From Muscat: East Coast Heritage Tour with Lunch｜Oman

Explore Oman’s spectacular East Coast on a full-day journey combining fishing traditions, dramatic wadis, coastal scenery, maritime history, and authentic local flavors.

After pickup from Muscat, travel to Quriyat Fishing Harbour and step into the daily life of a traditional Omani coastal town. See fishing boats, watch local fishermen preparing for sea or returning with their catch, and view the historic Portuguese watchtower overlooking the harbour.

From Quriyat, continue onto a scenic coastal off-road track. Drive for around 15 minutes beside the shoreline, stop for photos, and enjoy the quiet beauty of this less-visited coastline. Depending on the season, you may also spot flamingos in the nearby wetlands. Wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Visit traditional sea salt pans and learn how natural salt is produced from seawater using methods long connected to coastal life.

Continue to Wadi Shab for a brief stop at the entrance and parking area. Your guide will introduce you to this famous wadi, its hiking route, pools, and mountain scenery before the journey continues. This stop does not include the Wadi Shab hike.

Next, enter Wadi Tiwi by vehicle for a short scenic drive between the mountains. See palm trees, farms, rock formations, and the narrow valley, followed by a photo stop and an introduction to the villages and hiking trails that connect the area.

Arrive in Sur, one of Oman’s best-known maritime cities. Depending on the arrival time, visit the Sur Dhow Factory before or after lunch. Watch skilled craftsmen building traditional wooden dhows by hand, learn about the types of wood used, and discover how these vessels supported trade between Oman, East Africa, India, and other ports. Explore the museum, follow the story of Omani shipbuilding from the past to the present, and browse locally made wooden souvenirs and decorative items.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with a variety of dishes. Seafood is recommended to match the coastal experience, while non-seafood and vegetarian choices are also available.

After lunch and the dhow visit, relax on Sur Corniche opposite the lighthouse with traditional Omani tea and freshly prepared Luqaimat.

On the return journey, stop above Fins Beach for panoramic coastal photos. As you continue, you may be lucky enough to see Arabian gazelles near the open nature reserve beside the road; sightings are not guaranteed.

Visit Bimmah Sinkhole, also known as Hawiyat Najm. Walk down to the clear turquoise water, enjoy the natural setting, and swim if time and conditions allow.

Your final stop is a frankincense tree, where your guide will explain how frankincense is harvested, how the bark is carefully cut, and why this fragrant resin has played an important role in Oman’s history and trade.

Return to Muscat after a day that brings together the complete story of Oman’s East Coast: local life, nature, heritage, traditional craftsmanship, food, and unforgettable coastal views.