OM
Sur
A seafaring town of wooden dhows, a lagoon lighthouse and nesting turtles nearby
A seafaring town of wooden dhows, a lagoon lighthouse and nesting turtles nearby
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
In September 2026 the US raised its advice to “reconsider travel” for this region because of tensions involving Iran. Flights and tourism are operating normally, but airspace closures and cancellations can happen at short notice, so keep plans flexible and travel insurance in place.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
Craftsmen still build dhows here, largely by hand. A nearby restored dhow, the Fatah Al Khair, recalls Sur’s trading past.
Ask before photographing workers.
Photo: Dr. Thomas Liptak, CC BY-SA 4.0
Across the lagoon bridge, Al Ayjah has old merchant houses, carved doors and the lighthouse, best at sunset.
Photo: Dr. Thomas Liptak, CC BY-SA 4.0
About an hour from Sur, green turtles come ashore to nest. Guided night and dawn tours let small groups watch without disturbing them.
Tours must be booked; no flash or torches on the beach.
Photo: F igy, CC BY 3.0
A short boat ride and a walk of about an hour lead to emerald pools. Strong swimmers can reach a cave with a waterfall.
Bring water shoes and start early.
Photo: Uhooep, CC BY-SA 4.0
In a park near the coast road, steps lead down to a blue-green pool in a limestone sinkhole. Swimming is allowed.
Photo: Uhooep, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try grilled kingfish and other fresh seafood, Omani halwa with coffee, and dates.
Simple Indian and Omani restaurants are cheap; hotels offer more varied menus.
Sur is about 2.5 hours from Muscat by the coastal highway, which passes Wadi Shab and the Bimmah Sinkhole. Buses also run from Muscat.
A car is the easiest way to reach Ras al Jinz and the wadis.
Oman uses the rial (OMR), divided into 1,000 baisa. OMR 1 is about US$2.60. Cards are widely accepted in towns.
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
Coast, ships and turtles.
Drive from Muscat via the Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab.
See the dhow yard and Al Ayjah, then take an evening tour at Ras al Jinz.
Green turtles nest all year; numbers vary by season.
Summer is extremely hot; visit wadis early.
Cover shoulders and knees in town.
Fill up before heading to Ras al Jinz.
Quick answers for planning time in Sur.
About 2.5 hours by the coastal highway.
Yes, at the Ras al Jinz reserve on guided tours.
Traditional wooden sailing ships, still built in Sur.
Yes, in its pools; bring water shoes.
October to March.
Planning a wider trip? Our Oman travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.