While You’re in Oman…

Captain Ali & Crew have put together their insider tips on some of their favorite places for you to visit while in Oman. Our staff picks are here to help you make the most of your time.

Top 11 things to do in oman :

Oman is a country of striking contrasts: rugged mountain ranges, pristine turquoise waters, vast golden deserts, and ancient historical sites. Whether you’re here for adventure, culture, or relaxation, Oman delivers a rare blend of natural beauty and traditional charm.

And don’t worry if you didn’t bring professional camera gear — modern phones capture Oman beautifully.

1 – Mutrah Souq

Located along the Mutrah Corniche, this is one of the oldest markets in the Arabian Peninsula and still one of the best places to experience local life. The souq winds through covered alleys filled with gold shops, spices, textiles, antiques, silver, lamps, doors, and more.

It’s open mornings and evenings, but it truly comes alive after sunset.

2 – Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

If you visit one mosque in Oman, make it this one. The Grand Mosque is vast, exquisitely detailed, and architecturally stunning — “beautiful” doesn’t begin to describe it.

Visiting hours for non-Muslims:
Saturday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Take your time here; it’s a place to slow down and absorb the artistry and scale.

3 – Exploring Wadis

“Wadi” means valley in Arabic, and Oman’s wadis offer an entirely different landscape from the desert. Expect palms, clear pools, canyon walls, and hiking routes.

4 – Wadi Shab

About a one-hour drive from Muscat (near Qurayyat). You’ll take a short boat ride to begin the hike toward caves, waterfalls, and turquoise pools.
Best time: October to April.

5 – Wadi Tiwi

Just beyond Wadi Shab. This wadi can be explored partly by car and offers dramatic scenery and glimpses of traditional villages — including beautifully carved wooden doors and gateways.

6 – Ramal & Wahiba Sands

If you’ve never experienced the desert, this is the one to do.
Located about 250 km from Muscat, Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya Sands) offers towering dunes, camel rides, sunset views, and the opportunity to learn about Bedouin culture.

7 – Off-Road Trails & Mountain Adventures

Oman’s mountains are some of the most dramatic in the region. Two of the best areas are:

8 – Jabal Shams

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Oman.”
Roads can be steep (some grades over 20%), so a capable vehicle and good brakes are essential. The payoff is enormous: sweeping views and a climate much cooler than the coast.

9 – Jabal Akhdar (The Green Mountain)

Famous for terraced fields, fruit orchards, and traditional irrigation systems. A completely different side of Oman’s landscape and culture.

Both mountain areas are roughly 240 km from Muscat.

10 – Nizwa Fort

One of Oman’s most important historic landmarks. Built in the 1650s atop older foundations from the 1200s, the fort features a massive circular tower, traditional Omani architecture, and an excellent surrounding souq.
It’s about 160 km from Muscat and well worth the trip for history lovers and casual visitors alike.

11 – Snorkeling, Diving & Camping in the Daymaniyat Islands

We’re biased — but with good reason. The Daymaniyat Islands are one of Oman’s top natural experiences: a protected marine reserve with crystal-clear water, vibrant coral, and abundant wildlife.

Expect turtles, colorful reef fish, and beautifully preserved coral gardens.

A tip for turtle encounters :
Float calmly, don’t chase, and let them get used to you. When you don’t pursue them, turtles often become curious and may approach you on their own.
Please avoid touching any sea life — in their world, close contact usually means danger.

Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Tours in Oman

Explore Oman’s most pristine marine reserve with Daymaniyat Experts

About the Daymaniyat Islands

The Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is a chain of nine breathtaking islands located just 18 km off the coast of Muscat, Oman. Formed from ancient coral reefs and limestone rock, this UNESCO-protected reserve is known for its turquoise water, thriving coral reefs, and incredible wildlife.

Established in 1996, the reserve protects:

• Sea turtle nesting beaches
• Vulnerable coral reef systems
• Important seabird breeding sites

From May through October, all beach landings are closed to protect nesting turtles. Snorkeling and boat access remain open year-round.

Why the Daymaniyats Are Oman’s Top Snorkeling Destination ?

 

Unmatched Marine Life

Swim above bright coral gardens filled with reef fish, rays, and turtles. The islands offer 22+ snorkel and dive sites, from shallow beginner-friendly lagoons to deeper coral formations.

Turtle Encounters

The Daymaniyats are a critical nesting area for:

• Hawksbill turtles (250–300 nest annually)
• Green turtles

Just offshore of Al Jabal Al Kabeer lies Turtle City, famous for effortless turtle encounters in calm, clear water.

Crystal-Clear Water & White-Sand Beaches

Visibility is excellent year-round, with blue-green water ideal for snorkeling and underwater photography.

Birdwatching Paradise

The islands host breeding populations of:

• Sooty Falcons
• Ospreys
• Red-billed Tropicbirds
• White-cheeked, Roseate, Bridled, and Sooty Terns

Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Best Snorkeling Areas

• Southwest side: Seagrass beds where turtles feed and rest
• Northeast reefs: Shallow coral areas perfect for beginners and families

What to Bring

Hat • Sunscreen • Sunglasses
Swimwear • Towel
Camera/phone • Comfortable clothing
And a good appetite for adventure.

Our Daymaniyat Snorkeling Tours :

Explore the reserve aboard FULLA, our 38-foot twin-engine powerboat with a private restroom and plenty of shade. We keep trips intimate, safe, and conservation-focused.

All Tours Include:

• Round-trip boat transport
• All Daymaniyat reserve permits
• Snorkeling guide + free GoPro underwater video
• Premium snorkeling gear
• Unlimited water, juices, sodas & snacks
• For full-day or camping trips: fresh prepared lunch or dinner

Whether you choose a half-day snorkel, a full-day adventure, or a camping experience under the stars, you’ll explore the Daymaniyats the best way possible — comfortably, safely, and with experts who care about these islands.

 

Captain Ali’s Muscat Dining Tips

Top Omani Food Restaurants

1. Rozna — The Must-Try

If you only eat Omani food once, make it Rozna.
Built like a traditional Omani fortress, it offers floor seating in small rooms or tables in the inner courtyard.

What to order (Ali’s picks):

• Harees soup with meat
• Mashakeek salad
• Omani Shuwa* with Qabooli rice
• Camel Qasabiya
• Dessert assortment

The shuwa is the star — slow-cooked, spiced, unbelievably tender.

2. Bait Al Luban — Excellent & Near Muttrah Souq

Not as dramatic as Rozna, but still one of the best kitchens in Muscat.
Perfect choice if you’re visiting Muttrah Souq and want authentic local food nearby.

3. Ramssa — Simple, Local & Good

Located in Qurum, one of the nicest districts in Muscat
Great Omani dishes in a relaxed setting. A good option if you’ve already tried Rozna and Bait Al Luban and want more local flavors.

Seafood Recommendations

Crowne Plaza Qurum — Thursday/Friday Seafood Buffet

(Important: Crowne Plaza Qurum, not the Convention Center branch.)
A fantastic seafood buffet featuring fresh Omani fish and local lobster.
Reserve ahead and request an outdoor table.

Samakmak — Fresh, Simple, Brilliant

A true hole-in-the-wall with outstanding seafood prepared by Egyptian chefs.
Order grilled fish (Andak, Siyya, or Saal) and tell them not to overcook it.

Other must-tries:

• Lobster Thermidor
• Red seafood tajeen**
• Mixed salads

Located beside the beautiful Mohamed Al Ameen Mosque — open to non-Muslims outside prayer times.

Breakfast, Lunch & Desserts

Kaia Restaurant & Café — Best Beachside Spot

Right on the beach in Shatti Al Qurum, one of Muscat’s nicest neighborhoods.
Great for breakfast, lunch, or a break from traditional cuisine.

After your meal:
Walk along the beach walkway with the sea on your right until you reach the Mandarin Oriental.
Cross the small unpaved wadi to arrive at the Waterfront, another dining area.

Treat yourself to tea, and a kunafa at Kunafat Jeddo — crispy outside, gooey cheese inside, topped with pistachios.

If you’re up for more walking, continue along the coast for another scenic stretch.

Street Food

Muscat’s classic street foods appear after sunset all over town:

• Lamb mashakeek
• Camel mashakeek
• Chicken
• Calamari
• Shrimp
• Kidney (ask for medium, and tell them not to press it — it stays juicy)

Ali’s pick: Abu Imad Burger — consistently good mashakeek and a proper street-food vibe.

Tropical Fruit Juices & Ice Cream

Don’t miss the Chicko milkshake — a sweet, caramel-like tropical fruit you probably didn’t know existed.

Go to any branch of Tropical Fruit Juices:

• Order the large Chicko shake
• And try their fresh fruit ice creams

You’ll thank Ali later.

Apps to Make Your Stay Easier

1 – Yango (Taxi App)

The easiest way to move around Muscat.
Fast, reliable, and far cheaper than hotel taxis.

2 – Talabat (Delivery App)

Order food, groceries, snacks — anything — straight to your hotel.
Most hotels in Muscat are totally fine with Talabat deliveries.

Shuwa or Shuwaa is slow-cooked marinated lamb or goat, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for hours or days in an underground pit for incredible tenderness and smoky flavor, though home versions often use ovens. It involves a flavorful spice rub of garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, chili, and is served on a bed of spiced rice.

 Red tajeen (tagine) is a terracotta or glazed clay pot, shaped with a conical lid, used for slow-cooking stews.