Active trips in Oman: mountain, sea and desert adventures

Let yourself be transported to the fairy-tale land of One Thousand and One Nights fame, and discover all that the Sultanate of Oman has to offer. Alongside exploring soaring mosques, alluring souks, and the golden dunes of the desert, adventure-seekers will get their money’s worth as they sink their teeth into a wealth of outdoor activities. Let our guide to active trips in Oman inspire you to experience traveling to this country in a whole new way. Whether you’re off desert hiking, dune bashing, kayaking, diving, or enjoying other experiences that make up an unforgettable active trip, Oman will be sure to captivate you at every adrenaline-pumping twist and turn.

The Sultanate of Oman: a paradise for active vacationers

An active trip in Oman offers the perfect opportunity to explore the expansive desert, mountains and coast, while fusing some of the world’s most fascinating cultural, natural, and adventurous offerings. For a uniquely local experience, the stunning dunes of the Wahiba Sands are ideal for desert expeditions, sandboarding, dune bashing and camel trekking – how about complementing these with an overnight stay at a desert campsite, under the twinkling stars?

You can climb, swim and hike in the country’s wadis (dry riverbeds), from Wadi Shab to Wadi Bani Khalid. Canyoning is also a popular activity for those who want to experience this landscape in the best possible way, fueled with adrenaline and excitement. The Hajar Mountains, in turn, are ideal for hiking, climbing and trekking excursions; particularly popular is Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in the country, which promises impressive views and epic dusty trails.

Oman’s coastline stretches over 3,000km and offers beautiful beaches with ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, sailing, and kitesurfing. The waters around the Ad Dimaniyat Islands and Musandam Peninsula are known for their rich marine life, coral reefs, and even wreck sites. With such a wide range of activities on offer across diverse landscapes, from tall peaks to down beneath the water’s surface, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Explore historic forts and hidden treasures on hiking trails

Begin your journey in the capital Muscat, a port city that is now home to almost half of the country’s population. Take in the magnificent, impressive architecture and visit attractions such as the Al Alam Palace, the Royal Opera House, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a religious landmark and prime example of unique Islamic architecture.

Continue your active trip in Oman with one (or more) hikes that will take you to some of the most beautiful historical sites. Visit Mutrah, east of Muscat, and explore the Mutrah Fort overlooking the harbor. Hike along the Corniche for glimpses of history and breathtaking coastal views. Nearby is Wadi Kabir, a dry riverbed that’s great for day hikes and exploring both historical sites and nature in one fell swoop.

In Nizwa, the old capital, the 17th-century fortress attracts travelers with its magnificent views of the historic old town. The city is known for its lively souk, where you can find traditional Khanjar daggers, pottery, silver jewelry, and the date souk. Thanks to Nizwa’s location at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, the town is the ideal starting point for hikes in the surrounding area, where you can explore hidden wadis and ancient villages.

Lastly, Rustaq is home to another impressive fort surrounded by hot springs and mountainous landscapes. Treat yourself to a hike here and you’ll soon be guided to ancient irrigation canals and natural springs, perfect for cooling off and relaxing mid-exploring.

The best trails for hiking in the Hajar Mountains

The Hajar Mountains offer a rich variety of landscapes and experiences for hikers of all levels. With the right preparation and a respectful approach to nature, you can safely explore Oman’s impressive mountain landscapes and create lasting memories.

Hiking trails for beginners

• Wadi Shab: a three to four-hour round-trip hike, this trail is easily accessible and leads you to beautiful pools and waterfalls.
• Wadi Bani Khalid: you’ll pass by clear pools on this relaxing hike, which takes you through wadis across a two- to three-hour journey.

Moderate hiking trails

• Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain): enjoy beautiful views over terraced gardens and traditional villages on a hike that lasts between four and six hours, depending on which path you choose.
• Wadi Tiwi: spend up to six hours hiking along waterways through villages and green oases.

Challenging hiking trails

• Jebel Shams (Grand Canyon): the Balcony Walk offers spectacular views into the depths of the canyon; the route to the summit requires good fitness and experience – allow plenty of time, between eight and 10 hours, to complete this challenging route.
• Wadi Bani Awf (Snake Canyon): this six- to eight-hour canyoning experience, filled with climbing passages and swimming holes, should only be undertaken with an experienced guide and proper equipment.
• Jebel Harim (Musandam Peninsula): remote mountain trails, archaeological sites, and impressive views await you on this seven- to nine-hour hike full of unique experiences.

Active trips in Oman: kayaking the fjords of Musandam

If you’re looking for variety and are drawn to the water, kayaking tours are on hand to showcase a completely new side of Oman. The Musandam Peninsula is a spectacular destination with dramatic fjords, crystal-clear waters, and untouched natural expanses; there’s no better way to experience the surreal beauty and tranquility of this remote region than from the water. Beyond kayaking pursuits, the peninsula’s rich marine fauna, including dolphins, colorful coral reefs and a variety of fish species, attracts visitors to this location time and again – making it a tempting place to try your hand at snorkeling and diving.

The fjords of Musandam, particularly Khor Ash Sham, boast impressive cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. Take time to find stillness as you take in the landscapes of rugged rocks, remote fishing villages, and turquoise water. To the delight of slow travel enthusiasts and serenity-seekers, many bays and beaches can only be reached by boat or kayak – the feeling of seclusion here is unparalleled and ready to be savored.

Meanwhile, Khor Najd is ideal for less-experienced kayakers, as the water is calm and the fjord scenery is just as spectacular as you’ll find on other kayaking routes. Khor Habalayn, on the other hand, requires some experience to tackle; still, you’ll be rewarded with secluded coves, impressive rock formations, and excellent snorkeling spots if you venture to these parts.

Diving and snorkeling in the Arabian Sea

Oman offers some of the best active experiences in the Arabian Sea. The crystalline waters, endlessly diverse marine wildlife, and impressive coral reefs make diving and snorkeling here an unforgettable adventure. When planning active trips in Oman, don’t miss out on the beauty of its underwater world!

The best diving and snorkeling in Oman

• Musandam Peninsula: this peninsula offers wonderful fjord landscapes (it’s not known as the Norway of Arabia for nothing), deep bays, and a rich marine life that you can explore both above and below the water’s surface. Marvel at steep reefs alongside sightings of dolphins, sharks, and large schools of fish. It is the ideal location for divers of all experience levels.
• Ad Dimaniyat Islands: this marine reserve consists of nine islands, known for their rich biodiversity and pristine reefs. You may encounter turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, and myriad tropical fish on an excursion here.
• Al Fahal (Shark Island): this small island off the coast of Muscat is rich in marine life such as blacktip reef sharks, barracuda, moray eels, and vibrant coral reefs known to captivate divers and snorkelers.
• Mirbat: this lesser-known diving destination, located near Salalah in southern Oman, is home to coral reefs, devil rays, turtles, and large schools of fish, which make the town a popular spot amongst marine wildlife enthusiasts.

Sandboarding and dune bashing on the Wahiba Sands

Back on land, adrenaline junkies will get their money’s worth in the desert: sandboarding and dune bashing across the Wahiba Sands are great ways to experience the beauty and adventure of the Omani desert. Sandboarding on the sprawling dunes is similar to snowboarding, except you use special sandboards to ride on sand instead of snow.

Meanwhile, dune bashing is an off-road activity where you’ll drive a 4×4 vehicle over the sand dunes. It is a fast-paced, adventurous ride that is often carried out by experienced drivers – if it is your first time trying out this particular activity, we’d recommend booking a guided tour.

Outdoor activities such as these become even more memorable when you pair them with a traditional Bedouin experience or an overnight stay at a desert camp.

The best time to plan active trips in Oman

Before you plan your vacation in Oman, you should keep an eye on the temperatures. The best travel time for an active break in the Sultanate is from October to April, as in these months the temperatures are pleasantly mild and ideal for outdoor activities. In the higher regions such as the Hajar Mountains, it is tolerably cool even in summer.

In October and November, temperatures begin to drop. This time is therefore particularly suitable for hikes and desert excursions. December to February make the coolest months to visit Oman, with daytime temperatures between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, you could comfortably go trekking in the Hajar Mountains, embark on a desert safari across the Wahiba Sands, or explore the coastal regions at a leisurely pace. From March to April, temperatures rise again yet remain pleasant enough to still enjoy an active vacation.

Make it happen

Are you ready to experience natural beauty and cultural wealth on an active trip in Oman? Contact our local experts to plan your very own, tailor-made itinerary, filled with wonderful outdoor experiences across land and sea.