East Coast Oman Holidays

This easternmost region of the Arabian Peninsula possesses a distinct culture built on Oman's seafaring past. Sur is the main town in the region, once renowned for its dhow-building and a major collection point for Arabian Horse exportation, the city's boatyards are still functioning and open to visitors today. There are some excellent stretches of beaches nearby. If you asked what local people associate with Sur its the gas plant on the edge of town. Don't let this industrial fringe put you off, it has brought great wealth expanding the number of shops and hotels to choose from to explore Sur's many attractions.

Ras Al Hadd is an hour south of Sur, it has some of the most beautiful stretches of sea in the gulf. It is a sleepy village location, perfect for playing water sports and taking long walks along the beach. The empty stretches of soft sand reflect Ras Al Hadd's remoteness, so if you're looking for a truly serene getaway, come here.

Places of interest along the East Coast include Ras Al Hadd castle, a small well-preserved fortress with stellar views, and the Dhow factory. It is the only traditional boat factory in the Middle East that is still operational, and is an incredibly special place to visit and witness the construction of these famous boats. As you explore, hit the road to Ras Al Jinz, the single best place in Oman to watch turtles, just make sure to visit between June and October during turtle season.