A World of Adventure in Oman

When you think of an activity holiday, the Middle East isn’t usually the first destination that comes to mind. However, Oman is becoming a much more popular destination for adventure loving British holidaymakers, who are keen to experience the natural wonders that abound both on and off land.

Between January and September 2017, Oman received almost 100,000 visitors from the UK and Ireland, up 2% on the same period last year. Building on this popularity, by 2040, Oman aims to attract more than 11.7 million visitors. Many adventure holiday companies are responding to Oman’s popularity by expanding their programmes in the region. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s a bit different this year, why not try Oman? Here are some of the best options for you to make this a trip to remember.

Take An Adventure Tour

Leading small-group tour operator G Adventures are experiencing increased demand for trips to the Middle East, citing 86% growth year-on-year for bookings from the UK. Therefore, they are this year increasing their options to include trips to Oman for the first time. The new Oman tour runs for eight days and includes trips to cultural and historic sites like the Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum and the historic souk in Muttrah, Muscat.  You will also experience some of the natural wonders of Oman, including the Sharia Sands desert, the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve and the immense Wadi Nakhr canyon.

While G Adventures are forging an exciting new path in Oman, you could also opt to travel with a more established operator.  Mark Tours Oman are adding to their already expansive list of activity tours in Oman this year with Snake Canyon abseiling, canyoning and swimming in the Western Hjar Mountains. Alternatively, there’s a brand new nine day trekking tour that will take in in Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, Nizwa and the Muscat coast as well as the addition of a tour focused purely on golf!

Dive into a World of Incredible Marine Life

If you’re more interested in turtles than trekking, Regaldive have created a programme of brand new trips on the 45 metre long Oman Agressor from November 2017. Oman boasts a huge variety of marine life that fans of diving are sure to love, with exceptionally healthy coral growth and even the odd whale shark passing by. The Oman Agressor liveaboard trips will explore some of Oman’s most remote yet most incredible dive areas, such as Daymaniyat and Hallaniyat Islands. Seven night packages start from £2,384, including full board accommodation in a deluxe cabin, with return flights and guided diving.

For those that would rather keep their feet on dry land while getting their fishy fix, in 2018, the Palm Mall Muscat will be introducing a new aquarium. With a walkthrough tunnel and large viewing gallery it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Oman’s local marine life if you would rather not spend your holiday under the water! This mall will also become home to a snow park and a family entertainment centre, perfect for a day’s activity.

Lunch with Oman Locals

If you are seeking a slightly more authentic Oman experience, Eihab Travels Oman might be your best bet, offering tours that involve more personal interactions with locals. Eat dinner with a local family, lunch with small groups at the Sidab Women Sewing Group (a growing group of local women entrepreneurs based in a fishing village near Muscat) or spend time with a Bedouin family throughout one of these popular tours. There’s no better way to experience a country than through the lives of those who call it home.

Sharia Sands Solar Experience

In 2019, Explore are giving you the unique opportunity to witness the annual solar eclipse from the desert of Sharia Sands. Sleep out under a bed of stars in a true wilderness camp in the desert on the highest mountain in the country. Peer down echoing fissures at Oman’s grand canyon and swim in the turquoise waters at Wadi Arbayeen. Prices range from £2899 inclusive of flights from an 8 day itinerary.

Getting to Oman is now easier than ever. Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman now flies daily from Manchester as well twice daily from London Heathrow. This flight launched in May 2017, making Manchester the only airport outside of London to have direct flights to Oman.