Overview

Thousands of sea turtles migrate annually from the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and Somalia to lay their eggs on the Sultanate’s shores. Oman has five of the seven species of sea turtles. They are: The Green Turtle, found on most Omani beaches and plentiful in Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, Masirah Island and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Loggerhead Turtle that nests on Masirah Island, the shores of Dhofar and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Hawksbill Turtle that nests on the shores of Muscat and Ad Daymaniyat Islands; the Olive Ridley Turtle that nests on Masirah Island; and the Leatherback Turtle which is found in Omani waters but does not nest in the Sultanate. At night, these turtles carrying their heavy shells on their backs, drag themselves out of the water to the beach, and strenuously and with great difficulty, dig a hole in the sand using the tips of their paws to bury their eggs and then return to the sea. After about 55 days, the eggs hatch and baby turtles come out to start the most dangerous journey of their lives, trying to avoid hungry foxes, crabs and birds and push their way towards the sea where they can find safety in the waters. Watching the turtles’ night dash to the sea is among the most popular tourist activities. Wahiba sands also known as the Sharqiyah sands, another desert plain approximately 180 km from North to South and 80km from East to West. It is here that about 3,000 Bedu families from different tribes still there. The Wahiba sands are home to many species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Muscat – Wahiba Sands – Wadi Bani Khaled – Turtle Beach
After breakfast in the hotel, you will meet the Omani Guide at 8:00 am. The drive takes around 2 hours toward to the Wahiba Sands through the mountains passing through Sumail Gap and across the desert plains through the townships of Bidbid, Al Qabil, and Ibra. Visit the abandoned village of Al Mansfah near Ibra. Continue the drive to the golden sands. The great Wahiba Sands are located in dunes 200 km long and 100 km wide running south from the Eastern Hajars to the Arabian Sea. The Dune Bashing on the golden dunes and visit the local Bedouin have Omani Coffee and Camel rides. After a picnic lunch in wadi Bani Khaled, we drive to the Beach Resort. We then have time to relax on the beautiful white beach in the Resort. Then will have dinner at 7:30 before a short drive to Ras al Jinz to see the turtles at 9:00 pm will finish at 11:00 pm drive back to the Resort to sleep .

Day 2 : Beach resort – Sur – Wadi Dayqah Dam – Quriyat – Muscat

Turtle Watching After breakfast we head for Muscat via Sur along the coast road our first stop is at Sur an ancient seaport where they still build Arabian dhows the traditional way. The carpenters put the whole thing together without any drawings. From Sur, we drive back along the coast to see the newly constructed Wadi Daygah dam and have lunch in the park. Our last stop before returning to Muscat is the fishing port of Quriyat than drive back to Muscat it takes 1 hour and a half from Quriyat to your hotel .

Highlights

Trip includes :

• Guide
• Transport to/from
• Water / soft drinks
• Picnic lunch *2 days
• First Aid
• One Night at Turtle Beach Resort
• Breakfast at Resort
• Entrance fees

What to bring/wear :

• Sun cream, sunglasses, hat, camera or case!
• Everything you need it to stay for one night it will be cold weather
• It is advisable to bring a medium sized back- pack so that you can carry your water
• A sense of adventure!

Times :
pick-up at 8:00am – first Day
drop-off by 4:00pm – second day