Wadi Shab is one of the most beautiful places we visited in Oman. Picture a turquoise river, towering rock walls, and natural pools where you can cool off after a scenic hike. The combination of hiking and swimming makes it a cool adventure!
Good to Know:
• Location: about a 1.5-hour drive from Muscat and 45 minutes from Sur.
• Parking: free and plenty of space available.
• Best time to visit: Go early! We arrived at 07:45 am and had the wadi all to ourselves.
From the parking area, you take a small boat across the water. The ride only takes about 2 minutes and costs 1 OMR per person (€2,50). The boats operate between 07:00 and 17:00, with the last return trip at 17:00.
The hike to the water pools takes about 45 to 60 minutes and is approximately 2.5 km long. The trail is linear, so you also hike 2.5 km back. In terms of difficulty, the route is generally easy to moderate. The first part (1.5 km) is flat and simple, passing palm trees and small fields where you might see locals working. The final section becomes rockier, requiring you to climb over or around large stones. Good hiking shoes are recommended!
At the end of the hike, the most exciting part begins: swimming! It’s a good idea to pack your belongings in a dry bag because from this point on, you can only continue by swimming. From here, it takes about 20-30 more minutes to reach the hidden cave. Some sections can still be walked, but most require swimming. The highlight is a narrow opening between the rocks that leads into a cave with a small waterfall - a fantastic surprise!
For us, Wadi Shab was proof of Oman's magical nature. The mix of hiking, swimming, and the hidden cave made it a unique experience. Definitely a must-visit if you love nature & a little bit of adventure!
