On earth, spectacular landscapes to discover
Hiking. In the mountains, in the desert or in the wadis, Oman is a paradise for walkers of all levels, and undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the sultanate, provided you take precautions, as help is non-existent in remote areas. The easiest way to discover the country's most beautiful cross-country trails is undoubtedly to use a local agency. Omanis are great walkers and close to nature, so there are plenty of good guides in all regions.
Most itineraries cross the Hajar mountains in the north of the country, culminating at 3,010 metres, and the Dhofar mountains in the south, overlooked by Jebel Samhan. The numerous wadis are concentrated in the Batinah region, around Rustaq, and along the coast south of Muscat, in the Sharqiyah region. Walkers and trekkers are more likely to come during the Omani winter, from October to April, when the days are mild and dry.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. For mountain-biking enthusiasts, Oman offers a wide range of trails, sometimes in the mountains, sometimes on the plains, along wadis, in canyons or to discover oases. From The View hotel-camp in the Hajar mountains, the Omani incoming agency Bike and Hike Oman organizes mountain bike tours with instructors, some of which are combined with hiking.
Canyoning and abseiling. There are countless possibilities in this field, although few are exploited. A few descents have been developed and made safe. The most popular and accessible canyon is Gorges du Serpent (Snake Canyon). Abseiling, plunging into waterfalls, swimming between walls... a real adventure!
Climbing or via ferrata. As with canyoning, the Sultanate of Oman's climbing potential is enormous, though still underdeveloped, and the country is a climber's paradise. This activity is practised in the mountains, but also in the wadis just a few minutes from the seaside. A number of French and local agencies have entered this niche.
Caving. Oman has some superb caves and tunnels. Many have yet to be uncovered, but the potential is real. As with all technical disciplines, it's impossible to venture out on your own; you'll have to turn to specialized operators. The country's most spectacular cave, reserved for cavers only, is Majlis al-Jinn. The sultanate is also home to the "House of the Devil" (Bimmah Sinkhole), one of the world's widest wells, located south of Muscat in Bimma. Fed by two wadis, this well offers great swimming opportunities. No equipment is required, as a staircase has been provided.
Quad and 4x4. Quad bikes are ideal for a mechanical safari. In general, this activity is practiced in the wilderness and allows you to explore wild areas inaccessible to cars. In the Sultanate, it is offered by certain camps in the desert: dune-crossing, flat outings and visits to Bedouin villages. 4x4 vehicles, essential for exploring the desert, mountain passes, beaches and capes of the deep south without a guide, are easily rented from Muscat.
Golf. With 5 18-hole golf courses offering spectacular views, the Sultanate of Oman is increasingly establishing itself as a golfing destination. Several 4- and 5-star hotels in Muscat offer "Stay & Golf" packages.
At sea too, there are many options
Whether it's just for the pleasure of a boat trip, and/or above all to meet the dolphins, you really shouldn't miss a sea trip around Muscat or in the Musandam fjords.
Sailing. With over 1,700 km of coastline, the sultanate's shores are ideal for water sports of all kinds, including sailing, a sport that has grown in popularity in recent years, both in the world of racing with the Extreme 40 catamarans, and through the development of nautical activities among the local population, helping to promote Oman worldwide. Since 2008, the Sultanate of Oman has created an entity called Oman Sail, whose aim is to promote the country through nautical events, and also to create sailing schools to revive its maritime past. After all, isn't Oman the land of Sindbad the sailor?
Kayaking. Kayaking can be a leisurely stroll around a hotel or a full-fledged excursion, particularly in the north of the country in the Musandam fjords.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing. The south and west of the sultanate enjoy tropical winds between May and September, corresponding to the windsurfing and kitesurfing season. Masirah Island, around 450 km from Muscat, boasts the best spots, in an unspoilt and authentic setting. At the height of the season, the wind blows non-stop at between 20 and 40 knots!
Surfing. Although the sultanate is not known as a surfing destination in its own right, surfers can find waves, with the best-known spot (Joe's Point) even ranked among the 50 best surf spots in the world.
Diving. Oman's seabed is renowned for its beauty and diversity. The waters are very rich in plankton, which can sometimes pose a problem for visibility, but at the same time is conducive to an abundance of fauna: stingrays, lemon sharks, blacktip sharks, lobsters, sea cucumbers, octopuses, barracudas, Picasso fish, lionfish, moray eels, etc., can be found close to the coast, just 10 to 30 minutes by boat from the shore. The sultanate's beaches are also breeding grounds for several species of sea turtle, and there is a large dolphin population in the Muscat area, as well as in the Musandam peninsula and the Dhofar region. These three areas are the best places to discover the wealth of underwater treasures and the best equipped with diving clubs, which also offer snorkeling, sea outings and fishing mornings.
