Ras Al Jinz sits at the far eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, where the Gulf of Oman meets the Arabian Sea, and it is one of the most important nesting sites for green turtles in the Indian Ocean. Turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs throughout the year, with the numbers varying by season, and visitors can watch the whole ritual on a guided visit after dark: a female hauling herself up the sand, digging her nest, laying and then returning to the sea. In the early morning, in the right season, you may also see hatchlings making their way to the water. It is a quiet, moving experience that stays with people long after the trip. The reserve is a long way from Muscat, roughly three and a half hours by road, which is why most visitors make it an overnight trip. A typical itinerary drives down the coast road past Quriyat, stops at Wadi Shab or the Bimmah Sinkhole, continues to the harbour town of Sur and then to Ras Al Jinz for the evening turtle visit, with a night in the area before driving back the next day. Doing it as a two-day trip avoids a very late return to the capital and gives you a more relaxed drive.
How the visit works
The turtle watching is carried out in small guided groups, led by trained reserve guides, who take visitors down to the beach in the dark. The guides use red light, and visitors are asked to stay behind the guide and keep a respectful distance, because bright light and noise can disturb the turtles.
Flash photography and torches are not allowed, and phones are usually asked to be kept away on the beach, so be ready to enjoy the experience with your eyes. Visits are timed to the evening and the pre-dawn hours, so check the schedule when you book.
Seasons and chances
Green turtles nest at Ras Al Jinz all year, with the peak commonly said to be in the warmer months, from around June to September. Outside the peak, there are still turtles most nights, but sightings are never guaranteed and numbers vary, so treat the visit as a wildlife encounter rather than a show. Hatchlings are seen in certain months only. Because places are limited, it is wise to book ahead, particularly in the peak season and around holidays.
Where to stay and what to bring: there are simple lodges at the reserve and a range of guesthouses and hotels in Sur and nearby Ras Al Hadd, and your tour operator will usually arrange a room. Bring a warm layer for the evening breeze, a long-sleeved top and trousers in a dark colour, closed shoes for the sand, and water. There is a small museum and a visitor centre at the reserve that is worth seeing during the day, with displays about the turtles and their life cycle.
Respect the guides’ rules, keep your voice low, and never touch a turtle, her eggs or her hatchlings. Allow some time in daylight for the visitor centre, and if you can, add a walk along the beaches at Ras Al Hadd, where the coast is wild and empty and fishermen still launch their boats from the sand. The quiet of the east coast is a strong contrast with Muscat, and many travellers say the trip is the most memorable part of their stay.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk in small groups to the nesting beach after dark, led by reserve guides using red light, as part of an overnight trip down the coast.
Best time
Turtles nest year-round, with the peak commonly said to fall between about June and September.
How long
Two days including the drive; the turtle visit itself lasts a couple of hours.
Tips
Do not use torches or flash, wear dark, long-sleeved clothing and book ahead in the peak season.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers and anyone who wants a once-in-a-lifetime night on the beach.
- Families
- Memorable for children who can stay quiet and awake late, though check any age limits with the reserve.
- Couples
- A quiet, magical night, best enjoyed as part of a slow two-day coastal trip.
- Pair with
- Wadi Shab, the Bimmah Sinkhole and the harbour town of Sur on the drive down.
- Time needed
- Two days, including one night near the reserve.
Good questions
How far is Ras Al Jinz from Muscat?+
It is roughly three and a half hours by road, so most visitors make it an overnight trip, often combined with Wadi Shab and Sur.
When can I see the turtles?+
Green turtles nest year-round, with the peak commonly said to be in the warmer months. Visits are after dark and in the pre-dawn hours, and sightings are never guaranteed.
Can I take photos?+
Flash and torches are not allowed because they disturb the turtles. Follow the guide’s instructions about phones and cameras on the beach.
Do I need to book ahead?+
Yes. Places are limited, so book ahead, especially in the peak season and around holidays.
What should I wear?+
Long sleeves and trousers in a dark colour, closed shoes for the sand and a warm layer for the evening breeze.
