Turtle Watching in Oman
From panoramic mountain views and endless deserts to pristine beaches, the Sultanate of Oman is a popular beach and vacation destination, but a little-known fact is that Oman's beaches are home to 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles.
Over the course of a year, they flock to the country's shores to lay nearly 60,000 eggs a year. Then, in less than 2 months, the beaches are flooded with newly hatched baby turtles.
Watching these gentle sea giants nest in such close quarters is a unique opportunity and has become a significant ecotourism attraction in Oman.
Turtle Watching
Sea turtles usually lay their eggs in the dark when they are less likely to find predators, so most tours are at night (from 9 p.m.) and early morning (from 5 a.m.).
Watching these majestic creatures emerge from the serene dark waters and painstakingly reach for the shore, using their paws to dig small holes and lay eggs is a unique chance to see nature in all its glory.
Flash photography and the use of flashlights are prohibited because of their striking nature. Instead, guides usually use red lights to point out turtles in the sand. When the animals move, tourists are advised to get out of their way and observe them from the side or from behind to avoid scaring them away.
When the eggs hatch, the young turtles make the perilous journey back to the water, as they encounter many predators such as crabs, foxes, and birds in their path. They move in hordes, little paws still trembling as they maneuver across the sand.
Watching these little cubs dashing toward the ocean is a really great opportunity.
Known areas for turtle watching
Oman is believed to be home to the largest number of nesting turtles in the Indian Ocean. Several species can be found here, such as the Olive Ridley turtle, Hawksbill, and the giant Greenback. The leatherback turtle can be found in Omani waters, but it does not nest on the country's shores.
There are about 275 beaches on its coastline where turtles stay, but most of them have been closed from the public to protect the habitat.
By far the most famous areas for watching turtles are Ras Al-Hadd and Ras Al-Jinz, Masirah Island, Al-Damaniyat Islands and the shores of the Dhofar region.
Ras Al Jinz is a fishing village which has been a turtle sanctuary since 1996. Managed by the Oman Tourism Development Company, it is the only official place where you can observe the nesting process of sea turtles. It is a world known for the nests of the endangered green turtle chelonian mydas.
The Ras Al-Jinz Turtle Reserve is about a 3-hour drive from Muscat and a 45-minute drive from Sura. It includes an interactive museum for visitors.
Tourists are not allowed to visit the beach on their own and reservations must be made at the Turtle Reserve for the tour. A limited number of visitors are allowed each day, which is ensured by the Omani Ministry of Environment, so it is necessary to book your visit.
For guests staying in Turtle Reserve or Turtle Beach Resort rooms and tents, turtle viewing is included in the room rate, but the fee for Turtle Reserve is 7 OMR for adults, 1 OMR for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children under age 4.
Best season for turtle watching in Oman
Although sea turtles visit Oman's shores throughout the year, the months of May through September are the best time to see them. It is during these months that the turtles come close to shore to feed and breed.
Necessary time
The general sightseeing tour takes anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. Much of this is spent watching a turtle slowly move across the sand to its nest or return to the water. During peak months, tourists report nearly 20 turtle sightings a day.
The Omani government is committed to preserving these creatures, and many strict laws are enforced to ensure their well-being.
Turtle watching in Oman gives visitors a unique opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close while remaining respectful of their nesting processes.
In addition to the many mosques and bazaars to visit in the country, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and watch turtles in Oman.