Things to do & places to visit in Ash-Sharqiyah Governorate, Oman

Ash-Sharqiyah Governorate #3 destination in Oman 2023. The average rating score is 4.41 based on 5.548 traveler reviews, of 38 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Muscat, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 5:15.

Top things to do (46)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Old Castle Museum (22 reviews)
- Al Kamil Old Castle Museum
Castles • History Museums

We have visited the museum several days ago (Dec 2019). Very nice and interesting private museum. Many exhibits, real exhibitis of the several generations of the family. Our guide was very nice man, told us a lot about the history of the castle and answered our questions. Finally, a very tasty traditional coffee with dates. Beatiful exhibition. I really recommend to make a stop there when travelling to or from the desert. You could park your car very near the museum, don´t worry to enter the gate to the square area. Všem cestovatelům doporučuji se na tomto místě zastavit, stojí to opravdu za to. See more..
5.0 Marvelous Sur (5 reviews)
- Cool souq walking tour in Sur, Oman
Walking Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

I Went on a great walking tour through the souq in Sur, Oman. We also went around the area to look at traditional Omani doors. The souq is filled with material to make clothes, silver and gold jewelry shops, and perfume shops. The guides are expats living in Sur and are very knowledgable about the city and the culture. Contact them on Instagram @marvelous_sur. See more..
5.0 Souq Sinaw (4 reviews)
- Unbedingt besuchen - aber Kamele sind nur ein Randphänomen dieses Marktes, ...
Farmers Markets

... der jede Woche am Donnerstag und am Freitag stattfindet.
Beduinen, die teils auch aus weiter entfernten Bereichen kommen, verkaufen hier nämlich in SINĀV auch Vieh anderer Art und decken sich mit Lebensmitteln in dem benachbarten, sehr spektakulären SŪQ ein.
Sināv hätte es deshalb sehr verdient, wenn dieser SŪQ als eine besondere Attraktion auch vom TRIPADVISOR unter der Rubrik ATTRAKTIONEN /AKTIVITÄTEN registriert werden würde !!
Nicht nur der Sooq hätte eine solche Beachtung verdient, sondern außerdem auch noch die ALTSTADT von Sināv. Sie befindet sich am Westrand des heutigen Stadtkerns und sie umfasst die zwei Bereiche Al Barashid und Al Savafah. Die Lehmbautenkomplexe dieser beiden Teile sind heute menschenleer und verrotten jetzt langsam vor sich hin.
Dieses nicht sehr kleine Areal ist sehr interessant und der Eintritt ist frei. So kann man die einzelnen, teilweise spektakulären Bauten problemlos betreten. Mitunter kann man sogar von einem Haus ins nächste gelangen – es ist dies ein richtiges Labyrinth. Man sollte allerdings im Erdgeschoss der Häuser bleiben, denn die Böden einzelner Gebäude machen einen sehr maroden Eindruck. Wir sind nur an Stellen nach oben gegangen, an denen die Stufen aus Stein waren.
Dieses bemerkenswerte Ensemble von Bauten aus einer vergangenen Zeit liegt etwas abseits vom ‘Beaten Track‘ des Tourismus und wir haben dies sehr genossen. Zum Zeitpunkt unserer Anwesenheit (Feb 22) waren wir die einzigen Besucher und dieses völlige Fehlen von Menschen gab diesem Ambiente ein bezauberndes Flair. See more..
5.0 Arabian Sea Adventures (4 reviews)
- Great place for day trip to sea dolphins, turtles & fishing.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Waterskiing & Jetskiing • Fishing Charters & Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Kayaking & Canoeing

Great place for water sports activities, dolphins seeing, turtles seeing, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. We really enjoyed the fishing trip. See more..
5.0 The British Bench (2 reviews)
- The British Bench
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a magical spot. The bench is located on the Southern point of the island and also offers views of the West and East coasts. Directions… If you are traveling clockwise around the Southern point, look out for the sign to Bu Rassas Beach, from here is an off road track, walk or drive towards the beach and head to the rocky outcrop towards the right hand side, you can park up on the flat vantage point. The bench is hidden from view but if you walk on another 10 meters you will see it. It was made and erected by 3 RAF staff, Rick, Martyn and Vic in July 1997. It is a great place for a picnic, but please take some extra bin liners to help with the litter effort in the area. See more..
5.0 Wadi Adventure (1 review)
- It was just perfect!
Multi-day Tours • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Private Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

I had amazing experience with Wadi Adventure Oman team! I cannot thank their staff members enough for making my trip to Wadi Hawir memorable. Wadi Adventure team is fully equipped with knowledge and skills to tackle all obstacles while allowing the utmost fun. Activities in the trip including (hiking, swimming, abseiling, etc), lunch is offered through some of the local restaurants which makes the trip extremely enjoyable. we had Asim Al Blushi as our leader and he was super accommodating and helpful. I could not have asked for a better leader! See more..
5.0 Wahiba . Alsharqia sand (1 review)
- A sublime experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Food Tours • Day Trips

We didn't stay at any of the over-priced desert camps. We stayed at a nice hotel in Bidiyah (Oriental Nights Rest House) and arranged a private tour to visit the sands to catch the sunrise. The entry into the sands was about 20 minutes drive from our hotel. Once you enter there's just a vastness of sand stretching in all directions. The sand was cold to touch, we climbed slippery sand dunes to reach a spot for catching the sun rise. The sand looks silver, golden, brown, red, yellow depending on what kind of light is reflected off it :) it was sublime. We happened to be the only 2 visitors as far as we could see. Before the sunrise, you can catch comets and parts of the galaxy in the sky, so don't miss those. Also don't miss the mist descending on the dunes to bring moisture to the vegetation there. We didn;t care for camel rides or bedoiun experiences, so we skipped those. But our driver Idris did take us to see his camel on our way back from the dunes. Remember to enjoy the sands, but do not litter. Sure, the shifting sands will cover up your trash, but we won't wish anyone to cut their foot on abandoned beer bottle shards while climbing up and down the dunes barefoot (we ourselves missed it narrowly.) I filled some containers of the fine sand as a souvenir. It wasn't any problem with the customs staff at the airport. See more..
5.0 Safa'iq Grave Site (1 review)
- Safa’iq Ancient Grave site
Historic Sites

This is a stunning ancient grave site. To locate it travel from Hilf half way down the Western coastal road to the Mosque at Murseys. where the road cuts across the Island. From here the grave site is around 1km further South on the Westerly road. As you drive South along the road look for a prominent mound on your left. If you walk from the road to the mound you will see the grave site which is around 200m from the road. If you have keen eyes you can see the grave site from the road, The mound is worth a walk around and you can also hike/scramble to the top which gives some inspiring views. See more..
4.5 Wadi Shab (1.538 reviews)
- Amazing!!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Geologic Formations

We reached the Wadi from Sur (40 mins approx.) and we started the visit by our own. The tour starts from the parking of the wadi where you have to take a boat to reach the opposite coast where the hike starts (1 OMR per person). During the hike we met a local guide who guided us through all the path (for any info his WhatsApp number is +96894141616 and his ig page is “oman_raw_explorer”) and his company was very precious for us since in some points you do not immediately recognize which is the right way to go through. Once you arrive to the first natural pool (approx after 30mins walking) you start swimming and you will reach the cave where a stunning view will astonish you. I strongly recommend this adventure and even better if you’re guided by a local person who will explain and guide you safely through all the path. See more..
4.5 Wadishab (1.527 reviews)
- Amazing!!
Open now - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Geologic Formations

We reached the Wadi from Sur (40 mins approx.) and we started the visit by our own.
The tour starts from the parking of the wadi where you have to take a boat to reach the opposite coast where the hike starts (1 OMR per person).
During the hike we met a local guide who guided us through all the path (for any info his WhatsApp number is +96894141616 and his ig page is “oman_raw_explorer”) and his company was very precious for us since in some points you do not immediately recognize which is the right way to go through.
Once you arrive to the first natural pool (approx after 30mins walking) you start swimming and you will reach the cave where a stunning view will astonish you.
I strongly recommend this adventure and even better if you’re guided by a local person who will explain and guide you safely through all the path. See more..
4.5 Wadi Bani Khalid (850 reviews)
- Beautiful Nature
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Wadi is amazing. Its desert meets tropical climate meets fresh water meets mountains. Really nice temperature to swim in as well. Even in the summer months! What I don't see here is guidance that the water is actually quite deep. Reaching over 3 meters at some points so recommended that you are a decent swimmer. See more..
4.5 Wahiba Sands (311 reviews)
- Worth being mentioned ...
Deserts

Having been to several deserts in various different countries before, I hadn't any specific expectations as to the sunset. I was nevertheless surprised at the quality of the camp we stayed at overnight. The lodgement (tent like, despite the air conditioning and private bathroom); the open fire place gathering; the swimming pool (tank like); the buffet restaurant and even the oryx and gazelle areas should be mentioned. See more..
4.5 Turtle Beach (272 reviews)
- An Unforgettable Experience
Beaches

This was one of my highlights during my trip in Oman. We woke up around 4:00 am to go to the beach. There was one guide who took us around. His English wasn't that good but it was still understandable. We were very lucky and saw more than one turtle laying eggs as well as little baby turtles running towards the ocean. We also saw some bioluminescent plankton that made the ocean sparkle! A truly unforgettable experience! See more..
4.5 Wadi Tiwi (189 reviews)
- Once in a lifetime sight
Geologic Formations

Recently visited this incredible Wadi thanks to Lina Assad (instagram: @assad_lina) who gives tours of Oman and had connections to the Wadi. I spent 10 days in the UAE and Oman and this was by far the highlight. It's such a pure, beautiful place at the heart of a perfect mountain village. I would definitely recommend using Lina's services, as she is well connected to the local omani who love to show this wadi to visitors. See more..
4.5 Coastal Trip Tourism (15 reviews)
- Excellent driver and guide
Friday: 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

My husband and I recently did a 5 days tour with Salim and had a great time with him. He is first of all an amazing person, but also a very safe, experienced, knowledgeable and friendly driver and guide. From the first time I got in contact with him for arranging the tour he has been very professional, always replying promptly with very precise information and suggesting the perfect tour for us. During the tour he has been amazing, always on time, flexible with our family needs and particularly caring with our 10 months baby, who loved him from the very fist moment he met him. Salim has been really understanding during the tour, and never pushed us to see and do things that weren't of interest for us. He was also very good at recommending accommodation and restaurants. We really enjoyed our tour and highly recommend him to anyone who wants to visit a beautiful country such Oman with an experienced and lovely local guide. Thank you again Salim and all the very best from the three of us! See more..
4.5 Chantiers Naval de Boutres (8 reviews)
- Excellent and interesting location to see the construction of the wooden Dhows
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

You will not find in any of the Gulf states such a place, they all switched to fiberglass boats. This it the last one left and it is really amazing. They do bring specialists from India to do the work, but it is truly amazing. Not to be missed. See more..
4.5 Mosque of Domes (2 reviews)
- Travel to the past
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
The whole town is full of old buildings to visit and experience the old temples, castles and forts architecture. If you find the mosque closed the man living on the house in the corner at the left of the qibla niche holds the key and opens for you to have nice pictures. See more..
4.5 Bammah Beach (2 reviews)
- Amazing
Beaches

This is a great place to go and to see the nature in Sur Please note that this is not a tourist place that is promoted This is a place with local traditions and with a natural beauty I really recommend to all to come and see See more..
4.5 Al Ayjah Watch Tower (2 reviews)
- Al Ayjah Watch Tower
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Al Ayjah tower connect Sur City with Ras Al Had. It is a great place to observe the city from above the hill. You can see the factory of the woden ships as it is part of Oman heritage and Sur Culture. There is a water fall available but it is created one. The watch tower is so incredible and a must see site. Visitors would walk in to the top of the hill and can take pictures for the city. Rented boat trips are also available .. The place was amazing. No charges to see the watch tower as it is a good place for tourists. See more..
4.5 Al Ayjah Watch Tower (2 reviews)
- Al Ayjah Watch Tower
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Al Ayjah tower connect Sur City with Ras Al Had. It is a great place to observe the city from above the hill. You can see the factory of the woden ships as it is part of Oman heritage and Sur Culture. There is a water fall available but it is created one. The watch tower is so incredible and a must see site. Visitors would walk in to the top of the hill and can take pictures for the city. Rented boat trips are also available .. The place was amazing. No charges to see the watch tower as it is a good place for tourists. See more..
4.0 Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (501 reviews)
- Hotel on a Turtle Reserve
Friday: Nature & Wildlife Areas

We stayed in the rustic luxury eco tents. The luxury tents offer a sense of clam and tranquillity that you won't necessarily get in the main part of the but area 5 minute walk to the lobby for breakfast and dinner. The food could be better, but we did not come here for that so won't overly fussed. Thoroughly enjoyed the turtle watching experience, we saw a turtle laying eggs as as well as a baby turtle trying to make its way to the sea. The tour lasted approx 75 mins and was a wonderful experience, thanks to our guide who was very knowledgeable. My only suggestions to truly make this an exo turtle reserve and not a hotel built on a turtle reserve would be to: 1) Limit the number of people each night. The event is generally well managed with people split into small groups and the guides outlining the rules and 2) Stop people driving on the beach. I have no idea why this is allowed but surely it presents a danger to the turtles. See more..
4.0 Ras al Hadd Castle (54 reviews)
- The atmosphere
Castles

The whole area around here has a special feel of authentic / real Oman. The goats around and everywhere, the local children playing around, the colors of the earth and the houses... the castle itself , to us, was one more of others we have seen, but maybe this atmosphere of far away, local, authentic, it gave it a special feeling , as if time had not passed here. See more..
4.0 Bilad Sur Castle (22 reviews)
- Free to visit...
Spent < 1 hour Castles

...and beautifully restored. Whilst it would be great to have a few bits of info around, there are some spectacular views to be had from the walls. See more..
3.5 Sur Maritime Museum (117 reviews)
- Small but interesting
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Wandering around the display of old dhows and other boats is interesting, though you don't need long for this little collection, but it's the chance to see the dhows being built nearby which is most fascinating - traditional techniques are still used and you can see the skeletons of the boats ready to be transformed into luxurious crafts. I doubt we'd have found the boatyard without our guide although you can just wander in to see the collection on the seafront easily enough. See more..
3.5 Sunaysilah Fort (37 reviews)
- Great for a quick stop while in Sur
Historic Sites

If you are in Sur this is a great quick stop for photography. Lots of pretty pottery, etc. Great viewing and photo opportunities of the town. We were on a cruise excursion so we had good explanation and information but if you are on your own I did not notice a lot of info but still interesting to see. You probably only need less than 30 minutes to cover it all and take photos. See more..
3.5 Ibra Ladies Souk (26 reviews)
- Local colourful market
Speciality & Gift Shops

We stayed in Ibra and by pure chance got to visit Wednesday's Women Market. It puts into contest what we saw at Muscat International Festival: local and tribal and exciting. See more..
3.5 Bibi Maryam Mausoleum (23 reviews)
- Mysterious Site
Ancient Ruins

The sites now under restoration. It is easy to see from highway road Sur-Muscat. To get there, you have to reach exit way to Qalhat (ancient city of Qalhat), then follow the road until sign board Madinat Qalhat standing in the left side. Park the car before slope, and you can walk 10 minutes. Still questionable who buried in this building, but people believe the queen Kingdom of Hormuz (Bibi Maryam) buried in this place. The place once famous in ancient map, and also visited by Ibn Batuta and Marco Polo, before Portuguese army sacked and burn the city. See more..
3.5 Jami al-Hamoda Mosque (7 reviews)
- beautiful old mosque
Religious Sites

Roof is made up of mud brick.There are a series of raised domes.Washing area is most attractive feature as it is a natural spring See more..
3.5 Al Saleel National Park (5 reviews)
- Casual Trip
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

-The saleel Nature Park is a natural habitat of the Arabian Gazelles spread over 200 Sq.KMs -The location is in between SUR to Al Kamil Highway; take right hand exit inside 21 KMS -Normal 2WD / saloon is car will be OK -Office is open during week days and prior permission is required to venture in to the forest in a safari car arranged by the sanctuary free of cost, during weekends can be arranged subject to availability of the driver. -Outside of the main forest gate, they have large gazing yards with few hundred Gazelles on either side of the place. -Visitor can get in to the yard to see and photograph the animals. - NO shops nears by, so take some snacks or drinks -Min 30-45 mIn can be spent there. See more..
Sands Dream Tours (0 review)
Hiking & Camping Tours

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