Traveling to Oman and wondering how to find the best beaches in Muscat? This guide will help you choose the most perfect beach to explore.
Oman is a diverse country that has everything a tourist could ask for. Endless desert dunes, stunning architecture, rugged mountains, and yes – even beautiful beaches with deep clear blue water.
However, if you’re a first time visitor or have limited time in the country, it can be tough to know which beach to choose. Luckily, I am here to help you.
I’ve been traveling the gulf countries for more than a decade now, and Oman is one of my frequent favorites! Here we will cover the top beaches in Muscat as well as details about each so you can choose wisely.
Let’s dive into the 10 most beautiful Muscat beaches!
5 Beach Essentials in Oman
✅ A wide brim hat to shield the sun
✅ A loose kimono for easy modesty
✅ Packable travel towels (they’re soft, too!)
✅ Rugged trekking sandals for rocky beaches
✅ A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated all day
Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is one of the best places to visit in the country. It has gorgeous architecture, rugged wadis, easily accessible day trips, and some truly delicious food.
Muscat also happens to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Middle East.
With shockingly blue waters, soft sands, and stunning mountainous backdrops, the beaches here offer a range of activities or a peaceful atmosphere for relaxing. Let’s dive into the details so you can choose the best Muscat beach for your visit.
Pro Tip: Ladies, be sure to read up on the dress code in Oman for women to make sure you feel comfortable and inconspicuous at the beaches near Muscat!
1. Qurum Beach
Located on a small strip of land in Muscat, this beach stretches for several miles along the coast.
It is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax at sunset, and the view across the Arabian Sea is absolutely stunning. The beach is clean and walkable.
Qurum Beach is surrounded by lush mangrove trees, creating a unique and tranquil environment within the greenery. It’s a great beach for families and tourists, with opportunities for kayaking, boat rides, kids’ play areas, and long beach walks.
2. Al Seeb Beach
Situated in the busy Al Seeb area, this beach offers a long, peaceful shoreline with clear blue waters. It’s an excellent place to escape the bustling heart of the city, away from the busy souks and shopping areas.
Al Seeb Beach is also the perfect jumping off point for a trip to the Dayminiat Islands, which in my opinion are a must-see! The dramatic, rocky terrain and clear waters makes this one of the most visually captivating parts of Oman.
✅ HALF DAY DAYMINIYAT ISLANDS TOUR : This half-day tour visits the beautiful islands of Oman, providing views you would expect to be in the Caribbean. You can’t miss it! Lunch is included. BOOK YOUR DAYMINIYAT ISLANDS TOUR HERE!
Visitors can enjoy relaxing walks along the beach, rent boats for water excursions, or simply enjoy the quiet surroundings from the sand. The beach is also perfect for swimming and diving.
Al Seeb Beach is ideal for those looking for a less crowded and more serene experience.
3. Al Bustan Beach
This private beach is located near the Al Bustan Palace Hotel and is my personal favorite of all the beaches in Muscat!
Known for its stunning surroundings, such as a backdrop of rugged mountains and a sheltered bay, Al Bustan Beach offers calm, bright turquoise blue water.
From the stunning private beach to the multiple fine dining options, it’s the perfect spot for those looking to indulge in a high-end escape. But, you do need to be a guest at Al Bustan Palace to visit.
For a truly luxurious experience, Al Bustan Palace is the epitome of opulence in Muscat. This is hands-down the nicest hotel I have every stayed in, and I have already booked a return trip this year.
YES, it is that good!
✅ BOOK AL BUSTAN PALACE HERE! 🏨
4. Al Ward Beach
Al Ward Beach, located on the Kulbah Bay in Muscat, is known for its clean sand and quiet atmosphere. Frankly, many beaches in Oman are peaceful, and this is no exception!
This beach is great for walking, picnicking, or enjoying a quiet day by the water. The beach is easily accessible and offers great views of the city’s coastline.
It’s a family-friendly type of beach, with plenty of space to spread out a big beach blanket and relax. I highly recommend grabbing a falafel lunch from the nearby Muttrah Souq and enjoying a quiet lunch here.
5. Yitti Beach
Yitti Beach in South Muscat is unique. The long sandy shore is surrounded by rocks and rugged peaks, once again creating a gorgeous natural shoreline on the Arabian Sea.
Yitti Beach is popular for camping and fishing, so you’ll tend to see less families and children here. The beach is less developed, so you’ll definitely get a more natural and authentic environment.
You could also consider hiking and exploring the surrounding area if the weather is agreeable!
6. Qantab Beach
Qantab Beach is situated in between Al Bustan Beach and Yitti Beach, and the best feature you’ll see here is the rocky Qantab Arch out in the sea.
This beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the sand. There are also small local cafes where you can enjoy fresh food while taking in the view.
7. Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Tourists who are interested in boat tours and excursions should definitely head here!
The beach area is located near the Bandar Al Rowdha Marina, and though it has clear blue water, that is not really the highlight here. Instead, it’s a popular spot for water sports, kayaking, jet skiing, and boat tours.
You’ll find snorkeling tours, dolphin watching, dhow cruises, and diving centers, as well as fancy yachts sailing the water. This is definitely the beach to visit if you’re looking for a more active experience!
8. Al Khuwair Beach
One of the most accessible beaches in Muscat City, Al Khuwair Beach is an easy detour from central Muscat without having to travel far at all.
Al Khuwair Beach is an urban beach, close to the city center. However, don’t let the convenience fool you! It still offers calm waters for swimming and is a popular spot for evening strolls, especially at sunset.
It’s also usually empty of people, since there are no umbrellas or beach chairs of fancy facilities. But, that is what makes it beautiful.
9. Sifah Beach
Sifah Beach is south of Yitti Beach, a short drive outside of Muscat city. Sifah is known for its long stretches of sand and calm blue waters, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The area is less crowded due to being a bit of a drive, so it offers a more relaxed atmosphere. The beach offers a beautiful combination of mountain and sea views.
Hotels, glamping, and camping are all easy to find nearby, or, it is also a great place to escape the city for a day trip.
10. Bandar Khayran Small Beach
Bandar Khayran is another secluded and off-the-beaten-path beach, perfect for anyone who loves natural rugged scenery and loves adventure.
The beach is surrounded by rocky outcrops and crystal-clear waters, making it a great spot for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. You can even rent boats to explore several small islands nearby, creating the most peaceful day by the water.
Where To Go Next?
Definitely check out my article on the best day trips from Muscat to explore more of Oman’s dramatic landscapes!
Some great examples include Wadi Shab, the Nizwa Fort, Bimmah Sinkhole, and much much more! Click that link above for the full details.
List of the 10 Best Muscat Beaches
- Qurum Beach
- Al Seeb Beach
- Al Bustan Beach
- Al Ward Beach
- Yitti Beach
- Qantab Beach
- Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
- Al Khuwair Beach
- Sifah Beach
- Bandar Khayran Small Beach
Final Thoughts: Best Beaches in Muscat
Oftentimes surprising first-time visitors, Muscat offers a diverse range of gorgeous beaches with bright blue waters.
You can find everything you’re looking for here, from bustling urban stretches of sand to secluded, rugged shorelines.
No matter if you’re seeking water sports and adventure or just want to relax by the sea, Muscat’s beaches provide something for everyone.
Let me know – which one would you visit first?
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