sur is famous for its centuries-old tradition of building wooden dhows, the graceful sailing ships that carried Omani trade across the Indian Ocean, and you watch these beautiful vessels still being built by hand in the traditional dhow yards. You take in Sur's beautiful lagoon, forts, lighthouse and the atmospheric old quarter of Ayjah, and the dramatic coast. The maritime heritage and beauty are captivating. Visiting the dhow-building town of Sur, where graceful wooden ships are still built by hand.
- The warm hospitality of the Bedouin and the profound silence of the desert are a deeply rewarding highlight. Deep in the Wahiba Sands, you experience the warm hospitality and timeless way of life of the Bedouin, who have lived in the desert for centuries. You share Omani coffee and dates, learn about their desert traditions and camels, and experience their genuine, famous warmth and generosity, amid the profound silence and beauty of the desert. The warmth and authenticity are deeply rewarding. Experiencing the warm hospitality and timeless desert life of the Bedouin, sharing coffee and dates amid the profound silence of the golden dunes.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in the spectacular deserts, wadis and coast of eastern Oman, an adventurous and beautiful experience. From the golden dunes to the turtle beaches, eastern Oman is a land of spectacular desert and dramatic shore, and this journey immerses you in it. Over six days you journey deep into the Wahiba Sands and sleep under the stars, swim in turquoise wadis, watch turtles nesting at Ras al-Jinz, and explore the dhow town of Sur, guided by expert local guides and 4x4 and warmed by legendary hospitality. The combination of golden deserts, turquoise wadis.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your desert and coast journey begins as your flight arrives at Muscat International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in Muscat, Oman's gracious capital. Oman is one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in Arabia, and the warmth of the Omani welcome is immediate. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll along the beautiful Mutrah corniche or relaxing at your hotel. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the delicious, aromatic flavours of Omani cuisine and to the adventurous journey ahead through the Wahiba Sands, the wadis, the turtles of Ras al-Jinz and the dhow town of Sur. As you settle in, the elegance and warmth of Oman work their magic, and the anticipation of the golden desert builds. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands.
Today you journey to the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands for a magical desert night. You travel into the Sharqiya region, perhaps stopping at a fort or oasis town along the way, to the Wahiba Sands, a vast, beautiful desert of towering golden and russet dunes. You journey by 4x4 into the dunes, dune-driving among the towering sands, meeting Bedouin hosts, riding a camel across the sands, and climbing a high dune to watch a spectacular desert sunset paint the endless landscape gold and crimson. As night falls, you arrive at your desert camp among the dunes, dining beneath a canopy of brilliant stars and experiencing warm Bedouin hospitality and the profound silence of the desert. As the day ends, you settle into the magical desert, sleeping beneath star-filled skies. Rest well amid the beauty and silence of the golden Wahiba Sands.
Today you savour the golden desert and the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid. You wake to a spectacular sunrise over the dunes, then spend the morning exploring the magical Wahiba Sands, dune-driving, sandboarding, riding camels, visiting a Bedouin family to experience their desert way of life, and taking in the beauty and silence of the endless golden dunes. In the afternoon you might visit the stunning Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis, with its turquoise pools, waterfalls and palm groves amid dramatic rock, where you swim in the cool, clear water, a refreshing contrast to the desert, before returning to the desert camp. As the sun sets over the dunes, you enjoy a final desert night beneath the brilliant stars. As the day ends, you savour the magic of the desert. Rest well beneath the star-filled skies of the Wahiba Sands.
Today you journey to the coast, to the dhow town of Sur and the turtles of Ras al-Jinz. You leave the desert and journey to the coastal town of Sur, famous for building wooden dhows by hand, watching these graceful ships being built in the traditional dhow yards, and taking in the beautiful lagoon, forts, lighthouse and atmospheric old quarter. In the evening, you visit Ras al-Jinz, one of the most important green turtle nesting sites in the region, where, on a guided visit, you watch endangered green turtles come ashore in the darkness to nest (or, in season, hatchlings scramble to the sea), a moving and magical wildlife encounter. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation near Sur or Ras al-Jinz, moved by the ancient turtles. Rest well, having experienced the maritime heritage and wildlife of the coast.
Today you journey back to Muscat along the dramatic coast, via beautiful wadis. You travel along the beautiful coast towards Muscat, stopping to explore the spectacular Wadi Shab, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis, taking a short boat across a pool and walking amid palms and dramatic gorge walls to a series of stunning turquoise pools, where you swim in the cool, clear water. You might also visit the remarkable Bimmah Sinkhole, a beautiful natural pool of turquoise water, lovely for a swim, and take in the dramatic coast. The beauty of these hidden natural wonders is magical. As the day ends, you arrive in Muscat, having explored the beautiful coast and wadis. This evening, savour Muscat's relaxed atmosphere and Omani cuisine, reflecting on the deserts, turtles and wadis of eastern Oman you have experienced. Rest well ahead of your departure.
After a final morning in gracious Muscat, perhaps a stroll along the corniche or a visit to the souk, you are transferred to Muscat International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the spectacular deserts, wadis and coast of eastern Oman, the golden dunes and starry nights of the Wahiba Sands, the turquoise pools of Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab, the moving turtles of Ras al-Jinz, and the dhow town of Sur, all warmed by legendary Omani hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the golden dunes at sunset, the turquoise wadi pools, the ancient turtles nesting on the moonlit beach, and the graceful dhows of Sur. Eastern Oman offers spectacular deserts, turquoise wadis, moving wildlife and warm culture in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and adventurous land.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board at the desert camp
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to forts, sites and reserves as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert local guide and 4x4, a Wahiba Sands desert camp with dune driving and camel rides, a Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab visit, a Ras al-Jinz turtle-watching visit, a Sur dhow-yard tour, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional experiences and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities need a visa for Oman, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel (some nationalities enjoy short visa-free stays); a passport valid for at least six months is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and arrange the eVisa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Omani Rial (OMR), one of the world's highest-value currencies; cards are accepted in hotels, malls and larger shops in Muscat and towns, but carry cash for souks, small shops, tips, forts and rural areas. ATMs are available in towns and cities
- Best time to visit: October to April is ideal across most of Oman, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for Muscat, the mountains, deserts and coast; summer (May to September) is very hot inland and on the coast, though this is the magical season to visit Salalah in the south during the green khareef monsoon
- Dress & etiquette: Oman is a welcoming but conservative Muslim country; modest dress is appreciated (cover shoulders and knees), and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque requires long sleeves and trousers, and a headscarf for women. Omanis are famously warm, gracious and hospitable; respect for local customs is always appreciated
- Deserts, wadis & 4x4: Exploring the Wahiba Sands desert, mountain roads (like Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams) and wadis requires 4x4 vehicles, which we provide with expert drivers; desert nights are spent at comfortable to luxurious desert camps under brilliant stars. Bring layers for cool desert and mountain nights, and sturdy shoes for wadis
- Wadis & swimming: Oman's beautiful wadis (like Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid) offer stunning turquoise pools for swimming; wear modest swimwear (a T-shirt and shorts over swimwear is respectful), bring water shoes, and take care on rocky, sometimes slippery terrain. Your guide advises on the best and safest spots
- Safety & Ramadan: Oman is one of the safest, most stable and most welcoming countries in the region, and travel here is smooth and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight are avoided out of respect, though hotels cater to visitors; we advise on timing and etiquette
- Getting around & power: Touring is by private air-conditioned 4x4 with your guide, with some long but scenic drives across this beautiful, spacious country. Power is 240V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Arabic is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism, making travel easy and rewarding
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I see turtles at Ras al-Jinz?
Green turtles nest at Ras al-Jinz year-round, but the peak nesting season is roughly June to September, when many turtles come ashore each night, while hatchlings emerge mainly from around July onwards. Visits are guided and carefully managed to protect the turtles, usually in the evening or before dawn. Even outside peak season, sightings are common. It is a moving, magical experience, and we time the visit for the best chance of this unforgettable encounter.
Is the Wahiba Sands desert camp comfortable?
Yes. We choose comfortable desert camps in the Wahiba Sands, ranging from traditional Bedouin-style camps to more luxurious options with private facilities, all offering warm hospitality, good food, and magical, star-filled desert nights. You enjoy dune drives, camel rides and sunsets, dinner under the stars, and the profound silence of the desert. Desert nights can be cool, so we advise bringing layers. A night in the golden dunes is an unforgettable highlight.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically dinners at desert camps and some remote or half-board stays). Omani cuisine is delicious and aromatic, from shuwa (slow-cooked spiced lamb) and fresh seafood to fragrant rice, dates and Omani coffee, and we usually leave other meals free for you to explore, recommending the best local restaurants at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Oman's knowledgeable guides bring the forts, souks, deserts, mountains and rich culture vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and the 4x4 is essential for the deserts, wadis and mountains.
Do I need a visa for Oman?
Most nationalities need a visa, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel, while some enjoy short visa-free stays. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and arrange the eVisa where needed, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least six months is required.
Is Oman safe to visit?
Oman is one of the safest, most stable and most welcoming countries in the world, renowned for its warmth, graciousness and hospitality, and travel here is exceptionally smooth and rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times. Oman's peaceful, gracious character and genuine welcome are among the great joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
October to April is ideal across most of Oman, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for the capital, mountains, deserts and coast. Summer is very hot inland and on the northern coast, but it is the magical season to visit Salalah in the south, lush and green during the khareef monsoon. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Muscat, mountains, wadis, desert, coast and the south, add nights at a luxurious desert camp or the fjords of Musandam, include Salalah, extend beach time, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the beautiful and varied landscapes of Oman.
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