Oman's 10 best natural places, with the drive from Dubai for each

A sand sea roughly 180 km by 80 km of orange dunes running down to the coast. Camps range from plain Bedouin tents to full glamping. The dunes are best at first and last light, and tyres come down to about 15 psi before you drive in.

What visitors say“A must-see destination, where sand, sky and silence are blended in a magical experience.”

A short boat hop across the inlet, then about 45 minutes of walking up a palm-lined gorge to a chain of emerald pools. The last pool is entered by swimming through a slot in the rock to a waterfall inside a cave. The most reviewed natural site in the country.

What visitors say“Show up before 8 and enjoy. Wear water shoes that work for hiking and swimming and bring a dry bag.”

Sheer limestone walls dropping straight into deep water, reached on a full-day wooden dhow from Khasab. Spinner dolphins usually ride the bow wave, and the boat anchors at Telegraph Island for a swim and snorkel. The closest entry on this list to Dubai.

What visitors say“The outstanding beauty is just eye catching everywhere you look. Different rock formations. Small fishing villages.”

The Green Mountain. Terraced villages at 2,000 m growing pomegranate, walnut and the damask roses distilled each April. Around 24 C in January when the coast is warm. The rim walk between Al Aqr, Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah is the best easy hike in Oman.

What visitors say“You do need a four wheel drive. Gorgeous temperatures and fully paved but steep roads.”

Oman's highest mountain at about 3,000 m, with a rim that drops a kilometre into Wadi Ghul, the Grand Canyon of Arabia. The Balcony Walk (route W6) follows a ledge for roughly three hours return to the abandoned village of As Sab.

What visitors say“Awesome nature, nothing to envy to the US Grand Canyon. Reachable even via a standard car.”

Nine low limestone islands ringed by the best coral in the Gulf of Oman. Green turtles, rays, reef sharks and whale sharks in season. It is a protected reserve, so landings are restricted during the seabird and turtle nesting months. Check what your operator is permitted to do.

What visitors say“An unmissable experience. The thrill of swimming with turtles, seeing dolphins and if you are lucky even harmless sharks.”

The one place on this list that peaks in high summer. The Indian Ocean monsoon, the Khareef, turns Dhofar green from late June to mid-September. Darbat's travertine cliff becomes a tiered waterfall above a valley of lakes, boats and grazing camels. Fly to Salalah, do not drive.

What visitors say“This natural wonder in Oman's Dhofar region truly captivated me with its stunning beauty and serene atmosphere.”

The easiest wadi to visit: a spring-fed emerald pool a 15-minute walk from the car park, free to enter, with a cafe above it. Walk 20 minutes further upstream and the crowds disappear. Recent reviewers flag construction work and litter at the main pool.

What visitors say“Crystal clear water, fishes, palms. Swimming here is so pleasant, though it might be a bit crowded.”

A collapsed limestone chamber filled with turquoise water that mixes fresh and sea water through a tunnel to the coast about 600 m away. Free park, 77 steps down, little fish that nibble your feet. Ten minutes off the Muscat to Sur road, so it pairs naturally with Wadi Shab.

What visitors say“This unique geological site is well maintained, easy access, with no entry fee.”

Thousands of green turtles come ashore here every year to nest. Guided evening and sunrise walks only, no independent access. The wildlife is extraordinary. The score is dragged down by crowding, long waits and group sizes, not by the turtles. Go April to September and take the evening tour.

What visitors say“Witnessing nesting turtles so close makes it a unique and memorable experience.”