WatersportsThere are many sandy beaches offering good bathing, diving and sailing facilities. Many hotels have pools. There are also three private sports clubs with water-skiing and fishing facilities. Kayaking tours can be taken among the fjords of Bander Al-Kheran in Muscat. Surfing is popular around Masirah Island where waves are normally four to six feet high. A good windsurfing site is Masirah. The Bander al-Rowdha Marina has a purpose-built watersports complex, with landscaped beach area, swimming pool and restaurants. The
Dubai to Muscat President’s Cup Regatta takes place annually.
The waters of the Gulf of Oman and the North Indian Ocean are populated by black marlin, swordfish, tuna and sailfish making them ideal for game fishing. A fishing permit is required from the Directorate General of Fisheries, and spearfishing is strictly prohibited. In the southern region, fishing is restricted to between Mughsayl and Taqah. Hunting is completely forbidden.
Spinner-, common- and bottlenose dolphins can regularly be seen off the coast of Oman. Whales are also occasionally spotted. Fahal Island is an especially good site to watch for them.
CavingThis is also popular in Oman. Majlis al-Jhinn is the world’s second-largest cave; its long passages, crystal-clear streams, canals and drip curtains extend throughout its 4 million cubic meter expanse.
OtherThere are many sports clubs based in Muscat offering facilities for tennis, squash and karting. Hockey, football, volleyball and basketball are popular spectator sports and matches are staged at the Wattayah Stadium. Owing to the nature of the terrain and climate, golf is not a prominent sport in Oman, although there are a number of sand courses operated by local clubs, as well as plans to build a course at A’Suwadi. Rock climbing is popular and the number of loose rugged trails means that trekking is an ideal way to see the Oman countryside. The best time of year to go trekking is October to April. Horse races and the more popular camel races are held on Fridays and public holidays at a variety of locations.
Desert Safaris can be embarked upon from Shargiyah Sands to Al-Rub'a. Visitors can chose to travel by 4-wheel drive or camel.
Oman is an ideal location for birdwatching enthusiasts because species from Europe, Africa and Asia can be spotted there, especially from October to April. Herons, ospreys, laughing doves and Egyptian vultures can be seen. The best sites are the Al-Ansab lagoons, Qurum National Park and the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary.
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