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 center with educational programs 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 center is well equipped and provides the ideal base for educational programs 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.
While 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!
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Inquire 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.
Family Fun in Oman
Take the family on an exciting adventure through Oman, beginning with a few days at on the coast, taking in snorkeling and stay at a turtle conservation camp, before heading to the desert and mountains for some action and adventure with expert guides.
Canvas Club
The most glamorous camping option in Oman, Canvas Club offers an exciting and luxurious way to get off the beaten track, without having to compromise on comfort. Enjoy a night or two amongst the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands in your own private camp.
Desert Nights Camp
The Desert Nights Camp offers fixed Bedouin style air-conditioned tents in the wondrous Wahiba Sands, only a 3-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Muscat. This is a good option for those who prefer more luxurious surroundings.
