Round trip - Culture, nature & diving in Oman
Oman is a land of contrasts, where rugged mountains, quiet deserts and a colorful underwater world come together. On this trip you will discover the country both above and below the water, with five days of diving and a varied itinerary.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Tour of Oman & diving in the Gulf of Oman
Oman is one of those countries that keeps surprising you. It is a destination where ancient culture and overwhelming nature come together effortlessly. Think rugged mountain ranges, green oases and vast deserts, interspersed with clear blue seas. The landscape is enormously varied and therefore perfect for a round trip: the roads are good, distances clear and every day looks completely different.
On this trip you will start in Muscat, where you will get to know Omani culture, traditional souks and impressive architecture. Then you will head inland and discover the other side of the country: nature. You will travel through mountainous areas and visit several wadis, green riverbeds that wind through the landscape and are filled with clear water, palm trees and rock formations. Nature here is raw, pure and often unexpectedly green. You also have a chance to see baby turtles making their first steps. You will do all this with a private driver, who will pick you up at the hotel each morning and bring you back as well.
After all the impressions above water, you will end the trip relaxed by the sea, just below Muscat, with several days of diving. Under water, a world full of surprises awaits again: colorful macro, but also turtles, eagle rays, small sharks and regularly dolphins during the boat trips. Even whale sharks and orcas are occasionally spotted here. Oman is thus a destination that never ceases to amaze – both above and below the water.
Best travel time for a tour of Oman
The best travel time for touring Oman is from October to April. The weather is most pleasant then to do various excursions to the desert and wadis. This period is also when there is the greatest chance of seeing whale sharks. Turtles can be seen throughout the year, but the peak period is in August and September. Keep in mind that it is very hot during the summer months.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Oman
Since the water temperature can vary between 26 degrees at the surface and 22 degrees below the thermocline, we recommend at least a 5mm wetsuit and an extra hood for diving.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Flight to Muscat
Today your adventure diving trip to Oman starts with an approximately 9-10 hour flight to Muscat, including a stopover. Given the time difference and flight duration, you will arrive in Muscat on day 2.
After arriving at Muscat airport, a cab will be waiting for you to take you to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day to recover from the trip and explore downtown Muscat.
Muscat is the capital of Oman and is located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The city is the administrative heart of the country. With a history dating back to ancient times, Muscat is a captivating mix of modern skyscrapers and upscale shopping malls, interspersed with impressive cliffside monuments. From the cliffs, the 16th-century Portuguese forts Al Jalali and Al Mirani overlook Muscat harbor. Over the next few days you will have the chance to get to know this extraordinary city better.
Day 3 | City tour of Muscat
The first 2 days of the trip you will explore Muscat. You will start the day with a good breakfast at the hotel and then be picked up by the guide.
After picking up at the hotel, you will visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Oman’s largest mosque. Then continue to the Royal Opera House, Oman’s cultural center of music, art and culture. Next, explore the historic district of Muttrah, where you will visit the traditional Muttrah Souq. This market has been around for almost two centuries and breathes history. Here you can have lunch at a local restaurant and taste the local specialties.
In the afternoon visit Bait Al Zubair, a private museum with an extraordinary collection of Omani utensils and heritage. You will also make a brief photo stop at the Al Alam Palace, one of the official palaces of Sultan Qaboos, and at the Mirani and Jalali forts.
Later in the afternoon return to the hotel to relax and recover from the day’s impressions.
Day 4 | Muscat - Nizwa - Jebel Akhdar
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and start the drive to Oman’s ancient capital, Nizwa. Visit the impressive Nizwa Fort, one of Oman’s most iconic sights, known for its huge round tower and panoramic views of the city. Then explore the adjacent Nizwa Souq, famous for traditional Omani crafts, pottery, silver jewelry and spices.
Then continue on the road to Wadi Al Madeen, where there is a checkpoint. From here begins a winding 36 km route to Jebel Akhdar (2000 meters above sea level), the green jewel of the Al Hajjar Mountains. This is a unique place in the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy the cool mountain air and spectacular scenery.
Jebel Akhdar is known for its fruit orchards, which are often terraced along the mountain slopes. These slopes are fed by natural springs and the traditional drainage system, the aflaj. Scattered throughout the area are picturesque villages such as Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of old houses) and Al Ain, which offer views of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. In March and April, the roses of Jebel Akhdar fill the air with their fragrance and rose water is distilled in villagers’ homes.
In the late afternoon visit a spectacular vantage point for sunset, with panoramic views of terraced landscapes and deep gorges, beautifully illuminated by the golden evening light.
Dinner and overnight at a hotel on Jebel Akhdar.
Day 5 | Jebel Akhdar - Grand Canyon Visit
After breakfast at the hotel, head out for the famous Balcony Walk on Jebel Shams. This walk follows the Al Nakhur Rim Hike, also known as the W6 route, and is a moderately challenging hike. For those who are adventurous, physically fit and not afraid of heights, this route is an exciting and fun way to explore the area.
Next, you will visit the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Oman, located near the village of Ghul. Often called the “Oman Grand Canyon” or the “Grand Canyon of Arabia,” this natural gorge reaches depths of up to 1 kilometer at some points.
You will then continue to the picturesque Al Hamra, where you can visit the Bait Al Safah Museum. After the museum visit, continue to the village of Misfat Al Abrayeen, where you can take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in the charm of this traditional mountain village.
At the end of the day, return to the hotel for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Day 6 | Overnight in desert Wahiba Sands
After breakfast at the hotel check out and depart for Birkat Al Mouz, a green oasis with fruit trees and an ancient village on the hill. Here you will see the traditional falaj system, Oman’s ancient irrigation system.
Then the journey continues to the Sharqiyah Sands (Wahiba Sands), a vast sea of red and white sand dunes up to 200 meters high, an impressive backdrop for photography and exceptionally beautiful to behold.
You will visit a traditional Bedouin house, meet the locals and learn about their nomadic life and customs.
At the end of the day you will arrive at the desert camp, where you can enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the dunes. You will sleep this night in the desert in Wahiba Sands.
Day 7 | Wadi Bani Khalid and Ras Al Jinz
After breakfast at the hotel you will depart for the beautiful east coast, but of course with several stops along the way. The first stop is at Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful oasis with crystal clear turquoise pools among impressive rock formations and palm trees. Here you will have time to relax, take photos or even take a refreshing dip.
Then drive along the scenic coastal road to Ras Al Jinz and check in at the Turtle Beach Resort. The rest of the evening is free to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Later in the evening, accompanied by a guide, you will make a night visit to the beach for turtle watching, where you may be able to see the extraordinary nesting process of the endangered Green Sea Turtle.
Day 8 | Ras al Jinz & return to Muscat
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Muscat again. On the way, make a short stop at the Sur Dhow Factory, where you can see how Omani craftsmen build traditional wooden boats, an ancient craftsmanship that has remained unchanged.
Next you will visit the spectacular Wadi Shab, where you will take a scenic walk among towering cliffs and emerald green pools. The highlight is a final swim through a narrow gorge to a hidden waterfall in a cave.
Then stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole, an impressive limestone crater filled with turquoise water, ideal for a refreshing swim or beautiful photos.
At the end of the day you will continue your drive to the hotel in Muscat. You will stay this week at the Hilton Al Bandar, a perfect place by the sea. It has a private beach, pool, extensive spa and is close to the port. The hotel is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Muscat.
Day 9 to 13 | Diving around Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island
The next five days are all about diving. You will make two boat dives each day in the waters around Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island, one of Oman’s most beautiful diving areas.
You’ll dive with the dive center Extra Divers Qantab Dive Centre, located at the marina of the Hilton Muscat Al Bandar in the impressive Jissah Bay. Most dive sites are only 15 to 30 minutes away by boat, meaning you’ll spend a lot of time underwater.
The dive sites are very varied: from colorful coral gardens and gently sloping reefs to steep walls and an impressive wreck. You have a chance to encounter morays, rays, turtles, reef sharks, large schools of fish and colorful nudibranchs. An absolute highlight is the Al Munassir wreck, which is overgrown with soft corals and teeming with marine life.
During the boat trips between the dive sites there is a good chance of spotting dolphins. Regularly they swim along with the boat, which makes every diving day extra special.
Diving is always done in small groups, accompanied by experienced guides. For non-divers there are plenty of alternatives, such as snorkeling trips, dolphin excursions and relaxing boat trips along the coast.
Day 14 | Last day in Oman
No more dives are scheduled on this day, so you can quietly enjoy your last moments in Oman. The Hilton Muscat Al Bandar offers plenty of opportunities to fill your day. You can relax on the private beach or by the pools, stroll through the lush gardens, try water sports like kayaking, supping or jet skiing, or pamper yourself in the extensive spa. There are also several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy lunch or dinner while overlooking the Gulf of Oman. For those who want to be active for a while, there are fitness facilities, tennis courts and opportunities for a boat trip or dolphin excursion in the area. So you’ll end your trip peacefully, with a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Day 15 | Return home
After breakfast, your transfer will be arranged to the Muscat airport. On the way, you can enjoy the impressive landscape of Oman. You fly back with great memories of a varied round trip full of culture, nature and diving experiences, and of a country that continues to offer surprises both above and below the water.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from Oman?
Diving in the Gulf of Oman
Just below Muscat, you dive the waters of the Gulf of Oman, an area known for its variety and surprises. The dive sites combine coral gardens, walls and wrecks with rich marine life. You’ll see lots of macro, as well as turtles, eagle rays and small sharks. During the boat trips, there is a good chance of seeing dolphins swimming along. With some luck, even whale sharks or orcas will be spotted.
Nature of the interior
Oman’s interior shows a completely different face than the coast. You travel through rugged mountain landscapes, past deep gorges and green wadis where clear water flows through palm forests. These natural riverbeds form oases in the arid landscape and provide a surprising amount of greenery. Good roads and short distances make it easy to combine different landscapes, giving you a very varied view of Oman in a short time.
Culture in Muscat
Muscat is a gentle introduction to Oman and offers a nice balance between tradition and modernity. You visit mosques, palaces and souks and get a good picture of daily life in the country. Along the coast and at Ras Al Jinz you will also get to know Oman’s special nature, where sea turtles lay their eggs. This combination of culture and coastal nature gives a complete picture of the country.
The accommodations
The stay and surroundings
During the round trip you will stay in different accommodations, subject to availability. You start with three nights in Muscat in a comfortable hotel by the sea. You will then spend two nights in Jebel Akhdar, in a hotel in the middle of the mountains. Then you will stay one night in a desert camp in Wahiba Sands and one night in Ras Al Hadd, close to the turtle beaches.
After this tour, you will continue to the hotel just below Muscat, where you will spend several days diving in the waters of the Gulf of Oman. All accommodations have been chosen based on location and comfort, so you can relax and be well rested during the trip.
Hilton Muscat Al Bandar
The Hilton Muscat Al Bandar is located in the beautiful Barr Al Jissah complex, between the mountains and the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Oman. The resort features stylish rooms and suites, all with balconies or terraces and sea, pool or garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
You will find several restaurants and bars, including an all-day restaurant and several specialty restaurants. Guests also have access to additional restaurants, beach and pool facilities at the adjacent resorts within the same complex.
The resort offers a long private beach, several pools and a lazy river. There are also plenty of water sports facilities and an extensive spa, located in a peaceful, green setting. The hotel is family-friendly and is committed to sustainability through a turtle conservation program.
Muscat airport is about a 45-minute drive away. Muscat city center and shopping centers are easily accessible, and various excursions and activities can be organized from the hotel.
The dive center
The diving school and facilities
You will dive with Extra Divers Qantab, a renowned dive organization with dive centers around the world. In Oman, Extra Divers has three permanent dive sites and a liveaboard.
The dive center in Qantab is headed by base leader Jen-Lee, who has over 25 years of diving experience and has earned her spurs in the international diving and hospitality world. Together with the team, she provides professional and personal guidance so that your diving experience in Oman is safe, relaxed and special.
The international team speaks multiple languages, including English, German, Dutch, French, Italian, Arabic and African. Diving, introduction dives and training are offered according to SSI standards. In addition to diving, Extra Divers also organizes snorkeling trips, dolphin excursions and sunset cruises.
The dive center is fully equipped with well-maintained dive equipment, multiple dive boats and modern facilities, including nitrox for certified divers, a workshop and a small boutique with dive supplies and souvenirs.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is NZD 8.595 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from NZD 8.595 p.p.
- Round trip
- 7 nights on a bed & breakfast basis
- Dinner on days 4, 6 & 7
- Private car with driver
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees for said tours and excursions
- Diving
- 7 nights on a bed & breakfast basis
- Dive package with 10 dives
- General
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Muscat / Salalah from NZD 1.172 p.p.
- Visa Oman - 20 OMR = NZD 98
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Dhow Cruise trip on day 2 (€65 p.p.)
- Nitrox (€4.50 per dive)
Send this trip by email
Want to save or share the details of this trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Round trip & general
You will stay in different hotels based on availability. For this reason, we have not mentioned the hotels in this trip. In your travel proposal, we will of course mention hotels.
When visiting the mosque, you should dress modestly and, as a woman, cover your head with a scarf. Avoid shorts, beachwear or sleeveless clothing for both men and women. It is recommended that you wear shoes that you can easily remove, as you must remove your shoes to enter.
Oman is an Islamic country and visitors are expected to be mindful of local customs. In public areas such as souks, villages and shopping malls, modest dress is appreciated.
For women, this means that it is better not to wear revealing clothing, such as dresses with thin straps, miniskirts, shorts or low-cut tops. Clothing that covers the shoulders and pants or skirts over the knee are recommended.
Men prefer to wear a shirt and long pants in public. Shorts and beachwear are only appropriate at the beach or pool.
Payment on site is possible in cash and by credit card. Cash payments are accepted in Omani rial (OMR). Payments in other currencies are subject to a 7% surcharge due to exchange rate charges.
Payment by credit card is also possible; this is subject to a 3% credit card surcharge. Please note that pre-2007 U.S. dollar bills are generally not accepted in Oman.
Diving
Only boat dives will be conducted. Diving here is possible for any level, including introductory dives. The maximum group size per guide is 5 divers.
All dive sites around Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island are between 15 to 30 minutes by speedboat.
In total, there are about 20 different dive sites, with visibility ranging from 5 to 20 meters.
Yes, that is possible.
No, all dives are made by boat on the surrounding dive sites.
You can, SSI courses are offered.
Yes, but a shuttle can also be arranged.
Yes, you can with liveaboard Oman Explorer, managed by Extra Divers Worldwide. The same diving school as in Muscat. The liveaboard has been sailing in Oman since 2011 and accommodates 22 divers in 11 comfortable cabins. The international team consists of 10 crew members and 1-2 dive guides. Three to four dives per day are included, excluding the day of embarkation and disembarkation. Accommodation on board is on a full board basis, including coffee, tea, juice and water, with afternoon snacks. Beer and wine are available for a fee.
Feel free to ask us for more information or view this trip. Of course you can combine this with a tour of Oman prior to the liveaboard or afterwards.
Diving equipment
The tanks are DIN, but INT adapters are available.
Yes, but these must be requested in advance.
Yes, the cost of using nitrox is 2 OMR per dive. This converts to about €4.50.
This is by request.
Related diving trips
We are EWDR
