Located on the Eastern peninsula of Oman, Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve is Oman's leading conservation project for the hatching and protection of turtles. Air conditioned, luxury tents, and excellent guides make this an ideal stay to learn about turtles.
Guided specialist turtle viewing both early morning and night
12 Luxury Eco-Tents on a hillock close by equipped with attached toilets, mini refrigerator, tea-coffee makers and LCD TV.
Visitor centre with educational programmes for greater understanding of local ecology and turtle nesting and hatching
Can be reached within just a few hours of muscat
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve was established in 1996 as a major eco-tourism project to protect turtle breeding and educate tourists about the breeding patterns and exploitation of turtles. The large visitor centre is well equipped and provides the ideal base for educational programmes run by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic resident team.
Visitors can go down to the beach with a guide in the evening and in the morning at sunrise. The evening is the best time to see huge mother turtles laying their eggs in the sand, and sunrise is the best time to see hatchlings making their first dash for the water, although you can see both at either time.
Whilst July is actually peak laying season, and September and November are traditionally the best times to see both hatching and laying, at least one turtle does land on the beach every night of the year. Guides will go to the beach to try and spot any turtles laying in advance of bringing the groups down in order for visitors to make the most of the experience.
Accommodation is of a very good standard in the form of luxury eco-tents with air con, en-suite bathrooms and comfortable beds. These are set well back from the beach area to avoid light pollution which can interfere with the turtles navigation. The main building also offers simple but comfortable rooms, although we think it's more exciting to stay in one of the tents.
One night is generally a good amount of time and your stay can be combined with an itinerary including Wahiba Sands which is just a short drive away.
When to visit
Make sure you get chatting to the team who are really knowledgeable and keen to impart lots of interesting info you may not know about turtles!
Plan your trip
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure
Enquire NowRas Al Jinz is around a 2-hour 45-minute drive from Muscat and an hour or so from Wahiba Sands. The closest town is Sur, around 40 minutes away.
A flight of 7 hours to Muscat, and an approximate 2-hour 30-minute to 3-hour drive to the quiet coastal region of Ras al Jinz.
Family Fun in Oman
Take the family on an exciting adventure through Oman, beginning with a few days at on the coast, taking in snorkelling and stay at a turtle conservation camp, before heading to the desert and mountains for some action and adventure with expert guides.
Day trip to Nizwa {with the Friday Market}
Nizwa was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th Centuries and is one of the oldest cities in Oman. There is a lot to see here and in the surrounding area including a bustling Friday market, the restored Nizwa Fort and date farms.
Nizwa Friday Market
Visit the local Friday market in Nizwa.
