Being a late entrant into the travel business never deterred Oman (the first hotel was built here as late as 1970). The Sultanate is a must pick as it combines the impeccable infrastructure of the Middle East with more than a dash of the exotic.
Not to be missed
- Diving in Oman
- Colourful corals, teeming marine life, numerous diving sites and world class infrastructure... Australia? No, Footprint brings you the undiscovered gem of the Middle East - Oman.
- Colourful corals, teeming marine life, numerous diving sites and world class infrastructure... Australia? No, Footprint brings you the undiscovered gem of the Middle East Oman.
- Blessed with rugged mountains that plunge directly into the Arabian Sea, the 1700 km long Omani coast line offers sights and choice to divers of all skill levels. And the marine visitor list is an absolute who’s who of the ocean.
- Sting, Eagle and Torpedo Rays, reef sharks, Leopard sharks; Moray eels, Green and Hawksbill turtles; Spiny lobster, Snake eels, Nudibranchs, Squid, Cuttlefish, Snapper and Barracuda are among the regulars. Lucky divers may even spot Whale sharks, Sunfish (mola mola) and sea horses during the summer months.
- Dive sites in Daymaniyat Islands, Bandar Khayran, and Fahal Islands are accessible from Muscat. The Southern Dhofar region is a picture perfect landscape of sheltered bays, rugged mountains and deserted beaches. And due North is the Musandam peninsula, with its fjord like landscape that offers adventure seekers all the thrills of drift diving.
Must Dos
- Enjoy the Frankincense. From hotels to mall, this ancient aromatic rules the air.
- Visit the Samharan Fort, thought to be Queen Sheba’s palace.
- Stay at Nizwa, Oman’s most historic city, famed for its fort and souks.
- Haggle your way through the Muttrah Corniche at Muscat.
- Diving is a must. The country has unbelievable sites at the Daymaniyat Islands, Bandar Khayran and Fahal Islands (near Muscat).
- Venture out to the Musandam peninsula for stunning Khor (fjord) scenery. Take a dhow cruise to get up close to the scenery and playful dolphins.
- Go canyoning in its many Wadis and caverns.
- Try the Omani halwa, different in taste & texture from the Asian variety.