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Oman
Holidays

A brand, spanking new year is around the corner. 12 fresh months, 52 weeks, 365 days – all just waiting to be filled with adventures. Travel was well and truly back in 2022 (thank goodness!), and 2023 is set to be bursting with holidays left, right and centre. We’ve been busy designing holidays all over the World, here’s a handy infographic to show where you’re going (so far) over the next 12 months… Have you booked your 2023 holiday yet? If not, now’s the time!   Get inspired…   Wildlife, nature and Pura Vida lifestyle is top of the bill in 2023. Costa Rica is the most popular holiday destination amongst our clients (so far), with 12% of holidays heading to the nature lover’s paradise.   Costa Rica holiday highlights ☑ Visit Arenal , Costa Rica’s adventure capital, and zip line through the canopy, soak in the hot springs, kayak in the shadow of a live volcano and hike over hanging bridges. ☑ Soak up the wild beauty of the Osa Peninsula . Reaching this region is a bit of a challenge, but being simply the best place to see wildlife in all of Costa Rica, we’d argue it’s more than worth it! ☑ Sun yourself on one of the beautiful beaches along the Northern Pacific Coast . Don’t miss a visit to the tranquil Nicoya Peninsula (and a stay at the incredible Lagarta Lodge , too!) Costa Rica holidays     A county of so much variation and contrast, it’s not tricky to see why Vietnam makes up a huge 10.9% of our 2023 holidays already.   Vietnam holiday highlights ☑ Float amidst the towering limestone rocks of Asia’s most spectacular landscape. A cruise on Ha Long Bay is a must for any Vietnam holiday. ☑ Enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days in the yellow-washed gem that is Hoi An . With cobbled streets that come alive with the light of thousands of lanterns after dark, small tailoring shops, riverside cafes and traditional merchant houses, it’s a special place. ☑ Trek with a local hill tribe through the stunning landscapes around Sapa . Vibrant green valleys, perfectly terraced rice paddies, fast-flowing streams and countless waterfalls await you here. Vietnam holidays     A Jordan holiday is so much more than just a visit to Petra. As 9.9% of our booked clients are set to find out next year…   Jordan holiday highlights ☑ You simply can’t visit Jordan without making a trip to “the rose-red city half as old as time”. Petra is as stunning as it is historic, prepare to pinch yourself once you’ve made your way down the Siq Canyon and are treated to that first glimpse of the famous Treasury Tomb. ☑ Experience the feeling of weightlessness with a bob about in the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea . Found at the lowest point on the Earth’s surface (422 metres below sea level, to be exact), it’s a truly unique place to visit – and the health benefits claimed of its waters are worth the trip, too! ☑ Visit the ancient city of Jerash . Found just outside Amman , Jordan’s capital, these ruins are incredibly well preserved and anyone who loves a bit of history in their holiday mix, will be in their element here. Jordan holidays     South Africa is the destination that started HA. It was the very first place we ever sent clients all those many years ago. And, with 8.7% of holidays heading here next year, we’re chuffed that it’s still as popular as ever.   South Africa holiday highlights ☑ Most South Africa holidays we design, start in the incredible capital of Cape Town . And what a welcome. Gorgeous beaches ready for sundowners, fantastic shopping, fascinating history and world-class food and drink – all set against a backdrop of the unmistakable Table Mountain. It’s not hard to see why Cape Town is considered one of the most iconic cities in the World. ☑ Animals, animals, animals. The quest for the Big 5 is at the top of most South Africa holiday wish lists. And, with incredible safari offerings all over the country, wildlife sightings are (almost) guaranteed to be brilliant here. They’re wild animals of course, they go where they please. But, whether you visit Kruger , the Eastern Cape , Limpogo , KwaZulu-Natal , the Kalahari , or one of the many other reserves – we fancy your chances! ☑ Head to the Great Escarpment , to take in some of the very best landscapes South Africa has to offer. With waterfalls, river canyons, forests, wildlife and viewpoints galore (don’t miss God’s Window!) – it’s a great addition to any South Africa holiday. South Africa holidays     It’s finally back! It’s been off the holiday list for far too long, so we couldn’t be happier that 8.5% of the booked travels in 2023 are heading off to this captivating country. Bullet trains, robot cafes, perfect gardens, bamboo forests, ancient walking trails and so much culture awaits.   Japan holiday highlights ☑ We’re not sure you can visit Japan, without experiencing its largest, craziest and most robot-filled cities. Tokyo is often considered the biggest metropolis on the planet – and we love it. For all of its neon lights and progressive technology, its historic soul is very much intact with countless temples, shrines and gardens dotted around the city. ☑ The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto is bursting with shrines and history. Step back in time with a bike ride down the ancient streets of the Gion neighbourhood (keep your eyes peeled for Geisha!), head to the bright red gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and even test your sword skills at a Ninja workshop . ☑ Experience a different side of Japanese life and culture with some time in Takayama . The perfect base from which to visit to beautiful, rural countryside (the Christmas-card village of Shirakawago is very close by!) – the antique wooden buildings will charm you in no time at all. Japan holidays     Without doubt the must exotic and alluring getaway you can have within a 4-hour flight from the UK, it’s no wonder that Morocco is always a popular one with our clients, snapping up 8.2% of 2023 booking so far.   Morocco holiday highlights ☑ Spend a day or two on the golden sands of the Erg Chebbi. It’s one of only two places in Morocco where you can see the start of the great Sahara Desert. Take a camel ride across the dunes and sleep under the stars. A highlight of any Morocco holiday for sure. ☑ Explore the bohemian streets, pretty medina and blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen . Perfect for photography lovers, this stunning town is set against a backdrop of mountains with so many trails to explore! ☑ For a real slice of authentic Morocco, venture into the High Atlas Mountains and spend some time with the Berbers . There are trails to explore, mountains to climb, fresh mint tea to drink and home-cooked traditional dinners with local families to enjoy. Morocco holidays     Sri Lanka had a bit of a rocky start to the year, but we’re delighted to say it’s fully back on the holiday radar now! With 7% of booked holidays next year visiting this jewel-shaped island, we’re so excited for more of our clients to fall in love with all it has to offer.   Sri Lanka holiday highlights ☑ Take on of the most picturesque train rides on earth up into the rolling tea hills in the middle of the country. Make the most of the slight drop in temperature and take a hike to Lipton’s Seat, enjoy a tour of a local tea factory and indulge in High Tea at the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. ☑ Dig out your binoculars for a safari at Yala National Park . With a varied ecosystem made up of monsoon forests, grasslands, sandy beaches and wetlands – the animal sightings are brilliant here. Plus, said to be home to one of the highest concentrations of leopard on earth, it’s THE place to go if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the illusive cats. ☑ Spend some time in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle to get a taste of the country’s rich history. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the Dambulla Cave Temples and take a bike ride around the ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka holiday     Namibia has been having a bit of a moment recently and – quite rightly – growing in popularity as a Southern Africa holiday destination. An impressive 6.6% of HA holidays next year are heading to this otherworldly landscape…   Namibia holiday highlights ☑ One of the big hitters of Namibia holidays, the sand seas of the Namib Desert (the oldest desert on earth don’t you know!) around Sossusvlei are something very special. The graceful curves of the massive glowing dunes stand in stark contrast to the other-worldly white pans “vleis”, with dead trees and cracked mud, that lay in their shadow. ☑ The Skeleton Coast forms a division between mainland Namibia and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Dotted with shipwrecks, without doubt, this coast line is one of Namibia’s most unspoiled and remote areas. Experience it in true style with this ‘Flying the Skeleton Coast’ holiday. ☑ Head to the wide open plains of Etosha National Park to experience one of Southern Africa’s premier safari destinations. Boasting incredible numbers of elephant, zebra, giraffe, antelope and big cats, (plus fairly good number of elusive Black rhino!), a safari adventure awaits here. Namibia holidays     Nabbing 6.1% of next year’s holiday bookings so far, the orangutan-filled rainforests of Borneo are looking to be popular over the next 12 months.   Borneo holiday highlights ☑ A nature-lovers dream, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. It’s perfect for wildlife spotting, with orangutan, Pygmy elephant and clouded leopard spotted frequently. The area is strongly protected, and access tightly restricted, so make sure you factor in a stay at the beautiful Borneo Rainforest Lodge to experience it for yourself. ☑ Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in the heart of Sepilok. Set amidst lush rainforest and explored via a series of elevated walkways, this is a brilliant place to come for a taste of Borneo wildlife – with the chance to do good along the way. ☑ The island paradise of Gaya Island is the perfect place to unwind on your Borneo holiday after all of the orangutan-spotting excitement. White-sand beaches, fringed with lush palms on one side and turquoise waters the other. Dive on in. Borneo holidays     Canada is vast, diverse and packed full of extraordinarily wide range of scenery and experiences. Whether you’re after beautiful beaches, snowy mountains, wildlife encounters, adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures or a tranquil lake cruise – it’s got you covered. That 5.2% of bookings are in for a real treat…   Canada holiday highlights ☑ Take one of the World’s most iconic journeys, a train ride on the Rocky Mountain Express through the towering snow-capped peaks of the the Rocky Mountains. This two-day rail journey takes you all the way from Vancouver to beautiful Jasper. ☑ Experience the power of Mother Nature at full force with a visit to Niagara Falls . You can take a boat ride right up to the falls, fly over the top of it or even walk right behind the plummeting water. Plus, nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake with its artisan shops, art galleries and cafes is the perfect base. ☑ You can’t truly appreciate the beauty of Canada until you’ve seen Banff with your own eyes. Canada’s very first National Park (created in 1883), the bright blue water set against the backdrop of mountain wilderness, is pinch-yourself perfect.     The charm of the Cambodian smile is ready and waiting to welcome 4% of HA holiday bookings in 2023 (so far, that is!). We have a real soft spot for this country, its beauty, sights, and its warm, resilient people.   Cambodia holiday highlights ☑ Fall in love with the charms of Siem Reap . Obviously you have to spend some time exploring the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat , but there’s so much more on offer here. Take a street food tour by vespa and enjoy some of the many sophisticated restaurants and chic bars popping up all over the town. Don’t miss an evening at the Phare Circus either, such talent! ☑ Sun yourself on the secret islands of the south coast . With powdery white sand beaches, lapped with clear blue waters, these small islands boast dramatic headlands and jungle forests. They’re also home to luxurious hideaways perfect for a slice of well deserved R&R after time spent soaking up the history and culture of Cambodia. ☑ Journey up into the Cardamom Mountains . This remote virgin rainforest is one of the last remaining habitats for Asian elephants, bears, tigers and the Siamese crocodile. With deserted river islands, thundering waterfalls and Wildlife Sanctuaries to visit, the Cardamom Mountains would be a great addition to any Cambodia holiday. Cambodia holidays     Oman is such a unique holiday destination – and we can’t wait to send 3.5% of our 2023 clients there. With cities, deserts, rich culture, mountain villages and so much history to explore, it has all the makings of a great adventure for all the family.   Oman holiday highlights ☑ Start your adventure with some time in the capital of Muscat . Old Muscat and Muttrah make up the historical heart of the city, with palaces to explore, forts to walk around, giant chandeliers to be wowed by and old souqs to get lost in. With beach resorts nearby and the option to take a sunset Dhow cruise , too, there’s something for everyone. ☑ It might be just a few hours from Muscat, but the Wahiba Sands feel anything but. Stretching nearly 200 miles from north to south, you’ll find towering golden dunes, deep valleys, local Bedouins and an awful lot of camels here. What’s more, with some beautiful tented camps to choose from, you’ll be relaxing in comfort under the starry desert skies. ☑ Venture up towards the Hajar Mountains and explore the sheer canyons, terraced villages and forts around Nizwa . You’ll feel a million miles away from day-to-day life here – a real insight into rural Omani life. Oman holidays     Whether you visit the North Island, the South Island, or both, New Zealand has all of the makings of an adventure worthy of your 2023 holidays. With 2.4% of booked holidays heading here, we’re already excited to see the travel snaps.     New Zealand holiday highlights ☑ Get away from it all and spend some time in Abel Tasman National Park . All of New Zealand is staggeringly beautiful, but there’s something extra special about this region. With sheltered turquoise waters perfect for kayaking and so many incredible walking trails with a more breathtaking view waiting around every corner – it’s a must. ☑ Be captivated by the marine life playground that is Kaikoura . This is THE place to go to spot giant sperm whales, playful dusky dolphins, seals, sweeping albatross and so much more. ☑ Tucked away in the far south-western corner of the South Island, you’ll find the Fjordland National Park. A boat ride through Milford Sound (or the slightly quieter Doubtful Sound), will certainly make you New Zealand holiday highlights list.   So, where makes your holiday wish list?   Latest posts 15 of our favourite holiday ideas Summer holiday ideas: Our team share their favourite summer itineraries The hibernation’s over: Canada holidays are back! The most popular destinations for 2025 so far Holiday quiz: Find your perfect 2025 holiday  

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable destination for your next holiday, Oman might just be the place for you. Found on the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman offers a huge range of different experiences, from exploring ancient forts and wandering around local markets, to snorkelling in crystal clear waters and hiking through stunning mountain landscapes.  But, when is the best time to visit Oman? Below, we’ve outlined the different seasons, cultural events and weather patterns you can expect throughout the year. Plus, you’ll find a month-by-month guide, too. So, if you’re wondering when the best time to book an Oman holiday is, you’ve come to the right place. (Our Oman specialists are at the end of the phone if you want to chat any of this through, of course!) In a nutshell, Oman’s seasons are as follows:   High Season: October to March Shoulder Season: April to May and September Low Season: June to August January April July October February May August November March June September December         The sun sets over the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Bawshar, Muscat   The best time to visit Oman We recommend timing your Oman holiday between October and March. This is a lovely time of year to visit the majority of Oman, perfect for all manner of activities whether you fancy hiking in the mountains, exploring the cities or snorkelling with turtles. Temperatures will be in the twenties (°C), with plenty of sunshine throughout the days. It will drop down to the late teens overnight though, so you’ll want to make sure you have a few warmer layers with you in case you get chilly.   Key dates January: The Muscat Festival Ramadan & Eid: The dates of these important Muslim holidays are based on the lunar calendar, meaning they change in the Western calendar year on year . It’s always worth checking when Ramadan and Eid fall, as they will definitely have an impact on your trip. During Ramadan, the majority of restaurants will close during the day and it’s actually illegal to eat or drink in public. Your HA specialist will, of course, ensure you are aware if these fall within your Oman holiday travel dates. Generally, we do recommend avoiding them if at all possible.     Oman’s summer months Oman ‘s summer falls from May and September. Things get very hot and humid over these months, so picking this time for your Oman holiday isn’t for you if you don’t do too well in the heat. These searingly hot temperatures will be found across most of the country. But, there are a couple of exceptions…     The exceptions: Salalah and Dhofar Salalah and Dhofar are the exceptions to the Oman climate rules. Here it is pleasingly warm all year round (and not too scorching). May and June bring the hottest temperatures, while July and August bring the rains of the khareef monsoon and the cooler temperatures that come with it. However, we don’t recommend visiting Salalah this time of year. It’s common for Omanis (and even those further afield in the Middle East) to emigrate to the Arabian Peninsula to escape the scorching heat elsewhere in the region. So, things get very busy with lots of traffic and near-impossible accommodation availability.     Oman: Weather throughout the year Oman in January January is a good month to visit Oman, although it has been a little cooler than usual over recent years. It can get very chilly in the mountains, dropping down to below 10ºC at night, so you’ll need a few warmer layers! But, with long, sunshine-filled days and very little rain, January is a great month to get outdoors and experience all of the adventures Oman has to offer. If you find yourself in the capital of Muscat in January, don’t miss the Muscat Festival, which brings to life all that is special about Oman’s history and rich culture.   Oman in February Oman is lovely in February. The temperatures are beautifully warm with very little rain expected. February also sees hundreds of cyclists and runners descend on the country from all around the world, with the cycling marathon and Al Mouj Muscat Marathon taking place. Oman in March March continues to be beautiful, with dry, sunny days – it’s a fab time of year for an Oman holiday. It’s also the month of camel races and camel beauty pageants (yep, they’re an actual thing!) The colourful festival of Holi also falls in March, so expect to see bursts of colour pop up around the country. Plus, if you’re a fan of folk music, you’ll be treated to the Oman World Folk Music Festival in March, too.   Oman in April Marking the start of shoulder season , April is a great month to visit if you’re hoping to nab some lower accommodation rates and enjoy the sites without the crowds. The temperature is starting to heat up, but there’s still time to enjoy an Arabic adventure before things get scorching! It’s rose-blooming season up in the mountains. So, make sure you visit Jebel Akhdar if you’re in Oman in April, where the roses are being harvested for rose water. Oman in May Temperatures are on the rise, but an Oman holiday in May is still a great idea. Long, hot, sunny days await and rainfall is minimal. You might want to avoid being out in the midday sun though, and don’t forget your sun cream!   Oman in June June is when things start to get a little uncomfortably hot. But, if you’re a fan of high temperatures and sunshine, it can be a great value time to visit. We’d recommend staying out of the sun during the middle of the day (a shady poolside refreshment will be calling your name!), but there are always the national museums or shopping malls to shelter from the heat in if you’re out and about. They’re very well-equipped to deal with the heat in the Middle East, so you won’t be short of places to cool off. The monsoons make the region of Salalah slightly cooler than the rest of Oman (and rainier too!) So it’s worth factoring in a visit here to escape the heat if you’re visiting Oman in June. Oman in July You’ll need a very big hat if you’re planning to visit Oman in July. Temperatures are slowly creeping up towards the height of summer heat, so be sure to drink plenty of water and take shelter from the sun’s searing rays whenever you can. Salalah is cooled down by the Khareef Monsoons in July, and they have a cultural festival on, too. However, as outlined above, Salalah gets very busy with locals who are escaping the heat throughout July and August. So, it’s best avoided at this time of year really. Oman in August August is hot, hot, hot in Oman. Not at all for the faint-hearted, we wouldn’t really recommend an Oman holiday in August unless you really are well adapted to scorching hot temperatures. Even the sun going down doesn’t provide too much relief. Temperatures rarely drop much below 33ºC – even overnight!   September is the end of turtle-hatching season in Oman Oman in September September is shoulder season in Oman. It’s also the end of the turtle-hatching season at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve ! The weather is starting to cool down a little bit, so it’s a good month to flock to the beaches before the high-season visitor numbers return. Oman in October October is gorgeous in Oman. The temperature has cooled right down, but the days are beautifully sunny with little rain. This harvest month is an incredible time to get outdoors and explore the many hiking trails just waiting to be discovered throughout the countryside and the mountains.   Oman’s National Day: November 18th Oman in November November in Oman is a month of celebration. Oman’s National Day, which is also their Independence Day, falls on November 18th. If you’re lucky enough to be in the country on this day, prepare to be surrounded by an array of green, red and white as flags are hung out of windows all over to celebrate Oman’s history and mark the pride that Omanis feel for their country. The temperatures are beautifully warm, with plenty of sunshine to soak up, too. Oman in December The weather in Oman is brilliant in December. The temperature is really pleasantly warm and rainfall is minimal. Early December is actually one of our favourite times of the year for an Oman holiday. You’ll be treated to great rates and perfect weather! If you’re planning your holiday to fall over Christmas and New Year, do make sure you book well in advance – things can get very busy.     So, there you have it – a summary of when to go to Oman. In short, you can visit Oman any month of the year (it just depends how prepared you are for things to get hot, hot, hot!) As always, our fab Oman specialists Emma and Cat are on hand to give you the best up-to-date advice. They’ll be able to let you know when key festivals are and will design your holiday to ensure you’re getting the best out of the country regardless of the month you are visiting.   Latest Posts 15 of our favourite holiday ideas Summer holiday ideas: Our team share their favourite summer itineraries The hibernation’s over: Canada holidays are back! The most popular destinations for 2025 so far Holiday quiz: Find your perfect 2025 holiday  

I love Muscat. There’s something about this sprawling city that just draws you in. It’s modern yet charming, and it doesn’t feel as shiny as other big Middle Eastern cities (I’m looking at you, Dubai!) There are so many great things to do in Muscat, you could easily pack two to three days here. Here’s a roundup of my favourite things to do and see in Muscat. I don’t doubt that this Omani capital will woo you just like it did me.   When to go to Muscat Muscat has a beautiful climate year-round, but it is best to avoid the summer season when temperatures can reach into the 40’s (degrees Celsius). Otherwise, we advise light long sleeve tops and long shorts, skirt or trousers. And don’t forget your sunglasses and hat! Learn the lingo If you’re going to try and memorise some local language before you visit (we think it’s always worthwhile!), the greetings: As-salám aláykum (peace be with you) AND the reply: Aaláykum as-salám (and to you peace) are worth remembering!   Things to do in Muscat Marvel at the Grand Mosque The Grand Mosque is a must visit when in Muscat. This stunning example of Islamic architecture and modern design was gifted to Oman by Sultan Qaboos to celebrate his 30th year of reign and really is a sight to behold. Open between 8 and 11am from Saturday to Thursday for those not visiting to pray, be prepared to be wowed by the huge, spectacular prayer hall. You’ll find the second-largest hand made Iranian carpet in the world here. It’s an incredible 70x60m in size and took more than 600 women (that’s 1,800 hands!) an incredible four years to weave. And don’t forget to look up! Floating elegantly above your head is the most beautiful chandelier. An incredible 45 feet tall and 26 feet wide and bejewelled with 600,000 crystals – this 8.5 tonne beast will put your lampshades to shame. Don’t forget to cover up before entering the Mosque, too – you need to be fully covered and avoid anything too tight! Everyone must have their shoulders, arms and legs covered and, if you’re female, don’t forget to take a headscarf to cover your luscious locks. (Girls over seven need to do this also!) You can hire headscarfs and abayas (full-length dresses) once there for a small fee if needed.   Learn about Omani history at the Beit Al Zubair Museum, Old Muscat After ambling around the Grand Mosque, head to the Beit Al Zubar Museum in beautiful Old Muscat for a fantastic insight into Oman’s rich history. Behind the impressive carved, wooden doors you’ll find an incredible collection of Omani artifacts, traditional clothing, jewellery and weapons – including two magnificent old canons gifted by Sultan Qaboos for the museum opening.   Get lost in the Muttrah Souk: Muscat’s most characterful quarter Once you’ve soaked up a good dose of culture at Beit Al Zubair, take a walk along the charming Corniche, the coastal road that links Old Muscat with the fishing district of Muttrah. Spend some time getting lost (on purpose!) in the maze of shaded alleyways that make up Muttrah Souk. There are different sections to help you get your bearings though: The gold and silver souk will satisfy your magpie eyes with glistening jewels, the household goods section and the shoes and clothes section are great for a mooch, before treating your senses to the perfumes and spices quarter. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique and authentic souvenir of your travels.     Lunch at Muttrah Souq and Fish Market Muttrah is the perfect place to find a great local eatery for a lunch stop. If you’re touring Muscat with a guide, he is sure to have some great recommendations. It’s always a good idea to listen to the locals! One of my favourite things to eat in Oman is Shuwa (grilled meat). It’s a favourite dish of the Omani people, often prepared for special occasions like Eid. Cooking the Shiwa dish takes a long time – the grilled meat is often prepared on the first day of Eid before being marinated in fragrant Omani spices, wrapped in banana or palm leaves and then slowly cooked in a sand oven for one to two days. My stomach just rumbled!   Tour the Royal Opera House After re-fuelling on some delicious Omani cuisine, make your way to the Royal Opera House for a tour. This gleaming structure was built in 2011 and is the leading arts organization in Oman. This venue, with its rows of bright red plush seats really is spectacular and they have frequent evening performances on, I’d always recommend trying to catch a show if it’s something that might interest you!   A spot of education at the National Museum Your last cultural stop of the day is Oman’s National Museum. You’ll be shown a backdrop of Oman’s rich history, spanning from the very first human settlements in the country, all the way to present day. If you’re anything like me, really learning about what makes a country unique is one of the most enriching things you can do on your travels. The museum has 14 permanent and interactive exhibitions on things like currency, artillery and Oman’s Maritime history. There’s also a little cafe here if you feel in need of a refreshment before you browse!   End your day with rooftop drinks or a sunset Dhow Cruise After a jam-packed day of culture and exploring, treat yourself to a refreshing sunset drink on the rooftop of your hotel ( the Crowne Plaza is great for this! ) and take in the sweeping views across the coast. Or, if you’re looking for a magical experience to round of your Muscat adventure – and why wouldn’t you! – take a two-hour sunset dhow cruise off the shores of the city. Dhows are beautifully sleek, wooden crafts which are still to this day built just down the coast from Muscat by hand! These traditional workhorses of the Arabian seas are the perfect vessel from which to take in the beauty of the setting Omani sun. Your small-group cruise will take you south of Muscat where you’ll pass jagged cliffs, rock arches and hidden coves. Omani Kahwa (coffee) and dates will be served as you cruise along the water and take in the beautiful colours of the Omani sunset. As night falls, the setting in front of the twinkling lights of Muscat really is something quite special.     Have a little longer to explore in Muscat? Diving off the Daymaniyat Islands It might surprise you that there are some amazing opportunities for snorkelling and diving off the coast of Oman. Head around 20km off the coast of Muscat to the secluded beauty of the Daymaniyat Islands. Leaving the busyness of the city behind, you’ll be greeted by crystal clear waters and white sand beaches – it’s paradise! The visibility can be fantastic here, as good as 20-30 meters, so it’s not unlikely that you’ll spot turtles, colourful species of fish and even the occasional ray!   Swimming with dolphins Dolphins can be seen all year-round in the waters off Muscat. Head out on a motor-yacht for a few hours to search for the playful pods and enjoy watching them frolic in the waters. This is a great trip for families or couples and you can even get in and snorkel with them if you like!   Kayaking from Muscat The coastline that surrounds the Omani capital is dotted with inlets that make it perfect for kayaking. If you’ve got the time and love getting out on the water, this half-day excursion is a great way to spend a few hours. You’ll head about 45 minutes east of Muscat to Bandar al Khayran – it’s got some of the bluest water you will ever see! Your guide will lead you past mangroves and to secluded beaches that are only accessible from the sea. A highlight is stopping on these stunning shores for snacks and some snorkelling, before hopping back into your kayak for the return paddle. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced kayaker. You’ll love this adventure regardless of ability levels – the kayaks are wide and stable, so easy to balance on!   So, there we have it, a roundup of some of my favourite things to do in Muscat. This really is a fantastic city that should feature on any Oman itinerary. If Oman is on your travel Wishlist, do drop me an email at [email protected] or give me a call on 01242 253 073 – I’d love to help design the perfect escape for you!