Day Trip To Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole

Muscat , Oman

Day Trip To Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole

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About this experience

From Muscat, get picked up and taken on a full day excursion that takes you to both Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole, and includes a hike in there too. This is a small group tour, and Dinner and refreshments are provided. You’ll jump into several pools today, and hike through the gorge, so bring some non-slip shoes and some sandals, too. One of the best parts of the pools are their clear blue water. Bring a change of clothes, swimming clothes, and sunscreen too Protect your phone by putting it into a waterproof case Get collected and dropped back to your hotel in Muscat Hike for around 40 minutes and swim in 2-3 pools

Available options

Day Trip To Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

WadiSahb Discover Wadi Shab: A Natural Jewel of Oman Embark on a breathtaking journey to Wadi Shab, one of Oman's most sought-after natural attractions. Nestled in the heart of the Al Sharqiyah Region, this canyon offers a picturesque fusion of clear freshwater pools, cascading waterfalls, and majestic cliffs. Our tour promises: Stunning Scenery: Meander through terraced plantations, glistening waters, and dramatic rock formations that tell tales of nature's craftsmanship over millennia. Refreshing Dips: As the Omani sun shines down, dive into emerald pools to cool off, or challenge yourself with a swim to a concealed waterfall within a secluded cave. Memorable Hikes: Traverse well-trodden paths and occasionally wade through gentle waters, making your journey as exhilarating as the destination. Local Insight: Our knowledgeable guides will share the lore of the land, ensuring a rich and informed experience.

Bimmah Sinkhole is a water-filled depression, structurally a sinkhole, in the limestone of eastern Muscat Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman. A lake of turquoise waters, it is 50 m by 70 m wide and approximately 20 m deep. It is only about 600 m away from the sea, between the coastal towns of Ḑibāb and Bimmah. The sinkhole was formed by a collapse of the surface layer due to dissolution of the underlying limestone. However, locals believe that it was created by a meteorite, ‘Hawaiyat Najm’, which translates to ‘The Falling Star’ in Arabic, and hence the name. To preserve the sinkhole, the local municipality developed a park, Hawiyat Najm Park , around it, along with a stairway leading down to the lake.

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for Covid

About Muscat

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and strategic location along the Gulf of Oman. With a unique blend of traditional Omani culture and modern development, Muscat offers visitors a mix of historic forts, luxurious resorts, and vibrant souks.

Top Attractions

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

One of the most stunning landmarks in Muscat, this mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Omani heritage.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free (guided tours may have a fee)

Mutrah Souq

A traditional market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and souvenirs. The souq is a great place to experience Omani culture and haggle for bargains.

Market/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for goods

Royal Opera House Muscat

A world-class venue for opera, ballet, and other performing arts, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of Oman.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-3 hours (depending on the performance) Varies by event (moderate to expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shuwa

Slow-cooked lamb or goat marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves.

Dinner Not vegetarian

Harees

A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, often served during Ramadan.

Dinner Not vegetarian

Halwa

A sweet dessert made from sugar, ghee, and spices, often served with tea.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Wadi Shab Dune bashing in the desert Beach relaxation at Qurum Beach Spa treatments at luxury resorts Exploring Mutrah Souq Visiting the Royal Opera House Muscat Swimming in Bimmah Sinkhole Boat tours in the Gulf of Oman

Best Time to Visit

November to March

The best time to visit Muscat is during the cooler months from November to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This period also sees the highest number of tourists.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, Urdu, Balochi
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Muscat is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to stay vigilant and follow local customs and laws.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
• Keep valuables secure

Getting there

By air

Muscat International Airport • 30 km from city center

By bus

Muscat Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is affordable and connects key points in Muscat. However, it may not be as extensive as in other major cities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Mutrah Al Khuwair Shati Al Qurum

Day trips

Nizwa

160 km from Muscat • Full day

Nizwa is a historic city known for its fort, souq, and traditional Omani architecture.

Wadi Shab

90 km from Muscat • Full day

Wadi Shab is a stunning natural area with waterfalls, pools, and hiking trails.

Bimmah Sinkhole

120 km from Muscat • Half day

A natural sinkhole with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and photography.

Festivals

Muscat Festival • January to February Eid al-Fitr • Varies (depends on the Islamic lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
Explore Mutrah Souq in the evening when it's cooler and more lively
Try traditional Omani coffee and dates at a local café
Book a guided tour for day trips to learn more about the history and culture
Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially in the summer