Sur, Oman: travel guide
Dhow-building yards and the road to turtle beaches and Wadi Shab
A coastal town in Ash Sharqiyah known for its centuries-old dhow-building shipyards, the Al Ayjah lighthouse across the lagoon, and its role as gateway to the green-turtle nesting beaches of Ras Al Jinz and the swimming pools of Wadi Shab.
About Sur
Sur is a coastal town on the eastern edge of Oman, long known for seafaring and for building traditional wooden dhows. It has a quiet corniche and a relaxed pace, and works as a base for the nearby coastline.
You can visit the dhow yard to see boats being built using methods handed down over generations, walk the corniche and see the Al Ayjah lighthouse across the lagoon. The main reasons for a stay are nearby: Ras Al Jinz is known for green turtles that come ashore to nest, and Wadi Shab offers a hike to green pools. Beaches and small fishing villages lie along the coast.
Sur suits road-trippers and nature lovers. The cooler months from October to March are the most comfortable time to visit Sur, with warm sea water.
- Country
- Oman
- Currency
- OMR
- Time zone
- Asia/Muscat
Last updated
Top places to visit in Sur
Bimmah Sinkhole
sinkhole · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A striking turquoise limestone sinkhole about 20m deep, open for swimming, set in Hawiyat Najm Park on the Muscat-Sur road.
Wadi Tiwi
wadi · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The "wadi of nine villages", a gorge of terraced palm plantations, pools and small settlements.
Wadi Shab
wadi · 4.6 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A palm-filled gorge with a chain of turquoise pools leading to a hidden waterfall inside a cave, reached by a short boat crossing and hike.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
turtle reserve · 4.0 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A protected green-turtle nesting beach with a scientific visitor centre, offering guided evening and dawn turtle-watching walks.
Bilad Sur Castle
castle · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A turreted inland castle that once guarded Sur from the west, with restored towers and ramparts.
Ras Al Hadd
cape · 3.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The easternmost cape of Arabia, with turtle beaches, a lagoon and an old fort where the sun first rises over Oman.
Fins / White Beach
sea beach · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A long stretch of white-sand coast between Fins and Tiwi, popular for beach camping and swimming.
Sur Maritime Museum & Fatah Al Khair Dhow
maritime heritage · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A preserved ocean-going ghanjah dhow displayed beside the maritime museum, celebrating Sur's centuries of dhow-building.
Sur Corniche
waterfront · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A lagoon-side promenade facing the old Al Ayjah quarter and the traditional dhow harbour.
Al Ayjah Lighthouse
lighthouse · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
A white lighthouse and cluster of old watchtowers guarding the harbour mouth in the historic Al Ayjah quarter.
Sunaysilah Castle
castle · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A square hilltop fort with four corner towers overlooking the town of Sur.
Things to do
- Ras Al Jinz Turtle Watching Nature · 1.5 h · from OMR 12 per person
- Wadi Shab Hike & Swim Adventure · 4 h · from OMR 5 per person
- Sur Dhow Factory & Heritage Walk Tour · 1 h
- Bimmah Sinkhole Swim Nature · 1 h
Day trips and tours
- Sur, Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole Day Tour 9 h · from OMR 40
Where to stay in Sur
- Sur Corniche & Al Ayjah about OMR 45 per night
Central lagoon-side district with the corniche, dhow harbour and most hotels.
- Ras Al Hadd & Ras Al Jinz about OMR 70 per night
Coastal turtle country east of Sur, with eco-lodges beside the nesting beaches.
Hotels
- Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Eco-Lodge 3-star · OMR 60 to OMR 110 per night
- Sur Plaza Hotel 3-star · OMR 30 to OMR 55 per night
- Sur Grand Hotel 3-star · OMR 30 to OMR 55 per night
- Turtle Beach Resort 3-star · OMR 40 to OMR 70 per night
- Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel 3-star · OMR 30 to OMR 55 per night
Where to eat
- Zaki Restaurant Arabic · about OMR 4 per person
- Sur Sea Restaurant Seafood, Omani · about OMR 6 per person
- Kunnath Restaurant Indian · about OMR 3 per person
- Zahrat Bilad Al Sham Levantine, Syrian · about OMR 5 per person
- Cave Sur Cafe, Grill · about OMR 5 per person
Getting to Sur
Nearest airport: Muscat (MCT), about 171 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Car With Driver
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Oman
Frequently asked questions about Sur
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Sur?
- The highest-rated places in our Sur guide are Wadi Shab, Bimmah Sinkhole, Fins / White Beach, Sur Maritime Museum & Fatah Al Khair Dhow, Sur Corniche.
- Where should I stay in Sur?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Sur: Sur Corniche & Al Ayjah, Ras Al Hadd & Ras Al Jinz.
- How do I get around Sur?
- Ways to get around Sur covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Car with driver, Taxi, Walking.