Your Oman Guide
Sur & Ras Al Jinz
Ash Sharqiyah

Sur & Ras Al Jinz

Follow Oman’s eastern coast to a historic seafaring city, traditional dhow yards and the turtle nesting beaches of Ras Al Jinz.

Best October to April 1–2 nights Gateway: Sur
The place

Turtles & the eastern coast

Oman’s eastern coast brings together fishing towns, turquoise coves, rugged headlands and a long maritime history. Sur is one of the country’s historic seafaring centres, while further along the coast Ras Al Jinz is best known as an important nesting area for green turtles.

Explore Sur

Sur’s identity has been shaped by the sea for generations. The city was historically an important centre for trade and dhow building, and traditional wooden boats are still built at the dhow yard today.

Around the city, the waterfront, lighthouse at Al Ayjah and views across the lagoon make Sur an enjoyable place to explore at a relaxed pace.

Turtles at Ras Al Jinz

Around an hour beyond Sur, Ras Al Jinz is one of Oman’s best-known wildlife experiences. Green turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches, with organised viewing visits designed to allow visitors to observe them while limiting disturbance.

Staying overnight near the reserve makes it easier to join an evening or early-morning turtle viewing experience.

Follow the eastern coast

The journey from Muscat towards Sur is part of the experience itself. The route can include stops such as Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab and coastal viewpoints before continuing to Sur and Ras Al Jinz.

From here, the journey can continue inland towards Wadi Bani Khalid and Wahiba Sands, creating a natural coast-to-desert route through eastern Oman.

What you'll experience

Things to do in Sur & Ras Al Jinz

01

Sur waterfront

Explore the coastal city, its lagoon and waterfront while discovering a place shaped by generations of seafaring and trade.

02

Dhow building

Visit Sur’s traditional dhow yard and see the wooden boat-building craft for which the city has long been known.

03

Al Ayjah

Cross to the historic Al Ayjah area for traditional neighbourhoods, the lighthouse and views back towards Sur.

04

Turtle watching

Join an organised visit at Ras Al Jinz for the chance to observe green turtles nesting on the beach.

05

Eastern coast road

Travel between Muscat and Sur through dramatic coastal scenery, with opportunities to stop at wadis, beaches and viewpoints.

06

Wadi Shab

Combine the journey with one of Oman’s best-known wadis for a walk and swim through a spectacular limestone valley.

Best time to go

When to visit Sur & Ras Al Jinz

October–February

Cooler weather makes this an excellent period for exploring Sur, walking along the coast and combining the journey with wadis and outdoor stops.

March–April

Warm and generally good for an eastern-coast journey, with mornings and late afternoons particularly comfortable for sightseeing.

May–September

Hotter and more humid along the coast. Turtle activity continues through the warmer months, while other outdoor activities are best planned for cooler times of day.

Before you go

Good to know

Turtle viewing at Ras Al Jinz is organised and access to nesting areas is controlled to reduce disturbance to wildlife.

Photography rules should always be followed during turtle viewing, particularly restrictions on flash and bright lights.

Turtle sightings are a natural wildlife experience and cannot be guaranteed on any individual visit.

An overnight stay near Ras Al Jinz is useful if you want to join evening or early-morning turtle viewing.

If combining the journey with Wadi Shab, bring suitable walking footwear, swimwear and water.

Allow more time than the direct driving time from Muscat if stopping along the coastal route.

Plan it your way

Build Sur & Ras Al Jinz into your Oman journey.

Tell me your dates, interests and how long you have. I can help shape a private journey around the places you want to experience.