If you are planning on booking some day trips from Muscat, here are ten options that you just can’t miss!
Muscat, Oman is a pretty amazing place. With sights like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the bustling alleyways of the Muttrah Souq, and the stunning coastline along the Gulf of Oman, it’s easy to see why this city is a popular tourist destination.
But beyond the beautiful landmarks and attractions of Muscat, there is a lot to see. And if you are a first time visitor to Oman, you might not be sure where to go and what to book.
Luckily, I am here to help! After traveling the Gulf countries for more than a decade, I am sharing the best of the best things to see beyond Muscat.
From breathtaking desert landscapes to stunning natural pools and historic landmarks, there are a variety of incredible day trips from Muscat that are perfect for anyone looking to get off the beaten path.
Here is your guide to the 10 best Muscat day trips you can’t miss – for every budget and every type of traveler. I can all but guarantee that there is something here for you!
1. Day Trip to Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole
Distance from Muscat: 150 km (1.5 hours by car one-way)
Great for: Hiking, swimming, adventure, photography
Don’t forget: Rugged trekking sandals and natural sunscreen
This is probably the number one day trip from Muscat – or if it’s not, it should be! A combination of two natural wonders, a visit to Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole will provide a perfect escape from Muscat’s heat.
Start your journey with a visit to Bimmah Sinkhole, a picturesque limestone pool of blue ocean water. Locals believed for a long time that the hole was created by a meteor, but Bimmah Sinkhole is actually formed within a sinkhole, very close to the beach.
It’s a great photo op, and also is perfect for a swim. And, if you are traveling Oman solo, it’s also a great way to meet other travelers.
Afterward, continue your drive south toward Wadi Shab.
Wadi Shab is truly an oasis in the desert. A short boat ride and a scenic hike will bring you to some of the prettiest blue natural pools you will ever see. Explore the caves, swim beneath waterfalls, and pack a picnic to enjoy in this stunning canyon.
✅ GUIDED DAY TRIP TO WADI SHAB & BIMMAH SINKHOLE: This day trip provides transportation to and from the sites, as well as expert commentary and guidance. If you want to experience the beauty of these two natural sights without the stress, this is definitely the way to go. BOOK YOUR DAY TRIP HERE!
2. Day Trip to the Wahiba Desert & Wadi Bani Khalid
Distance from Muscat: 200 km (2 hours by car one-way)
Great for: Desert views, adrenaline adventures, swimming
Don’t forget: A flowy kimono and natural sunscreen
Visiting Wahiba Desert as a Muscat Day Trip is completely possible – and, it is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience Oman’s vast dunes. Seriously, this is one of the prettiest places to visit in Oman!
After a scenic drive, you’ll enter the desert with your expert guide (I do not recommend self-driving this one, unless you have plenty of experience driving in loose sand. You have no know when and how much to reduce tire pressure and how to get unstuck, should it happen.)
Explore the sandy expanse and enjoy everything from photo stops, dune bashing, sunsets, and more, depending on the specific offering you choose.
Next up is a visit Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis with emerald pools surrounded by towering palm trees.
It’s a great spot to cool off after your desert adventure, and is significantly easier to reach than Wadi Shab, for anyone with accessibility concerns. There are no long hikes required to reach Wadi Bani Khalid.
✅ GUIDED DAY TRIP TO WAHIBA SANDS AND WADI BANI KHALID: This all-inclusive tour visits both attractions, so you get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Lunch is also included. BOOK YOUR SAND AND SWIMMING TOUR HERE!
3. Day Trip to Nizwa & Jebel Shams for Culture & Mountains
Distance from Muscat: 150 km (1.75 hours by car one-way)
Great for: History, forts, souqs, mountains
Don’t forget: Sunglasses and a high quality camera
Nizwa, which was once Oman’s capital, is rich in history and culture. This is the place for history buffs.
Visit the impressive Nizwa Fort, where you can learn all about the fort’s history and use throughout time, as well as compare Oman to other countries around the world on an informative timeline.
It’s also a spectacular spot for photography!
Just outside of the fort is the bustling souq, where you can shop for all manner of souvenirs, like pottery and clothing. This souq is definitely more picturesque than the Muttrah Souq, but I found more varied items in Muttrah, for what it’s worth.
Afterward, head to Jebel Shams, known as the “Grand Canyon of Oman.” The journey offers spectacular views of the rugged Hajar Mountains, reminiscent of the tallest mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, if you are familiar!
Definitely visit the famous viewpoint overlooking the dramatic gorge, a truly breathtaking sight.
✅ GUIDED DAY TRIP TO NIZWA AND JEBEL SHAMS: This all-day tour visits Nizwa Fort, Nizwa Souq, and Jebel Shams – making it the perfect blend of history, shopping, and nature. Lunch is included. BOOK YOUR NIZWA AND JEBEL SHAMS TOUR HERE!
4. Day Trip to the Daymaniyat Islands for Snorkeling & Sunbathing
Distance from Muscat: 15 km to the Al Mouj Marina + boat ride to/from the islands
Great for: Wildlife, nature, beaches, swimming
Don’t forget: A packable travel towel and natural sunscreen
The Daymaniyat Islands are one of the most picturesque and unexpected destinations in Oman, hands down.
Located just off Muscat’s eastern coast, this stunning archipelago consists of nine small islands, each surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water. Known for its exceptional snorkeling, the islands’ rich underwater ecosystem includes colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and even leopard sharks.
If relaxation is more your speed, the islands’ secluded beaches are perfect for a sunbathing and simply enjoying the tranquility. Side note, this area reminds me a lot of Oman’s Musandam coast, north of Dubai – another gorgeous place to visit in Oman.
A half-day tour to the Daymaniyat Islands will allow you to see an array of marine life up close, with lunch and snorkeling gear provided.
With its dramatic, rocky terrain and clear waters, this is easily one of the most visually captivating parts of Oman. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful day, a visit to these islands is an unforgettable experience.
✅ 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!
5. Go on a Dolphin Watching Day Trip from Muscat
Distance from Muscat: 15 km to the Al Mouj Marina + boat ride
Great for: Boat riding, dolphin watching, great scenery
Don’t forget: Wide brim hat and natural sunscreen
Take a dolphin watching tour from Muscat to see wild dolphins in the crystal clear Arabian Sea. Tours linked below depart regularly throughout the day, giving you the flexibility to choose a time that works for you during your sightseeing in Muscat.
Once on board, experienced guides will provide information about the dolphins and their behavior. The tour is eco-friendly, ensuring a close-up view of the dolphins without disrupting their natural environment (or leaving the boat!)
This is definitely the option for you if snorkeling is not your think and you’d rather stay dry.
Along with dolphin sightings, the tour offers scenic views of Oman’s coastline and the Al Hajar Mountains as a beautiful backdrop. It’s a great opportunity to take photos of both the wildlife and the landscapes.
Note that dolphins are seen year-round in Muscat, so the chances of spotting them are high, especially during the tour’s peak times. The tour is safe and suitable for all ages, with a professional crew and modern boats.
✅ DOLPHIN WATCHING TOUR : This boat tour takes travelers out dolphin watching from a boat. It is an eco-friendly tour that keeps you dry – no swimming necessary.. BOOK YOUR DOLPHIN WATCHING TOUR HERE!
6. Full Day Trip to Fanja, Samail, & Izki
Distance from Muscat: 125 km (1.5 hours by car one-way)
Great for: History, ruins, traditional life
Don’t forget: Rugged trekking sandals and natural sunscreen
This full day tour from Muscat will take you into a rarely-seen side of Oman, giving you a deeper insight than the typical traveler.
The day begins with a visit to Fanja, where you’ll experience the stunning Hajar Mountains and see the traditional village with its mud houses and nearby farms. A walk through the local souq offers a glimpse into the local way of life.
Next, explore Samail, a charming town that showcases traditional Omani countryside life. You’ll have the chance to enjoy the fresh, clean air while observing the rural scenery. Afterward, head to Izki, where you can explore the old village, known for its mud and mountain rock houses and surrounding date tree farms.
The journey continues to Birkat Al Mouz, an area rich in natural beauty. Here, you can enjoy the view of banana plantations and date palm trees, along with the ancient ruins dating back to the 17th century.
The final stop of the day is Nizwa, where you’ll discover the Omani heritage through the lively souq and the iconic Nizwa Fort, with its ancient walls and historical significance.
✅ FULL DAY FANJA, SAMAIL, & IZKI TOUR: This all-day tour is perfect for those interested in Oman’s rural life, with tours often including cultural stops and scenic viewpoints. A different side of Oman! BOOK YOUR FANJA, SAMAIL, & IZKI TOUR HERE!
7. Hot Air Balloon Tour at Wahiba Sands
Distance from Muscat: unknown (approximately .5 hours by car one-way)
Great for: Desert views, adrenaline adventures, panoramic landscapes
Don’t forget: A high quality camera and a warm sweater
This tour requires an early-morning pickup at 6am, but an adventure like this is well worth it! This hot air balloon tour will give you a birds-eye view of Oman’s vast desert.
Join Royal Balloon and their experienced pilots high in the sky. A maximum of 12 passengers is allowed in each balloon, so it is a small group experience.
This is a must do for adrenaline and adventure junkies! Consider combining this early morning balloon tour with an afternoon Dolphin Watch (above.)
✅ HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE IN WAHIBA SANDS: This early morning tour will take you high above the desert for truly spectacular views! A must for adventure travelers. BOOK YOUR HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR HERE!
8. Day Trip to Snake Canyon for Hiking and Swimming
Distance from Muscat: Varies (confirm pickup/meeting point directly)
Great for: Hiking, swimming, abseiling
Don’t forget: Rugged trekking sandals and a waterproof camera
This full-day adventure tour takes you into Oman’s rugged Snake Canyon for some truly thrilling activities amid crystal-clear pools and striking canyon walls.
The tour includes hiking and bouldering, crossing caves, crystal-clear pools, and abseiling down a 25-meter drop.
Located in the Jebel Shams region, the Snake Canyon route is a 6km journey that lasts approximately 5-6 hours. The tour requires participants to abseil a 25-meter section, so hikers must be in good physical fitness to complete it.
Bring a waterproof camera (or use a waterproof bag for your phone) because you will definitely want to take pictures of the gorgeous scenery. Truly an adventure in Oman!
✅ HIKING IN SNAKE CANYON: This tour is a must for adventure travelers. If hiking, abseiling, and jumping into natural pools sounds like a good time, definitely don’t miss it! BOOK YOUR HIKING TOUR HERE!
9. A Dhow Boat Sunset Trip from Muscat
Distance from Muscat: 15 km to the Al Mouj Marina + boat ride
Great for: Sunset, traditional boat, sailing
Don’t forget: A high quality camera and a warm sweater
While not a true Muscat day trip, this evening dhow boat ride is a great way to spend a relaxing evening on the last night of your trip.
You’ll get spectacular views of some of Mudscat’s most landmarks, all from a traditional wooden dhow boat, at sunset. Sail past Al Bustan Palace Hotel, the 17th-century Portuguese Fort Mirani, Al Alam Palace, and more.
On board, you’ll get light refreshments, Omani coffee, and dates to top off the evening.
✅ TRADITIONAL DHOW BOAT RIDE: This tour is the perfect way to spend an evening in Muscat. Get fabulous views of Muscat’s famous attractions as the sun sets. BOOK YOUR DHOW BOAT HERE!
10. Private Overnight Tour including a Desert Camp
Distance from Muscat: varies (confirm directly with tour operator)
Great for: Desert, wadis, culture
Don’t forget: Rugged trekking sandals and natural sunscreen
This overnight tour from Muscat includes all of the best sights!
You’ll spend the night in a well-equipped desert camp. You’ll get to explore and swim in crystal clear wadis. You’ll visit Sur, a beautiful fishing village. And, since it is a private tour, you can even customize the tour to your taste.
If you only have a short time in Muscat, this is honestly a great way to see the most you can in a short timeframe.
✅ PRIVATE OVERNIGHT CAMPING TOUR: This tour is the perfect taste of desert, wadis, and villages. You will see so much of Oman in a short 2 day span. BOOK YOUR 2 DAY TOUR HERE!
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Muscat
Oman is an often-overlooked country full of diverse landscapes and rich history. While the capital city is incredible, taking day trips from Muscat is an excellent way to experience even more of what Oman has to offer.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in the desert, relaxing on the beach, or a deep dive into Oman’s culture, there’s a day trip here for every type of traveler.
Booking guided tours provides a more hassle-free experience, but it is possible to rent a car if you prefer to do things solo in Oman. Whatever you choose, I have no doubt that you will be as amazed by the beauty and diversity of Oman as I am, each and every time I visit!
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