Adventure Tourism in Oman
ADVENTURE IS AT THE HEART OF EVERY JOURNEY
From exploring one of the largest cave chambers in the world, Majlis Al Jinn, to snorkelling the colourful coral reefs of Daymaniyat Islands or camping under the stars in the A’Sharqiyah Sands; adventure is at the heart of every journey through Oman.
Thanks to its diverse landscapes, ranging from Rocky Mountains with green terrace fields to bustling souks selling camels on the edge of the desert or watching baby turtles hatch on the beach, the Sultanate welcomes all travellers seeking adventures of a lifetime.
CAVING
Home to the second largest cave chamber in the world (Majlis Al Jinn on the Salmah Plateau) and numerous others, the Sultanate has plenty of caves to explore.
MOUNTAIN BIKING & CYCLING
Cycling and mountain biking has risen in popularity in the Sultanate, with both amateur and professional cyclists appreciating the country for its stunning diverse landscapes and the new challenge that riding in Oman presents.
CAMPING
From the white pebble sand beaches of Fins and Sur, to rocky outcrops above the clouds on Jebel Samham in Dhofar, Oman has hundreds of stunning camping locations for visitors to choose from.
PARAGLIDING
Paragliding is a newer addition to Oman’s rapidly growing adventure tourism scene, adding to an already impressive suite of outdoor pursuits in the country. Several tour companies offer beginner, intermediate, and pilot courses for anyone interested.
OFF-ROADING
Many of Oman’s stunning attractions are off the beaten track and 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.
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.
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
Taking off as a new leisure activity in the early 2000s, Stand Up Paddle Boarding has gained momentum in Sultanate, quickly earning itself a reputation as a great SUP location thanks to its over 3,000km long coastline.
KITE SURFING
A fantastic combination of surfing and paragliding makes for an incredibly challenging, yet exhilarating sport enjoyed by many in Oman. In fact, the Sultanate is known around the world as an up-and-coming kitesurfing destination.
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.
WATER SPORTS
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.
CAMEL RIDING
Historically, camels were used by local Bedouins for transporting goods and people through the desert and around the country. Today, owning camels has become more a sign of prestige, with many Omanis breeding them for racing and beauty contests.
GOLF
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.
