Spot turtles in Oman

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We chose these companies / hotels because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases.

Oman is one of the countries with the most important turtle beaches in the world. The island Masirah is a true paradise for Turtle lovers. Four different turtle species breed on this desolate island just off the coast. Because they have different breeding seasons, they can be found throughout the year. Those who are very quiet hear sound of their flippers in the sand.


Every year, more than fifteen thousand turtles scrape up the sandy plains of Oman to lay eggs. The creatures come from the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf to the nesting areas Ras al-Hadd, Ras al Jinz, Muscat and the island of Masirah. The animals, including the rare green sea turtle and loggerhead turtle, can be found on the beaches between September and November. The nesting areas are all protected and beaches can only be visited under the guidance of a guide. If you are lucky you will also see dolphins, these amazing mammals can be seen all year round.

North of Muscat are the nine Dimaaniyat Islands. Around the colorful coral reefs, in addition to dolphins and turtles, there are many other fish species. Because of the diversity of marine life, the waters around the islands are very popular among divers. The reefs and its inhabitants around the islands are luckily under the protection of UNESCO. 

Where to stay

If you are looking for a nice place to stay and you are not on a budget we recommend the Masira Island resort. It has an amazing ambience and location. Best of all was the staff and restaurant. They get an average rating of 8.3 on booking.com.

Best time to visit

April to June offers plenty of Turtles. The best time to visit Oman are the winter months between November and March. The high season is from July to October. Click here for the average weather in Masirah Island.

This article was last updated on December 22, 2020.