Best activities, excursions and day trips in Oman

By Joan Torres Leave a comment Last updated on April 5, 2024

Sometimes overlooked by its glamorous neighbor (United Arab Emirates), Oman is a hidden gem in the Middle East – think ancient cities, sweeping sand dunes, and glistening beaches.

From taking on desert landscapes in a 4×4, spotting dolphins as they glide through the Arabian Sea, climbing historic forts, to sleeping under the stars, you won’t be short on epic excursions and fun activities in Oman.

To help you plan your adventure, we’ve put together a handy guide on the best activities, excursions and tours in Oman, most of them being easy day trips from Muscat.

Going to Dubai? Check the best desert safaris to do in Dubai

Here’s a selection of the best desert tours you can do in Oman, from Muscat.

This desert safari has a little bit of everything, you’ll be busy from start to finish, making it a great day trip from Muscat.

Explore the beautiful desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, a sparkling emerald green pool surrounded by picturesque date palms, that just begs you to jump in for a swim.

After you’ve cooled off, you’ll head to the golden sands of Wahiba for an exciting dune bashing session in a 4×4, the perfect way to take in the breathtaking desert scenery.  

Duration: 8 hours
Distance from Muscat: 240km / 2.5 hours  

Camping in the desert is one of the best activities to do in Oman. Unleash your inner Lawrence of Arabia and sleep under the desert stars. Head out to the expansive and breathtaking Wahiba Desert where you’ll begin by jumping in a 4×4 Land Cruiser and hitting the dunes.

You’ll then hop on a camel for a ride across the sand, meet local Bedouins and learn about their desert lifestyle, sample shisha and Arabic coffee, before enjoying dinner and tea under the sparkling sky as you camp out. 

Duration: Overnight
Distance from Muscat: 240km / 2.5 hours

With its crystal clear waters, abundant sea life and eye-catching corals, snorkeling spots don’t get much better than the UNESCO-protected Dimaniyat Islands.

After an exciting boat journey past Muscat’s coastline, you’ll spend an afternoon with your head under the water where you could see clownfish, sea turtles, Arabian butterflyfish, sharks, eels and dolphins.

It’s not just the wildlife that’ll catch your eye, the rare coral reefs are beautiful too. 

Duration: 6 hours
Distance from Muscat: 70km / 40 minutes

If you’ve always dreamt of getting up close and personal with a porpoise or two, this trip is your chance. Spend time out on the sparkling water keeping your eyes peeled to spot one of these beautiful mammals.

You might find them swimming alongside your boat or, if you’re lucky, even see one take flight and leap from the water.

And not all dolphins are created equal, there are a whole host of different species to spot here!

Duration: 2 hours
Distance from Muscat: N/A 

Oman has some of the best beaches the Middle East has to offer and this day tour from Muscat will allow you to discover some of them.

First, get off the beaten track by going to the quaint fishing village of Quriyat to take in the sights before heading inland to the picturesque Wadi Shab where you’ll enjoy a picnic.

Next up is the scenic Wadi Tiwi where you can take a dip before heading off to the famous turquoise waters of Fins Beach. 

Duration: 8 hours
Distance from Muscat: 150km/1.5 hours 

Nizwa is the most visited town after the capital, making it for a great excursion from Muscat

Sometimes known as ‘The Pearl of Islam’, Nizwa is an ancient city and a must-visit for history buffs. This tour will give you the chance to explore the famous forts, mosques and souk with an experienced guide to help you delve into the city’s fascinating past.

You’ll then take a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bahla Fort, known for its striking architecture and mud bricks. You’ll get one last bit of culture on your way back to Muscat with a stop at Jabrin Fort. 

Duration: 8 hours
Distance from Muscat: 160km/2 hours 

This half-day private tour of Muscat will lead you on a whistlestop trip, taking in some of the city’s most famous sights.

The beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and its incredible architecture will be your first stop for the day before you head off to Old Muscat to visit a waterside market, stroll along the Muttrah Corniche and pick up all manner of souvenirs in the famous souk.

You’ll take in the Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Al-Mirani and then onto the official royal residence, Al Alam Palace.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance from Muscat: N/A

Thought to be approximately 1500 years old, Nakhal Fort is a great excursion in Oman for history and culture lovers.

The fort is set within a palm oasis at the foot of nearby mountains and was built by the Sassanids to repel Arab tribes.

Today you can see where some of the defenses would have been – like where boiling honey would have poured from to deter attacks.

You’ll then take in Al Thowarah Hot Springs before heading to another fort in the former Omani capital of Rustaq.  

Duration: 8 hours
Distance from Muscat: 85km/1 hour

Another great activity to in Oman is visiting Jebel Akhdar, one of Oman’s most famous sights (The Green Mountain), a must-visit for those traveling here.

The altitude of this mountain means it receives a lot more moisture than its arid surroundings, grows an abundance of fruit and stands out like a gem in this dry region.

You’ll also have a chance to visit the beautiful Saiq Plateau as well as Wadi Bani Habib, Shrejaya, Al Ain and Aqur.

Duration: 8 hours
Distance from Muscat: 170km/2.5 hours

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The perfect way to discover some of Oman’s most top areas of natural beauty, this day tour from Muscat will lead you to both the famous Wadi Shab Canyon and the cooling waters of the Bimah Sinkhole.

The emerald green pools at both areas have to be seen to be believed and you’ll have ample time to get a relaxing swim.

You’ll also drive through the seaside village of Quriyat and have a chance to wander along the white sands of the stunning Fins Beach. 

Duration: 8 hours
Distance from Muscat: 150km/1.5 hours 

Jebel Shams is the top-rated outdoor activity in Oman. Blend adventure and culture on this trip into Oman’s Al-Hajar mountain range

You’ll be driven along the winding mountain roads and take in the vertiginous peaks which soar up to 3000m, creating sweeping valleys below – the views are breathtaking.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Nizwa, learning about its long-reaching history, and visit the peak side village and town Al Hamra and Misfat Al Brein. 

Duration: 8 hours
Distance from Muscat: 240km/3.5 hours 

You’ll take to the water on this adventure as you hop into a kayak to paddle the fjords of Bandar Khayran and the magnificent sights that surround them.

Your trip will be perfectly timed to watch the sunset over the water as you drift past hidden coves and secret inlets.

After, you’ll head to your secluded beach camp where you’ll feast on a barbecue dinner and swap stories under the sparkling night sky. After a night of camping, you’ll enjoy breakfast on the beach before heading back to Muscat. 

Duration: Overnight
Distance from Muscat: 50km/40 minutes 

This experience will whisk you through some of the most famous tourist attractions that Oman has to offer.

You’ll enjoy a spot of culture exploring Nizwa and the Nakhl Fortress, take in the natural beauty of Wadi Bani Awf, Jebel Shams, Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab, visit the turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz and head to the desert to drive the dunes and camp out under the stars.

This 3-day tour around Oman shows off some of the country’s most beautiful sights, leading you from local markets, to desert camps, to canyons and oases.

You’ll have the chance to wander the streets of Fanya, Old Town Mudhairib, Ibra and Sur to learn more about the region’s history, take to the dunes for an overnight desert adventure and explore the havens of Wadi Shab and Bamah Sinkhole where you can take a cooling and revitalising dip. 

Definitely, one of the best multi-day tours available in Oman.

The Musandam Peninsula is an enclave of Oman within the United Arab Emirates and whilst it might be small, it has plenty to offer visitors looking for adventures. The below tours depart from the port city of Khasab.

Check my Musandam travel guide

Take to the water for a full-day cruise on Khor Ash Sham fjord as you sail peacefully on a dhow boat.

You’ll stop at picturesque spots like Telegraph Island, the village of Sham and Sibi Island to learn more about the area and take in the sights.

You’ll also have ample opportunity to jump into the turquoise waters for a swim and a snorkel, keeping your eyes peeled for colorful corals and local sea life. 

Duration: 6 hours

Leave the city of Khasab behind as you take a 4×4 up into the nearby mountains to the peak of Jebel Harim, 1800m above sea level.

From here you’ll have an incredible vantage point overlooking the Musandam Peninsula and down towards the Indian Ocean.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the local Bedouin people to learn more about their lives and discover the famous 3000 year old rock paintings near the village of Sayah. 

Duration: 3.5 hours

Khasab doesn’t just have to be a jumping-off point for other adventures, take some time and explore this historical port city for yourself.

This tour will lead you through the old streets where you’ll visit the Portuguese Khasab Fort, learn about the local history in the museum and then head out to Wadi Qadah to view prehistoric rock carvings thought to be over 2000 years old. There’s something for everyone. 

Duration: 3.5 hours

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Touring and doing excursions around Oman can be fun and comfortable but, do you wish to travel independently? Check:

• Independent travel in Oman
• How to go backpacking in Oman on an extreme budget
• Is Oman safe?

Additionally, check this list of the best hotels per area of the city in Muscat

Traveling to Saudi Arabia? Here you can find all my articles and guides to Saudi Arabia

And here’s a 7-day itinerary for the United Arab Emirates, starting in Dubai

… and the best activities, day trips and excursions from Dubai

Iran is so close to Oman, are you going there? Remember to check then my tips for visiting Iran