What to do in Oman

Watch a camel race

A camel race is something you certainly don’t get to see every day in most parts of the world, so take the time to see it when you visit Oman.

Now you may have seen a camel before, but camels that join camel races are a breed apart – they are specifically bred for the racetracks.

These camels don’t come cheap either. Racing camels are prized possessions in Oman, so they can fetch prices as high as $77,000.

With such special camels you ride on, you’d think that the riders need to be specially trained jockeys as well. Well, not exactly. Trained, they are, but not necessarily for a long time. That’s because the primary qualification for one to be considered the ideal jockey is one has to be small and lightweight. Therefore, some camel jockeys debut at five years old!

 

Turtle watching

Oman is considered to be one of the best places in the world to see turtles laying their eggs or watch the hatchlings hurrying into the sea. Because of the country’s very strict conservation laws when it comes to these creatures, it is virtually a turtle haven, welcoming thousands of these reptilian guests – specifically, the endangered green sea turtles, the hawksbills, the loggerheads, and the leatherbacks – into their shores every year.

The beaches of Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island, and Ras Al Hadd are the three main destinations for tourists who want to witness this spectacular event. Note, however, that due to government policy, you will need to book your tours directly with the Directorate General of Natural Reserves to be allowed into these protected sites

 

Caving

Unknown to many, Oman is not just a land of glorious beaches and majestic forts; it is also home to one of the largest caves in the world, the Majlis Al Jinn Cave.

This area, also called the Salma Plateau, is so famous in the country, most hotels in Oman offer tours that include spelunking in the cave.

As with most caves in the world, the expanse of the Majlis Al-Jhinn is best explored with the help of a local tour guide.

 

Scuba diving

With Oman’s more than 2,000 kilometers of coastline, it’s no surprise that the country also has plenty of diving sites that offer a breathtaking display of colors and corals.

Although the dive sites of Oman are not as popular as that of the reefs in Asia and Australia, they are starting to gain worldwide attention as one of the best, undiscovered marine sanctuaries for diving enthusiasts.

Generally speaking, Oman has good sea conditions all throughout the year, so you can go diving here any day you like. Marine life is abundant in all the dive sites; the warm waters provide just the right temperature for sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, and even whale sharks to thrive.

 

Photography

Oman is a great place for taking stunning photos. Forts, castles, mountains, flora, and fauna – there are simply an infinite number of opportunities to get stunning photos here.

And make no mistake – the chance to take great photos doesn’t end when you get off dry land. Oman also has great photo opportunities underwater – a huge display of soft and hard corals and marine life in every color imaginable greets scuba divers the moment they take the plunge.