Sur & Ras al Jinz: dhows and sea turtles

Sur is a historic seafaring town on the eastern coast of Oman. For centuries its sailors traded with East Africa and India, and its craftsmen built the famous wooden dhows by hand. Today, the town’s lagoon, white houses and watchtowers make it one of the most charming places on the coast.

Just south of Sur, the beaches of Ras al Jinz are one of the most important nesting sites for endangered green turtles in the Indian Ocean. Watching a turtle lay her eggs on the sand at night is a moment you will never forget.

Top things to see and do

• Dhow shipyard: See master craftsmen building traditional wooden dhows using skills passed down for generations.
• Al Ayjah and the lighthouse: Cross the lagoon to the old quarter of Al Ayjah and enjoy the view of Sur from the lighthouse.
• Turtle watching at Ras al Jinz: Join a guided night or dawn tour at the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve to watch turtles nesting and, in season, hatchlings running to the sea.
• Wadi Tiwi and Wadi Shab: Stop at these beautiful wadis on the drive from Muscat. See Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole.

Best time to visit

Turtles nest at Ras al Jinz all year, but the peak season is June to October. Hatchlings are most often seen from August to November. Turtle tours must be booked in advance, and numbers are limited.

Getting there

Sur is about 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Muscat on the coastal highway. Ras al Jinz is about 45 minutes further south. Many visitors stay overnight at the reserve or in Sur.

Travel tips

• Flash photography and torches are not allowed during turtle viewing. Follow the guide’s instructions.
• Never touch the turtles or hatchlings.
• Bring a light jacket for night tours in winter.

Explore Sur & Ras al Jinz with Gotour

Join a private tour with a local guide, or combine Sur & Ras al Jinz with other highlights of Oman on a multi-day trip. See our tours or contact us to plan your trip.

Photos: Dr. Thomas Liptak and Francesco Bini (CC BY-SA 4.0), Kim Kash (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.