Sports and leisure activities Oman

Serious and well-organized, this club offers 2 dives every morning between 8.30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and one in the afternoon. PADI courses are offered at all levels, from beginner toAssistant Instructor, with instructors speaking several languages, including French. Equipped with a pool suitable for learning to dive, the center has a wide range of quality equipment and three boats. It also offers a number of water sports activities: kayaking, SUP, dolphin-watching excursions, sunset cruises...

Dolphins are abundant in the waters around Muscat, and you're almost guaranteed to see them - sometimes even hundreds of them - when you take part in a boat trip along the coast. Whatever the company, the program is always more or less the same and consists of sailing along the "wildest" part of the capital, the one with the most indented shores, namely the area around Al Bustan, Sidab and Old Muscat (the south-eastern section of the city). Here, not far from the Al Bustan and Shangri-La hotels, a small marina serves as an anchorage for dhows and boats of all kinds: the Bandar al Rowdha Marina, complete with Italian restaurant and swimming pool. It's from here that cruises generally depart, lasting an average of 2 to 3 hours depending on the program and whether or not snorkeling is included. Dolphins are almost always present, and are happy to follow the boats: a spectacle made all the more visual by the raw, arid coastline punctuated by ochre mountains. As you approach old Muscat, you can see the Al Mirani and Al Jibali forts, as well as the sultan's palace in the distance. Several serious companies are present at the marina, so don't hesitate to shop around and compare prices: Al Sansool Cruises (www.alsansool.com - ✆ +968 9679 0191), GCC Tours (www.gcctoursmuscat.com - ✆ +968 9901 3424), Az'Zaha Tours (www.azzahatours.com - ✆ 9942 5461), etc.

In 2007 the German Alexander Friesl opened the first VDWS certified kite school in the Middle East. Since then, Kiteboarding Oman has developed other spots in the country and the company has become THE kite reference in the sultanate. The equipment is rented to people who can prove their qualification via a VDWS, IKO, BKSA or ISAF license. For those who don't have one, a "check-kite" is offered by an instructor. Courses are also provided: rigour, quality, fun and flexibility are the key words. On request: package-accommodation.

Co-managed by the charming Léa, this human-sized company was created in 2016 by Captain Fahad, like a dream come true. Passionate about the sea, concerned about the environment and with a solid experience as a diving instructor and seasoned skipper, Fahad makes you discover the wonders of the Arabian Sea through a nice range of outings on his own boat. House speciality: excursions to the Daymaniat Islands, day and even overnight trips with bivouac camping on site under the care of the ultra-professional team.

Two dives every morning (departure at 9 h), one afternoon and one night upon reservation. PADI courses of all levels. In addition to being a diving club, Blue Zone is a leisure centre that organizes snorkeling, sunset cruises or excursions to see dolphins.

This center, which has been present in Oman for over 30 years, takes divers to the Fahal Islands and Bandar Khairan, but specializes above all in diving in the Damaniyat Islands, only 25 minutes away by boat. The only NAUI center in Oman, it offers the full range of courses, from Baptism to Dive Master, with the emphasis on small-group teaching (4 to 5 students per instructor). In addition to dives of varying depths, we also offer snorkeling sessions, diving trips with bivouacs on the islands and even complete diving holidays.

Blog of the adventures of a mountain attendant. Beautiful photos and links to other sites offering beautiful pictures of the Sultanate of Oman.

The trailhead is next to the Sama Heights Resort at 1,900 m, and the finish line is at 3,000 m on the summit of Jebel Shams. Set off early in the morning and never go it alone. This trail is well signposted with the tricolour markings that are ubiquitous in Oman and presents no particular difficulty, but it is a long way with many ascents and descents. At an altitude of 2,900 m, you reach the military zone on your left. Continue along the path to the right to reach the summit at 3,000 m, where you'll find the orientation table.

The trek can be made in either direction, Wakan to Hadash or Hadash to Wakan. Practical info: the trail is in the shade in the morning if you climb from Hadash and in the shade in the afternoon if you climb from Wakan. There are also two trails, the lower trail and the upper trail via Jabal Akhdar.
The upper trail (W25 then W24a) is the longer but more popular. If you start from Wakan, follow the tricolour markers in the village center. Take the stairs up to the top of the steps (when the markings split into 2, don't turn left), which is where the trek really begins. The route is well signposted, but requires a great deal of attention, as it is very steep and consists mainly of rolling rocks and stones. It can even be a little treacherous. At an altitude of around 2,200 m, the path swings over to the other side, offering an exceptional panorama of the Jabal Akhdar plateau. The trail then continues for some time on the plateau before leading to the Wadi Mistal side and the descent to Hadash.
The lower trail (W24b) also starts in the village of Wakan. Follow the tricolour markings, start climbing the stairs, but turn left through the farms (it's signposted). This trail is shorter, but very technical and also sometimes perilous. The section towards Hadash is very steep and difficult, with slippery rocks.

Never set off alone, start early in the morning and bring a first-aid kit and plenty of water.

The C38a, as the route is called (yellow-white-red markings), begins with a flight of stone steps, reaches a viewpoint overlooking the souk, the corniche and the port, before descending into Mutrah, offering several panoramic views. This path was once the main route linking Mutrah's old town to the port. It is thought to have been used as far back as the Magan civilization 5,000 years ago. It also features some of the best-preserved and most exposed volcanic rock outcrops in the world, known as "ophiolites".

The starting point of this good hike, called Trek Al Aarkoub or Persian stairs (in reference to the many existing steps), is in the village of Imti, about 9 km from Izki. The start of the trek is at an altitude of 670 m and is well indicated on Google Map. This hike is for experienced walkers with good footwear. Remember to protect yourself from the heat (sunscreen, cap) and plan to set off early in the morning, as the 1,000 m elevation gain requires almost a full day's walk, including breaks and unforeseen circumstances.

At the start, head towards the Wadi and follow the red arrows. Shortly afterwards, you'll come across the famous tricolour markers that serve as signposts for the sultanate's hiking trails. From the start of the trek up to an altitude of around 1,350 m, the route is mainly made up of steps carved in stone and therefore relatively easy to climb. After that, there are no more steps and the trail becomes steeper and harder to find. But there are always the tricolour markers pointing the way. The trail continues into the Jabal Akhdar up to an altitude of 2,000 metres, taking you to the Saiq plateau, where the scenery is breathtaking.

Take plenty of water with you, never set off alone, and bring a first-aid kit and an anti-venom kit, as minor accidents can happen (scratches, ankle sprains...) and it's not uncommon to come across wasps or snakes (very shy) in these mountainous parts.

Overheated in the capital? The brand-new Snow Park at the Mall of Muscat is the solution for a fun way to cool down to -4°C! Once you've paid for your pass, all the equipment is provided, as Omanis are not used to these low temperatures: snow boots, fleece gloves, disposable socks, pants, jackets and helmets. Then it's on to ice-skating, snowball fights, sledging...and for an extra 7.5 OMR, an incredible encounter with real penguins! On-site catering and refreshments.

With dozens of diving centers in the world, including 4 in Oman, the reputation of Extra Divers is well established. The Musandam club is located at the Six Senses Zighy Bay Hotel, close to fifteen sites. Exclusive (few divers) and composed of fjords, the underwater landscape offers magnificent scenery, rich with a varied marine life including many pelagics, turtles, rays, nudibranchs, dolphins ... and even whale sharks in season, from January to April. Also at the club: snorkeling and all the SSI and PADI courses.

This highly professional Omani company offers a wide range of activities: snorkeling trips to Bandar Khiran Island, fishing, dolphin, turtle or even bird watching sessions on Fahal Island, sunset cruises, strolls in Muscat's fjords, etc. As the company owns several boats, including a comfortable 3-cabin yacht, it also organizes, on request, private outings lasting from a few hours to several days, with meals on board or on exclusive beaches, tailor-made activities, etc.

With 4 diving centers in Oman, Extra Divers is the most represented company in the sultanate. In Dhofar, the club is located in Mirbat, in the heart of the Wyndham Garden Hotel, from where the boats depart. More than 25 scuba diving sites can be explored in the surrounding area (nitrox on request), and the club also offers snorkeling and swimming with dolphins. Courses follow the SSI curriculum, from beginner to assistant instructor, and can be taken in German, English, Italian and Arabic, from age 8 upwards.

The first of its kind in Oman, this water park, nice but relatively modest compared to what can be found elsewhere in the world, covers an area of 65,000 m². It includes the inevitable wave pool, a large playful paddling pool for the youngest and a whole range of water slides of varying speed and tortuosity. Kiosks can be rented for the day or for a few hours so that you and your belongings can rest while the children have fun. There is also an outdoor playground, fast food and a shop.

Created in 1998, Sidab Sea Tours is one of the oldest companies in Muscat to offer sea trips and water activities in the heart and immediate surroundings of the capital. From the Bandar al Rowdha marina where the company is based (with the possibility of transfer from some hotels on the coast), one can participate in dolphin watching cruises, sunset boat trips, fishing parties, dhow trips, etc. Privatization of boats on request and tailor-made excursions.

This trek can be made from either Sifah or Qurayyat, a small town south of Sifah on the coast. Total length 21 km, so bring good hiking boots, as the paths, like everywhere in Oman, are rocky and sometimes slippery. There are several places on the trek where you can cool off and swim, either in the wadis or in the sea.
Arriving in Sifah by car, turn right and continue to the end of the tarmac road. Then turn left onto the unpaved road leading to the sea. The traffic lights are visible at the end of this track. It is still possible to drive to the beginning of the trail, for about 2km, with a 4x4 vehicle. The trail is well signposted and often runs parallel to the coast. It crosses several wadis into which you have to descend and then climb again. It also passes several magnificent creeks where you can swim.
At the two-thirds point, the trail descends to a very long beach called Abu Dawood. This is the ideal place to take a break, feed and swim in the sea. You then have to cross the entire wadi to find the marks on the other side again. The trail then climbs back up to a plateau and the marks are harder to find. The trail then descends again to the beach, which you must walk along before starting the climb up the rocks opposite. The trek ends in the village of Qurayyat near the flamingo lake.

Founded in 1971, he is the dean of golf in the Sultanate. In the heart of a wadi, a stone's throw from the city centre, with a panoramic view of the mountains and Muscat from certain holes, this old sand course has been grassed and now offers 5,967 metres of challenge, Par 72. A few carts are available, but not too many as Ghala advocates walking and is the only one of the 5 Muscat golf courses that you will be able to cover entirely on foot. On site: driving range and putting green, Golf Academy, Club House, Pro shop, restaurant and bar.