Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

The reserve is remote, and the beach can get windy or cooler in the evening, so bring comfortable clothes and book ahead, especially for weekends and holidays. Turtle sightings depend on the season, timing, and natural conditions, so patience matters. Night walks call for quiet movement, minimal light, and respect for the conservation rules. The guided access is well organized to help protect visitors and the fragile marine environment. What stays with you is the wildlife. Watching huge sea turtles come ashore, cross the sand, and nest just a few meters away feels surreal and humbling. Early morning trips can be just as rewarding during active nesting seasons, when you might see hatchlings and several turtles along the shoreline. Along the desert coast, the dark beaches, waves, and cool sea breeze make for a peaceful, expectant atmosphere before the turtles appear. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve offers one of Oman’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences, and turtle watching is among the Sultanate’s most unique eco-tourism activities. For anyone looking for a coastal wildlife adventure near Sur, it’s a rare encounter with nature that leaves a lasting impression.

We chose the outdoor tent so we could look up at the starry sky, and the beach was unbelievably beautiful and unique. We also got to join the turtle watching tour included with the room package, and luckily saw turtles even though it wasn’t the season. The rooms were clean, and the hotel itself was beautiful and clean too. Reception and the other staff were warm, well behaved, and helpful. It’s not luxury, but I’d recommend it if you want a stay in the heart of nature.

The turtle watching was very well organized, and the hotel is close to turtle beach. Staff were helpful carrying our luggage up, since there’s no elevator. The bathroom needs refurbishing, and the whole place feels like a 1970s YMCA. The museum also needs an update, with several exhibits missing or not working. They provide glass water bottles, which is good, but should avoid plastic bags in the rubbish bins. Fine for one night.

The only thing I really liked was the beach, a lovely 10 to 15 minute walk away. After driving more than four hours to get here, I was very disappointed. The main building is unappealing, like a utilitarian school, and the whole place feels sadly listless. Maybe the staff aren’t treated well by their employers, or perhaps just keeping the place going is dispiriting. The rooms are shabby and run down now, though perhaps they were luxurious ten years ago. They’re unattractive, and the website photos are misleading. The furniture was poor quality to begin with, and the wood is now chipped and flaking. Cleaning the moldy bathroom grouting and fixing the bad fittings would already help.