Example Itinerary

Sea, Sand & Sail in Amazing Oman

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Oman

Oman’s diverse terrain, fascinating blend of cultures and undeniable natural beauty are all wrapped up perfectly in this six-day trip, which takes you from Muscat to Al Hamra, Wahiba Sands, Ras al Jinz and then back to the capital. Perfect for the adventure seeker, three of the four nights here are spent away from the luxury of a hotel; let the ocean waves gently lull you to sleep in the decks of a catamaran, set up camp on the vast dunes of Wahiba Sands, and stay at Ras al Jinz’s scientific center in an effort to catch a glimpse of the elusive sea turtles frequenting the beach at night. Other highlights include stops at Sur, where you’ll explore ancient forts - not forgetting an afternoon spent visiting the long list of cultural attractions in the city of Nizwa. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Dune Bashing: Travelers can go sandboarding or dune-bashing in a 4WD and spend their evenings stargazing into the clear, quiet nights of the Omani desert.
  • Turtle Hatching: Wildlife lovers can explore a 27-mile coastline and experience one of the largest nesting areas for green turtles in the Indian Ocean.
  • Snorkeling & Diving: Sail to the Ad Dimaniyat Islands for some of the clearest waters in all of Oman, where travelers can get under the waves on the north side of the islands to look for coral, turtles, and maybe even a whale shark.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Muscat

Arrive in the capital, Muscat. You will be met at the airport by your private car, driver, and guide for your transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. We suggest exploring the souk or enjoying a seaside meal at the corniche.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Al Bustan Palace is in a divinely-scenic location, nestled between the jagged Al Hajar mountain range and the sparkling Sea of Oman.

Services: Every whim is attended to here with a comprehensive and personal service, reflecting the Omani hospitality and cultural way of life.

History: Muscat has a rich history that is believed to date back to the 6th millenium BC. The authentic architecture found concealed down rustic winding roads are redolent of the past and a display of ancient cultural heritage.

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Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Facilities: The Jumierah Muscat has everything one could want from a seaside retreat, from relaxing spa treatments, three outdoor pools, and beach to salon, tennis courts, and a wide selection of food and beverage.

Cuisine: Unabashedly seafood-forward and elegant, the dining venues at Jumeirah Muscat marries its beachside location, cultural heritage, and stylish vibes on the plate.

Premium Amenities: Higher tier villas and summer houses are esconced on an exclusive stretch of white-sand beach and include luxurious amenities such as 24/7 butler service, private pools, whirlpools and Jacuzzis, private gym, and access to the Premium Leisure Lounge.

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Jumeirah Muscat Bay Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Map

Ad Dimaniyat Islands

This morning, transfer to the Wave Marina, where you’ll be met by trained team members and given a short introduction and safety briefing. Depart Muscat’s glistening bay for a leisurely sail towards the Ad Dimaniyat Islands. There’s diving and snorkeling opportunities on the way, with the best underwater excursions on the north side of the islands. Enjoy a sunset dinner and overnight stay on your catamaran.

Hotel Options
About

Choose among a fleet of luxury private charter boats, from modern to traditional, to explore the majesty and mystery of Oman’s waters. Cruise along the vivid shoreline with its sheltered coves, golden sandy shores, desolate islands, and also discover marine life beneath the surface.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Ad Dimaniyat Islands
Ad Dimaniyat Islands

Day 3

Map

Al Hamra

Head to the Marina at Mussanah in the morning after a breakfast on the water. Back on dry land, the tour proceeds to Al Hamra via Wadi bani Auf - a gorgeous valley that sinks deep into the mountainside. The 50-mile route to Al Hamra passes some charming scenery and quaint local villages - remember to look out for the date plantations for which this region has become so famous.

Hotel Options
About

Located on the rocky slopes of Jabal Shams mountain, The View in Al Hamra boasts breathtaking views from its elevated platform of 4,593 feet. As the very first eco-luxe retreat of its kind in Oman, it features 30 unique and distinctively designed pod-style rooms, all enveloped in refreshingly exotic vegetation.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Al Hamra
Al Hamra

Day 4

Map

Wahiba Sands

Depart your hilltop hotel in the mountainous town of Al Hamra, making your way towards the built-up city of Nizwa, the second-most visited in the country. A half-day tour takes you to the famous Round Tower Fort and the main ‘souq’ for an unforgettable shopping experience. Continue on to Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of desert terrain characterized by flowing red dunes stretching for hundreds of miles. Enjoy dinner next to your campsite before tucking yourself in for the night under the stars.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Remote Location: The camp is secluded in the desert, with endless silken sands in all directions and spectacular craggy mountains in the distance. Guests literally go off the beaten path to find this desert camp oasis which offers luxury in complete isolation.

Desert Experiences: A variety of experiences are offered to keep you busy, from sunset camel safaris and a visit to a Bedouin family’s home, to quad biking and dune bashing.

Family Friendly: A getaway to the middle of the desert can be fun for the whole family with exciting kid-friendly activities such as camel rides and sand boarding on the dunes, comfort food options at the in-house restaurant, and a children’s play area suitable for toddlers and recreation room for older children and teens.

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Desert Nights Camp Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Remote Location: Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands is situated right in the heart of Sharqiya Sands, a 40-minute drive from the nearest road. This seclusion immerses visitors in desert life and guests can enjoy a peaceful retreat in the "middle of nowhere."

Sustainability: Magic Camps has a number of eco-friendly and responsible initiatives, including minimal plastic use, solar and battery energy rather than using a generator, eco bath amenities and choosing local products, especially in design. Quad bikes and dune buggies are forbidden, as the camp aims to emulate an authentic desert experience akin to Bedouin nomads, who leave no trace in their environment.

Chic Design: Remote, authentic and sustainable doesn't mean that design can't be fresh, contemporary and homely. Decor uses neutral-toned palettes, juxtaposing textures (many from natural materials and artisan detailing such as textiles and weaving) and a distinct "rustic chic" theme.

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Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands Preferred Hotel

Day 5

Map

Sur

Pack up your bags on the dunes and take a quick look at a nearby Bedouin house - a great opportunity to see how locals live in the vast desert wilderness. The route to Ras al Jinz, the final stop of the day, takes you past the coastal town of Sur, with visits to a popular fish jetty, a fort and a boat factory. Upon arrival at Ras al Jinz, check in at the local scientific center before making the short walk to the beach, escorted by trained guides ready to watch turtles coming to nest on the sands.

Hotel Options
About

The Ras Al Haad nature reserve is one of Oman’s hidden gems, located on the eastern shores of the secluded Arabian peninsula. The reserve is set in a scenic setting, where travelers can discover a surreal landscape of rugged mountains and golden deserts, hugged by an expansive 27-mile glistening shoreline.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Sur
Sur

Day 6

Map

Departure

On this final day of the trip you’ll be returning to Muscat, although there’s plenty of time to squeeze in more activities before your departure, such as a quick swim at ‘Fins Beach’ and also a worthwhile stop-off at Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with turquoise water down below. The return to Muscat in the afternoon marks the end of this short but remarkable five-day trip across Oman.

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.

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