Have you ever dreamed of seeing the majestic green sea turtles in their natural habitat? Do you want to be part of a conservation project that protects these endangered creatures from extinction? If you answered yes, then you should definitely visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman.
The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a fishing village and a sanctuary for the largest population of green sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. Every year, thousands of turtles come to the sandy shores of the reserve to lay their eggs and hatch their young. Visitors can join guided tours to witness this amazing spectacle and learn more about the turtle conservation efforts.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, including the best time to visit, the tours, the accommodation, and the nearby attractions. We will also share some tips and tricks to make the most of your turtle viewing experience. Whether you are a family, a solo traveller, a couple, or a group, you will find something to suit your budget and preferences.
So, are you ready to experience the magic of the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman? Let’s get started!
What to Expect From the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is not only a tourist attraction, but also a scientific and educational centre. It was established in 1996 by the Omani government to protect the green sea turtles, which are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The reserve covers an area of 120 square kilometres and includes a beach, a museum, and a hotel.
The main attraction of the reserve is the turtle viewing tours, which are conducted by trained guides and rangers. The tours take place twice a day, in the early morning and in the late evening, and last for about an hour and a half. The tours are limited to a maximum of 25 people per group, and require advance booking and payment.
The tours allow you to observe the turtles as they emerge from the sea, dig their nests, lay their eggs, and return to the water. You can also see the baby turtles as they hatch from their shells, crawl to the surface, and make their way to the ocean. The tours are a rare opportunity to witness the life cycle of these ancient and fascinating animals, and to appreciate their beauty and vulnerability.
The tours are also a chance to learn more about the turtle conservation project, which involves monitoring, tagging, and researching the turtles and their habitats. The guides and rangers will explain the biology, behaviour, and threats of the turtles, and the measures taken to protect them. They will also teach you the rules and etiquette to follow when visiting the reserve, such as keeping a safe distance, avoiding flash photography, and respecting the environment.
How to Get to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is located in the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, in the region of Sur in Oman. It is about 220 kilometres from the capital city of Muscat, and can be reached by car, bus, taxi, or flight.
The most convenient and flexible way to get to the reserve is by car, as you can enjoy the scenic views and stop at other attractions along the way. You can rent a car from Muscat or other major cities, and drive along the coastal road, which takes about three hours. You can also take a detour to visit the Sur city, which is famous for its dhow (traditional wooden boat) factory, lighthouse, and souk (market).
Another option is to take a bus from Muscat to Sur, which costs about 10 Omani rials (26 USD) and takes about four hours. From Sur, you can take a taxi to the reserve, which costs about 15 Omani rials (39 USD) and takes about 45 minutes. You can also book a taxi from Muscat to the reserve directly, which costs about 80 Omani rials (208 USD) and takes about three hours.
The fastest but most expensive option is to take a flight from Muscat to Sur, which costs about 100 Omani rials (260 USD) and takes about an hour. From Sur, you can take a taxi to the reserve, as mentioned above. However, flights are not very frequent and may require advance booking.
Where to Stay and Eat at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
If you want to make the most of your turtle viewing experience, you should consider staying at the accommodation offered by the reserve. The reserve has two types of accommodation: luxury eco tents and hotel rooms. Both options include breakfast, dinner, and access to the turtle viewing tours and the museum.
The luxury eco tents are spacious and comfortable, and feature a king-size bed, a private bathroom, a minibar, and a terrace. The tents are located on a hill overlooking the beach, and offer stunning views of the sunrise and the sea. The tents cost about 120 Omani rials (312 USD) per night for two people.
The hotel rooms are modern and cozy, and feature a queen-size bed, a private bathroom, a TV, and a balcony. The rooms are located in a building next to the museum, and offer views of the garden and the mountains. The rooms cost about 80 Omani rials (208 USD) per night for two people.
Both options are suitable for different budgets and preferences, and provide a unique and memorable stay at the reserve. However, if you are looking for a cheaper or more alternative option, you can also find other accommodation options in the nearby town of Ras Al Hadd, which is about 10 kilometres from the reserve. There, you can find guesthouses, hostels, and campsites, which cost between 10 to 40 Omani rials (26 to 104 USD) per night.
As for eating, the reserve has a restaurant and a cafe, which serve a variety of dishes, such as Omani, Indian, and continental cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the cafe is open for snacks and drinks. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and the service is friendly and efficient. You can also find other restaurants and cafes in Ras Al Hadd, which offer local and international food.
What to Do and See at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
The main thing to do and see at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is, of course, the turtle viewing tours and the museum. The tours are available twice a day, in the early morning (from 5:00 am to 6:30 am) and in the late evening (from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm). The tours cost 10 Omani rials (26 USD) per person for adults, and 5 Omani rials (13 USD) per person for children. The tours are included in the accommodation price, if you are staying at the reserve.
The tours are conducted by trained guides and rangers, who will take you to the beach and show you the turtles. The tours are limited to 25 people per group, and require advance booking and payment. You can book the tours online, by phone, or at the reception. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour starts, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You should also bring a torch, a jacket, and a camera (without flash).
The tours are an amazing opportunity to observe the turtles as they nest and hatch on the beach, and to learn more about their conservation. The tours are also a chance to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the beach at night or at dawn, and to admire the stars and the sunrise. The tours are suitable for all ages and abilities, and are a must-do activity for any visitor to the reserve.
The museum is another attraction at the reserve, which showcases the history, culture, and ecology of the region. The museum has interactive exhibits, displays, and videos, which explain the biology, behaviour, and threats of the turtles, and the measures taken to protect them. The museum also has a gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs and support the conservation project. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and costs 3 Omani rials (8 USD) per person for adults, and 1.5 Omani rials (4 USD) per person for children. The museum is also included in the accommodation price, if you are staying at the reserve.
The museum is a great place to visit before or after the tours, as it will enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the turtles and their environment. The museum is also a fun and educational place for children and adults alike, and is a worthwhile attraction for any visitor to the reserve.
Other Things to Do Near the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
If you have some extra time and energy, you can also explore some other things to do near the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, such as:
Visit the Ras Al Hadd beach, which is about 10 kilometres from the reserve. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, and offers a relaxing and refreshing break from the heat. The beach is also a good place to see some more turtles, as they sometimes come to the shore during the day.
Visit the Sur city, which is about 40 kilometres from the reserve. The city is a historical and cultural hub, and is famous for its dhow (traditional wooden boat) factory, lighthouse, and souk (market). You can take a tour of the factory and see how the dhows are made, or climb the lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the sea. You can also browse the souk and buy some souvenirs, such as pottery, textiles, and spices.
Visit the Wadi Shab, which is about 80 kilometres from the reserve. The wadi is a stunning valley with a river, waterfalls, pools, and caves. You can hike along the river and swim in the clear and cool water, or explore the caves and see the natural formations. The wadi is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers, and offers a refreshing and exhilarating escape from the heat.
Visit the Bimmah Sinkhole, which is about 90 kilometres from the reserve. The sinkhole is a natural wonder, formed by the collapse of the limestone. The sinkhole is filled with turquoise water, and is surrounded by greenery and rocks. You can swim in the water and admire the beauty and mystery of the sinkhole, or relax and picnic on the shore. The sinkhole is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the region, and is a sight to behold.
The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a unique and unforgettable destination for anyone who loves wildlife and nature. It is a place where you can witness the endangered green sea turtles nesting and hatching on the beach, and learn more about their conservation. It is also a place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the beach, the sea, and the sunrise.
It is also a place where you can stay and eat at the comfortable and eco-friendly accommodation, and visit the informative and interactive museum. It is also a place where you can explore the other attractions and activities nearby, such as the Sur city, the Wadi Shab, and the Bimmah Sinkhole.
We hope that this article has given you all the information and guidance you need to plan your trip to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman. We also hope that you have enjoyed reading this article, and that you have found it useful and interesting. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your time and attention, and we hope to see you soon at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman!
