Sur
This prominent city enjoys a splendid coastal location looking out into the Gulf of Oman, and is situated just under 100 miles southwest of the country's capital of Muscat. Being next to the sea, Sur has enjoyed a long history of being an important stop for sailors, and its thriving shipbuilding industry still remains intact today.
Most visitors covering Oman normally reserve one or two days for Sur. Despite its compact size, it still packs plenty of activities to keep you busy. Take a stroll around the more-or-less undeveloped town center to see the traditional whitewashed stone houses and sleepy local life, or head to the shorefront when the tide is out to see locals kicking a ball about or enjoying a picnic on the sand. Look out for the turtles here too, which often make an appearance at night to lay their eggs before slinking back off into the ocean.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Ras Al Had Castle
This ancient building is one of the more prominent buildings in town, located next to Sur’s main beach and adjacent lagoon. The drive or short walk up to the top of the hill upon which the castle is perched offers some excellent views over the town, and the old building complex can be explored both inside and out.
Ras Al Jinz Scientific & Visitor Center
This center is found next to the city’s famed Turtle Beach, and aims to promote social responsibility and good environmental practices, with a particular focus on the region’s endangered turtle population. Inside, there’s a range of exhibits and information resources with English-speaking guides, and the organization also provides accommodation on the beach for those interested in seeing the turtles up-close and personal.
Sunaysilah Fort
One of two major fort sites in Sur, Sunaysilah is home to a renovated museum displaying a series of interesting historical items such as rifles, pottery, home ware, jewelry, and artifacts. The fort comprises four towers and there is also a former prison, mosque, and school that can be explored.
Turtle Beach
Sur’s main beach is named after the turtles that often make an appearance on the beach to lay eggs, bury them under the sand, and then march off back into the waters in the Gulf of Oman. The best time to spot the creatures is at night, and limited tented accommodation is provided by one organization.
Wadi Shab
Translating to ‘valley’ in Arabic, Wadi Shab is one of the most beautiful attractions in the whole country. Although you’ll need a whole day to get here and back from the city of Sur, the overland journey is well worth it. The site at Shab is made up of some stunning azure pools, steep valley walls and interesting rocky enclaves and caves that can be explored in a dingy.
Oman Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Northern Oman
Musandam Peninsula
Central Coastal
Dhofar
Multi-Country Specialists
Oman Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
An Arabian Odyssey
- Author
- Dave Stamboulis
With its charismatic cities and contrasting desert, mountain, and coastal landscapes, Oman is ideal quarry for an extended road trip.
Out of this world
- Author
- Duncan Forgan
Reputedly created when an asteroid struck Oman’s flat, arid, coastal strip, Bimmah Sinkhole is one of the Sultanate’s most stunning natural attractions.
Getting Down to Earth: Into the Wadis of Oman
- Author
- Jay Tindall
As the sunrise woke me, I got my first glimpse of Oman. The contrasting view of the beach below and the rocky Al Hajar mountains was a fitting introduction to a journey that would take me all over the diverse terrains of this fascinating country.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A family from New York
We truly had an amazing family vacation in Thailand...We cannot wait to do a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia with Remote Lands in the future.
