Sur Things to Do Tips by victorwkf

Traditional Dhows mooring at Ras Al Hadd bay

The traditional dhows (wooden boats) of the locals are moored at the picturesque Ras Al Hadd bay. These dhows are actually fishing boats which the local fishermen make a living. The best time to view is during the morning or evening.

The beach at Ras Al Hadd bay

The beach of the Turtle Beach Resort at Ras Al Hadd bay is very beautiful, and the water is very calm for swimming and other sea activities because it is protected by the rocks of the bay. To use this reach, you have to stay at the Turtle Beach Resort (see my VT accomodations tip)

The beach at Ras Al Jinz

The beach at Ras Al Jinz is very nice with very few tourists. You can see some locals having a picnic and enjoying the beach, some seagulls and turtles coming ashore for nesting. It is good to spent sometime to enjoy this beach.

Ras Al Jinz: Most eastern point of Arabia

Ras Al Jinz is the most eastern point of the Arabian peninsula and its main attractions are the wonderful beaches and the many turtles which come here to nest every year. In order to view the turtles, you have to go to the turtle viewing area at Ras Al Jinz at night. You will have to get a permit on the spot and there will be a guide to bring the group around with some explanation. No flash photography is allowed, and noise and lights should be kept to a minimum. Needlessly to say, you are not supposed to touch or disturb the turtles but sad to say, some people still do that.

Playing soccer at the Sur bay during low tide

There is a big and shallow bay surrounding Sur and you will notice many soccer goal posts sticking out of the water. During low tide, all the water will be gone and the locals will actually play soccer here. Very interesting indeed !

The ancient watch towers of Sur

There are many watch towers in Oman surrounding the many forts, but the watch towers of Sur are interesting because of thier close proximity to the sea, and the two towers are quite close to one another.

Sur: The old part of the coastal town & lighthouse

The old part of Sur is located in the south of this coastal town and consists of traditional mud buildings and a prominent lighthouse guarding the water channel entering Sur. It is worth a visit if you have sufficient time here.

The dhow for Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman

When I was there in Jan 2005, one of the traditional dhow yards at Sur was building the new dhow for Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. It was at the half way stage and was expected to complete in early 2006. If you are visiting Sur soon, you can visit and admire the sheer beauty of the dhow meant for the ruler himself.

The dhow building yards at Sur

The coastal town of Sur is famous for its traditional dhow building yards. In this modern age of technology, the dhows are still being made by hand here, which is a slow and labour intensive process. This place is one of the main attractions of Oman.