Have you ever dreamed of visiting an island where you can enjoy the thrill of kitesurfing, the beauty of turtle watching, and the tranquility of beach hopping? If yes, then you should definitely add Masirah Island in Oman to your bucket list. Masirah Island is one of the most underrated and unspoiled destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique and diverse experience for travelers of all kinds.
Masirah Island is located off the east coast of Oman, about 350 kilometers from the capital city of Muscat. It is the largest island in Oman, with a population of around 12,000 people, mostly fishermen and military personnel. The island has a rich and varied history, dating back to the Bronze Age, when it was a trading hub for frankincense and copper. It was also a strategic location for the British and the Portuguese during the colonial era, and a base for the US Air Force during the Gulf War.
Masirah Island is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers, as it boasts some of the best kitesurfing spots in the world, four species of endangered turtles, and pristine and diverse beaches. Whether you are looking for a family holiday, a luxury holiday, or a highlights of Oman tour, Masirah Island has something for everyone.
Things to Do in Masirah Island
Masirah Island offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors, from water sports to wildlife watching to cultural exploration. Here are some of the best things to do in Masirah Island:
Kitesurfing
Masirah Island is one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing, thanks to its consistent and strong winds, warm and clear water, and uncrowded and flat beaches. The island has several kitesurfing spots, catering to different levels of skills and preferences. Some of the most popular spots are:
Sur Masirah: This is the main kitesurfing spot on the island, located on the south-west coast. It has a long and sandy beach, with shallow and flat water, ideal for beginners and intermediate riders. The wind is usually side-onshore, blowing from 15 to 25 knots. The best season to kitesurf here is from May to September, when the wind is the strongest and most consistent.
Ras Al Hadd: This is another great kitesurfing spot on the island, located on the north-east coast. It has a rocky and sandy beach, with deep and choppy water, suitable for advanced and experienced riders. The wind is usually side-offshore, blowing from 20 to 30 knots. The best season to kitesurf here is from October to April, when the wind is more stable and reliable.
Ras Al Jazirah: This is a hidden and secluded kitesurfing spot on the island, located on the north-west coast. It has a sandy and pebbly beach, with flat and smooth water, perfect for freestyle and freeride riders. The wind is usually side-onshore, blowing from 15 to 25 knots. The best season to kitesurf here is from May to September, when the wind is the strongest and most consistent.
If you want to kitesurf in Masirah Island, you can either bring your own equipment or rent it from one of the local kitesurfing schools or camps. You can also take lessons or join guided tours, depending on your level of experience and confidence. Some of the best kitesurfing schools and camps in Masirah Island are:
Kiteboarding Oman: This is the oldest and most reputable kitesurfing school in Masirah Island, offering lessons, rentals, tours, and accommodation. They have a team of professional and friendly instructors, who can teach you the basics or help you improve your skills. They also have a range of equipment, from kites to boards to harnesses, to suit your needs and preferences. They have a beachfront camp, where you can stay in comfortable and cozy tents, with shared facilities and amenities. They also organize social events and activities, such as BBQ nights, movie nights, and yoga sessions, to make your stay more fun and memorable.
Masirah Beach Camp: This is another excellent kitesurfing school and camp in Masirah Island, offering lessons, rentals, tours, and accommodation. They have a team of qualified and friendly instructors, who can teach you the basics or help you advance your skills. They also have a variety of equipment, from kites to boards to harnesses, to suit your needs and preferences. They have a beachfront camp, where you can stay in spacious and comfortable chalets, with private facilities and amenities. They also organize social events and activities, such as bonfires, games, and music, to make your stay more enjoyable and memorable.
Turtle Watching
Masirah Island is home to four species of endangered turtles, namely the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the olive ridley turtle. These turtles come to the island to nest and lay their eggs, especially during the summer months, from May to September. The island has several turtle reserves, where you can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and learn more about their behavior and conservation. Some of the best turtle reserves in Masirah Island are:
Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve: This is the largest and most famous turtle reserve in Masirah Island, located on the north-east coast. It covers an area of about 120 square kilometers, and hosts around 20,000 turtles every year. The reserve has a visitor center, where you can get information and guidance about the turtles and their nesting process. You can also join guided tours, which take place at night, when the turtles come ashore to dig their nests and lay their eggs. You can watch them from a safe distance, and follow the rules and regulations of the reserve, such as not using flashlights, cameras, or loud noises, to avoid disturbing the turtles.
Ras Al Jazirah Turtle Reserve: This is another important turtle reserve in Masirah Island, located on the north-west coast. It covers an area of about 40 square kilometers, and hosts around 10,000 turtles every year. The reserve has a visitor center, where you can get information and guidance about the turtles and their nesting process. You can also join guided tours, which take place at night, when the turtles come ashore to dig their nests and lay their eggs. You can watch them from a safe distance, and follow the rules and regulations of the reserve, such as not using flashlights, cameras, or loud noises, to avoid disturbing the turtles.
Beach Hopping
Masirah Island has some of the most pristine and diverse beaches in Oman, ranging from white sand to black sand, from rocky to pebbly, from calm to wavy. The island has over 100 kilometers of coastline, offering plenty of options for beach lovers and sun seekers. You can hop from one beach to another, and enjoy the scenery, the water, and the activities. Some of the best beaches in Masirah Island are:
Sur Masirah Beach: This is the main beach in Masirah Island, located on the south-west coast. It is a long and sandy beach, with shallow and clear water, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kitesurfing. The beach has a few facilities and amenities, such as showers, toilets, and cafes. The beach is also a popular spot for camping, as it offers stunning views of the sunset and the stars.
Ras Al Hadd Beach: This is another popular beach in Masirah Island, located on the north-east coast. It is a rocky and sandy beach, with deep and choppy water, suitable for surfing, fishing, and kitesurfing. The beach has a few facilities and amenities, such as showers, toilets, and restaurants. The beach is also a popular spot for turtle watching, as it is part of the Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve.
Ras Al Jazirah Beach: This is a hidden and secluded beach in Masirah Island, located on the north-west coast. It is a sandy and pebbly beach, with flat and smooth water, perfect for relaxing, kayaking, and kitesurfing. The beach has no facilities or amenities, so you need to bring your own supplies and equipment. The beach is also a popular spot for camping, as it offers amazing views of the sunrise and the mountains.
Exploring the Island
Masirah Island has a rich and varied landscape, culture, and wildlife, which you can explore and discover by driving, hiking, or cycling around the island. You can visit some of the interesting and historical places on the island, such as:
Hilf:
This is the main town and the capital of Masirah Island, located on the north coast. It is a small and charming town, with a few shops, markets, mosques, and restaurants. You can stroll around the town, and get a glimpse of the local life and culture. You can also visit the Masirah Museum, which displays some artifacts and exhibits related to the history and heritage of the island, such as fossils, coins, pottery, and weapons.
Jabal Al Humr:
This is the highest mountain in Masirah Island, located on the south-east coast. It is a rocky and rugged mountain, with a height of about 250 meters. You can hike or drive to the top of the mountain, and enjoy the panoramic views of the island and the sea. You can also spot some wildlife, such as goats, foxes, and birds, on the way.
Safa’iq Grave Site:
This is an ancient and mysterious grave site in Masirah Island, located on the south coast. It is a collection of stone structures, resembling pyramids, tombs, and towers, dating back to the Bronze Age. You can explore the site, and marvel at the craftsmanship and the mystery of the people who built it. You can also learn more about the site from the local guides, who can tell you some stories and legends about it.
Masirah Museum:
This is a small and interesting museum in Masirah Island, located in the Hilf town. It displays some artifacts and exhibits related to the history and heritage of the island, such as fossils, coins, pottery, and weapons. You can visit the museum, and get a glimpse of the past and the present of the island. You can also see some models and photos of the turtles, the kitesurfing, and the military operations that took place on the island.
Travel Essentials for Masirah Island
Masirah Island is a relatively remote and undeveloped destination, which means that you need to plan and prepare well before you visit. Here are some practical and useful information for travelers who want to visit Masirah Island:
Weather
Masirah Island has a hot and dry climate, with an average temperature of around 30°C throughout the year. The island has two seasons, the summer and the winter, which are influenced by the monsoon winds. The summer season lasts from May to September, when the wind is strong and steady, the temperature is high and humid, and the rainfall is minimal. The winter season lasts from October to April, when the wind is moderate and variable, the temperature is mild and pleasant, and the rainfall is occasional.
Duration
Masirah Island is a small and compact destination, which means that you can see and do most of the things in a short period of time. The ideal duration to stay in Masirah Island depends on your budget, interests, and availability, but generally, you can spend anywhere from 2 to 5 days on the island. If you have more time, you can also combine your visit to Masirah Island with other places in Oman, such as Muscat, Wahiba Sands, Sur, Barka, Bahla, Wadi Shab, Nizwa, Ibri, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
Transportation
Masirah Island is accessible by ferry or by plane, depending on your preference and convenience. The ferry service operates from the port of Shannah, which is about 200 kilometers from Muscat. The ferry takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the port of Hilf, which is the main town on the island. The ferry runs several times a day, but the schedule may vary depending on the weather and the demand. The ferry costs about 10 OMR per person, and 26 OMR per vehicle. You can book your ferry tickets online, or at the port.
The plane service operates from the Muscat International Airport, which is the main airport in Oman. The plane takes about 40 minutes to reach the Masirah Airport, which is a small and military airport on the island. The plane runs once a day, but the schedule may change depending on the availability and the security. The plane costs about 50 OMR per person, and 10 OMR per baggage. You can book your plane tickets online, or at the airport.
Once you are on the island, you can get around by driving, cycling, or walking, depending on the distance and the terrain. Driving is the most convenient and comfortable way to explore the island, as it allows you to access most of the places and attractions. You can either bring your own vehicle, or rent one from one of the local car rental companies. You can also hire a driver or a guide, who can show you around and give you some tips and insights. Cycling is another fun and eco-friendly way to explore the island, as it allows you to enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere. You can either bring your own bike, or rent one from one of the local bike rental shops. Walking is the most simple and cheap way to explore the island, as it allows you to experience the local life and culture. You can walk around the town, the beach, or the mountain, and meet some of the friendly and hospitable people.
Accommodation
Masirah Island has a limited and basic range of accommodation options, from camping to hotels, catering to different budgets, tastes, and interests. Here are some of the best places to stay in Masirah Island:
Hud Hud Wahiba:
This is a luxury and exclusive camping site in Masirah Island, located on the south-west coast. It offers spacious and comfortable tents, with private facilities and amenities, such as beds, bathrooms, fans, and electricity. It also offers delicious and authentic meals, prepared by the local chefs, using fresh and organic ingredients. It also offers various activities and services, such as kitesurfing, turtle watching, yoga, massage, and laundry. It costs about 200 OMR per person per night, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and transfers.
Desert Nights Camp:
This is another luxury and exclusive camping site in Masirah Island, located on the south-east coast. It offers cozy and elegant tents, with private facilities and amenities, such as beds, bathrooms, air-conditioning, and minibar. It also offers tasty and varied meals, served by the attentive and courteous staff, using local and international cuisines. It also offers various activities and services, such as surfing, fishing, hiking, camel riding, and entertainment. It costs about 150 OMR per person per night, including breakfast, dinner, and transfers.
Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa:
This is a deluxe and lavish resort in Masirah Island, located on the north-east coast. It offers stylish and spacious rooms, suites, and villas, with private facilities and amenities, such as beds, bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV, and balcony. It also offers a wide and diverse range of meals, drinks, and snacks, available at the multiple restaurants, bars, and cafes, featuring different themes, atmospheres, and flavors. It also offers various activities and services, such as swimming, spa, gym, kids club, and business center. It costs about 100 OMR per person per night, excluding meals and transfers.
Crowne Plaza Hotel:
This is a standard and modern hotel in Masirah Island, located on the north coast. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, with private facilities and amenities, such as beds, bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. It also offers a decent and simple range of meals, drinks, and snacks, available at the restaurant, bar, and room service, featuring local and international cuisines. It also offers various activities and services, such as swimming, tennis, fitness, and laundry. It costs about 50 OMR per person per night, excluding meals and transfers.
Canvas Club Desert Camp:
This is a budget and basic camping site in Masirah Island, located on the south coast. It offers simple and cozy tents, with shared facilities and amenities, such as beds, bathrooms, fans, and electricity. It also offers a modest and satisfactory range of meals, prepared by the local staff, using fresh and traditional ingredients. It also offers various activities and services, such as kitesurfing, turtle watching, bonfire, and games. It costs about 20 OMR per person per night, including breakfast and dinner.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort:
This is a premium and spectacular resort in Masirah Island, located on the south-west coast. It offers luxurious and spacious rooms, suites, and villas, with private facilities and amenities, such as beds, bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV, and terrace. It also offers a rich and diverse range of meals, drinks, and snacks, available at the multiple restaurants, bars, and lounges, featuring different themes, atmospheres, and flavors. It also offers various activities and services, such as swimming, spa, gym, yoga, and library. It costs about 300 OMR per person per night, excluding meals and transfers.
Currency
The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR), which is divided into 1000 baisa. The exchange rate of OMR is about 0.26 USD, 0.22 EUR, or 0.19 GBP. You can exchange your money at the airport, the bank, the hotel, or the exchange office, but the rates may vary depending on the location and the commission. You can also use your credit or debit card at most of the places, but you may incur some fees or charges depending on your card provider. You can also withdraw cash from the ATM, but you may face some limitations or restrictions depending on your card type and bank.
Customs
Oman is a Muslim country, which means that you need to respect and follow the customs and etiquette of the local culture, especially in Masirah Island, which is a conservative and traditional place. Here are some of the customs and etiquette that you need to observe and practice when you visit Masirah Island:
Dress code:
You need to dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders, knees, and chest, especially when you visit public places, such as the town, the mosque, or the museum. You can wear more casual and comfortable clothes, such as shorts, t-shirts, and swimsuits, when you visit private places, such as the beach, the camp, or the resort. You also need to avoid wearing any clothes or accessories that may be offensive or inappropriate, such as those with religious or political symbols or slogans.
Greetings:
You need to greet the local people with a smile and a handshake, using the Arabic word “Salaam”, which means “peace”. You can also use the English word “Hello”, which is widely understood and accepted. You need to avoid any physical contact, such as hugging or kissing, with the opposite gender, unless you are related or married. You also need to avoid any eye contact, especially with the opposite gender, as it may be considered rude or flirtatious.
Tipping:
You need to tip the local people for their services and hospitality, as it is a sign of appreciation and gratitude. You can tip around 10% of the bill, or more if you are satisfied and happy with the service. You can also tip in cash or in kind, such as gifts or souvenirs. You need to avoid tipping too little or too much, as it may be seen as insulting or arrogant.
Alcohol:
You need to avoid drinking or carrying alcohol in Masirah Island, as it is prohibited and illegal. Alcohol is only available and allowed in some of the hotels and resorts, where you can drink moderately and discreetly. You need to avoid drinking in public places, such as the beach, the camp, or the town, as it may be disrespectful and offensive to the local culture and religion. You also need to avoid drinking and driving, as it may be dangerous and punishable by law.
Masirah Island in Oman is a hidden gem for kitesurfing and turtle watching, as well as for beach hopping and exploring the island. It is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, who want to experience a unique and diverse holiday. Masirah Island has something for everyone, from family holiday, to luxury holiday, to highlights of Oman tour.
If you are interested in visiting Masirah Island, you can book your trip with Tripoto, the leading online travel platform in India. Tripoto offers customized and affordable packages for Masirah Island, including flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, and guides. You can also get a free consultation and a PDF guide, by filling out the enquiry form below.
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