Oman highlights tour

Planet

This tour visits the Ras Al Jinz beach, one of the largest nesting areas for green turtles in the Indian Ocean. Committed to the protection of the beautiful Giant Green Turtle (Cheloniamydas), Raz Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and Scientific Centre is a must-visit on any Oman itinerary.

Situated on the east coast, just 30 minutes from the coastal town of Sur, the centre offers a unique eco-tourism experience and an unparalleled encounter with sea turtles. The reserve also houses numerous archaeological sites and excavations. The reserve works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs to help educate both locals and visitors to the area about the importance of protecting this majestic species. Visitors are encouraged to donate during their visit to support the work of the reserve.

The total protected area is 120km with a 45km of coastline, extending for 1km into the sea. The Ras Al Jinz Scientific and Visitors Centre offers a unique Ecotourism experience – an unparalleled encounter with sea turtles. It also houses a research library and research facilities for marine biology and archaeology promoting social responsibility and sound environmental practices. Access to the beach is controlled by the authorities to protect the turtles. While the reserve cannot protect the turtles from natural predators such as wild foxes or seagulls, it provides a safe, clean beach free from human disturbance, rubbish, artificial light (such as tourist photography) and vehicles to allow the turtles their best chance at nesting and hatching.

Today, over 275 beaches along the Omani coastline - from Musandam in the north to Dhofar in the south - now shelter the turtles during the summer breeding season and tourism is strictly monitored through the issuing of permits. Wardens also escort visitors to the beach at 9.30 in the evening, where they watch the turtles come ashore. These guided night-time excursions to view the turtles help to fund the venture and allow visitors a small glimpse into the struggles of one of the largest concentrations of the Giant Green Turtle in Oman. There is also an interactive museum where you can learn about the other species of turtle to nest on the beaches, research laboratories and a purpose-built eco-lodge where you can stay the night.

Offering a once in a lifetime opportunity, The Ras Al Jinz Scientific & Visitors Centre provides controlled beachfront access to turtles laying their eggs and the struggle of young hatchlings as they make a desperate journey across the sands to reach the relative safety of the seas.

Whilst on tour we encourage exploration on foot as well as by boat - for example on Telegraph Island where you will sail to inlets, concealed villages and peaceful beaches on a dhow. There's snorkelling equipment on board and guides will be on hand to help guests explore the magical waters responsibly.

You'll get the chance to experience the varied landscapes of Oman on this trip - from towering mountains and lush pastureland as you head to Mughsail to fragile interior desert, we take care to travel as lightly as possible through all these places and accommodation in a traditional tented camp ensures that the environment is preserved for future generations as we leave no trace.

People

This trip visits several local communities in the Wahiba Sands Desert allowing clients to purchase handicrafts made by the locals. Any money from the sale of the handicrafts helps the local Bedouins to support their families.

Local Bedouin guides are hired to explain their way of life to clients on parts of this tour. This enables them to earn a regular living from the visiting tourists.

The Wahiba desert camp, 1000 Nights Camp, is locally owned and employs local people to help run it. It is furnished and decorated using regional furniture and materials and provides locally sourced food and traditional entertainment to help support the local community.

There is no electricity at the camp with no light pollution or sound pollution as the camp uses natural resources to blend in with the environment. All waste from the campsites is taken away and recycled. There is no evidence left of any travellers staying in the desert.

Although there is a certain amount of flying on this holiday, we feel it necessary to access remote, off the beaten track locations where tourism helps the local communities there by supporting local trade and livelihoods.