On earth, spectacular landscapes to discover
Hiking. In the mountains, in the desert or in the wadis, Oman is a paradise for walkers of all levels and without doubt one of the best ways to discover the sultanate, provided you take precautions, as help is non-existent in remote areas. The easiest way to discover the country's most beautiful cross-country trails is undoubtedly through a local agency. The Omanis are great walkers and people are very close to nature, so there are plenty of good guides in all regions.
Most itineraries (marked or unmarked) cross the Hajar mountains in the north of the country, culminating at 3,010 metres, and the Dhofar mountains in the south, overlooked by Jebel Samhan. As for the numerous wadis, they are concentrated in the Batinah region, around Rustaq, and along the coast south of Muscat, in the Sharqiyah region. Walkers and trekkers tend to come during the Omani winter, from mid-October to mid-April, when the days are mild and dry.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. For mountain bikers, Oman offers a wide range of trails, sometimes in the mountains, sometimes on the plains, sometimes deep in the wadis, in the canyons or discovering the oases. Road biking is also available, especially in the mountains.
Canyoning and abseiling. There are countless possibilities in this field, although proportionately relatively few are exploited. A change is underway with the advent of companies specializing in adventure sports. A few descents have been developed and made safe, the most popular canyons being those of the SnakeCanyon in Batinah or the Shab and Tiwi wadis (on the coast between Muscat and Sur). Abseiling, plunging into waterfalls, swimming between walls... a real adventure!
Climbing or via ferrata. As with canyoning, the Sultanate of Oman's climbing potential is infinite, though still underdeveloped. The country prides itself on being a climber's paradise. This activity is practised in the mountains, but also in the wadis just a few minutes from the seaside (superb walls). Several French and local agencies and private guides specialize in this discipline. Beware, however, that the level and vertical drop may be much greater than in Europe, and the walls less well prepared.
Caving. Oman has some superb caves and tunnels. Many have yet to be uncovered, but the potential is real. As in all technical disciplines, it's impossible to venture out on your own; you'll have to turn to specialized operators. The country's most spectacular cave, reserved for cavers only, is Majlis al-Jinn. The sultanate is also home to the "House of the Devil" (Bimmah Sinkhole), one of the world's widest wells, located south of Muscat in Bimma. Fed by two wadis, this well offers great swimming opportunities. No equipment is required, as a staircase has been provided.
Quad biking and 4x4. Quad biking is practiced in the heart of nature, on tracks that allow you to explore wilderness areas inaccessible to cars. In the Sultanate, quad excursions are mainly offered by desert camps (not all of them, especially the larger ones): dune-crossing, trips to flatter areas, visits to Bedouin villages. The 4x4 is used as an activity in the dunes of the Sharqiya Sands(Dune Bashing). They are essential for exploring the sultanate's wilderness: desert, mountains, wadis, beaches and capes in the far south, etc. They are easy to hire from Muscat.
Golf. With 5 18-hole grass courses offering spectacular panoramic views, the Sultanate of Oman can cater for golf enthusiasts on holiday in Muscat (there are no golf courses outside the capital at present). Several 4- and 5-star hotels offer "Stay & Golf" packages.
At sea too, there are many options
Whether it's just for the pleasure of a boat trip, and/or above all to go dolphin watching, you really shouldn't miss a sea trip around Muscat, in the Musandam fjords (to the north) or around Salalah (to the south).
Sailing. With over 1,700 km of coastline, the sultanate's shores are ideal for water sports of all kinds, including sailing, a discipline that has grown in popularity in recent years, both in the world of racing with the Extreme 40 catamarans, and thanks to the development of this activity among the local population, helping to promote Oman worldwide. Since 2008, the sultanate has created an entity called Oman Sail, whose aim is to promote the country through nautical events, but also to create sailing schools to revive its great maritime past. After all, isn't Oman the land of Sindbad the sailor?
Kayaking. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around a hotel, or take part in a full-fledged excursion to the fjords south of Muscat or the even more spectacular fjords in the north of the country, in the Musandam region.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing. The south and east of the sultanate enjoy constant tropical winds between May and September, which is the best season for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Oman. Masirah Island, around 450 km from Muscat, is home to the best spots, in an unspoilt, authentic setting. At the height of the season, the wind blows continuously at between 20 and 40 knots. Other very scenic spots attract surfers, such as Bar Al Hikman and Al Ashkhara, both to the east.
Surfing. Although the Sultanate is not known as a surfing destination in its own right, surfers can find great waves in many places. Joe's Point, the best-known site (in Asilah in the east), has even been ranked among the 50 best surf spots in the world.
Diving. Oman's seabed is renowned for its beauty and diversity. The waters are very rich in plankton, which can sometimes pose a problem for visibility, but at the same time encourages an abundance of fauna. Stingrays, lemon sharks, blacktip sharks, lobsters, sea cucumbers, octopus, barracudas, Picasso fish, lionfish, moray eels, etc., can be found close to shore, just 10 to 30 minutes by boat from the coast. The sultanate's beaches are also breeding grounds for several species of sea turtle, and there is a large dolphin population in the Muscat area, as well as on the Musandam peninsula and in the Dhofar region. In fact, these three areas are the best places to discover the country's underwater treasures, and the ones with the best diving clubs. These versatile clubs generally also offer snorkeling, sea outings (dolphins, sunset...) and fishing sessions.
