Oman Beach Guide

With 1700km of coastline, Oman offers a huge selection of pristine beaches. Many of the most scenic beaches sit a short drive south of Muscat, edging dramatic cliff-framed coves and bays and surrounded by rocky barren mountains, but close to several 5-star resorts that boast a range of creature comforts and numerous water sports.

Shatti Al Qurum Beach (Muscat) – Unwind on the soft golden sands of this 800m-long beach that faces the Muscat Intercontinental Hotel, where you can enjoy a range of creature comforts close to the Diplomatic Quarter. Go swimming in the warm waters, play soccer or volleyball on the soft sands or go for a stroll.

The beach continues for another 3km towards the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which sits on a clifftop overlooking the beach. Hotel-provided facilities include umbrellas and sun loungers, and a choice of cafés and restaurants dot the beachfront, which also fringes the Qurm Natural Park. Shatti Al Qurum Beach is located around 6km west of the Old Quarter of Muscat.

Al Bustan Beach (Muscat) – Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this 1.2km-long beach that faces a secluded bay surrounded by towering mountain ranges and rocky cliffs. This picturesque beach hosts a centuries-old white-walled fishing village and the exclusive Al Bustan Palace Hotel, which sits in a landscaped garden just a short walk from the water’s edge.

A short boat ride or drive south you can find several secluded coves edged by pristine golden sand – just perfect for a private picnic. A wide range of facilities and water sports are available from the hotel. Al Bustan Beach is located around 5km south of the Old Quarter of Muscat.

Bandar Al-Jissah Beach (Muscat) – Dip your toes into the soft golden sand of this 500m-long beach that faces a secluded, picture-perfect bay surrounded by steep rocky mountains.

Visit for the day or stay longer at the Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, a luxury beachfront resort complex (featuring a 4-, 5- and 6-star hotel) set in 50ha of landscaped gardens facing the Gulf of Oman. Facilities include a marina and a dive centre, which offers snorkelling, dive courses and sailing.

A short boat ride or drive to the north around Qantab you can find numerous secluded coves and pristine beaches flanked by towering cliffs and mountains. Bandar Al-Jissah Beach is located around 8km south of the Old Quarter of Muscat.