Beaches of Oman

Do all beaches look similar? If Sun, Sands and Waves are the only ingredients of a beach, they do. Then why do some beaches appeal more than the rest? What makes a beach special? Why do people flock to some particular beaches and avoid the rest of the bunch?

I still remember the sight of my life’s first beach view at Rushikonda beach of Vizag, India. Since then I’ve had many beach experiences- the most unforgettable of all these was an aerial view of   Blue Bay of Mauritius on my honeymoon trip.

Fortunately, I happen to stay at Muscat, Oman, which is home to many spectacular beaches. The Gulf of Oman on the east and Arabian Sea on the south of Oman bestow some breathtaking views and plethora of aquatic life. Tourists come to this country to see dolphins, birds and green turtles and fall in love with its magnificent beaches.

Here are some of the great beaches of Oman I visited time and again during the last 2 and half years. 

 Qantab Beach:

This one is a unique beach decorated by brown rock formations. Visiting this place before noon would offer a breathtaking view of shining rocky islands reflecting the sunlight. The rocks are located right on the sea and are of different size, shape and architecture. Boating on the sea through these rocky islands is a must do activity of Qantab beach.  It’s also an ideal place for swimming, snorkelling and barbequing, particularly during the evening when the weather is nice, the sea winds are around and the amber rays of the setting Sun colourise the sea surface.

Qantab is located just at a 20 minutes drive from the heart of Muscat. Not far from the beach, there is this beautiful resort of Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah. The short drive from Qantab towards this resort offers some amazing views of the sea and the rocky hills which are worth clicking for a perfect postcard of Muscat.

Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah resort near Qantab Beach

Yitti Beach: 

20 Kilometres from Qantab, and you are here at Yitti. Another exciting beach, much larger than Qantab. The excess sands at the beach might turn you off at the first place but the long stretch of beach offers an ideal opportunity for jogging. You can also give a try to rock climbing or a more subtle family picnic. It’s a happening place and you can choose from playing football to quad biking.

Qurum Beach:

This one is my favourite weekend pastime. What makes me come to this place again and again? May be it is the proximity to the city, or the clear sand & water, or the 3 kilometer long stretch of beach, or maybe I love relaxing on the green lawn under the shades of coconut trees! Whatever be the reason, this plain vanilla beach attracts all – natives, expats and tourists. Many big hotels which are located on this beach have made this place a roaming ground for all kinds of tourists and beach lovers.

Beach of Sur:

Sur has some of the finest exotic beaches. Being the easternmost tip of Oman, Sur has best of both the seas – Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.  The rich marine life and vibrant sea have made Sur a tourists’ heaven. Turtle watching and bird watching form major tourist interests. Many beach in and around Sur such as Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz, have become famous for Green Turtles that come to this place for laying eggs at the beach. The 200 km drive from Muscat to Sur along the coastal road is also an experience to remember.

 Tiwi Beach:

This beach is located along the new Sur road from Muscat to Sur. This is the place where Wadi Tiwi meets the sea. This is an oasis full of green water, trees and vegetation. The beach is filled with small stones and as such not ideal for any activity. However, it’s an ideal spot for picnic and bird watching, particularly near the wadi. The breathtaking view of the sparkling blue water and the clean beach would beckon everyone who happen to pass by the bridge over the wadi.

Al Sawadi:

Just take a barefoot walk at this beach and you will be mildly pinched by something in your feet. Look down and you will be delighted to see innumerable sea shells of myriad of colours.  These seashells that decorate the shoreline of Al Sawadi beach is the result of the rich aqua life of the sea. Probably that is why this beach has become an ideal snorkelling and diving destination.

There are a number of resorts near this beach. Tourists also don’t mind to travel the distance of 110 km from Muscat to enjoy the marine life of Al Sawadi. Boats are available on hire, which can be used to visit the nearby islands. These islands are ideal for a family picnic.

Anonymous:

Finally, take a look at this tiny yet secluded beach. Located not far from Qantab beach, this romantic escape would require you to take a boat ride or to take the challenge of climbing down the rocks! There are many such unknown or lesser known beaches all around Oman that would be a delight for adventure seekers or those looking for an offbeat beach experience.

This is not an exhaustive list of the beaches of Oman. I am yet to visit many other great beaches of this country about which I’ve heard fascinating descriptions such as the beaches of Dhofar, Sohar and Duqm.  

Now, coming back to – what makes a beach special? Based on my experience I would say – friendly local people, complimenting landscapes, nice weather, availability of recreational facilities, richness of marine life and above all great company are the perfect ingredients to make a beach getaway special. The beaches of Oman may not be part of every traveller’s wish list, but they wouldn’t disappoint one if you evaluate a beach based on these parameters. The secluded and unspoilt nature of some of the beaches would appeal one and all beyond doubt. 

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