Our most recommended things to do in Muscat

From Muscat: Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole Full-Day Tour

1. From Muscat: Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole Full-Day Tour

Discover the incredible oasis of Wadi Shab - one of the last places in Oman where you can chill in fresh blue water surrounded by mountains. Enjoy a rewarding full-day experience as you explore this spectacular waterfall in a cave. Start the tour with pick up from your hotel in Muscat. Hop into an air-conditioned vehicle and set off on a 2-hour scenic drive through the otherworldly landscapes of Oman. Along the route, stop at a local coffee shop to try an energizing Omani tea. When you arrive at your destination, hidden away in the canyon of the dry river Wadi-Shab, take a very quick boat ride to the other side of the bank. From here, embark on your 40-minute hike.  During the walk, experience the awesome power of nature which has forged the rock formations of this impressive canyon. Observe how the local farmers live and work, maintaining their crops in rough, rocky lands using the old irrigation system as their water supply. Be sure to bring along your waterproof cameras and shoes so that when you reach the lake you can snap some photos and walk around the magnificent site.  Admire the cascade of the waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the beautiful blue water to cool off from the heat. On the way back, stop to see a beautiful lake located in the Bimmah Sinkhole.  Finally, return to the vehicle and begin the drive back to Muscat where you will be dropped off at your hotel and the tour concludes.

Muscat: Daymaniat Islands Snorkeling Tour with Refreshments

2. Muscat: Daymaniat Islands Snorkeling Tour with Refreshments

The islands have been protected as a nature reserve since 1996 and provide an important nesting site for hawksbill and green turtles, as well as a wide range of migratory birds including the increasingly rare sooty falcon, one of the few migratory raptors which actually nests and breeds in the region. Given their protected status, access to the Daymaniyats is restricted, and you’re not allowed to land on the islands from the beginning of May until the end of October Daymaniyat Islands, often called the “ Jewel of the Middle East” offers great dive sites for visitors to enjoy. With most dive sites located along the islands, Daymaniyat Islands offers great dive sites to all level divers, beginners to advanced. Snorkelers will be taken to 2 different snorkeling sites. Departure & Return Location: Seeb Port, Muscat (Google Map) Departure time: 8:30 am (20 min before boats leave) What to expect: -Throughout the year you will see 3 different species of turtles who come since centuries to the islands. -A huge diversity of hard & soft corals. -Common encounters will be honeycomb Murray Eel, sting rays, schools of fish, sometimes black tip sharks. -For those coming during summer our good friend the Whale Shark will definitely be around.

Muscat Half-Day City Tour with Audio Guiding

3. Muscat Half-Day City Tour with Audio Guiding

Discover the rich blend of ancient and modern architecture of Muscat on a half-day city tour. Learn how the city has undergone dramatic development in the past 3 decades, yet managed to preserve its age-old culture and heritage. Your driver will show you how to use the audio guide system to benefit the GPS enabled commentary that follows the tour. Start with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and then continue through the Ministries' area to see a number of modern buildings with a touch of ancient, Islamic architecture. Go to the fish market and explore the narrow alleyways of the Muttrah souk to soak up the scent of exotic spices, coffee beans and ancient remedies. Learn more about the history of Oman at the Bait Al Zubair Museum. Take a souvenir photo at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, flanked by the twin Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali. Itinerary: • 45 mins in Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque • 15 mins in the fish market • 30 mins in the Bait Al Zubair Museum  • 10 mins for a photo stop in Al Alam Palace • 10 mins for a photo stop in Mirani & Jalali • 30 mins in Muttrah Souq

Muscat: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour

4. Muscat: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour

Take the opportunity to watch the dolphins and discover the underwater world of Oman, complete with snorkeling masks. Your day will begin by experiencing the power, grace and speed of dolphins in their natural environment, which is a truly amazing and spectacular sight to see. Let captain help you identify the different type of dolphins, most often spotted here are the acrobatic spinners dolphin, the powerful bottle-nose dolphin and the common dolphin. After watching the dolphins, go snorkeling for around the stunning Bandar Khiran Bay. Experience the dazzling underwater world, swimming alongside turtles and other varying and unique forms of marine life. You'll love this new world beneath the water, a truly memorable and authentic snorkeling adventure.

From Muscat: Dimaniyat Islands Snorkeling Tour

5. From Muscat: Dimaniyat Islands Snorkeling Tour

Discover one of the jewels of Oman, the Dimaniyat Islands, on a boat tour from Muscat. Snorkel in a beautiful, UNESCO-protected nature reserve and admire the abundant sea life. Begin your day with pickup anywhere in Muscat before the Al Seeb area and transfer to the marina for the 70-kilometer (43.5-mile) journey northwest to the Dimaniyat Islands. Onboard, enjoy the scenic views of Muscat and the coastline, as well as unlimited soft drinks and water. Once at the Dimaniyat Islands, explore the nature reserve and stop in two different places for snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, corals, and, if you're lucky, sharks, eels, and dolphins. Have the chance to find Nemos (clownfish) and see other different species of colored fish, too.

From Muscat: Nizwa & Al Hamra Guided Historical Tour

6. From Muscat: Nizwa & Al Hamra Guided Historical Tour

Embark on a historical and cultural tour that gives an insight into Omani life. Visit the impressive Nizwa Fort, haggle a bargain at the local souq, and end the day seeing a traditional village. Start with a spectacular drive through the Hajar Mountains via Fanjah for a photo stop. Then, arrive in Nizwa City to see the Nizwa Fort — the most popular monument of Oman. Next up is a visit to Nizwa souq, the market where you can buy traditional knives, pots and other unique items. Head next to the Al Hamra and Bait Al Safah museum where you can learn about how locals lived in generations past.

Muscat: Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer

7. Muscat: Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer

A sightseeing tour around Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a great chance to soak up the Arabic atmosphere and explore the city where the ancient architecture and monuments are combined with the modern life. The first sight on the tour is Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which is truly a masterpiece of the world architecture. It took 6 years to erect it and in 2001 it was successfully opened. This mosque is a traditional light Islamic building made from sandstone and marble. It has got 5 minarets – one main and 4 side minarets which create a special distinctive look. The internal design is rich in mosaics, huge handmade Persian carpets and chandeliers decorated with crystals. Our next stop is the Royal Opera House – the pearl of the Oman musical and stage art. The third sight we can’t avoid seeing is Muttrah Souq – the market located right at the banks of the Gulf of Oman. That’s an ideal place if you want to have a look at the ordinary life of Oman. Just go along the rows, look for the items, bargain and have fun as here you can find everything starting from spices finishing traditional rugs, vases or just souvenirs. Having seen the market, we should also look at the Mutrah fort. The fort leads its history at 1580s when the Portuguese had built it. It served as a military defense from the rivals in the past, but today it’s open for tourists. Next thing in Muscat to see is a well-known Al Alam Palace — the residence of Sultan Qaboos. From both sides the forts surround the palace, so you’ll likely enjoy the magnificent scenery. Located in the center of the city, it always attracts a lot of visitors and, although, people are not allowed to go in, they can easily go around and take cool photos.

Muscat: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

8. Muscat: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Embark on a thrilling dolphin watching tour in Muscat and witness these intelligent creatures playfully jumping out of the water in their natural habitat. With regular departures throughout the day, cruise at a time that suits you enjoy views of the coastal landscape of Oman, and the Arabian sea Spot marine life, including dolphins and whales, in its natural habitat Escape the hustle and bustle of the shore. Experience the beauty of Oman's marine life with Nobles Marine Tour's Dolphin Watching Tour in Muscat! Hop on board our comfortable and modern boat as we set sail to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Our expert guides will take you on a journey along the coast, providing interesting insights about the dolphins and their behavior. As you cruise through the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Sea, keep an eye out for playful dolphins leaping and flipping out of the water. Our tours are designed to offer a respectful and eco-friendly encounter with these amazing animals, allowing you to witness their beauty up close without disturbing their natural environment. Apart from dolphin watching, our tour also offers breath-taking views of the coastline and the stunning Al Hajar Mountains. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. With our experienced crew and top-notch facilities, we guarantee a safe and enjoyable adventure for all ages. Book your Dolphin Watching Tour in Muscat now and get ready for an unforgettable experience! The dolphins are playful and friendly. It is possible to spot dolphins all year round on most days with a high success rate. The types of dolphins that are seen typically around Muscat are: Risso’s Dolphins, Common Bottle Nose Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, and Long-Beaked Common Dolphins.

Muscat: Wahiba Desert and Wadi Bani Khalid Guided Group Tour

9. Muscat: Wahiba Desert and Wadi Bani Khalid Guided Group Tour

Have you ever thought of attending a desert where you can explore the boundless sea of sand and feel the baking temperatures on your own? If your answer is yes, so the Wahiba Wilderness Tour is just for you! Cross the desert dunes by 4WD vehicle, and experience the adrenaline rush of driving across the rugged terrain in an off-road mode of transport. Make your way to the Wahiba Sands to see the traditional homes of the desert nomads and Bedouin tribes. Keep a look-out for the nomads as they move through the desert with their camels. Visit a Bedouin home in the middle of the desert, and contrast the arid landscape with the clear, blue waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Enjoy a relaxing siesta in the shade of the palm trees, and catch a glimpse of the pretty villages scattered across the slopes of the wadi. Marvel at how the houses cling precariously to the rugged mountain side. Bring your swimming costume to take a dip in the inviting waters!

From Muscat: Private Desert Safari and Overnight

10. From Muscat: Private Desert Safari and Overnight

This overnight desert safari will help to expand your understanding of Omani heritage with a stay under the star-lit sky at a campsite in the desert. Take this unique opportunity to step back in time and experience Oman as it was five decades ago.  Begin your journey in Muscat and head towards Wadi Bani Khalid, where you will stop for a refreshing bath in the deep pools, and explore the hidden Mukal cave. Relax under the sun and enjoy a nice breeze from the mountains. Tuck into a tasty lunch, and then continue on to Bidiya village. Visit a Bedouin family in the desert. After spending some time with the family and enjoying Omani coffee and dates, arrive at the desert camp. In the evening drive in the desert to watch the sunset from the dunes and take amazing photographs. After dinner, enjoy a friendly conversation with friends around the campfire, and then head to your tent or your room, depending on the option you choose.

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Muscat?

The best day trips and excursions from Muscat are:

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What people are saying about Muscat

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 1,000 reviews

Beautiful desert and wadi tour, our excellent guide, accompanied us everywhere with great dedication, professionalism and kindness. It made us discover unique places that we would not have been able to explore on our own. In addition, since it was not due, he offered us breakfast and a snack based on typical local products. And he also spent more hours than expected without ever rushing us during the tour. We were lucky to meet him.

Mahmoud made this trip the best experience I’ve ever had in my life. Omani to the core and made me understand what life means here and how life should mean. A truly memorable human being who reminds you of what is important in life and also made swimming through the valleys an easy task for me and my brother. The waters were warm and the caves were stunning! Would definitely do this every week if I could. Thanks Mahmoud !

The scenic beauty of Oman is best experienced in this tour. An added bonus was the ever friendly guide Abdullah who made the tour even more interesting. Definitely recommend anyone visiting Oman

It was just amazing. Our tour guide was exceptional. He made us super comfortable and showed us places off the chart. We highly recommend it to others.

Amazing day! Our guide Eliah super friendly and helpful