Things to Do in Oman — Tours, Activities & Excursions

Discover desert safaris across Wahiba Sands, dhow cruises through Musandam fjords, wadi hikes, turtle watching at Ras al Jinz, and cultural experiences in Muscat. Compare prices and book with free cancellation.

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Best Season

October – March. Comfortable 25-32°C. Avoid June-August (45°C+)

Top Experience

Wahiba Sands overnight desert safari with dune bashing and stargazing

Prices From

City tours from $25, desert safari from $65, dhow cruise from $45

Booking

Book online, pay later. Free cancellation up to 24h before most activities

Popular Tours & Activities in Oman

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Things to Do in Muscat

Top-rated tours and tickets in Oman's capital. Cultural walks, boat excursions and day trips.

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Oman Tours & Activities — Practical Guide

Oman sits on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Sultanate attracts over 3.5 million visitors annually with landscape shifting from golden desert dunes and mountain canyons to fjord-like coastlines and tropical monsoon forests in the south.

Desert Safaris in Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya Sands) stretch over 12,500 km² south-east of Muscat. Desert safaris include 4x4 dune bashing, camel riding through Bedouin settlements, sandboarding and overnight stays at desert camps from basic to luxury. Half-day safari from Muscat costs $65-90 per person. Overnight with dinner, breakfast and stargazing runs $120-200. Drive from Muscat: 2-2.5 hours via Ibra.

Musandam Dhow Cruises

The Musandam Peninsula features deep fjords earning it the name "Norway of Arabia." Traditional dhow cruises navigate inlets past limestone cliffs rising hundreds of meters. Half-day cruises from Khasab last 4-5 hours with snorkeling, swimming and dolphin sightings. Prices start at $45 for group tours. Accessible from Muscat (domestic flight) and Dubai (2-hour drive via Ras al Khaimah).

Wadi Hikes and Swimming

Oman has over 4,000 wadis. Wadi Shab requires a boat crossing and 45-minute hike to natural pools and a cave waterfall. Wadi Bani Khalid offers easier access suitable for families. Combined tours from Muscat typically include both wadis plus Bimmah Sinkhole. Day trips cost $55-85 per person.

Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling

Nine limestone islands 18 km off Muscat coast with healthy coral reefs. Green turtles, whale sharks (October-November), rays and 150+ fish species. Snorkeling trips run 3-5 hours at $50-80. Islands closed May-October for turtle nesting. Peak season: November-April.

Turtle Watching at Ras al Jinz

Ras al Jinz on Oman's eastern tip — one of few places worldwide for year-round green turtle nesting. Evening programs observe females laying eggs, dawn visits witness hatchlings. Maximum 100 visitors per session. Entry ~$12, full tours from Muscat (3.5-hour drive) cost $120-180.

Day Trips from Muscat

DestinationDistanceDrive TimeTour From
Wadi Shab + Bimmah Sinkhole150 km1h 45min$55
Wadi Bani Khalid200 km2h 15min$60
Nizwa Fort + Souq170 km1h 45min$70
Wahiba Sands Safari220 km2h 30min$65
Jebel Shams (Balcony Walk)240 km3h$85
Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)180 km2h 15min$80
Daymaniyat Islands18 km boat45min$50
Ras al Jinz (Turtles)335 km3h 30min$120

Muscat City Tours

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (open 8-11 AM, Sat-Thu), Royal Opera House, Muttrah Souq and Corniche, Al Alam Palace, National Museum. Half-day tours: $25-40. Full-day with fish market, frankincense and Old Muscat forts: $50-70. Sunset dhow cruises along the coast from $35.

When to Visit Oman

Peak season October-March, 25-32°C. Ideal for desert camping, wadi hikes and water activities. Summer (June-August) exceeds 45°C, except Salalah where the Khareef monsoon creates cool green conditions June-September.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about tours and activities in Oman.

What are the best things to do in Oman?
The most popular activities include Wahiba Sands desert safari with overnight camping, Musandam dhow cruise through fjords, Wadi Shab hiking and swimming, Daymaniyat Islands snorkeling, Ras al Jinz turtle watching and Muscat cultural tours covering Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Muttrah Souq.
How much do tours in Oman cost?
Muscat city tours start from $25/person. Desert safaris: $65-200 (half-day to overnight). Dhow cruises: $45-120. Wadi day trips: $55-85. Multi-day guided tours: $250-800 for 3-7 days.
When is the best time to visit Oman?
October to March, 25-32°C. Ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer exceeds 45°C except Salalah where Khareef monsoon (June-September) brings cool, green conditions.
Can I book a Musandam tour from Dubai?
Yes. Khasab is a 2-hour drive from Dubai via Ras al Khaimah. Operators offer full-day dhow cruises with Dubai hotel pickup. Passport required for UAE-Oman border crossing.
Is Oman safe for tourists?
One of the safest countries in the Middle East. Very low crime rates, welcoming locals and stable political environment. Standard precautions: stay hydrated in heat, hire experienced guides for off-road routes.
Do I need a visa to visit Oman?
EU, US, UK, Canada and Australia citizens can obtain e-visa or visa on arrival. 30-day tourist visa, processing 1-3 days online via Royal Oman Police website.