Wadi Shab - One of the most picturesque gorges you’ll ever see, with emerald green pools, a cave and a hidden waterfall

Swimming in a wadi with turquoise pools is one of the highlights of your trip to Oman. Between a canyon of orange rocks, you will find an oasis with palm trees, turquoise pools, and a hidden cave with a waterfall. Wadi Shab is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy all the beauty that Oman has to offer. From the parking lot, you first need to take a small boat across the river because that’s where the hike through the canyon begins. These boats operate between 08:00 and 17:00, and for this trip of less than a minute, you pay 1 Omani rial (about €2.30). Furthermore, there is no entrance fee for Wadi Shab. After that, it’s about a 40-minute walk to the first pool where you can swim. During the hike, you will quickly get the most impressive views through the canyon of Wadi Shab and the turquoise pools with banana trees. It’s not a difficult hike, and you don’t need to climb, but it’s still good to wear closed shoes or even water shoes. Once you arrive at the pools where you can swim, you can first walk along the sides to view the pools from above. To reach the cave, there are 3 pools of about 30 meters that you need to swim through. In between, there are shallow areas where you can rest. Behind the third pool, you will find a very narrow passage with the hidden cave and waterfall behind it. This is the most beautiful spot in all of Wadi Shab! Keep in mind that the water here is deep, and you can’t stand anywhere, and you can hardly hold on to the walls. As long as you are in the cave, you will have to swim. Make sure you can swim well and return on time if you can’t find a place to rest. The round trip from the first pool to the cave and back takes about 45 to 60 minutes if you take your time and take some breaks. What to bring: - Swimwear and water shoes - Dry bag - Snacks and drinks (there is nothing to buy after you start the hike) - Money (for the boat 1 Omani rial (2.30 EUR) per person) - Towel Tip: try to go in the morning so you have enough time and try to avoid Friday and Saturday as it can be much busier.

@ShanaMoermans

Adventure seekerFascinated by nature

Add to soulmates

Add to soulmates