Quriyat & Wadi Al Arbaeen – Hidden Wadi Off-Road Experience
The day at a glance
About this tour
Day Trip from Muscat: Quriyat, Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Al Arbeieen & Wadi Dayqah Dam
Tour duration is approximately 8.5 hours.
Wadi Dayqah Dam entrance tickets and lunch are included in the tour price.
Swimming at Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Al Arbaeen is optional and subject to weather, water levels, local regulations, and safety conditions.
Flamingo sightings depend on the season and are not guaranteed.
The off-road route depends on suitable weather and road conditions.
Tour Duration: Approximately 8.5 hours.
Lunch: Included at a local restaurant.
Important Notes: Flamingo sightings are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed. Swimming at Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Al Arbaeen is optional and subject to suitable weather, water levels, access restrictions, and safety conditions.
Photos
Itinerary
Start: Pickup from Muscat
- Your day begins with pickup from your hotel or preferred location in Muscat.
- Meet your friendly, bilingual Omani guide (Arabic & English).
- Travel comfortably in a 4WD vehicle as you head southeast along the scenic coastal route.
Quriyat – Fishing Village & Portuguese Watchtower
- Arrive in the coastal town of Quriyat, a peaceful traditional fishing village.
- Visit the local fish market, where traditional fishing boats and fresh catches offer a glimpse into authentic Omani coastal life.
- Stop at the historic Portuguese Watchtower by the sea, offering beautiful coastal views and a look into Oman’s maritime history.
Salt Marshes & Flamingos (Seasonal)
- As you leave Quriyat, pass traditional salt marshes and salt flats where natural sea salt has been harvested for generations.
- Learn about traditional salt harvesting methods and their importance to local communities.
- Depending on the season, you may spot flamingos in the nearby wetland areas, particularly during the cooler months.
- Wildlife sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.
Bimmah Sinkhole (Hawiyat Najm)
- Visit the spectacular Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural limestone crater filled with beautiful turquoise water.
- Explore the surroundings and enjoy breathtaking photo opportunities.
- Guests may swim or relax by the water when permitted and when conditions are safe.
- Swimming is optional and depends on weather, water conditions, and site accessibility.
Wadi Al Arbaeen – Hidden Wadi Adventure
- Continue along winding mountain roads and scenic off-road tracks to reach Wadi Al Arbaeen, one of Oman’s beautiful hidden natural destinations.
- Discover stunning freshwater pools, rocky cliffs, small waterfalls, and lush greenery.
- Enjoy time to relax, explore the surroundings, and swim in the natural pools when conditions allow.
- Swimming activities depend on weather, water levels, and the guide’s safety assessment.
Scenic Drive & Photo Stops
- Continue through remote village roads, traditional settlements, and scenic mountain landscapes.
- Enjoy views of rocky valleys, lush farms, and peaceful rural surroundings.
- Stop at beautiful viewpoints for photography and to appreciate Oman’s natural beauty.
Wadi Dayqah Dam & Local Lunch
- Visit Wadi Dayqah Dam, one of Oman’s largest dams, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery.
- Enjoy beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.
- Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (included).
- Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before beginning your return journey.
Return to Muscat
- After a memorable day exploring Oman’s coastline, traditional villages, natural pools, and mountain landscapes, begin your return journey to Muscat.
- Enjoy a comfortable drive back in your 4WD vehicle.
- Drop-off at your hotel or preferred location in Muscat.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Muscat or an agreed location.
- Comfortable private 4WD transportation.
- Professional Omani guide (Arabic & English).
- Visit to Quriyat Fishing Harbour and local fish market.
- Portuguese Watchtower photo stop.
- Scenic drive through traditional salt marshes and salt flats.
- Possible seasonal flamingo sightings (not guaranteed).
- Visit to Bimmah Sinkhole (Hawiyat Najm).
- Wadi Al Arbaeen off-road adventure.
- Swimming opportunities in Wadi Al Arbaeen, subject to safe conditions.
- Scenic mountain and village photo stops.
- Visit to Wadi Dayqah Dam.
- Wadi Dayqah Dam entrance tickets.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Bottled drinking water throughout the tour.
- Personal shopping and souvenirs.
- Additional snacks and drinks.
- Optional tips or gratuities.
- Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Good to know
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts: send us a cancellation request and, once we approve it, you get a full refund. If you cancel later, the payment is not refunded. If we have to cancel, for example because of weather, safety, or because a small-group tour does not get enough guests, you can choose another date, switch to a private tour, or get a full refund.
How much do I pay now?
Private tours: pay a 20% deposit to secure your booking, or pay everything when you book. Small-group tours: pay a 20% deposit. You pay any balance on the day.
Where will you pick me up?
We pick you up from hotels, the airport, the cruise port or another place we agree. Small-group tours: we send your confirmed pickup time and exact meeting place by WhatsApp or email the day before. Private tours: you choose the pickup time and place, in Muscat or outside Muscat by agreement. Please tell us your pickup place when you book.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a camera or phone. For swimming and wadi tours, bring swimwear, a towel, water shoes and a change of clothes. For hikes such as Wadi Shab and the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk, sturdy non-slip hiking shoes are recommended. Dress modestly at religious sites; women need a headscarf for the Grand Mosque. We give you bottled water, so you do not need to bring any.
Can children join?
Yes, families are welcome. Small-group tours: children aged 2 and under join free; older children pay the full price because they need their own seat and seat belt. Private tours: the price is per vehicle for up to 4 guests, children included. Baby seats and booster seats are available on request. All children must be counted in the booking.
Are lunch and water included?
Lunch is included on full-day and multi-day tours, at a local restaurant. Short, mini and half-day tours may not include lunch: please check the list of what is included on each tour. Bottled drinking water is included on all tours.
Is the tour suitable if I cannot walk much?
Yes. We suggest a private tour: we change the stops, shorten the walking, add rest breaks and choose places that are easy to reach. Small-group tours follow a fixed plan and may not suit guests with limited mobility. Please tell us before you book.
What if the weather is bad?
Your safety comes first. If the weather makes a tour unsafe, we may cancel it, and we try to tell you at least one day before. If the weather changes during the tour, your guide may skip a place, and we will offer another stop nearby when we can.
Do I need a visa or travel insurance?
It depends on your nationality: some guests can enter Oman without a visa and others must apply first. Please check the official website: https://evisa.rop.gov.om. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. Travel insurance is recommended and may be required for entry. Visa fees and insurance are not in the tour price.
Are tips expected?
Tips are not required in Oman, but they are always appreciated. You can tip your guide if you enjoyed the tour.
